Boston Wrongful Death Attorneys

Boston Lawyers Handling Malpractice-Related Wrongful Death Cases

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is one of life’s most painful experiences. Beyond the emotional toll, families are often left facing financial burdens from medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost income. At Crowe & Harris, LLP, our Boston wrongful death lawyers help families find justice and financial recovery after a tragic loss — especially when it occurs as the result of medical malpractice, fatal car accidents, or other preventable acts of negligence.

Our firm has decades of experience representing families across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, providing not only skilled legal representation but also the empathy and guidance needed during such an overwhelming time. We believe that holding negligent parties accountable helps prevent future tragedies and gives families the closure they deserve.

We understand that each case is unique, requiring personalized attention and strategy. Our lawyers collaborate with medical professionals to ascertain whether the appropriate standard of care was breached, providing important insights into the circumstances leading up to the wrongful death.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one as a result of a medical error, you may be able to hold the medical providers accountable for the consequences. Our Boston lawyers represent families throughout New England, including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.

Our legal team is licensed to practice in multiple jurisdictions, ensuring that your case is managed with an in-depth understanding of regional laws and regulations. Our commitment to each client's well-being transcends boundaries, focusing on achieving the justice and closure you and your family seek.

Contact the Boston medical malpractice wrongful death attorneys Crowe & Harris, LLP at (617) 404-3417 today for a free consultation about your case.

Why Do You Need a Fatal Accident Lawyer in Boston?

The death of a loved one is an immensely tragic time in the lives of the surviving family members. Along with the overwhelming grief that comes with such a devastating loss, the person’s spouse or children may also be forced to deal with difficult financial questions, like how to pay for funeral expenses and how they will be able to support themselves without their loved one in their life.

It’s times like these that a capable, compassionate attorney can make a huge difference in your life. You do not have to suffer additional pain due to a tragic accident, nor should you allow those responsible for your loss to potentially make the same fatal mistake again. By taking legal action against the medical facility or doctor responsible for the loss of your loved one, you may be able to secure the compensation you deserve to help you grieve and try to rebuild a new life while preserving the memory of your loved one, and you may be able to prevent anyone else from suffering the same loss that you endured.

Legal representation provides not merely a pathway to compensation but also a form of advocacy that can influence system-wide changes in medical practices. Lawyers can help identify patterns of negligence that, when addressed, can significantly reduce the chances of similar incidents recurring.

Why Choose Crowe & Harris, LLP?

Wrongful death claims against doctors or hospitals can be complicated claims, requiring convincing evidence to show that the doctor or medical staff behaved in a negligent manner that was not consistent with the standards of their colleagues and peers. You need a legal team that understands what these cases require and has medical experts on staff who can properly evaluate your claim and help build a rock-solid case on your behalf.

Your case is too important to trust to just any lawyer who believes they can handle it for you. You need a team that has the right staff, resources, and experience to actually prevail on your behalf. That’s why Crowe & Harris, LLP has been a top choice for so many in Boston and throughout Massachusetts for people who have lost relatives due to negligent actions of doctors. Take a look at our testimonials and our record of settlements and verdicts, and you’ll see why we are the trusted law firm to handle these very sensitive and important claims.

What sets us apart is our commitment to maintaining transparent communication throughout the legal process. Clients are continuously updated on their case status and informed of any new developments or challenges as they arise. This open line of communication ensures that our clients are active participants in the journey toward achieving justice for their loved ones.

Causes of Wrongful Death in Fatal Accidents

A patient’s death can occur as the result of many different types of mistakes on the part of medical professionals. The following are some of the most common causes of wrongful death:

• Failure to diagnose – Failure to diagnose a condition could have a devastating effect on the patient and may lead to death.
• Missed diagnosis – An incorrect diagnosis may miss serious conditions (like cancer) that may worsen and become fatal.
• Delayed diagnosis – Patients with potentially life-threatening injuries or illnesses should be evaluated promptly for immediate treatment.
• Lost or delayed test results – A missing or delayed test result could prolong the proper treatment that a patient may need to survive.
• Prescription medication errors – Prescription medications, if incorrectly dosed or prescribed, can prove fatal to the patient.
• Surgical and anesthesia errors – Surgeons and anesthesiologists must protect their patients from errors and additional harm, and mistakes may prove fatal.
• Failure to provide appropriate post-surgical care – Receiving the proper care after surgery is vital to a patient’s ability to recover and heal, and failure to do so may lead to serious complications and possibly death.

