Losing someone you love because of another person’s negligence is devastating. When you decide to pursue a wrongful death claim, you might hope for a quick resolution that brings both justice and closure. In reality, these cases often take far longer than most families expect. Each case is personal and involves many moving parts that can slow progress even when everyone is working in good faith.
The Complexity of Damages
One of the main reasons wrongful death claims take time is determining damages. Unlike a typical personal injury claim, a wrongful death case must account for both economic and non-economic losses. These can include:
- Financial losses such as lost income, medical costs and funeral expenses
- Emotional losses experienced by surviving family members
A qualified wrongful death attorney will help document every loss accurately. Gathering employment records, tax information, medical statements and other financial proof can take weeks or months. When large or complex assets are involved, such as a family business or long-term benefits, the process can take even longer.
Multiple Defendants Add Complexity
When several parties share responsibility for a death, it adds another layer of difficulty. A fatal car crash, for example, might involve:
- A negligent driver
- A vehicle manufacturer
- A company that failed to maintain its fleet
If one of the vehicles was part of a commercial operation, liability could extend to the employer as well. Attorneys must identify each party’s role, review insurance policies and negotiate with multiple legal teams. This back-and-forth can extend the timeline considerably. The team at McLeod & Thompson often handles cases with more than one defendant and understands how to coordinate with different insurers and attorneys without losing focus on your needs.
Probate and Court Procedures
Probate can also slow a wrongful death claim. Before a lawsuit can move forward, the court often appoints a personal representative to manage the estate. If the estate is large or contested, this step can delay the process for months.
During probate, the representative gathers assets, pays debts and manages paperwork while the wrongful death claim proceeds in civil court. In workplace incidents or industrial accidents, the involvement of an on-the-job injury lawyer may overlap with wrongful death proceedings. These attorneys can handle insurance or workers’ compensation issues, which can lengthen the total duration of the case.
Why Patience and Communication Matter
While no family wants to wait years for justice, wrongful death claims require time to build strong evidence. Attorneys need to:
- Collect witness statements
- Gather medical documentation
- Review accident reconstruction reports
- Prepare expert testimony
The more thorough the preparation, the better the chance of a fair settlement without a lengthy trial. At McLeod & Thompson, both Mike McLeod and Randy Thompson have spent decades guiding families through these cases. Their experience in complex claims gives insight into how long each stage might realistically take. The firm’s record of settlements and verdicts reflects the careful work required to reach meaningful outcomes, even if the process is slower than expected.
If you are waiting for updates on a wrongful death case, remember that time spent gathering facts, reviewing records or negotiating with insurers is not wasted. Every careful step helps protect your loved one’s legacy and your family’s future stability. Although these claims often move slower than others, patience and open communication with your attorney can make the journey easier to manage.