In mid-June, the family of a Duke Energy worker who lost his life while on the job was awarded more than $27 million in a wrongful death lawsuit.

In this issue, we’ll talk about the case, and share information about wrongful death lawsuits in Alaska.

The Case at a Glance

The 43-year-old victim worked as a lineman and trainer for Duke Energy. While on the job, he was trapped by a utility pole he was climbing and died from his injuries.

During the wrongful death trial. the lawyer representing the victim’s family successfully proved that a subcontractor, Utilimap, was hired by Duke to inspect 30,000 utility poles. They, however, did not inspect the pole involved in the incident.

When can a wrongful death lawsuit be brought in Alaska?

While each state has its own guidelines about wrongful death lawsuits, here in Alaska, such action must be taken within 2 years of when the death occurred.

Who can bring a wrongful death lawsuit in Alaska?

While a wrongful death lawsuit must be brought forth by a personal representative of the victim’s estate, the awarded damages can be presented to individual survivors of the victim and their estate as a whole.

What’s my wrongful death lawsuit worth?

A host of variables are calculated in the determination of the size of the compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit.

These variables include, but are not limited to:

• The projected impact on the family from the loss of the victim’s income;
• Pain and suffering of the victim before dying;
• Any medical costs incurred by the family and loved ones as a result treatment and care for the victim;
• Burial and funeral costs;
• Lost child or spousal support; and
• Loss of services that would have been provided by the victim.

Because no 2 cases are alike, an experienced lawyer will be able to provide you with a reasonable estimate of what is fair compensation.

If Your Family Has Experienced a Wrongful Death, Call Barber & Associates, LLC

Losing a loved one is a devastating event – perhaps even more if the loss is caused someone else’s negligence.

Remember, only an experienced wrongful death lawyer will be able to tell if you’re being offered a fair settlement or is qualified enough take on your case and fight diligently for the verdict you deserve.

If you feel that your family has been a victim of a wrongful death, get in touch with us here at Barber & Associates, LLC. We’re one of Alaska’s leading wrongful death firms, and have a strong reputation for representing the families of victims of all types of fatal accidents.

Our number is 907-276-5858 or you can reach us via email.