If you have lost someone you love due to any of the above causes or any other negligent act on the part of a doctor or medical staff member, you do not have to endure the grief and loss without receiving some measure of justice.

Understanding the underlying causes of wrongful death is essential to building a strong case. Our team collaborates with forensic experts and medical consultants to meticulously analyze medical histories and treatment paths, ensuring all factors leading to negligence are factored into your pursuit of justice.

Boston’s Legal Landscape for Fatal Accidents

Boston, a bustling hub known for its historical significance and modern-day medical advancements, unfortunately, sees its share of fatal accidents each year. Massachusetts law is stringent when it comes to holding parties accountable for wrongful deaths, aiming to ensure justice for grieving families. Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial. For instance, according to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 229, the representative of the deceased can file a claim on behalf of the beneficiaries. This law aims to provide a path to justice for families who have endured tragic losses. In Boston, navigating these statutes requires an intimate understanding of both state and municipal regulations.

Our attorneys at Crowe & Harris, LLP are well-versed in these local legal nuances and have access to resources necessary to handle these complex cases. We are knowledgeable about Boston’s medical community and the standards its professionals are expected to uphold, facilitating a thorough and localized approach when investigating potential malpractice.

Support for Families Facing Loss in Boston

Facing the loss of a loved one due to a fatal accident is an emotional and challenging experience that no one should handle alone. In Boston, support is available not only through legal routes but also from community organizations dedicated to providing comfort. Local support groups, such as The Compassionate Friends or the Massachusetts-based Loss Support Group Network, offer a communal space where individuals can share their experiences and receive the emotional support critical during such trying times. These groups meet regularly and are open to everyone affected by a wrongful death.

At Crowe & Harris, LLP, we strive not only to provide comprehensive legal assistance but also to guide families towards these invaluable resources. Understanding you are not alone on this journey can be incredibly reassuring, and accessing communal support helps many families cope with their loss as we work diligently for justice on their behalf.

Contact the compassionate and knowledgeable attorneys of Crowe & Harris, LLP at (617) 404-3417 to speak with a member of our team today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fatal Accident FAQs

The medical negligence lawyers of Crowe & Harris, LLP understand that the loss of a loved one is unspeakably painful and difficult to deal with. It is even more tragic and tough to cope with if their death occurred at the hands of the medical professionals that you expected to help make them better. We are here for you in your time of need, and we are always available to answer any questions you may have about the legal process and your rights. We have provided the answers to some frequently asked questions below, and we are standing by to talk to you if you need our assistance at (617) 404-3417.

If My Loved One Underwent a “High-Risk” Procedure and Did Not Survive, Can I Still File a Claim?

Certain medical procedures often inherently carry a higher amount of risk for the patient. Procedures like cardiovascular surgery or neurosurgery can potentially lead to serious and possibly fatal outcomes, even when negligence is not present. This does not automatically mean that you do not have grounds to file a claim if your loved one passed as a result of a high-risk procedure, however. If negligence on the part of the surgeon or medical professional directly caused your loved one’s death, you likely still have the right to file a claim.

Our legal team will thoroughly assess all aspects of the medical procedure, including pre-operative and post-operative care. We work closely with expert witnesses who can provide detailed insights into the procedural errors that may have occurred.

What Are the Common Fatal Surgical Errors?

Surgical errors are some of the most common wrongful death claims filed against medical professionals. Unfortunately, these errors happen more than they should, and patients often die as a result of these mistakes. Common surgical errors include:

• Damaging nerves
• Anesthesia complications or failures
• Punctured organs
• Objects left in the body from surgery
• Infections

If a surgeon makes a mistake and your loved one dies as a result, the surgeon should be held accountable for their actions, and you should be able to secure compensation for your loss and your expenses.

