If you have experienced the sudden, unexpected loss of a loved one in an accident that you believe was caused by another person’s recklessness or wrongdoing, you may be entitled to take legal action against the responsible party. By filing a wrongful death claim against the negligent person, company, or entity, surviving family members can recover compensation to help cope with the unforeseen expenses and non-economic losses that often occur after a wrongful death. Then contact Phoenix wrongful death lawyers to help you with that claim.
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What Is The Benefit Of A Phoenix Wrongful Death Lawyer?
After suffering such a tragic loss in the family, it is understandable that taking legal action may seem like an additional burden, but it is important to speak with a Phoenix injury attorney as soon as possible to explore your options for gaining restitution. Our wrongful death lawyer, Warnock MacKinlay Law, understands that the absence of a loved one is devastating and will work closely with you to ensure that your best interests are protected. While no amount of money can erase the past, compensation can offset financial strain that may affect your future. Call us for a free consultation or submit an online contact form.
What is Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death can be an accident or a deliberate unjust act of another person or entity that causes someone to die.
What Rights do Family Members Have When a Loved One Has Died Wrongfully?
Immediate family members have the right to claim wrongful death damages against the person who caused their loved one’s death. In Arizona, immediate family members include a spouse, parent or child. If the victim did not have a spouse, child, or surviving parents, the estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit with the proceeds combined with the victim’s assets.
Who May Sue for Wrongful Death?
When a person passes away, it is likely that many lives will be affected by the loss and in some cases, experience economic consequences. However, not everyone is entitled to sue the at-fault party for damages. In Arizona, the surviving spouse, children, parents, or guardian of a deceased person may lawfully pursue a wrongful death claim. A lawyer will act on behalf of the survivors, also known as beneficiaries, to ensure that the case is both uncomplicated and efficient, especially if there are several family members involved.
Settlement vs. Lawsuit
One of the most important questions in a wrongful death claim is whether to accept a settlement offer from the responsible party, or to take your case to court for a decision. This is an area in which it is important to have sound legal counsel from a knowledgeable wrongful death attorney.
You will most likely be dealing with Phoenix wrongful death lawyers or representatives of the negligent party’s insurance company who have the best interests of their own client at heart. Almost invariably, they will try to get the injured party to accept a lowball offer in an attempt to minimize the amount the company has to pay out.
We have the knowledge and experience to accurately assess the full extent of your damages and negotiate skillfully with the other side on your behalf. If you receive a settlement offer, we can advise you of whether or not it represents full and fair compensation for the losses you have suffered.
If a fair settlement offer is made, acceptance is often the best option, as it can save you the time spent on a lengthy trial and the expense of litigation. Also, when a case is brought to court, it is never guaranteed who will win or lose. Nevertheless, you should not have to settle for less than a fair level of financial compensation for losses you have suffered, and we are ready to fight aggressively for your rights in court when necessary.
In many cases, having a legal team on your side who already has an impressive track record of favorable outcomes can make all the difference in the settlement offer. If the other side knows you are represented by Arizona personal injury attorneys who will arrive in court fully prepared, and will not back down in fighting for your rights and interests, a reasonable settlement is likely to be offered. Our firm has a history of success, with 98% of our cases concluded successfully.
Is a Wrongful Death Settlement for Funeral Expenses Only?
A wrongful death settlement includes damages for many other costs the family has incurred due to their loved one’s death. A wrongful death settlement includes damages for:
Medical and out-of-pocket costs before the death occurred
Loss of future income of the deceased
Pain and suffering the deceased incurred
Loss of service to the family
Loss of love, companionship and guidance
What Damages Can be Recovered?
Through legal action, it is possible for families to not only gain closure and a sense of justice, but also financial compensation for past, current, and future expenses. Common types of economic and non-economic damages that may be awarded in an Arizona wrongful death case include:
Medical expenses for past treatment
Loss of income and services if the victim had lived
Funeral/burial expenses
Loss of consortium, including companionship, love, and care
Pain and suffering, such as the emotional and mental anguish associated with grief
Punitive damages that are intended to punish the at-fault party
Every case is unique and a jury will determine the amount of damages that may be awarded based on the circumstances of the victim’s death, the victim’s income and expected future earnings, and the non-economic losses suffered by each eligible survivor.
Punitive Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim
In addition to economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages may also be awarded in certain wrongful death cases. Punitive damages are not limited by the monetary value of the losses the family of the deceased has suffered. They are designed to punish the responsible party for wrongdoing and to deter similar actions by others in the future.
In Arizona, punitive damages may be awarded in certain types of cases, including those involving reckless and outrageous conduct. For example, if a driver makes an error and unintentionally causes a fatal accident, punitive damages will probably not be included in the award. However, if the driver who causes a fatal accident is DUI at the time of the crash, a crime has been committed and punitive damages could potentially be awarded in court.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Phoenix?
In Arizona, survivors must file a wrongful death claim within two years of the death in order to be eligible for compensation. Failure to take legal action within the statute of limitations can result in the loss of right to assert a wrongful death claim. While a statute of limitations is generally strict, there are unique circumstances in which an individual may be able to file a claim after the specific time period has expired. An experienced and knowledgeable lawyer will be able to evaluate your case and determine whether you still have a potential claim.
The Phoenix Wrongful Death Team – Making a Difference for Our Clients
The compassionate Phoenix personal injury legal team at Nathaniel B. Preston PLLC. understands the needs of a grieving family, and will work tirelessly to ensure that you gain the compensation you need and deserve. Nathaniel B. Preston PLLC has years of experience defending clients who have suffered emotional and financial losses as the result of another’s negligent actions or wrongdoing. Please do not hesitate to contact us to learn more about your options for recovery. Your first consultation is always free. Call us today.
Wrongful Death FAQ
The Arizona Department of Transportation has stated that 741 total roadway fatalities have occurred throughout the state in 2012, many of which were caused by the actions of negligent drivers.
As a result of the enormous amount of fatalities across our roadways, our car accident attorneys at Nathaniel B. Preston PLLC have compiled a list of wrongful death frequently asked questions. Some frequently asked questions regarding wrongful death include:
Am I Eligible to File A Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Under Arizona state law all survivors are able to seek compensation benefits for losses relating to the death of their loved one. These survivors may include spouses, children, parents, and other relatives close to that individual.
How Do I Know If I Have A Wrongful Death Case?
If your family member has suffered a fatality as the result of a car accident, the negligent driver of the other vehicle may be held responsible for their actions, thus you may be eligible to recover for losses and damages.
Do I Have Much Time To File A Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Arizona?
The state of Arizona’s statute of limitations allows an individual to years from the date of the deceased to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
How Much Will It Cost Me To Hire An Experienced Attorney?
Our attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, which means that we will not charge you for our services unless a favorable verdict or settlement has been made and you recover. Furthermore, we also offer Free Case Reviews to the family members of those fatally injured in automotive accidents.
What Types Of Compensation Can I Recover From A Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
There are several damages an individual may collect following the death of their loved one. Some of these damages include; general damages, punitive damages, grief, medical expenses, funeral expenses, loss of wages and future wages, loss of benefits, loss of inheritance, mental anguish, loss of care, loss of protection, and loss of companionship.
Which Family Members Can File A Claim for Wrongful Death?
Family members of the deceased individual may bring a wrongful death on if he or she is the deceased’s spouse, child, heir or heirs, dependent father or mother, or designated beneficiary.
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