Photo of John M. McLaughlin, Tony W. Patterson and Paul S. Kruse

Helping You Put Your Life Back On Track After A Serious Injury

Skilled Indianapolis Wrongful Death Lawyers

Last updated on May 1, 2026

We know that there is nothing that can replace the life of your loved one, and there is nothing that can reverse the horrible wrongs done to your family. Still, with the right lawyer by your side, you can take comfort in knowing there will be consequences for their actions.

When another person’s negligence prematurely takes the life of a loved one, an Indiana wrongful death lawyer at Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse LLP will relentlessly search for all liable parties and help families achieve justice. Our nationally recognized attorneys have 75 years of collective legal experience, securing millions for victims’ families.

Since our founding in 1899, we have served thousands of clients in Indiana, providing quality legal representation for clients filing wrongful death claims and other kinds of personal injury matters. We do everything in our power to secure the compensation you deserve.

As a longstanding law firm with skilled trial attorneys, we have a proven record of verdicts and settlements. Attorney Tony Patterson is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum®, an honor only given to less than 1% of the nation’s practicing lawyers who have obtained million-dollar settlements for clients. In addition, Attorney Paul Kruse has helped countless clients for more than three decades, earning million-dollar settlements as a member of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association.

Holding The Negligent Accountable

When misconduct directly results in death from an accident, surviving family members may then pursue legal action by bringing a personal injury wrongful death claim. Under Indiana Code 34-18-2-25, only certain parties can commence a wrongful death action and have up to two years to file a claim. Typical examples of negligence often involve one of the following causes:

We handle these and most other types of personal injury cases.

Why File a Claim?

Indiana wrongful death laws allow surviving family members to pursue compensation so that the financial burden does not cause unreasonable suffering.

With our professional resources and expert contacts, we know how to determine the cause of your loved one’s accident, establish negligence and prove that your loved one’s death is the direct result of a liable party’s misconduct.

We have represented thousands of cases on all levels of state and local courts, and we can pursue the maximum compensation for your family, including:

Attorney fees
Intangible damages
Funeral and burial costs
Medical bills
Pain and suffering
Loss of income
Loss of companionship

Our Indiana wrongful death lawyers know what it takes to secure maximum compensation for your loss. Allow our legal team to work for you.

Child Wrongful Death Act

Few things are more tragic than the loss of a child. For some, the intense feelings of grief can be like experiencing physical pain. The state of Indiana statutes recognize the rights of parents to recover for the death of their child. If your child is killed due to an act of negligence or misconduct, trust us to aggressively represent you and your family to make sure you hold them accountable for their actions.

Indiana courts allow these individuals to pursue compensation for wrongful death of a child:

A legal guardian
The father and mother jointly, or either of them
In the case of divorce or dissolution of marriage, the custodial parent of the child

Have you experienced the loss of a child? Contact us today at 317-505-1342.

Answers To Common Wrongful Death Questions

We understand the details of each case are unique, but here are a few questions we often hear during our free initial consultations:

Q: Is there a time limit for filing a wrongful death claim in Indiana?

A: Yes, in Indiana, you must file a wrongful death claim within two years from the date of the deceased person’s death.

Q: How long does a typical wrongful death case take to resolve?

A: The duration of a wrongful death case can vary widely. Some cases may be resolved within a few months, while others can take several years, depending on factors such as the case’s complexity, the availability of evidence and the willingness of parties to settle.

Q: Who is eligible to file a wrongful death claim in Indiana?

A: In Indiana, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. This representative acts on behalf of the surviving family members, such as the spouse, children or other dependents.

Q: What is considered a wrongful death under Indiana law?

A: In Indiana, wrongful death occurs when a person’s death is caused by the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another party, such as in car accidents, medical errors, or defective products. Under Indiana Code § 34-23-1-1, the death must result from a wrongful act or omission that would have allowed the deceased to file a personal injury claim if they had survived. We can evaluate your case to determine if it qualifies.

Q: What types of compensation can be recovered in an Indiana wrongful death claim?

A: Surviving family members may seek economic damages like lost wages, medical expenses, and funeral costs, as well as non-economic damages such as loss of companionship, emotional distress, and pain and suffering endured by the deceased before death. In some cases, punitive damages may apply if the conduct was especially egregious. Our firm has secured millions in such compensations for Indiana families.

Q: How is the amount of compensation determined in a wrongful death case?

A: Compensation is calculated based on factors like the deceased’s age, earning potential, relationship to survivors, and the extent of negligence. Experts such as economists and medical professionals may testify to quantify losses. In Indiana, there’s no cap on damages in most wrongful death cases, allowing for potentially substantial awards depending on the evidence.

Q: What evidence is needed to prove negligence in an Indiana wrongful death case?

A: Key evidence includes accident reports, medical records, witness statements, expert testimonies, and photos/videos from the scene. Our team uses investigators and forensic experts to gather and preserve this evidence promptly, strengthening your claim against liable parties.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death lawyer in Indianapolis?

A: At our firm, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront or out-of-pocket. We only collect a fee if we win your case, typically a percentage of the settlement or verdict. This allows Indiana families to access top legal representation without financial risk.

Q: Can multiple parties be held liable in an Indiana wrongful death claim?

A: Yes, under Indiana’s comparative fault rules (Indiana Code § 34-51-2), liability can be shared among multiple parties, such as a driver, vehicle manufacturer, and employer in a truck accident. As long as your loved one’s fault is less than 51%, you can recover proportional damages. Our attorneys excel at identifying all responsible entities to maximize compensation.

Free Consultation: Get The Help You Deserve During This Difficult Time

After an accidental death, we prepare each case thoroughly from beginning to end. Because we are always prepared to go to trial, we secure satisfactory results for our clients time and time again.

Contact Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse LLP to schedule your free case evaluation. You can reach us online, but our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so there is no time like now to call. We proudly represent injured victims in Indiana and have offices in Indianapolis and Lebanon for your convenience.