Wrongful Death Attorneys Near Me

Losing a loved one unexpectedly is one of life’s most devastating experiences, especially when someone else’s negligence caused their death. During this painful time, your family deserves answers, justice, and support. If you’re searching for trusted wrongful death attorneys near you, know that help is available right here in Winchester, Virginia.

At Skinner Accident & Injury Lawyers, we understand the emotional and financial weight that follows a fatal accident. Our team of wrongful death attorneys near me law firm represents grieving families throughout the Shenandoah Valley and western Virginia. With more than 75 years of combined experience and over $100 million recovered, we bring both compassion and proven legal skill to every case we handle.

Do You Have a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit filed when someone dies as a result of another party’s careless, reckless, or intentional actions. Wrongful death claims can arise from many different types of circumstances, such as motor vehicle accidents or even deliberate actions. The goal of this type of claim is to hold the at-fault party accountable and to compensate surviving family members for their loss.

Generally, if the deceased party could have filed a personal injury lawsuit if they had lived, someone is eligible to file a wrongful death claim on their behalf. Our compassionate local wrongful death attorneys can help Winchester families on this difficult journey.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits vs. Criminal Charges

Even if criminal charges are filed against the person responsible for your loved one’s death, such as in cases involving drunk driving, assault, or reckless behavior, you can still pursue a separate civil claim for compensation. Criminal proceedings are brought by the state and are intended to punish wrongdoing. A wrongful death lawsuit, on the other hand, is filed by the surviving family to recover financial damages for their personal and emotional losses.

The outcome of a criminal case does not determine the success of a wrongful death claim. In fact, even if a defendant is acquitted in criminal court, they may still be held liable in a civil action, where the burden of proof is lower.

At Skinner Accident & Injury Lawyers, our knowledgeable wrongful death attorneys near you understand how to navigate both systems. We will hold the responsible party accountable and seek the justice your family deserves.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim Under Virginia Law?

In Virginia, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. This representative may be named in the deceased’s will or appointed by the court if no will exists.

Eligible beneficiaries who may receive compensation from the claim include:

The surviving spouse, children, and grandchildren of the deceased
Parents, if there is no surviving spouse or child
Siblings and other relatives who were financially dependent on the deceased

Understanding who qualifies and how to fairly distribute any settlement or jury award can be complicated. Our Winchester wrongful death lawyers walk families through each step with clarity, empathy, and deep knowledge of current Virginia laws.

Why Local Legal Representation Matters

When you’re grieving and looking for answers, it’s tempting to search online for a “wrongful death attorney near me” and click the first name you see. But it’s imperative to note that not all law firms are equally equipped, or equally invested in your community.

At Skinner Accident & Injury Lawyers, we’ve spent decades representing families right here in Winchester, VA and the surrounding region. We’re not a billboard firm from another state. We are familiar with the local court system, including judges and procedural rules. Our wrongful death attorneys also know how devastating a loss can be for a family in the Shenandoah Valley, and we treat each client like a neighbor, not a case number.

Whether you live in Stephens City, Strasburg, or Berryville, our office is conveniently located nearby, and we will come to you if needed. Your case deserves personal attention from people who understand this community.

Causes of Fatal Accidents in the Shenandoah Valley

Even in a peaceful, historic town like Winchester, fatal accidents still occur due to negligence. Some of the most common causes of wrongful death claims in this region include:

Auto Accidents

U.S. Route 11, I-81, and busy local roads like Pleasant Valley Road see their share of deadly car crashes. Fatalities can result from distracted driving, speeding, reckless lane changes, or drunk driving.

Truck and Big Rig Accidents

Commercial vehicle crashes often involve catastrophic damage. When large trucks collide with smaller passenger vehicles, fatalities are unfortunately common, especially if the truck was overloaded, the driver was drowsy, or safety regulations were ignored.

Workplace Fatalities

Construction sites, warehouses, and industrial plants can be dangerous if employers fail to follow safety protocols. Families may have claims beyond workers’ compensation if third-party negligence contributed to the loss.

Defective Products

From recalled vehicles to dangerous medications and faulty appliances, product-related deaths may result in wrongful death lawsuits against manufacturers or distributors.

Dangerous Property Conditions

Poorly maintained stairwells, unlit parking lots, or other hazards on someone else’s property can lead to fatal accidents, especially when property owners fail to address known dangers.

No matter the cause, you can count on our wrongful death attorneys near you to investigate thoroughly to determine liability, gather evidence, and build a strong case for justice.

How Much Is a Virginia Wrongful Death Claim Worth?

