Did you recently lose a loved one due to someone else’s actions in Phoenix, AZ? You deserve justice for your loved one’s death. Contact KRLG Injury Lawyers at (623) 303-5754 to arrange a free consultation with a Phoenix wrongful death lawyer. We can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our attorneys have already recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. We understand that you’re grieving and in pain. Let us work toward holding the at-fault parties accountable for your suffering and securing justice.
Why Should I Choose KRLG Injury Lawyers for Legal Assistance With a Wrongful Death Claim in Phoenix?
At KRLG Injury Lawyers, we have a proven track record of successfully handling complex claims. Since we opened our doors, our Phoenix wrongful death attorneys have recovered over $200 million for our clients.
In the process, we’ve been recognized for our tireless advocacy and skilled legal representation by:
- Super Lawyers
- Best Lawyers, in their “Ones to Watch” ratings
- Forbes Advisor
Most importantly, our clients know we’ve earned the respect of the insurance companies and defense lawyers they’ll face when pursuing compensation here in Phoenix, Arizona. Because we’re so committed to our clients, we’re able to build the types of cases the defense can’t ignore.
To learn more, call our Phoenix personal injury lawyers today for your free consultation.
How Does Arizona Law Define Wrongful Death?
Survivors have the right to file a wrongful death claim in Arizona if the death:
- Was caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another person, and
- Would have given the victim the right to file a personal injury claim had they lived
Wrongful death actions are always civil matters. Most are based on deaths caused by preventable accidents. Even if the state presses criminal charges, you maintain your right to file a wrongful death claim. The two matters are handled separately.
In wrongful death cases, the point is to compensate surviving families for their losses with a financial award.
Understanding How Wrongful Death Cases Work in Arizona
Only certain parties can file an action for wrongful death under Arizona law:
- The victim’s surviving spouse
- Their children
- The victim’s parents
- The personal representative for the decedent (the person responsible for handling their estate)
Any damages recovered are distributed among the victim’s surviving spouse, children, or parents.
If none of these family members can be identified, the compensation award becomes an asset in the victim’s estate. The money can be distributed according to the victim’s will or as directed under Arizona laws governing situations where there is no will.
How Much Is My Wrongful Death Case Worth?
Without evaluating the facts, it’s difficult to estimate the value of your case. In Arizona wrongful death cases, damages are to reflect an amount that is deemed “fair and just”.
Assessing the value of a wrongful death claim can be complicated, and, ultimately, our lawyers will consider a range of factors, including:
- The circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death
- Your loved one’s age and life expectancy when they died
- Your loved one’s contributions to their family and household
- Your loved one’s earning capacity, projected by evaluating past earnings, education, work history, etc.
- The financial costs associated with the injury and death
- The emotional suffering your family has been forced to endure
Determining the potential value of a wrongful death claim often involves consultation with various specialists, such as financial analysts, healthcare providers, and career experts. Their insights help assess the long-term income the deceased would have earned, along with the value of services they contributed at home.
Emotional harm to surviving relatives is another important consideration. While financial recovery cannot fill the void left by a loved one, it can relieve some of the economic strain that follows a loss. By examining these factors early, families can position themselves to pursue the compensation Arizona law makes available in such cases.
As a surviving family member, you’re probably wondering how any amount of money could ever compensate for your loss. Understanding the value of your claim, however, is the key to getting a fair settlement. Otherwise, you risk taking an insurance deal that doesn’t give you everything you deserve.
Our team at KRLG Injury Lawyers is prepared to aggressively pursue every available dollar. After a life-changing loss, call our law firm so that we can start working to protect your family’s future today.
What Kinds of Compensation Are Available in a Wrongful Death Case?
Two basic types of compensatory damages can be awarded in wrongful death cases: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Damages that you can recover include:
- Loss of your loved one’s financial support
- Loss of the value of the household services and childcare your loved one provided
- Loss of health or retirement benefits
- Any medical expenses your family paid between the date of injury and death
- Funeral expenses and burial costs
- Your family’s mental pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium, or loss of a spouse’s companionship and support
- Loss of parental guidance, instruction, and support
Punitive damages may also be awarded if the defendant’s conduct was especially egregious or shocking. While punitive damages are only available in limited cases, the court may award them if it feels the defendant’s acts deserve punishment.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Arizona?
Most wrongful death lawyers, including ours, work on a contingency fee basis. Under this fee arrangement, it costs you nothing to retain our services. Instead, we will receive our compensation if your case is settled or a jury verdict is secured. We deduct a percentage of that settlement or verdict when we recover compensation. If we lose your case, you won’t owe us anything for our services.
The Other Side is Blaming My Loved One for Their Own Death. Do I Still Have a Valid Wrongful Death Claim in Arizona?
Yes, you will not forfeit your family’s right to compensation even if your loved one did share some fault.
Arizona is a pure comparative negligence state. That means victims can recover compensation if they’re partly responsible for accidents or damages, even if they’re primarily responsible.
In all cases, liability is divided between parties who share blame. If the defendant can prove your loved one was partly responsible, your family’s compensation will be reduced by their share of fault.
When blame-shifting strategies are in play, hiring an experienced Phoenix wrongful death attorney is essential. Insurance companies often go to great lengths to pin blame on a victim who isn’t around to defend themselves. These tactics don’t surprise or intimidate us; in fact, we are prepared to counter them.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Wrongful Deaths in Phoenix?
At KRLG Injury Lawyers, we help families navigate the aftermath of all types of fatal incidents.
Some common causes of deadly accidents in Phoenix include:
- Car accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Dangerous property conditions
- Fires
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Bus accidents
- Uber or Lyft accidents
- Accidents involving recreational vehicles
- Construction accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Negligent security
- Defective products
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Intentional acts of assault and violence, or intentional torts
Wrongful deaths are preventable events. Numerous families are forced to grieve the untimely loss of a loved one each year because people can’t be bothered to be careful. If yours is among them, you can count on our team to provide the legal support and guidance you need to help you through this difficult time.
What Does My Family Have to Prove to Recover Compensation in a Wrongful Death Case?
The circumstances of your loved one’s death will determine your burden of proof.
For most families, negligence is the legal basis for a wrongful death claim, meaning:
- The defendant had a legal duty toward your loved one.
- They failed to use reasonable caution, so they breached that duty.
- That breach caused your loved one’s death.
- Your family suffered damages.
Our lawyers will dig deep to locate the crucial evidence you need to prove your case. While you care for your family, you can have peace of mind knowing that we’re fighting for you.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Arizona?
Every state limits the amount of time victims have to file lawsuits. In wrongful death cases, the lawsuit must be filed within two years of the victim’s death.
Two years may seem like a long time. In reality, those years can go by quickly. Starting to build your case sooner rather than later is always a good idea. Evidence can begin to fade or disappear if you wait too long.
Contact an Experienced Phoenix Wrongful Death Lawyer for a Free Consultation Today
After the loss of a loved one, our experienced Phoenix wrongful death attorneys are here to help you. At KRLG Injury Lawyers, we’re here to discuss your case and explain your options. With many years of experience, we have recovered over $200 million on behalf of our clients.
Call us today to schedule a free consultation.