Losing someone you love is one of the hardest experiences a person can go through. When that loss may have been caused by a medical mistake or preventable accident, it can bring an added layer of confusion, anger, and unanswered questions. You may be dealing with grief, frustration, financial worries, confusing insurance paperwork, and not knowing what steps to take next.
But you don’t have to face this alone. At Litco Law, our Edmonton wrongful death lawyers understand what you’re going through and are ready to help.
Call (587) 602-0514 or contact us online for a free consultation. We will listen to your story, explain your rights in clear terms, and guide you through your legal options. Our team can help you find a path forward for your family during this difficult time.
Get answers to the following topics and questions:
- How Our Edmonton Wrongful Death Law Firm Can Assist
- Understanding Wrongful Death in Edmonton, Alberta
- Steps To Take After Suspecting Medical Errors Caused the Loss of a Loved One
- Who May Be Held Responsible for a Wrongful Death?
- What Compensation May Be Available to Families After a Wrongful Death?
- What Is the Deadline to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Edmonton?
- Wrongful Death: Frequently Asked Questions
- Speak With Our Edmonton Wrongful Death Legal Team
Award-winning and trusted since 1976, Litco Law has helped thousands of Albertans navigate some of life’s toughest moments. With 800+ 5-star Google reviews, our team is known for delivering exceptional results and caring support when it matters most.
“You probably hoped you’d never need a lawyer. We do our best to make it a positive experience if you do.”
– Jonathan Noorduyn, President & Lawyer, Litco Law
How Our Edmonton Wrongful Death Law Firm Can Assist
If someone’s carelessness or mistakes led to your loved one’s death, we know it may feel like you’re facing an impossible situation. But we’re here to take the legal burden off your shoulders.
Since 1976, Litco Law has offered compassionate support and award-winning legal services in Edmonton, helping families navigate the challenging times that follow the loss of a loved one. We have decades of experience handling sensitive claims while ensuring our clients are cared for throughout the process.
When you work with us, you don’t just get a lawyer. You get your own personal legal team that will be with you throughout the course of your claim. We call this team a “pod.” It includes a lawyer, a case manager, a client care specialist, and a legal assistant. They will handle your claim from start to resolution and be trusted advocates you can lean on.
Hear From Litco Law’s Edmonton Clients
It’s an honour to support Edmonton families through some of life’s toughest moments. Here are testimonials our clients have shared about their experience with us:
- “The experience and knowledge the entire Litco team has was amazing. I greatly appreciated their support during what was a very difficult time. Strongly recommend.” – Karen K.
- “I had an exceptional experience with Litco Law. Their team demonstrated outstanding professionalism and provided consistently clear and accurate information throughout the duration of my case. Not only was the process handled efficiently, but the outcome significantly exceeded my expectations. I wholeheartedly recommend Litco Law to anyone seeking highly capable and dedicated legal representation.” – Joshua J.
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Understanding Wrongful Death in Edmonton, Alberta
Under Alberta’s Fatal Accident Act, there may be grounds for legal action when a death is caused by a wrongful act or negligence (failure to exercise reasonable care). Wrongful death and fatal accidents can happen in different ways, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Dangerous conditions on someone else’s property
- Inadequate care at a nursing home
- Medical malpractice
If your loved one’s death was a result of someone failing to act responsibly or making preventable mistakes, our team may be able to help. We can file a legal claim on your behalf to pursue compensation that addresses the emotional and financial impact of losing someone close to you.
When a Medical Error Becomes Wrongful Death
Health care providers have a legal responsibility or duty to provide their patients with the standard of care expected of a competent professional in their position. If they fail in their duty by making careless mistakes that eventually lead to their patient’s death, it may be considered wrongful death.
For example, a doctor who makes careless mistakes during a surgical procedure may be legally responsible (liable) if the patient dies as a result.
When a death is caused by medical negligence, family members may have options to seek answers and accountability for what happened. An Edmonton medical malpractice lawyer can help provide clear answers and guidance on your next steps.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Edmonton?
In Edmonton, certain family members can work with a legal professional to file a wrongful death claim following a tragic loss, including:
- Spouse or adult (common-law partner) living with the person who died at the time of death
- Parent (includes a father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, stepfather, and stepmother)
- Child (includes a son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter, stepson, and stepdaughter)
- Brother or sister
While the executor or estate administrator usually initiates the claim for the family, individual members may file directly if the executor or estate administrator position is not filled or if more than a year has passed since the accident. Speaking with an Edmonton fatal accident lawyer can help clarify your rights and ensure your family is protected during this difficult time.
