Fatal Accident Lawyers | Top 9 Questions Answered

Fatal Injuries and Accidents Lawyers

If you’ve lost a loved one due to a fatal accident or wrongful death, we should talk. From dealing with the shock and grief, to understanding your legal rights, opening a case, and seeking the justice and compensation your family deserves, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. With the Mike Murphy Law Group and your fatal accident lawyer by your side, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. We’ll handle the legal complexities so that you can focus on what matters most: your family’s healing and finding peace during this difficult time. Let us help you navigate the legal process and fight for the settlement that honors your loved one’s memory.

Experienced Fatal Injury Lawyers

With over 40 years of experience, we fight relentlessly for clients.

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Our team provides prompt, same-day responses to keep you informed.

Nothing Out of Pocket

You pay nothing upfront—the fees for Mike and your fatal accident lawyer are only collected when you win.

Top 9 Fatal Injury Questions, Answered

Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit?

The ability to file a wrongful death claim in Atlantic Canada depends on the specific province’s laws, but generally, it includes a wide range of family members. In most cases, the immediate family of the deceased can bring the action. This typically includes:

Spouses or common-law partners: The surviving spouse or partner is generally the first person entitled to file a wrongful death claim.
Children: Both biological and adopted children of the deceased may bring a claim, regardless of whether they were financially dependent on the deceased.
Parents: If the deceased person was a minor or if no other immediate family members are available, the parents may bring a claim.
Siblings: In certain cases, siblings may also be able to bring a claim, especially if they were financially dependent on the deceased.

The laws in Atlantic Canada may also allow other individuals to pursue a wrongful death claim under specific circumstances. For instance, in some provinces, those to whom the deceased stood in loco parentis (i.e., someone who cared for or acted as a parent to the deceased) may be entitled to file. Additionally, grandparents, legal guardians, and sometimes even extended family members could potentially bring a claim if they were closely connected to the deceased person and suffered significant emotional or financial loss due to the death.

Furthermore, in some cases, if the deceased had no immediate family members or other potential claimants, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate (such as an executor or administrator) may file the claim on behalf of the deceased’s beneficiaries.

Since the rules for who can file a claim vary from province to province, it’s important to consult with a fatal accident lawyer familiar with the wrongful death laws in the specific Maritime province where the accident occurred. This ensures that you understand your rights and whether you or other family members are eligible to bring the action to court. A fatal injury lawyer can also advise on how to properly represent the interests of all potential claimants in a wrongful death lawsuit.

What qualifies as a wrongful death?

A wrongful death occurs when someone’s death is caused by the negligent or reckless actions of another party. In Atlantic Canada, this could result from various accidents, such as car accidents, workplace incidents, medical malpractice, or even defective products. If someone’s actions or inactions led to the fatal accident, your family may be entitled to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim and should contact a fatal accident lawyer.

What types of compensation are available for wrongful death claims?

In wrongful death cases, a fatal accident lawyer will claim compensation that can include:

Funeral expenses: Reimbursement for funeral and burial costs.
Loss of financial support: Compensation for the deceased’s loss of income, especially if they were the primary breadwinner.
Loss of Care, Guidance, and Companionship: Damages for the emotional toll and loss of companionship suffered by surviving family members.

Should I provide a statement to the at-fault party's insurance company?

You are not required to provide a written or oral statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Before doing so, it’s often best to consult with a fatal accident lawyer. The at-fault driver’s insurer represents their client, not you, and has no obligation to assist you or ensure fair compensation.

Statements you give can be used to weaken your claim. Even if you are truthful, insurance adjusters may misrepresent your words to undervalue your case. Mike and his team will deal with the insurer on your behalf and guide you through this process and fight for your rights.

Are there limits to the compensation in wrongful death cases in the Maritimes?

The specific amount of compensation depends on the circumstances of the case. But, generally, damages for wrongful death claims are assessed on the economic losses caused by the death, as well as the emotional impact on family members.

Won’t I save money by handling the claim on my own?

