A Look into Wrongful Death Claims and Settlements

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Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk upon the face of the moon, died in 2012 of complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures in Cincinnati, Ohio. Two years later, his family was paid six million dollars by a hospital as part of a wrongful death settlement. The news was released last week, amidst celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission. Learn more about wrongful death claims and structured settlements. 

A family member could file a wrongful death claim if he or she suffered damages as a result of the victim’s death. Claimants are also known as “real parties in interest” and are typically in charge of the victim’s assets and estate. According to the New York Times, Amstrong’s sons believed that their father’s death was due to incompetent post-surgical care at Mercy Health Fairfield Hospital. They threatened legal action against the hospital, who ultimately decided to pay out the settlement and avoid a legal struggle. 

Many wrongful death cases settle before reaching trial for a variety of reasons. In some cases, defendants want to avoid negative publicity, and claimants wish to maintain their family’s privacy. Mercy Hospital issued a statement in regards to Armstrong’s case, “The public nature of these details is very disappointing — both for our ministry and the patient’s family who had wished to keep this legal matter private.” Below are several wrongful death settlement options. 

During mediation, the claimant and defendant discuss the case with a professional mediator to determine compensation. The mediator will listen to both parties, and provide recommendations on how they could settle. 

Arbitration involves a private judge who listens to both parties to determine the best course of action. After a series of meetings, the arbiter makes a ruling in favor of the claimant or defendant. Arbitration can be binding or non-binding, depending on the circumstance. 

Do you believe that you or your loved one has suffered as a result of medical malpractice or medical neglect? You need to talk to an experienced team of local lawyers today.

The lawyers at Cardaro & Peek, LLC have the experience and resources necessary to investigate and litigate all types of medical claims throughout Maryland and Washington D.C. Cardaro & Peek, LLC has medical personnel on staff and has access to nationally recognized, board-certified physicians and other experts, to assist in the investigation, analysis, and prosecution of all types of medical malpractice claims. If you or a loved one have experienced malpractice, give us a call at 410-752-6166. Please visit our website www.cardarolaw.com and follow us on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn for more information.

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