Wrongful Death

The most tragic cases we undertake involve the loss of human life. Through no fault of their own, someone is killed, often leaving behind a spouse, children and parents. These cases happen suddenly and without warning. The grief and economic impact can be overwhelming. It can forever alter the lives of those left behind.

Often these cases involve companies that are more concerned about protecting their profits than about accepting responsibility and trying to make right the damage they have caused. Using skilled investigators and teams of lawyers, they often try to blame the deceased or dismiss what it means to lose a loved one.

Obviously the law cannot bring the deceased back to life. Monetary “compensation” is all the law can provide. This is a difficult, possibly even offensive, concept to discuss. But if you’ve found this page you’re obviously trying to learn what, if anything, the law can do for you and your family when someone else’s wrongful conduct has killed your loved one.

Compassionate Attorneys Representing Families

We represent families when a loved one had been lost due to wrongful death and the negligence of another party. Call our office in Missoula, Montana, at 406-542-3330 or 800-332-4308 to request a free initial consultation.

Wrongful Death Action

The compensation available in these cases falls into two general categories: “wrongful death” and “survival.” Wrongful death damages focus on the injury to the surviving heirs. The personal representative of the estate brings the case on behalf of the heirs. The available recovery may include damages for

  • The heirs’ grief, sorrow, and mental anguish
  • Destruction of the deceased’s relationship with a spouse
  • Destruction of the deceased’s relationship with children
  • Medical, funeral, and burial expenses
  • Punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter others.

“Survival” Action

“Survival” damages focus on the injury to the deceased person in the time between infliction of the fatal injury and death. The law calls it “survival” because, in many ways, these are similar to the damages the deceased person would have had if they had survived and been able to bring a personal injury case in their own behalf. The personal representative brings this type of case on behalf of the deceased person’s estate. The available recovery may include damages for

  • The present value of what the deceased could have earned during his or her remaining work life
  • The deceased’s fear, pain and suffering, and mental suffering between the injury and death
  • Medical, funeral, and burial expenses
  • Punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter others.

The lawyers in our firm have been helping families recover for these types of devastating losses for 30 years. We handle cases like these on a contingent fee basis. This means our fee is a percentage of what we recover for you. If you don’t recover, you owe no attorney’s fees.

Contact our office to find out what our experienced trial lawyers can do for your case. Call us at 406-542-3330 or 800-332-4308.

Super Lawyers David R. Paoli 2019 Recognized by Best Lawyers Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence 2016 David R. Paoli