What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in Rhode Island?

A wrongful death occurs when someone’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions result in the loss of another person’s life. Under Rhode Island law, surviving family members or the estate can pursue compensation for the damages suffered because of that death.

This civil claim helps hold the responsible party accountable — whether the loss was caused by a car crash, medical malpractice, workplace accident, or something else.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle

Wrongful death can stem from nearly any type of accident or act of negligence. At ACE, we’ve helped families pursue justice in a variety of tragic cases, including:

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Rhode Island?

Under state law, the executor or administrator of the deceased person’s estate typically files the claim. However, surviving family members — such as:



• Spouses
• Children
• ParentsLegal dependents

— may be entitled to compensation through the lawsuit. We can help you determine who qualifies and guide you through every step of the legal process.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Wrongful death claims in Rhode Island can recover a range of economic and non-economic damages. These may include:

• Funeral & Burial Expenses: Covers reasonable costs of memorial services, burial, and related arrangements.
  
• Medical Bills Before Death: Reimburses emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, and other treatments before passing.
  
• Lost Future Income: Recovers the earnings the deceased would have contributed to the household over time.
• Emotional Distress & Mental Anguish: Compensates family for the trauma and emotional suffering after the loss.
• Loss of Companionship or Consortium: Recognizes the loss of love, affection, support, and partnership.
• Punitive Damages (in some cases): In extreme cases of recklessness or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded.

Proving a Wrongful Death Case

To successfully pursue compensation, you must prove that:



• The responsible party owed a duty of care
• That duty was breached through negligence or misconduct
• That breach directly caused the death
• The death resulted in measurable damages

We work with expert witnesses, accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and investigators to build a strong case.

What’s the Time Limit to File?

Rhode Island’s statute of limitations for wrongful death cases is three years from the date of death. However, exceptions and tolling rules may apply — so don’t wait.

The earlier you contact a lawyer, the stronger your case will be.

Why Choose Ace Injury Attorneys?

✅ We fight for families — not corporations or insurers

✅ Local to Providence and surrounding RI & MA cities

✅ No fees unless we win your case

✅ Proven track record with wrongful death claims

✅ Free, compassionate consultations



Let us handle the legal battle — so you can focus on healing.

We represent families across Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, including:

Rhode Island:

• Providence
• Cranston
• Warwick
• Pawtucket
• Woonsocket
• Cumberland
• East Providence
• Portsmouth
• Smithfield



Massachusetts:

• Fall River
• New Bedford
• Taunton
• Attleboro
• North Attleboro
• Brockton
• Seekonk
• Mansfield
• Dartmouth
• Fairhaven
• Westport
• Rehoboth
• Swansea
  

$42,000

RECENT SETTLEMENT

for driver in low-impact crash where liability was contested

RECENT SETTLEMENT

$160,000

for a homeowner whose utility company damaged her home

$92,500

RECENT SETTLEMENT

for a condominium association whose insurer denied coverage

$100,000

RECENT SETTLEMENT

for a condominium unit owner whose insurer denied liability

Our Clients are Happy & Satisfied.

We get our clients big results, maintain a strong reputation, utilize advanced resources, and treat each client with respect and empathy.