Wrongful death lawsuits seek to provide financial relief for the devastating losses a family suffers. Under Virginia Code § 8.01-52, damages may include:

Medical Expenses: If your loved one received emergency treatment or hospital care before passing, those costs can be part of your claim.
Funeral and Burial Costs: You may be eligible for reimbursement of reasonable burial, cremation, and funeral service expenses.
Lost Income and Future Earnings: This includes the wages and benefits your loved one would have earned, including bonuses, retirement contributions, and health insurance.
Loss of Companionship and Guidance: Spouses, children, and parents may seek damages for the absence of emotional support, parenting, and care.
Pain and Suffering of Survivors: Grief, anxiety, and emotional trauma are very real consequences of losing a loved one. These non-economic damages are an essential part of your claim.
Loss of Household Services: A wrongful death claim may also account for practical losses, such as childcare, transportation, cleaning, and other services the deceased provided to the household.
Punitive Damages: If the at-fault party acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the behavior and prevent future harm.

Our wrongful death attorneys work with economists, financial planners, and life care experts to ensure every type of loss is fully accounted for. Nothing can undo the pain, but the legal system can provide financial security for the road ahead.

Virginia’s Statute of Limitations on Wrongful Death

In most cases, Virginia law gives families two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. This is called the statute of limitations, and if you miss it, your case will likely be dismissed.

There are limited exceptions. For instance:

If the death involves a government vehicle or employee, you may have to file a notice of claim within a matter of months.
In rare “delayed discovery” cases, the time limit may begin when the cause of death is discovered, such as with toxic exposure.

The bottom line: if you believe negligence played a role in your loved one’s death, you should speak with a wrongful death attorney from our firm as soon as possible to preserve your rights.

What Does a Winchester Wrongful Death Lawyer Do?

Hiring a wrongful death lawyer near you is about more than just filing paperwork; it’s about having an advocate who will stand by your family, uncover the truth, and fight for the justice your loved one deserves.

Here’s how a local wrongful death attorney can help you during one of the most difficult times of your life:

Investigating the Cause of Death

Your wrongful death lawyer will launch a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death. This includes:

Reviewing police and accident reports
Interviewing witnesses
Securing surveillance footage or photographs
Consulting with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, or workplace safety professionals

Uncovering what happened and who is responsible is the foundation of any successful wrongful death claim.

Identifying All Liable Parties

Wrongful death cases often involve multiple potential defendants. For example, in a truck crash, the liable parties can include the truck driver, the trucking company, a maintenance provider, or a manufacturer of defective parts. Your wrongful death attorney will analyze the evidence to determine exactly who should be held accountable.

Valuing the Full Extent of Your Losses

Putting a dollar figure on human life is never easy, but it’s necessary to pursue compensation that reflects what your family has lost. A wrongful death lawyer works with financial experts, economists, and life care planners to:

Calculate lost wages and future earnings
Quantify the value of household services, benefits, and support
Assess non-economic damages like grief, loss of companionship, and emotional distress

They will ensure no part of your claim is undervalued or overlooked.

Handling All Legal Deadlines and Procedures

Wrongful death claims must meet strict legal requirements. Your lawyer will make sure:

The claim is filed within Virginia’s two-year statute of limitations
All court filings are accurate and timely
Required notices are sent if a government agency is involved
Settlement negotiations or litigation follow proper procedures

You can focus on grieving and healing, while your wrongful death attorney handles the legal hurdles.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are not on your side. They may offer a quick, lowball settlement in hopes that you’ll take it and move on. A wrongful death lawyer from our firm knows how to push back, build leverage, and negotiate aggressively for a full and fair settlement. If a reasonable offer isn’t made, we will be ready to take your case to trial.

Providing Guidance and Support

Wrongful death lawyers don’t just handle legal tasks; they offer steady guidance through a time of unimaginable stress. At Skinner Accident & Injury Lawyers, our wrongful death attorneys treat every client like family. We’re available to answer your questions, explain your options, and help you make informed decisions every step of the way.

Why Choose Skinner Accident & Injury Lawyers

When you choose Skinner Accident & Injury Lawyers, you’re not just hiring a wrongful death lawyer near you; you’re choosing a legal team that brings compassion, experience, and relentless advocacy to your case.

Here’s what sets our law firm apart:

Over Seven Decades of Experience: Led by brothers Stephen and Andrew Skinner, our firm brings more than seven decades of combined legal knowledge to every wrongful death case we handle.
Big Results, Local Values: We’ve recovered more than $100 million for families in West Virginia and Virginia. And we do it without losing the small-town service that defines our firm.
Bringing Experience to the Community: Stephen represented 9/11 victims while working in New York City. Andrew is a U.S. Army veteran and former product liability attorney at a national law firm. Today, they use that big city experience to serve people right here at home.
Personalized Service: We keep our caseloads small, so you’ll always work directly with your attorney, not a case manager or call center. And if you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you.

Did You Lose a Loved One? Contact Our Winchester Wrongful Death Attorneys Near Me Law firm

The death of a loved one is an overwhelming experience. You do not have to face this situation alone. Our team at Skinner Accident & Injury Lawyers is here to guide you with compassion, honesty, and proven results. We offer free consultations and don’t get paid unless we recover compensation for your family.

If your family has lost someone due to another’s negligence in Winchester, VA, our wrongful death lawyers near you are ready to help you seek justice. Call us today at (540) 888-8888 or visit us online to schedule your free consultation.