Best Wrongful Death Lawyers in Japan

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Masui Total Law Office
Tokyo, Japan

Founded in 2021
9 people in their team
English
Masui & Partners provides corporate and commercial legal services with a focus on both domestic and cross-border matters. The practice includes M&A, business succession, corporate governance design, and regulatory compliance, supported by the representative attorney's experience at a top U.S. law...

Founded in 2019
1 person in their team
English
Founded in 2019 by attorney Itsuro Uchihori, Fukuokataiyo Law Office concentrates on serving clients in Onojo, Kasuga, Dazaifu, Chikushino and the wider Fukuoka prefecture. The office leverages experience gained in traffic accident claims, debt restructuring, family law and corporate advisory work...
Fukuoka, Japan

Founded in 2000
English
Kinoshita Law Office is a boutique law firm based in Fukuoka, Japan, established in 2000. The two-lawyer team provides corporate and commercial counsel as well as civil litigation support, serving businesses and professional clients with practical, results-focused advice. The firm handles corporate...
Eiwa Law Office
Sapporo, Japan

Founded in 1983
10 people in their team
Japanese
English
Law is the crystallization of humankind's "wisdom." Based in Sapporo, we use our wisdom and years of study to bring about peace.The head attorney, Toshishige Tanaka, has been a lawyer for over 40 years and has handled a wide range of civil, family affairs, and criminal matters.He is particularly...
Hamamatsu, Japan

Founded in 2020
2 people in their team
English
Ohara General Law Office is a boutique law firm based in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. It provides a broad range of legal services for individuals and small to mid sized enterprises, including inheritance and wills, divorce, debt relief for individuals, corporate debt matters, SME...

Founded in 2023
1 person in their team
English
Sapporo Wakiyama Law Office is a boutique law practice based in central Sapporo, Hokkaido. Since opening in July 2023, the firm has established a reputation for handling a broad range of civil matters with a focus on accessibility and practical results. The practice areas include Accidents &...

Founded in 2018
English
Nagoya Marunouchi Law Office specializes in debt relief, eviction and rent collection, traffic accident matters, and family law issues for individuals and small- and medium-sized enterprises in Nagoya. The firm handles debt consolidation and inheritance abandonment, eviction proceedings with rent...

Founded in 2018
1 person in their team
English
Michishirube Law Office offers corporate law services for a wide range of clients, from listed companies to small businesses. The firm handles daily legal matters, shareholder meeting guidance, and disputes over corporate control, and it has a strong track record in M&A, due diligence, and...

Founded in 2016
3 people in their team
English
Kinki Frontier Law Firm is a Japan based practice with offices in Kobe North, Sasayama, and Tamba. The firm focuses on civil and commercial matters, including traffic accidents, real estate disputes, inheritance and private client issues, and other related areas. Its team combines practical...

English
Yamagami International Law Offices, with offices in Tokyo and Fukuoka, provides specialist legal services in cross border matters, including international transactions, international family law, patent matters and a broad range of litigation. The firm serves foreign individuals and multinational...
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About Wrongful Death Law in Japan

Wrongful death law in Japan addresses the legal framework surrounding deaths caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another person or entity. This branch of law allows for the survivors of the deceased to claim compensation for the financial and emotional suffering they endure due to the untimely demise of their loved one. These laws are designed to provide a level of relief and justice to the bereaved family while holding the responsible parties accountable for their negligence or misconduct.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Pursuing a wrongful death claim can be a complex and emotionally taxing process. Common situations where individuals may need legal help include:

  • Death due to medical malpractice or negligence
  • Fatalities resulting from automobile accidents involving negligence
  • Workplace accidents leading to employee death
  • Product defects that result in death
  • Criminal activities leading to an untimely death

Engaging a lawyer can provide the necessary expertise to navigate these difficult cases, ensuring that the rights and interests of the survivors are adequately represented.

Local Laws Overview

The Japanese legal system does not prescribe a specific "wrongful death" statute; however, wrongful death claims are typically pursued under civil law principles. Key aspects include:

  • Article 709 of the Civil Code: Provides for damages in cases where unlawful acts result in the infringement of personal rights.
  • Compensation Claims: Survivors can claim for both pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages, encompassing loss of financial support, funeral expenses, and emotional pain and suffering.
  • Statute of Limitations: Generally, claims must be filed within three years of the death or the survivors becoming aware of the wrongful act.
  • Burden of Proof: Claimants need to provide proof of negligence or intentional harm by the defendant, which directly caused the death.

Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes a wrongful death under Japanese law?

A wrongful death in Japan is seen as a death caused by the negligent, reckless, or intentional act of another party, which leads to a viable claim for damages.

Who can file a wrongful death claim in Japan?

Typically, close family members such as spouses, children, and parents have the right to file a wrongful death claim.

What types of damages can be claimed?

Claimants can seek compensation for loss of income, funeral costs, and non-monetary damages like emotional distress.

How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit?

You generally have three years from the date of death or when you became aware of the wrongful act to file a lawsuit.

Is there a cap on the damages that can be awarded?

There is no statutory cap on damages in wrongful death cases, but compensation amounts are determined based on various factors including loss and suffering.

How is liability determined in wrongful death cases?

Liability is determined by proving the defendant's negligence or intent directly caused the death.

Can wrongful death cases be settled out of court?

Yes, many wrongful death cases are settled out of court to avoid lengthy litigation. Legal assistance can help negotiate a settlement.

What evidence is required to support a wrongful death claim?

Evidence like medical reports, eyewitness testimony, expert opinions, and documentation of financial loss are crucial.

Does a criminal verdict affect a wrongful death claim?

A criminal trial outcome can influence the civil case but isn't determinative. A separate civil lawsuit can still proceed regardless of the criminal verdict.

How can a lawyer assist in a wrongful death case?

Lawyers can help gather evidence, navigate the legal system, negotiate settlements, and advocate in court to ensure fair compensation.

Additional Resources

For further guidance, these resources may be helpful:

  • Court Library Association of Japan: Provides resources and information about civil proceedings.
  • Japanese Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA): Offers lawyer referrals and guidance on navigating legal issues.
  • Local Legal Aid Services: Many municipalities offer legal aid programs to assist with legal proceedings.

Next Steps

If you are considering legal assistance for a wrongful death case, here are your next steps:

  • Consult a Lawyer: Seek consultations with lawyers specializing in wrongful death cases for tailored legal advice.
  • Gather Documentation: Assemble relevant documents such as medical records, police reports, and financial statements.
  • Evaluate Your Options: Consider both litigation and settlement opportunities with your lawyer.
  • Prepare for Legal Proceedings: If proceeding to court, ensure all necessary documentation is ready and a strong case is presented with your lawyer's help.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Japan through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Wrongful Death, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.