Steps To Take After Suspecting Medical Errors Caused the Loss of a Loved One
If you believe medical errors led to your loved one’s death, our team can help you take the next steps while you focus on emotional healing. However, if you’re able, there are things you can do to protect your legal rights, including:
- Write down what you believe happened and the timeline of important events.
- When available, gather medical records and other documents connected to your loved one’s medical care.
- Consider reaching out to a lawyer who has experience with doctor or hospital negligence death claims. They can explain your rights and help you find the best path forward.
Who May Be Held Responsible for a Wrongful Death?
Who is legally responsible for your loved one’s passing depends on what caused the wrongful death. In Edmonton and throughout Alberta, a person or company can be held responsible if their negligence or intentional actions led to the loss.
Possible liable parties for a wrongful death may include:
- Negligent drivers who caused a fatal motor vehicle accident
- Property owners or occupiers who allowed fatal hazards to exist on their properties
- Medical professionals who did not meet the standard of care, which led to a patient’s death
- Manufacturers who designed or built defective products that led to a fatality
Edmonton wrongful death claims can be complex and involve multiple parties. It may be helpful to work with an experienced lawyer who can identify the responsible parties and gather evidence to prove your claim.
What Compensation May Be Available to Families After a Wrongful Death?
Although nothing can change what happened, you may be entitled to compensation for how your life has been affected by your tragic loss, including:
- The cost of medical care between the time of your loved one’s injury and death
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Travel expenses related to your loss
- Fees for grief counselling
- Loss of financial support (the income and benefits your loved one would have contributed to your household or dependents)
- Loss of companionship, care, or guidance (the emotional support, guidance, and daily care your loved one provided that can no longer be part of your life)
- Loss of household support (loss of support for household activities and assistance your loved one provided)
What Is the Deadline to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Edmonton?
In most cases, families have up to two years from the date of their loved one’s passing to initiate a wrongful death claim in Alberta. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to recover compensation. However, there could be exceptions that change the limitations period for your claim, so it may be helpful to speak to a lawyer early in the process.
Wrongful Death: Frequently Asked Questions
We know you may have many questions after losing someone due to medical errors or a fatal accident. Below are some of the most common ones we hear. Because every wrongful death claim is different, it’s important to speak with a lawyer to discuss your unique situation. Reach out to our team anytime for support and guidance. We can provide answers in a free consultation to help you consider your next steps.
Is Wrongful Death the Same as a Fatal Accident in Alberta?
While “fatal accident” is a broad term for incidents resulting in fatalities, a wrongful death occurs when someone passes away due to another party’s negligence or intentional misconduct. In Alberta, wrongful death claims are governed by the Fatal Accidents Act, which outlines who may file a claim and the types of compensation available.
How Do I Know if a Medical Error Caused My Loved One’s Death?
Establishing whether a medical error was the cause of a loved one’s passing is often difficult to do on your own. Consider speaking with a trusted lawyer who can assess your situation and determine whether your loved one’s death was a result of medical errors or malpractice.
How Long Do Medical Malpractice Wrongful Death Claims Take?
Wrongful death claims involving medical malpractice can take months or even years to resolve because they are often complex. There may be several parties involved, and insurance companies might try to pay less than you deserve, so reaching a fair settlement can take time.
An experienced Edmonton personal injury lawyer will know what steps to take to help prove your claim and pursue the compensation your family deserves while avoiding unnecessary delays.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Litco Law?
Our consultations are always free, there is no upfront cost to hire our team, and we never bill by the hour. Our team works on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay us anything while your claim progresses. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement we recover for you, and you’ll know that percentage before you ever hire us.
Speak With Our Edmonton Wrongful Death Legal Team
If you lost a loved one because someone was negligent (failed to exercise reasonable care), we’re here to help. We’ll stand up to insurance companies who may try to pressure you to accept a settlement that is less than you deserve. We will guide you through the process with kindness and transparency, allowing you to focus on emotional healing with your family.
Call (587) 602-0514 or contact us online for a free consultation with lawyers you’ll love. We offer support, guidance, and free legal answers over the phone, through a virtual meeting, or at our Edmonton legal office. We can even come to your home or wherever is convenient for you.
