When someone you love dies because of someone else’s actions or negligence, it can be an incredibly painful time. But when you’re also dealing with questions about the legal side of the situation, such as whether you can file a wrongful death claim, things can feel even more overwhelming. A wrongful death claim is a type of legal case that families file when they believe a loved one’s death was caused by another person’s careless or harmful actions. However, a lot of people wonder if they can file a wrongful death claim if the person who passed away had pre-existing health conditions. This question can feel even more confusing because health problems can sometimes play a role in a person’s life and, unfortunately, in their passing. But having pre-existing health conditions does not mean the family has no right to file a claim. In many situations, families can still pursue justice and seek compensation for what happened to their loved one, regardless of their medical history. At, The Gunnels Law Firm LLC , we are here to guide you through the legal process and help you navigate the complexities of your case.
What Are Pre-Existing Health Conditions?
Before going further, it’s helpful to understand what pre-existing health conditions mean. When we talk about pre-existing health conditions, we’re referring to any medical issues that a person had before an accident or incident took place. These could include problems like diabetes, heart disease, respiratory issues, or any kind of chronic illness. Sometimes, people might worry that a wrongful death claim won’t be possible if the victim had any of these conditions. But it’s important to know that the law often recognizes the difference between a person’s pre-existing health problems and the events that actually caused their death. When someone else’s actions lead to an accident or harm that causes the death of a person who had a medical condition, the family may still have the legal grounds to file a wrongful death claim.
How Do Pre-Existing Conditions Impact a Wrongful Death Claim?
A pre-existing health condition might make a wrongful death claim more complicated, but it doesn’t necessarily prevent it. What really matters in a wrongful death claim is the cause of death. If the actions of another person led to the death, even if the victim had existing health issues, the family may still have a case. The goal of a wrongful death claim is to find out if someone’s negligence or wrongful actions contributed directly to the passing of the individual, rather than focusing solely on the person’s health history. In these cases, the law often asks a key question: did the other person’s actions play a significant part in the victim’s death? This concept is known as “proximate cause,” which means the defendant’s actions must have contributed in a significant way to the death.
In simple terms, if a person with a health condition was injured in an accident and then died as a result, the pre-existing condition alone is not the reason for their death. Instead, the other person’s actions or negligence may have set off a chain of events leading to the passing of the person. This means that the family might still be able to file a wrongful death claim because the accident was a major cause of what happened, even though the person had a pre-existing condition.
The “Eggshell Skull” Rule and How It Applies
In many wrongful death cases, there’s an important rule called the “eggshell skull” rule. This legal idea says that a person who causes harm is still responsible even if the victim was more vulnerable because of a health condition. In other words, even if someone has a “thin skull” or a body that is more likely to get injured or harmed due to pre-existing conditions, the person responsible for the accident is still accountable for the damage they caused. This rule helps ensure that people who may have been more physically vulnerable are still protected under the law. So, in a wrongful death claim, if the family can show that the defendant’s actions caused the victim’s passing—even if the victim was in poor health at the time—the “eggshell skull” rule can support their claim. The person’s health does not prevent the family from seeking justice if the incident directly led to the individual’s death.
How Courts Consider Medical Evidence in Wrongful Death Claims
When deciding if a wrongful death claim can move forward, courts often look carefully at medical evidence. This includes medical records, health history, and sometimes medical opinions to understand how the incident affected the victim’s health. If a victim had a pre-existing condition, the court will try to figure out if the accident made their condition worse or if it directly caused the individual to pass away. Medical specialists often play a role in these cases, helping the court understand how much of an impact the accident or incident had on the person’s health. For example, if a person had a heart condition and was involved in a car accident, a medical specialist might review the details to see if the crash caused a heart attack or other complications that led to their death. This helps the court decide if the wrongful actions of the other party significantly contributed to the passing of the person. Medical records and the testimony of doctors can play a huge role in supporting a wrongful death claim, especially when the victim had a pre-existing condition.
I had the pleasure of working against Chris on a fairly complicated case. Chris was professional during the course of litigation, and undoubtedly maintained his clients’ interests as the primary focus throughout. Due to Chris’ efficiency and advocacy for his clients, we were able to resolve the case for a reasonable amount, without spending unnecessary time and expenses. I hope to have more cases with Chris in the future, and would have no hesitation recommending Chris to handle complex personal injury matters.” - Paul T.
Proving Negligence or Wrongful Actions in These Situations
A wrongful death claim often relies on proving that the other party was negligent or acted wrongfully. To win a wrongful death case, the family needs to show that the defendant had a duty to act in a safe and careful way, that they failed in this duty, and that their actions directly led to the victim’s death. This can include situations like a car driver who was not paying attention or a property owner who ignored unsafe conditions. For families whose loved one had a health condition, proving negligence might mean focusing on how the defendant’s actions worsened or directly led to the fatal event. By showing that the other party’s actions played a significant part in the death, even if health issues were already present, the family can build a strong case. The court will review the actions of the defendant and whether they could have prevented the incident that led to the person’s passing. If the defendant’s behavior fell short of the standard of care and resulted in harm to the victim, the family’s claim may be successful.
Challenges Families May Face in Wrongful Death Claims with Pre-Existing Conditions
While families can still pursue wrongful death claims even when pre-existing conditions are involved, they may face some challenges along the way. Insurance companies or defense attorneys might argue that the pre-existing condition was the main reason for the individual’s death, trying to avoid or reduce the compensation that the family could receive. This is where it becomes important to have clear medical records and, often, testimony to show how the defendant’s actions directly led to the person’s passing. Families may also need to demonstrate that the accident or event made the victim’s condition worse, which contributed to their death. Sometimes, proving this can take more time and require more detailed evidence, but it does not mean the case is impossible. It just means that the family’s legal team may need to work a bit harder to show how the defendant’s actions directly impacted their loved one.
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Understanding Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases with Pre-Existing Conditions
Compensation in wrongful death claims is intended to help the family of the deceased manage financial losses and emotional suffering. Even if the person had pre-existing health conditions, the family may still be eligible for compensation if they can prove that another person’s actions led to the death. Compensation can cover things like medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and the pain and suffering caused by the loss of a loved one. The family’s legal team will often work to show how much the family relied on their loved one emotionally and financially to determine the amount of compensation. The goal is to provide the family with support and justice, recognizing the impact of the loss and what the victim meant to them. Even when pre-existing conditions are involved, the court can consider the life the victim would have continued to live if not for the defendant’s actions.
How an Attorney Can Help with a Wrongful Death Claim Involving Pre-Existing Conditions
Navigating a wrongful death claim can feel overwhelming, especially when there are questions about health conditions involved. An attorney can help families understand the steps they need to take and gather the right kind of evidence. They can collect medical records, speak with medical specialists, and build a strong case to show that the defendant’s actions played a significant role in the passing of the loved one. Attorneys can also handle negotiations with insurance companies, which can be especially challenging when pre-existing conditions are part of the case. By having a legal professional by their side, families can focus on grieving and healing while knowing that their case is being carefully handled.
If you have lost a loved one and believe someone else’s actions contributed to their passing, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim even if they had pre-existing health conditions. Understanding your legal rights can be an important step toward finding justice and receiving the support you need during a difficult time. The Gunnels Law Firm LLC can help you explore your options and guide you through the process, ensuring that your loved one’s story is heard and your family’s future is protected. Contact The Gunnels Law Firm LLC to discuss your case and find out how we can help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.