Charlottesville, Virginia -- Wrongful Death of a Loved One

We are awfully sorry about the death of your loved one, but please don't wait too late and let the evidence disappear.  Contact us today for a consultation -- No charge.  [Contact Options]

 Yvonne T. Griffin -- Trial Attorney; Practicing law since 1988.

What we do for families who have lost a loved one

When the unthinkable happens and someone’s negligent or intentional conduct causes a death, Yvonne Griffin, our wrongful death attorney at Tucker Griffin Barnes helps hold the responsible party accountable.  Please contact us for a free consultation.

Over the last 20 years, our Charlottesville, VA, firm has handled countless wrongful death actions in a sensitive, yet professional manner.  Yvonne Griffin applies the rigorous standards she uses in pursuing all personal injury claims to our wrongful death cases.  She also understand the complexities of wrongful death statutes and how best to investigate and litigate claims for families who have lost loved ones due to someone else’s carelessness.

Recent Awards and Recognition:

• Voted Charlottesville's "Favorite Law Firm," 2011 Daily Progress.
• Voted Charlottesville's "Best Of" Law Firm, 2011 C-Ville.
• Voted Charlottesville's "No.1 Family Lawyer," 2010 Albemarle Family Magazine.
• Recognized in BestAttorneyOnline.com for "Best Accident & Injury Law Firms" in Va.
• Recognized in Guaranteed Lawyers for our "Personal Injury Practice."
• Recognized in the Super Lawyers "Virginia Rising Stars" list.
• Listed in Martindale-Hubbell's 2011 "Directory of Distinguished Attorneys."

Frequently asked questions about Virginia wrongful death

What is the difference between murder/manslaughter and wrongful death?

Criminal cases are brought on behalf of the citizens of Virginia or the United States and prosecuted in criminal courts.  A wrongful death lawsuit is filed by the victim’s family in civil court.  It is possible for a defendant to be found not guilty of a murder/manslaughter but to still be found guilty of wrongful death and ordered to pay damages. (O.J. Simpson is an example.)

The burden of proof in criminal and civil cases is different.  In criminal cases, the standard is proof beyond a reasonable doubt, and the defendant is presumed innocent.  In civil cases, the standard of proof is by a preponderance of the evidence, which essentially means more likely than not, or proof of more than 50%.

What types of wrongful death damages may be awarded?

Wrongful death damages can include:

• Economic damages, including medical bills, lost wages
• Non-economic damages, including solace, grief, loss of companionship and loss of advice
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses

Who can sue for wrongful death?

The person who has qualified as administrator of the estate of the deceased person is the only person allowed to file for wrongful death.  Generally speaking, if no will exists naming an administrator, an heir may qualify as administrator within the first thirty days after the deceased person's death.  If no such person qualifies during that thirty day period, anyone may become adminnistrator provided he/she satisfies the Clerk of Court that he is suitable and competent to perform the duties.  Application to become the administrator should be made in the circuit court clerk's office in the city or county where the decedent legally resided at the time of his/her death.

How long do I have to file suit?

Generally speaking, the statute of limitations in Virginia for wrongful death is two years from the date of the death.  Certain conditions or events may change the length of the statute of limitations, so you should contact an attorney about your particular case. 

What is your fee structure?

We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis.  We do not get paid a legal fee until you receive a settlement or jury verdict award . We offer a FREE one-hour, no-obligation consultation.

Tucker Griffin Barnes - Where deep insight equals powerful advantage.

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Please contact Tucker Griffin Barnes in Charlottesville, VA, or Lake Monticello, VA, when you need legal advice.  We have helped people in many areasa of the law, including those injured in an automobile accident, car accident, tractor trailer accident and on the job.

We are a full-service law firm and represent clients in matters ranging from personal injury, workers compensation, and Social Security Disability to criminal law, divorce, and real estate.

Our geographic reach is broad.  We provide legal services all over the state of Virginia, but especially to locations in our immediate area:  Charlottesville, Crozet, Ruckersville, Earlysville, Scottsville, Lake Monticello, Palmyra, Stanardsville, Barboursville, Gordonsville, Waynesboro, Albemarle Co., Greene Co., Madison Co., Culpeper Co., Orange Co., Fluvanna Co., Louisa Co., Nelson Co. and Augusta Co.

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