Our team diligently investigates each incident to determine where lapses in standard surgical procedures occurred and how they could have been avoided, ensuring that accountability is established.

What Should I Do If I Suspect Medical Malpractice?

If you suspect that your loved one's death was due to medical malpractice, it's crucial to act swiftly and carefully. First, gather all relevant medical records, notes, and documents related to their treatment. This information serves as vital evidence in building your case. Next, contact a legal team experienced in handling malpractice-related wrongful deaths in Boston, such as Crowe & Harris, LLP. We can guide you through the process, ensuring every detail is scrutinized with the expertise necessary for these cases. Documenting all correspondence and keeping a record of your observations and feelings about the care your loved one received can be a critical factor in court.

Be proactive in seeking support from your community, whether through therapy, support groups, or legal counseling. The emotional toll of losing a loved one in such circumstances can be overwhelming, and having a sturdy support system can greatly aid your path to healing and justice.

How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Boston?

In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is three years from the date of death. This timeframe underscores the need to take immediate action if you believe that your loved one's death was due to negligence or malpractice. Missing this crucial deadline can forfeit your right to seek justice and compensation. However, there may be exceptions based on specific circumstances, such as when the negligence wasn't immediately apparent.

Understanding local legal nuances is a significant part of the process. At Crowe & Harris, LLP, we offer initial consultations to assess your situation and provide guidance on the best course of legal action, ensuring that timelines are respected and every avenue of justice is pursued rigorously.

What Types of Compensation Are Available in a Boston Wrongful Death Claim?

Compensation in a wrongful death claim in Boston can vary depending on the specifics of the case but may include both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are quantifiable and include medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost wages. Non-economic damages might cover pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional distress suffered by the surviving family members.

Our team at Crowe & Harris, LLP is committed to pursuing the full spectrum of compensation allowed under Massachusetts law. We take a comprehensive approach to calculate the true impact of the loss on your life, ensuring no detail is overlooked. It’s part of our mission to ease the financial burden on families, allowing them space to grieve without additional stress.

How Can Legal Action Prevent Future Fatal Accidents?

Legal action in wrongful death cases does more than seek to compensate grieving families; it can also drive critical changes in medical standards and practices. By holding negligent parties accountable, these actions raise awareness about patterns of failure and negligence in the medical community. Over time, this increased scrutiny can lead to enhanced protocols, training, and awareness that help prevent similar tragedies from occurring.

Through comprehensive investigations and trials, facts that come to light during a wrongful death lawsuit can prompt public and institutional responses. Many entities in Boston strive to improve when faced with demonstrated failures, which ultimately enhances patient safety standards and saves lives in the long term. Your claim could be the catalyst for much-needed change.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me?

Your attorney can help investigate the cause of your loved one's death and may be able to determine if negligence was present. With medical professionals on staff, a competent legal team can piece together the facts of the case and will build a convincing argument as to why the doctor or staff's actions directly contributed to the death of your loved one. Also, it may be necessary to prove that the patient would likely have survived if the mistake had not been made or if proper care had been administered. With an experienced legal team on your side, you may be able to recover the compensation that you and your family are due.

Having a lawyer involved from the beginning can also ensure that all necessary documentation is compiled efficiently, minimizing unnecessary delays. Legal experts like us guide you through the emotional and complex maze of legal proceedings, allowing you to focus on healing and remembrance.

Contact Crowe & Harris, LLP

If you or someone you know has suffered the loss of a relative because of a medical provider’s mistakes, we may be able to help you find the answers and the justice you are seeking. While legal action can never bring back your loved one or repair the feelings of loss and pain that you will inevitably feel, it can help you ensure that others will not suffer the same fate. Legal action may also go a long way toward ensuring that your financial future and the future of your children are not adversely affected by the negligent actions of a medical provider.

Initiating a consultation with us allows you to express your concerns and questions with professionals dedicated to addressing your specific needs. We are devoted to navigating the complexities of the legal system to safeguard your rights and those of future potential victims.

Contact a Boston medical mistake wrongful death attorney at Crowe & Harris, LLP at (617) 404-3417 today for a free consultation with an experienced member of our medical-legal team.