The Des Moines Register reports on a tragic collision that resulted in the death of a U.S. Marine from Iowa. According to a Marine official, the 22-year-old man was in an off-site motorcycle crash while training at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California.
The accident report states that the man was riding his motorcycle eastbound at around 10 a.m. on SR-74 when he veered out of his lane, crossed the double yellow line, and collided with a passenger vehicle heading westbound at approximately 55 miles per hour. Responders pronounced the man dead at the scene.
Sadly, this Marine was not the first from Iowa to die this summer while training at Camp Pendleton. A 20-year-old Marine died in early August during routine physical training when a tree fell on him.
If you sustained serious injuries or lost a loved one in a preventable accident, contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC to determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages. Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a free case evaluation with a Cedar Rapids accident attorney.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Iowa?
In the state of Iowa, you have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death claim and seek compensation for the damages you incurred. You may file a claim if you are:
- The administrator of the deceased’s estate;
- The surviving spouse of the deceased;
- The surviving adult children of the deceased; or
- The surviving parents of the deceased.
What Kinds of Damages Might You Recover by Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
In a wrongful death case, the settlement may go to the estate and/or to the family members of the deceased. Recoverable damages include:
- Medical expenses that the deceased incurred prior to his or her death;
- Funeral and burial expenses, as well as lost interest on premade arrangements;
- Lost income;
- Lost benefits and other earnings;
- Loss of companionship;
- Loss of function of mind or body prior to death; and
- Pain and suffering.
The specific damages that a claimant will be able to recover ultimately depend on his or her relationship with the deceased. For example, the administrator of the estate can file a claim for lost interest on pre-made funeral arrangements, whereas the parents of a deceased child can file a claim for loss of companionship.
If you lost a loved one as the direct result of someone else’s reckless or negligent behavior, filing a wrongful death claim will not bring your family member back; however, it can help you hold the liable party accountable. Contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC to find out if you have grounds for a lawsuit.
A Cedar Rapids injury lawyer from our firm will assess your case and help you determine the best way to proceed. Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a free consultation. If you want to learn more about wrongful death claims in Iowa, visit the USAttorneys website.