While it might seem cost-effective to represent yourself, insurance companies often offer lower settlements to unrepresented individuals. They may exploit your lack of legal knowledge to undervalue your claim. A fatal injury lawyer knows how to gather evidence, negotiate effectively, and, if necessary, take the case to court to secure the compensation you deserve. In almost all cases, the additional compensation obtained with legal representation outweighs the legal fees, and you will never go out of pocket.

What immediate benefits can I access?

In the Atlantic provinces, if your loved one was lost in a motor vehicle accident, you’re entitled to certain benefits right away, regardless of who was at fault. These are known as Section B benefits and are part of you or your loved one's own insurance policy.

Section B is designed to provide no-fault support for accident-related expenses, including:

Funeral and Death Benefits: Financial assistance for families in the event of a fatal accident.

These benefits ensure you can access support immediately. Section B is intended to help bridge the gap during this challenging time.

If our own insurer provides benefits, then what do I need a lawyer for?

If you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident, you may be entitled to funeral expenses and the no-fault death benefit under you or your loved one's own insurance.

Funeral expenses can be covered, but many families find the costs far exceed what is typically reimbursed. And while the no-fault death benefit offers compensation, it certainly will not fully account for the emotional and financial toll caused by the loss of a loved one.

It’s important to understand that while these benefits provide some assistance, they often don’t cover the full scope of the expenses and losses that follow a fatal accident. Insurers also may deny or delay claims, and navigating this process on your own can be overwhelming during an already difficult time.

A fatal accident lawyer is crucial in these situations because they can:

Ensure you receive the funeral expenses and no-fault death benefits you are entitled to.
Make your claim to all additional damages for loss of care, guidance and companionship, and loss of disposable income, from the at-fault driver (not your own insurer).
Ensure you’re not left financially burdened after the loss of your loved one.

Having legal representation can ensure that you are fully compensated for your loss and help you focus on grieving and healing during this painful time.

What will a Mike Murphy fatal accident lawyer do for me?

Our team handles every aspect of your claim, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Mike has trained his team to always prioritize prompt communication. In most cases, we respond to clients the same day, whether by phone or email, so you’re never left wondering about the status of your case.

Here’s what we’ll do for you:

Handle Your Section B Benefits
If the fatal accident occurred, in relation to a motor vehicle, your fatal accident lawyer ensure your Section B claim is properly managed, helping you secure immediate funeral and death benefits. If your insurer denies your Section B claim, we’ll fight for you to get the benefits you’re entitled to.
Build a Strong Case Against the At-Fault Party
We go beyond the basics to prepare a comprehensive case for your compensation. This includes gathering evidence, working with top-tier professionals, engineers, and actuaries, and documenting every detail of your losses.
Leverage Decades of Expertise
With Mike’s 40+ years of legal experience, we have built relationships with some of the best experts in the industry. Whether it’s independent medical evaluations, accident reconstruction, or financial analysis, your fatal injury lawyer will know who to call to strengthen your case.
Prepare for Trial, Not Just Settlement
While many cases settle out of court, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation ensures we are always in a position to negotiate from strength, giving you the best chance at securing a fair outcome.
Provide Peace of Mind
From managing paperwork to handling negotiations with insurance adjusters, we take on the stress so you can focus on recovering. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, answering your questions and keeping you informed.

When you hire us, you’re not just hiring a fatal accident lawyer—you’re gaining a team of professionals dedicated to your success. We’re committed to fighting for you and ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.

1. Free Intake From Home or the Office

Especially when experiencing an injury, clients want flexibility. That's why the Mike Murphy Law Group is pleased to offer virtual or in-person intakes.

2. E-Signed Retainer

Our secure case management platform makes it a breeze to sign your retainer and releases, all within minutes from home.

3. ID Verification, Fast and From Home

ID requirements made easy. We'll send you a text to our secure platform, and you'll be done in minutes.

4. Your Lawyer Starts Work the Same Day, Nothing Upfront

Within 20 minutes of your intake, your lawyer will receive your releases and will call you on your file, without anything out of pocket.

AS LITTLE AS 15 MINUTES