Wrongful Death Attorney in Arlington, VA
50+ Years of High-Stakes Advocacy for Arlington Families
Losing someone to another party’s negligence is devastating, and the legal process that follows shouldn’t compound that burden. Fay Law Group, P.A. has advocated for bereaved families throughout the DC metro region, including Arlington, for more than 50 years. We handle complex wrongful death cases that other firms may be ill-equipped to take on, and we’ve recovered millions for clients navigating some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable.
Attorney Thomas Fortune Fay founded this firm on a commitment to personal advocacy. His daughter, Attorney Caragh Glenn Fay, now works alongside him, carrying forward a family legacy that keeps client service personal rather than institutional. Our team handles wrongful death claims arising from motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, truck accidents, nursing home abuse and neglect, product liability, and workplace fatalities. We offer free, confidential consultations, operate on a contingency fee basis so you pay no attorneys’ fees unless we recover compensation, and provide 24/7 support. Our services are available in both English and Spanish.
If you’ve lost a family member due to someone else’s negligence, our Arlington wrongful death attorneys are ready to hear your story. Call (202) 589-1300 for a free, confidential consultation with no upfront cost or obligation.
Why Arlington Families Trust Fay Law Group, P.A.
Virginia follows a contributory negligence doctrine, meaning a claimant can be barred from recovery if found even slightly at fault. That standard makes it critical to have attorneys who know how to build a strong, well-protected claim from the start. We understand how Virginia’s contributory negligence rules operate and use that knowledge strategically to pursue every available legal avenue for our clients.
Attorney Caragh Glenn Fay has been selected to the Super Lawyers list, which uses a peer-influenced, research-driven process to identify the top 5% of attorneys each year. When settlement negotiations stall, our trial lawyers are prepared to take the case to the Arlington Circuit Court or wherever the matter requires. We don’t pressure families toward quick settlements that undervalue their loss, and clients receive prompt, personalized attention from the first meeting through resolution.
What an Arlington Family Must Prove in a Virginia Wrongful Death Claim
Virginia law requires a wrongful death claimant to establish four elements. If the deceased could have filed a personal injury lawsuit had they survived, a wrongful death action is generally available. Our attorneys investigate each element thoroughly, gathering the evidence needed to build a complete and defensible claim.
- Duty of Care: The defendant owed a legal duty to the deceased, such as a driver’s duty to operate a vehicle safely or a physician’s duty to meet the applicable standard of care.
- Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to meet that duty through negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct.
- Causation: The breach was the direct cause of death, not merely a contributing circumstance.
- Compensable Damages: The death resulted in measurable losses to the surviving family or estate.
Building a case around these elements means reviewing records, examining the accident scene, and consulting with medical or technical professionals. Cases may involve a single defendant or multiple responsible parties, such as both a truck driver and the trucking company that employed them. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, our trial-ready attorneys are prepared to take the case to court.
HEAR IT FROM OUR CLIENTS
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“You have worked so hard over the years, and I appreciate you all very much!”- Debbie R.
Damages and Deadlines: What Arlington Families Need to Know
Recoverable Damages Under Va. Code § 8.01-52
Virginia wrongful death damages fall into two broad categories. Economic damages include lost wages and earning capacity the deceased would have provided, medical expenses from the final illness or injury, and funeral and burial costs. Non-economic damages cover sorrow and mental anguish and loss of companionship and society. Presenting non-economic damages effectively requires real legal skill: these losses are genuine but can’t be reduced to a bill or pay stub. In cases involving willful or wanton conduct, or recklessness that evinces a conscious disregard for others’ safety, punitive damages may also be available.
The Two-Year Filing Deadline Under Va. Code § 8.01-244
Virginia’s wrongful death statute of limitations requires claims to be filed within two years of the date of death. Missing that deadline typically forfeits the family’s right to pursue compensation, regardless of how strong the underlying claim may be. Wrongful death cases involving medical malpractice may require additional procedural steps before a lawsuit can be filed, making early contact with an attorney especially important. The sooner a family reaches out, the more time we have to investigate, preserve evidence, and build a strong case.
Talk to a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Arlington at No Cost
When a family has already suffered an unimaginable loss, financial uncertainty shouldn’t be another obstacle. Fay Law Group, P.A. offers free, confidential consultations and takes virtually all wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorneys’ fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Our team has fought for clients for more than 50 years and recovered millions along the way, and we’re available around the clock when you need us.
Contact our wrongful death attorneys serving Arlington, VA today. Call (202) 589-1300 to schedule your free consultation with Fay Law Group, P.A..