Laws surrounding wrongful death cases vary widely by state. While some states only allow a personal representative of the deceased's estate to bring the lawsuit, other states may permit extended family members or anyone who suffers financially from the death to file a claim. The differences do not end there; states also vary regarding the amount of compensation and types of damages that a claimant may receive.
For these reasons, call a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible to understand the rules and regulations that apply in your state and your case. An attorney can guide you through the process, keeping in mind the various deadlines and statutes of limitations that apply to your claim.