The Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges made marriage equality a reality. But many people are still unclear on what a same-sex couple’s rights really are. Are they any different than any other couple’s? In accident cases, the answer is no. In this post, we break down a same-sex couple’s rights after an accident.
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What are a Same-Sex Couple’s Rights after an Accident?
On June 26th, 2015, the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage is constitutional. This extended all of the legal rights of married couples to same-sex couples. Previously, these couples were denied many basic rights in states where gay marriage was illegal. Some of these included:
- hospital visiting rights
- joint federal taxes
- spousal Social Security benefits
- family insurance
- the right to sue for the wrongful death of a spouse
- equal housing opportunities
- medical decision-making power on behalf of a spouse
These legal rights are now offered to all married couples. Many of them, such as hospital visitation, wrongful death cases, and medical decision-making, are important aspects of an accident case.
If you or your spouse are in an accident, you should be helped just like anyone else. Same-sex couples’ rights after an accident are the same as heterosexual married couples. For example, if you have been involved in a car accident and need help dealing with an insurance company or filing a claim, our accident attorneys can help you in the same way they would help any other couple.
We can and will help you in the case of an accident, regardless of your sexual orientation or marital status. You can be assured that while working with us, you will benefit from the same legal services as anyone else.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We will work with you and for you to get you the compensation you deserve.
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