Kentucky Wrongful Death Lawyer
"My mother and I were in a severe crash that injured both of us badly. Over the next several months, we both experienced some really trying times. Before the case was able to get completely resolved, my mom passed away. Billy and his staff went above and beyond to help us when that happened. Billy got really great settlements for me and my mom’s estate. I really leaned on Billy and his team a lot throughout this process, and they showed us so much dedication and helped us through every step of it. I always knew that they were just a call away, and that really meant a lot to me."   - Greg B.    |    CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

A Kentucky Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help if You Have Lost a Loved One Due to Another Party’s Negligence or Fault

If a member of your family has died due to the negligence of another person, then you may need a Kentucky wrongful death attorney at your side. Our team at the Johnson Law Firm is compassionate, kind and ready to help you during this difficult time.

Saying goodbye to a loved one is challenging in the best of circumstances, but the loss can be nearly impossible to come to terms with if it is due to someone else’s negligence.

Pikeville KY Wrongful DeathNo financial compensation could ever make up for the loss of a loved one, but it can help protect and provide for the future of a remaining spouse, children and family members. Although it may be difficult to discuss legal and financial issues while you are grieving, you will later be thankful that you had a capable Kentucky wrongful death lawyer on your side who helped you through the process.

At the Johnson Law Firm, we are respectful and caring as we represent families and guide them through the legal system so they can receive the compensation they deserve. For a free initial consultation, call us at (606) 437-4488. We’re here for you.

Why Do I Need a Kentucky Wrongful Death Attorney?

Our Wrongful Death Lawyers May Win Compensation for Your Losses

While no one likes to think about dying or its repercussions, it is important to promptly address any death that may have been caused by a preventable accident or an intentional act of violence. In addition to receiving financial compensation that can help the family of the deceased go on with their lives, a successful lawsuit can bring justice and prevent the wrongdoer from causing similar tragic deaths in the future.

A wrongful death claim can be looked at as a personal injury case where the personal representative of the deceased seeks compensation since the deceased can no longer do so. It is a civil lawsuit asking for financial restitution, separate from a criminal case, in which charges are filed by the federal, state, or local prosecutor to punish a wrongdoer. Our attorneys can file a wrongful death claim even if a criminal case is occurring as well.

Kentucky wrongful death laws are complicated, and making mistakes can be costly, but the Johnson Law Firm will make sure everything is done correctly in accordance with the law. We will aggressively fight for justice and the settlement you deserve. We can help by:

  • Evaluating the facts of how the death occurred to see if a wrongful death case is warranted and what it may be worth
  • Filing all paperwork and handling all legal procedures and court appearances
  • Assuring that the claim is made in accordance with Kentucky law, requirements, and deadlines
  • Conducting investigations to gather evidence, such as from surveillance cameras, police, ambulance, and medical reports and documents
  • Interviewing witnesses and first responders
  • Hiring experts to reconstruct the accident and provide testimony as to how it occurred, who was at fault, and how the loss of your loved one affects your life
  • Handling communications and negotiations with insurance companies and their lawyers
  • Building your case and taking it to trial if necessary and arguing in front of a judge or jury.

Based in Pikeville, the Kentucky wrongful death lawyers at the Johnson Law Firm remain sensitive to our clients’ emotional needs while protecting their future financial interests. Let us handle legal matters while you grieve for your loved one.

How Do I Choose a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Kentucky?

That’s a very good question. We recommend that you do your homework to make sure you select an attorney that will give you the best chance possible for a successful outcome. Review a law firm’s website; read the attorneys’ bios; read about other awards and settlements the firm has won; and look over the reviews posted by other clients. Are they positive or negative? Do the reviews say that the firm is compassionate and professional, or did clients have to wait days before their phone calls were returned? The Johnson Law Firm has a track record of satisfied clients, and we are glad to offer a free initial consultation about your case. Just call us at (606) 437-4488.

How Much Money Is Typically Awarded In Kentucky Wrongful Death Cases?

