Death Under Suspicious Circumstances Explained by a Wrongful Death Attorney

1. August 7, 2017 Death Under Suspicious Circumstances Explained by a Wrongful Death Attorney A loved one’s death is a heartbreaking ordeal that everyone will have to face at least once in their life. Typically, the process of grieving and coping can commence once the family assigns fault, such as an illness, for the passing of a loved one. However, what can you do when your loved one dies under suspicious circumstances? 1

2. In reality, not all causes of death are clear or straightforward. In fact, one-third of murder cases in America remain open and unsolved. A death can be considered suspicious if it happens suddenly and without a discernible cause. Thankfully, even when the death of your loved one cannot be medically or legally explained, you can still file a lawsuit with the help of a wrongful death attorney. Filing Wrongful Death Lawsuits for Suspicious Deaths When suspicion surrounds a death, police typically launch an investigation. However, these investigations do not always end in a trial and may linger unresolved for an indefinite amount of time. Fortunately, a wrongful death suit can still be filed under these situations as it is considered a civil suit. One element that you and your lawyer need to pay attention to when filing this type of lawsuit is the process of gathering evidence. Since no sufficient proof resulted from the official police investigation, you need to take this into your own hands. At this point, using the service of a private investigators can be extremely beneficial. Presenting Proof and Establishing Negligence Even though the exact circumstances leading to the death of your loved one are not known, you still need to prove negligence in order to win a wrongful death case. For example, let’s say there is a suspicion that the death resulted from domestic violence. This is where your attorney and the private investigator perform their roles. They will gather evidence that proves violence did exist prior to the victim’s passing, such as from the medical record or a character witness. In court, your legal representative may ask experts, such as a psychologist, to testify in support of one aspect of the lawsuit. Your lawyer can also track down the proof of negligence to possibly bring a faster result, thanks to the attorney's connections and experience. 2

3. Though not the fruit of a police investigation, evidence gathered by a private investigator can be deemed valid in court. This is because wrongful death cases need a lower standard of proof compared to a criminal trial. The O.J. Simpson case stands as one of the most famous examples regarding proof. Though he was found not guilty in the criminal trial, he was found liable in civil court for the wrongful death of two victims because the plaintiffs proved his responsibility through a slew of convincing evidence. The death of a loved one is certainly a nightmare, especially a suspicious death. Rely on your wrongful death attorney and some helpful tactics to find justice for a heavily suspicious death before a court of law. About D&Z Law Group: Since 2012, D&Z Law Group has been helping people file numerous types of claims before the court. Our team specializes in civil litigation, such as wrongful death, personal injury, and accidents cases. Our slogan is, “Honest, Dedicated, and Aggressive.” We strive to gain a successful result with your best interests at heart. Sources: Wrongful Death Overview, Injury.FindLaw.com Suspicious Death Investigations, PrivateInvestigator-Tampa.com 3