Montana Wrongful Death Attorneys
The loss of a loved one is one of the most painful experiences you’ll ever go through, and the pain is intensified when another person’s negligence or malice causes your loss. Many surviving family members find themselves fixated on what happened, knowing that their loved one’s death could have been prevented if the other person had been more careful. While nothing can truly make you whole after a loved one’s death, you may be owed compensation for everything you’ve been through. The team of Montana wrongful death lawyers at Doubek, Pyfer & Storrar understands your pain, and we’re here to support you during this painful time.
The team at Doubek, Pyfer & Storrar, PLLP has spent decades serving the people of Montana. We’ve seen firsthand the devastation a wrongful death can leave in its wake, and we strive to help victims like you seek both justice and closure. With accomplished and trial-proven attorneys like John Doubek, Keif Storrar and Bradley Jones, our firm is well-equipped to support you through your wrongful death claim in Montana.
Your wrongful death claim begins with an in person consultation. While our office is in Helena, we meet with clients throughout Montana. Our experienced team will meet you at 307 North Jackson Street in Helena where North Jackson intersects with East 6th. We take a compassionate approach to every wrongful death case—we know that while we are defending your legal rights, you are experiencing enormous grief. We handle wrongful death claims across Montana, in cities like Bozeman, Missoula, Great Falls, Butte, Billings, and the rural communities throughout the State. Set up a time to meet us by reaching out online or calling us at 406-442-7830.
Recent Review:
“I would definitely recommend this law firm. I would especially like to thank Keif Storrar for his professionalism, knowledge, compassion, and unrelenting support in our case over the past 4 years! You guys are the best!.”
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Common Causes of Wrongful Death Claims
You may file a wrongful death claim in Montana when another person’s negligence or intentional act leads to a loved one’s death. For your claim to succeed, you need to be able to prove that the death was the result of the at-fault party’s negligent actions. The statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of death. Common accidents leading to wrongful death claims include:
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Montana?
In Montana, the executor of the decedent’s estate can file a wrongful death claim. This sets Montana apart from many other states, as many other states allow any immediate surviving family members to take legal action against the at-fault party. Depending on the deceased’s individual’s estate plan, the executor may be named in the will or they may be named by the court when their estate goes through probate.
Our Team will guide you through this process and file the necessary legal paperwork to ensure you are appointed as the executor or ‘personal representative’ of the estate to be able to bring the wrongful death claim forward.
Potential Damages
Those who are left behind after a loved one’s death are often left with tremendous losses—and unfortunately, no amount of money can truly compensate you for what you have lost. However, the court only offers financial compensation in these cases. Although money cannot make you whole, it can provide closure and help you get the support you and your family need to move forward.
The bulk of a wrongful death claim often comes from economic damages. Economic damages are the objective financial losses related to a victim’s death. For example, medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, lost wages, and other provable expenses fall within this category.
Non-economic damages refer to the losses that don’t have an obvious financial value. As a surviving victim, you deserve compensation for these losses, but the actual monetary value isn’t quite as cut-and-dry. As a result, what you’re awarded may vary, depending on many aspects of the claim, including the value of any insurance policies available. Non-economic damages include the loss of your loved one’s companionship, pain and suffering of the deceased prior to death, and a surviving spouse’s loss of intimacy.
Finally, some wrongful death claims in Montana result in punitive damage. Punitive damages are quite different from economic and non-economic damages. Economic and non-economic damages are awarded to make surviving family members whole and compensate them for their losses. Punitive damages are still paid to the surviving family members, but their purpose is different. The court awards punitive damages when the at-fault party’s behavior is so egregious or willful that they must be punished for it.
Contact Doubek, Pyfer & Storrar in Helena, MT
As you process your loss and try to find a path forward, make sure to protect your legal rights. Although compensation cannot bring back your loved one, it can give you the financial stability you need to provide for your family in their absence. Call our wrongful death lawyers in Helena at 406-442-7830 or reach out online to set up a consultation now – we serve all of Montana.