Wrongful Death

practice areas hero

Wrongful Death Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia

Justice for Families After a Tragic Loss

When someone you love is taken because of another person’s negligence, no amount of money can replace them, but holding the responsible party accountable can bring answers, dignity, and much-needed financial security to those left behind. At Hollingsworth PLLC, we help families in Alexandria and across Northern Virginia pursue justice through wrongful death lawsuits.

This is more than a legal process. It’s about honoring your loved one’s memory, uncovering the truth, and ensuring that what happened to them does not happen again.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in Virginia?

A wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another party. Under Virginia law, the surviving family members have the right to bring a civil lawsuit for damages.

Wrongful death claims are separate from any criminal proceedings. Even if the responsible party is never criminally charged or is acquitted, you can still pursue compensation in civil court.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death

At Hollingsworth PLLC, we represent families who have lost loved ones due to:

  • Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
  • Pedestrian or bicycle accidents
  • Medical malpractice or misdiagnosis
  • Nursing home abuse and neglect
  • Workplace and construction site accidents
  • Defective products or equipment
  • Acts of violence or assault

Each case is different, but they all share one devastating similarity: a life was lost unnecessarily, and a family is left grieving.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Virginia?

Virginia law allows the following parties to recover damages in a wrongful death claim:

  • Surviving spouse
  • Children (including adopted and stepchildren)
  • Grandchildren (if their parent is deceased)
  • Parents or siblings (in certain cases)
  • Other relatives or dependents who were financially reliant on the deceased

The claim is usually brought by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, but the damages go directly to the surviving beneficiaries.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

While no amount of compensation can replace your loved one, a successful wrongful death claim can provide stability and accountability. We pursue damages for:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical bills incurred before death
  • Loss of the deceased’s income and financial support
  • Loss of companionship, comfort, and guidance
  • Emotional anguish of survivors
  • Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence or willful conduct)

We work closely with economic experts, grief counselors, and life care planners to ensure every impact is fully understood and valued.

Why Families Choose Hollingsworth PLLC for Wrongful Death Cases

Wrongful death cases are uniquely painful. You’re not only navigating grief, you’re often battling silence, denials, or blame-shifting from institutions or corporations. That’s why families turn to us:

  • We bring relentless investigation and trial readiness
  • We treat families with compassion and respect
  • We give you the time and space to grieve while we handle the legal fight
  • We have a deep understanding of trauma and family dynamics during loss

You won’t be shuffled off to a junior associate or passed from person to person. Mike Hollingsworth will personally handle your case with the care and tenacity it deserves.

How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Virginia’s statute of limitations for wrongful death cases is generally two years from the date of death. However, certain exceptions can apply depending on the facts of your case. It’s always best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and your rights.

Waiting too long can prevent you from ever bringing a claim, no matter how strong the facts may be.

Our Process – What You Can Expect

From the moment you contact Hollingsworth PLLC, we take steps to protect your family’s legal and emotional well-being:

  1. Initial Consultation – We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and answer every question with honesty and care.
  2. Investigation – We gather medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert analysis to build a compelling case.
  3. Case Development – We document the full impact on your family, financially and emotionally, and prepare for trial from day one.
  4. Negotiation or Litigation – We fight for a full, fair settlement, but we’re not afraid to take your case to court if needed.

You’ll never be left in the dark. We’ll keep you informed and empowered every step of the way.

Real-World Scenarios of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle

  • A mother struck and killed by a distracted driver while crossing the street
  • A patient who died due to a delayed cancer diagnosis
  • A nursing home resident who suffered fatal sepsis from untreated bedsores
  • A worker killed on an unsafe job site with no proper fall protection
  • A child who died after exposure to a defective product

These cases aren’t just about statistics, they’re about people. Families. Justice. Legacy.

What Makes Hollingsworth PLLC Different?

We’re not a high-volume firm. We take a limited number of serious, high-impact cases so we can provide the intense focus they deserve. When you work with us, you get:

  • One-on-one representation from Mike Hollingsworth
  • Personalized attention to your family’s values and needs
  • Aggressive advocacy in the face of complex legal obstacles
  • No upfront fees – you don’t pay unless we win

Wrongful death claims require legal and emotional strength. We bring both.

Alexandria Focus – Local Insight, Local Advocacy

As a firm based in Alexandria, we understand the local court system, juries, and community standards. We have experience working with local hospitals, accident investigators, and expert witnesses throughout Northern Virginia.

We serve families across:

  • Alexandria
  • Arlington
  • Fairfax
  • Falls Church
  • Prince William County
  • Loudoun County

No matter where your tragedy occurred, we’re here to help.

Ready to Talk? Your Family Deserves Answers.

We know it’s not easy to call a lawyer during such a painful time. But we’re here to make the process easier, not harder. You don’t need to know everything right now. Just take the first step, we’ll help with the rest.

Contact Hollingsworth PLLC for a free, confidential consultation today.