Our Kentucky Wrongful Death Attorneys Can Win an Award that Covers Your Economic and Non-economic Damages

Each case is different, and the amount of damages awarded is determined by several economic factors, including the decedent’s life expectancy and life income. Damages permitted in a wrongful death case typically include:

  • Medical, hospital, funeral and burial expenses
  • Compensation for any pain or suffering that the victim might have experienced between the time of injury and death
  • Loss of financial support that would have been provided by the victim
  • Reimbursement for any future services that the victim normally would have provided to his or her survivors
  • Loss of the victim’s parental leadership
  • Loss of the victim’s companionship.

In wrongful death cases caused by an intentional act or by gross negligence, Kentucky law allows “punitive damages,” which are awarded to punish particularly bad conduct or prevent other individuals or companies from acting in harmful ways. This means that, in addition to normal wrongful death compensation, the court can also award additional money to the estate or surviving family members for their losses.

There are no limits, or “caps,” in Kentucky on the amount of punitive damages that can be awarded. For example, in a 2016 case, the Kentucky Supreme Court affirmed punitive damages that were 386 times the compensatory damages.

For more specific details about the financial compensation you might receive in your unique circumstances, call a Kentucky wrongful death lawyer at (606) 437-4488.

How Much Does a Kentucky Wrongful Death Lawyer Cost?

That’s one thing that you don’t have to worry about. It costs nothing up front to hire a Kentucky wrongful death attorney, because we work on a contingency basis, which means we don’t get paid until you get paid. Attorneys’ fees and expenses come out of the financial settlement or award at the end of the process. If for some reason your claim is not successful, then you owe us nothing.

Who Benefits From a Kentucky Wrongful Death Case?

Kentucky Law Determines How Wrongful Death Damage Awards Will Be Distributed

Typically, the person filing a claim must be the individual who actually suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence. This is not possible in a wrongful death case, because they are gone. However, even after death, their estate lives on for legal purposes. In these cases, the personal representative of the estate is the one who has the authority to prosecute a wrongful death claim. This person is either the executor or administrator of the estate, who is appointed by the court. This person oversees and winds down the estate until assets are distributed and the deceased’s debts are paid.

Under Kentucky law, when a wrongful death attorney succeeds in proving negligence and achieves a favorable settlement or court verdict, any financial award will be paid as follows:

  • If a widow/widower and children: Half to widow/widower and half to any children
  • If a widow/widower, but no children: All to the widow/widower
  • If no widow/widower, but children: All to the children
  • If no widow/widower and no children: All to the parents
  • If no widow/widower, no children, and no parents: All to the decedent’s estate.

If you have questions about who will receive compensation after a successful case, contact the Johnson Law Firm at 606-437-4488 and we can review the details of your specific case.

What Is the Difference Between a Settlement and a Jury Award?

A Settlement happens when the defendant offers a certain financial amount to the victim’s representative to end the claim before it goes to trial.

A Jury Award is when the amount of financial compensation is determined in the courtroom by the jury after a trial has taken place.

Do I Have To Testify in Court?

Every case is different, and many cases never go to trial because they are settled out of court. If indeed your case does go to trial, you will have the opportunity to decide whether or not you testify. Your Kentucky wrongful death attorney will advise you about the courtroom process and discuss the options available to you. Generally, it is not necessary to worry at the outset about whether you will have to testify, because that is down the road and the case may never go to trial.

Contact Attorney Billy Johnson Today

Let Our Wrongful Death Attorneys Start Working for You Now

Pikeville Wrongful Death Law FirmIf a loved one has died after an accident or injury caused by the negligence or misconduct of another, contact our wrongful death law firm today to discuss your legal rights. We can assist you in determining whether you have a valid claim and, if so, guide you through the legal process. Since 1998, Billy Johnson has represented the survivors of wrongful death victims, and we know how to do so skillfully, yet compassionately.

Our initial consultation is free. Let us help you. Call us at (606) 437-4488.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

Attorney Billy Johnson

William “Billy” Johnson grew up in the Dorton area of Pike County, Kentucky, and early on decided to stay in the beautiful Appalachian mountains. Like many others in Eastern Kentucky, Billy’s dad worked as a coal miner, a hard job but one that taught his son how to meet challenges head on and persevere. Attorney Billy Johnson has years of experience helping injured clients with claims such as car, truck, and motorcycle accidents, wrongful deaths, work injuries, and more. [ Attorney Bio ]

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