“Wrongful death” refers to the statutory right of certain family members to sue for the death of their loved ones. The reasons for the lawsuit are the same as personal injury lawsuits, whether it is a car collision, medical malpractice or product liability. Wrongful death is a separate category because it used to be that there was no right to sue if someone got killed because the dead person was not around to sue!

Who may sue varies by state. In Oregon, the court appoints a representative for the people who are entitled to receive money from the lawsuit. Those beneficiaries are the surviving spouse, children, parents, stepchildren, stepparents, and certain others. If the deceased person were not “domiciled” in Oregon, then the law of his or her domicile would determine if anyone else would be entitled to proceeds from the lawsuit.

I can counsel your family about the advisability of a lawsuit if there was some injury or other problem that caused the early death of your loved one. You may call me for a free consultation at 503-665-4234.