Losing someone to another’s negligence leaves you facing practical and emotional challenges. If a wrongful death attorney in Shepherdsville, KY can help you secure compensation for funeral costs, medical bills, and lost income, contact us at The Fleck Firm for a free consultation so you don’t have to manage this alone. As a Shepherdsville personal injury attorney, we recognize what you’re going through and will guide you through each step with clear, compassionate support.
You need plain, direct answers about whether a death qualifies under Kentucky law, who may file a claim, and what types of damages you can pursue. Our wrongful death lawyer in Shepherdsville, Kentucky explains your options, handles paperwork and deadlines, and pursues the recovery your family deserves — call us now to begin that process.
Why Filing a Wrongful Death Claim May Be Necessary
Although no amount of money will return a loved one, we believe bringing a wrongful death claim under Kentucky law against the responsible party can matter for several clear reasons.
We seek closure and a sense of accountability. A wrongful death attorney in Shepherdsville, KY can help families pursue a legal resolution that acknowledges the loss and holds those at fault to account.
We pursue financial recovery to ease immediate burdens. A wrongful death lawyer in Shepherdsville, Kentucky can help recover medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost income, and other monetary losses that follow an unexpected death.
We protect others by pressing claims that spotlight negligent conduct. When we assert a claim with the aid of a wrongful death attorney Shepherdsville, KY residents trust, we encourage safer behavior and reduce the chance that similar harm will recur.
We manage procedural deadlines and court rules on behalf of grieving families. Filing within required timeframes and meeting estate-representation requirements often affects whether a claim proceeds, so our team handles those steps to preserve rights.
We assist families through investigation and evidence-gathering. Collecting records, witness statements, and financial documentation helps build a case that fairly represents the decedent’s losses and the family’s needs.
What Qualifies as Wrongful Death Under Kentucky Law
Kentucky law defines “wrongful death” as the death of an individual resulting from someone else’s negligence or wrongful act. We can bring a claim when a loved one dies because of another person’s negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct.
Common situations that give rise to a claim include motor vehicle collisions, medical malpractice, defective products, workplace incidents, premises hazards, and acts of violence. We note that a civil wrongful death action is separate from any criminal case that may follow those same facts.
The time limit for bringing a wrongful death claim depends on when the decedent’s personal representative is appointed. The deadlines are:
- One year from the appointment date of the personal representative.
- Two years from the date of death if the appointment occurs more than one year after death. These timing rules are tied to Kentucky’s limitations framework for actions involving a decedent and the personal representative’s qualification, including KRS 413.180.
Missing these deadlines typically leads to dismissal of the claim. For families in Shepherdsville, a wrongful death attorney or wrongful death lawyer in Shepherdsville, KY can assist in timely filing and preserving evidence.
To recover damages, we must show that the defendant owed a duty to the decedent, breached that duty, and the breach caused the death. Kentucky follows comparative fault rules, so any partial fault attributed to the deceased can reduce recoverable compensation.
Who Is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Kentucky?
Under Kentucky law, most wrongful death actions must be brought by the personal representative of the decedent’s estate. We explain that many people designate a personal representative in a will before they die. If no will exists, a court will appoint someone to act as the estate’s personal representative, and the application process is addressed in statutes such as KRS 395.015.
Surviving family members do not usually file the claim themselves; instead, they benefit from any recovery the estate obtains. We note exceptions: when a death results from the use of a deadly weapon, a surviving spouse or the decedent’s children may bring certain claims directly. Parents of a deceased minor may also join the estate’s claim in some situations.
We recommend contacting a wrongful death attorney in Shepherdsville, KY early to confirm who should file and to protect time-sensitive rights. Kentucky imposes strict deadlines for filing, and the appointed representative must act within those windows. Our wrongful death lawyer can explain how state statutes affect your case and who may receive distribution of any award.
If you are unsure who serves as the estate’s personal representative, we can help determine that status and, where needed, petition the court for appointment.
Types of Damages That May Be Available
The following types of damages are potentially recoverable in wrongful death lawsuits in Shepherdsville and other parts of Kentucky.
The deceased person’s lost earnings and future financial support often form a central part of a claim. We assess past wages, projected future income, and the economic value of household contributions.
Funeral and burial expenses are commonly reimbursed early in the distribution process. We seek payment for reasonable funeral, interment, and related costs from the decedent’s estate.
Damages that were incurred by the deceased or the family before death — such as medical bills, physical pain and suffering, and emotional distress — may also be recoverable. We include care costs and acute treatment expenses leading up to death.
In many cases, the estate is paid certain administrative amounts first. Attorneys’ fees, estate administration costs, and funeral expenses are usually settled before remaining awards are distributed among survivors.
Punitive damages may apply in narrow situations to punish particularly reckless conduct. We evaluate whether the facts justify requesting such an additional award in Shepherdsville wrongful death attorney matters.
Non-economic losses like loss of companionship or guidance can be part of the claim. We quantify those harms alongside economic losses to present a full measure of compensation for wrongful death matters.
How Legal Counsel Can Support Your Wrongful Death Case
We at The Fleck Firm investigate the facts, collect evidence, and identify liable parties so your family can focus on grieving. A skilled wrongful death attorney Shepherdsville, KY will secure accident reports, medical records, and witness statements to build a strong claim.
Our legal firm evaluates damages both financial and non‑economic, including medical bills, lost income, and loss of companionship. Our wrongful death attorney assesses future needs and calculates fair compensation based on the full impact on your family.
We handle all communications with insurers and opposing counsel to protect your rights and prevent early lowball offers. Negotiation is a core service; we push for settlements that reflect actual losses and, if necessary, prepare for trial.
Our team explains Kentucky’s legal requirements and filing deadlines so you avoid procedural mistakes that could jeopardize the case. Timely action matters, and we guide you through statutes of limitation and who may bring the claim.We offer compassionate guidance while pursuing justice and compensation for your loss. To start a claim or request help, contact us via our online form. Call us today for immediate support and personalized attention.