Providence County Wrongful Death Attorney

Justice for Families After a Wrongful Death

Losing a loved one because of another party’s carelessness is one of the most devastating experiences any family can face. In the aftermath, confusion and grief often obscure what steps families can take to seek accountability and restore some measure of security. If you are considering whether to pursue justice or how to navigate your options, you are not alone. Our team at Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C. stands ready to guide families in Providence County with care and experience during this unimaginably difficult period.

Since 1975, we have dedicated ourselves to advocating for families and individuals whose lives are changed by acts of negligence. We know the toll a wrongful death claim can take—emotionally, financially, and legally. Our approach is grounded in compassion, transparency, and practical support. When you reach out to us, you’ll discover a group of attorneys devoted to helping you understand your rights, make informed choices, and begin the journey toward justice.

Your decision to act now is about more than compensation. It is about honoring your loved one’s memory and ensuring your family’s future. We are here to provide a path forward, supported by extensive experience and results that matter for families throughout the area.

What is Wrongful Death?

A wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a direct result of another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. Unlike criminal cases, which focus on punishing the wrongdoer, a wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit filed by surviving family members or the deceased person’s estate to recover compensation for the damages caused by the death.

Common examples of incidents that may result in a wrongful death claim include:

• Car, truck, or motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian or bicycle accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Dangerous or defective products
• Workplace accidents
• Construction site incidents
• Nursing home abuse or neglect
• Acts of violence or criminal behavior

If your loved one’s death could have been prevented had another person or company acted responsibly, you may have grounds to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island Wrongful Death Laws

Rhode Island has specific laws governing wrongful death cases, which are set forth in the Rhode Island Wrongful Death Act. Under these laws, a wrongful death claim may be filed when a person would have been entitled to file a personal injury claim had they survived their injuries.

Key aspects of Rhode Island wrongful death laws include:

• Statute of limitations: In most cases, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within three years of the date of death. Missing this deadline may permanently bar you from recovering compensation.
• Burden of proof: The plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s negligence, recklessness, or wrongful act directly caused the death.
• Types of damages: Rhode Island law allows both economic and non-economic damages to be recovered in a wrongful death case.
• Survival actions: In addition to wrongful death claims, a “survival action” may be filed on behalf of the victim’s estate to recover damages the individual suffered before death, such as medical bills and pain and suffering.

Because wrongful death laws are complex and time-sensitive, speaking with a Providence County wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible is critical.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

In Rhode Island, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed by the executor or administrator of the deceased person’s estate, not directly by individual family members. However, the compensation recovered is distributed to eligible beneficiaries, which often include:

• The surviving spouse
• Children (biological or legally adopted)
• Parents (in some cases)
• Other next of kin, depending on the situation

While the estate’s representative files the claim, the intent of the lawsuit is to provide financial support to the surviving family members who depended on the deceased person’s income, care, guidance, and companionship.

At Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C., we can help you determine who should file the claim and who is entitled to recover damages under Rhode Island law.

Compensation for Wrongful Death

No amount of money can replace your loved one, but a successful wrongful death claim can provide critical financial support and a sense of justice. A Providence County wrongful death lawyer from our firm will carefully calculate the full value of your damages, which may include:

Economic damages

• Medical bills related to the final injury or illness
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of the deceased’s income and future earning capacity
• Loss of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions
• Loss of household services

Non-economic damages

• Loss of companionship, care, and guidance
• Emotional pain and suffering of surviving family members
• Loss of parental guidance for minor children

Survival damages

• The deceased person’s physical pain and suffering before death
• Conscious emotional distress prior to passing

Our goal is to ensure your family receives the maximum compensation allowed under Rhode Island law.

Wrongful Death FAQs

How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Rhode Island?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of death to file your claim. Certain exceptions may apply, so it is best to contact a Providence County wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible.

What if my loved one was partially at fault?
Rhode Island follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means compensation may still be available even if the deceased was partially at fault, though it may be reduced by their percentage of responsibility.

Do I have to go to court?
Many wrongful death cases can be resolved through settlement without going to trial. However, our firm is always fully prepared to take your case to court if necessary to achieve a fair outcome.

How much is a wrongful death case worth?
The value of a case depends on many factors, including the deceased’s age, income, family situation, and the circumstances of the death. We can provide a clearer estimate during a free consultation.

What evidence is needed for a wrongful death claim?
Evidence can include accident reports, medical records, witness statements, expert opinions, surveillance footage, and more. Our legal team will gather and preserve the necessary evidence for you.

Why Choose Our Team for Your Wrongful Death Case

With decades of service in Rhode Island, including Providence County, our attorneys at Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C. have built a reputation for leadership and results in the most challenging personal injury cases. We understand that trust is earned, which is why we share not just promises, but evidence of our commitment and capabilities.

Our record is tangible: we have recovered more than $1 billion for our clients, including the largest medical malpractice verdict and the second-largest personal injury judgment in Rhode Island history. These results are not abstract. They reflect the real difference our work has made for families dealing with loss and uncertainty in this community. Our aim is always to provide resources and stability when it is needed most.

Our attorneys have received recognition from Best Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, Lawdragon, and the American Board of Trial Advocates. These honors speak to our dedication and consistent performance in high-stakes cases. Every client benefits from our client-first approach.

Here is what sets us apart for families in Providence County:

• Your case is handled by seasoned litigators, not passed off or lost in a large system. You will have direct access to your attorney and clear, honest updates at every stage.
• We take wrongful death and serious injury cases on a contingency fee basis. There are never any upfront costs and you owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
• Our knowledge of the Providence County court system, local judges, and procedural requirements positions us to provide focused, effective representation.
• We invest in every case using advanced case management technology and consult with respected medical professionals when appropriate to build a thorough and well-supported claim.

Choosing the right team really matters. We invite you to discover the difference that experience, dedication, and client commitment can make for your family.

Call (401) 200-4059 to speak directly with a wrongful death attorney in Providence County.