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Losing a loved one is difficult. It can be even more devastating when their death is caused by the negligence or intentional actions of another person or entity, creating both an emotional and financial toll on the surviving family. If your loved one suffered a wrongful death, a Glendale, AZ, wrongful death lawyer can help you and your family recover the compensation you deserve.
At Bleaman Law Firm, we know that experiencing the death of a loved one can be a very difficult experience. Surviving family members usually have to consider financial logistics in addition to navigating their emotions. We are dedicated to providing you with the legal guidance you need during this overwhelming time. Our goal is to hold the responsible party accountable for the death of your loved one and secure compensation for your loss.
In Arizona, wrongful death is defined as the death of a person caused by the negligence, default, or intentional acts of another person or entity. Examples of this include:
Because a deceased person cannot file a claim on their own behalf, there are others who can file this claim. In Glendale, Arizona, the acceptable parties able to file the claim typically begin with the surviving family of the deceased.
The first person who can file a claim is the surviving spouse if the deceased had one. Next, if the deceased had children, they can file a claim. If the deceased was not married, did not have children, and/or was a minor at the time, their parents may be able to file a claim on their behalf. If no family is available to file the claim, the court can appoint a representative to file a claim on behalf of their estate.
When you file a wrongful death claim, damages are typically considered either economic or non-economic.
Economic damages include quantifiable losses, such as the cost of a funeral, burial, medical bills the deceased incurred before their death, lost wages the deceased would have earned if they’d lived (especially if their family relied on them financially), and any property damage that happened as a result of the incident.
Non-economic damages are not as easily quantifiable, but are awarded at the discretion of the courts and the circumstances of the situation. This includes the loss of companionship, emotional pain and suffering from losing a loved one, and loss of guidance and mentorship, especially if the deceased had young children.
There is no cap in Arizona for damages, so the amount of damages awarded will depend on the specifics of the case.
In Arizona, there is a statute of limitations by which you must file a wrongful death claim. You typically have two years from the date of death to file a claim, or you may lose your right to seek compensation. In a few cases, there may be exceptions. An attorney can help you file in time and let you know if you qualify for any exceptions.
Wrongful death cases can be emotionally and legally challenging. A wrongful death claim frequently entails complex matters such as proving liability, calculating damages, and dealing with insurance companies. An experienced Glendale wrongful death lawyer can handle these issues for you and make a significant difference in the result of your case.
Bleaman Law Firm handles wrongful death claims and has a solid track record of assisting bereaved families in seeking justice and recompense for their losses. We can protect your legal rights throughout the entire process, from gathering evidence to negotiating a fair settlement and litigating in court.
A: In Arizona, a claim for wrongful death may be brought by the deceased’s parents, children, or surviving spouse. A personal representative of the estate may file on behalf of the heirs of the dead if none of these family members exist. A parent or legal guardian may bring an action in circumstances involving the death of a minor.
A: Some examples of wrongful deaths include automobile accidents that were caused by careless driving, medical malpractice, accidents that occurred in the workplace, criminal activities like assault or murder, and deaths that were caused by defective products or hazardous premises. Those who initiated these actions can be held liable for the victim’s death.
A: Yes, a wrongful death claim can still be filed in Arizona if the deceased was partially at fault for the incident. Arizona follows a comparative fault rule, meaning the damages may be reduced in relation to the deceased’s percentage of responsibility. For example, if the deceased was 30% at fault, the total award could be reduced by 30%. However, a claim can still proceed regardless of shared fault.
A: The typical wrongful death settlement in Arizona varies substantially depending on the case’s complexity, the damages involved, and the defendant’s responsibility. While some instances settle for lower amounts, more serious cases involving high medical expenditures or mental anguish can result in much larger settlements. An attorney can help you understand how much your case is worth.
If your loved one suffered a wrongful death at the hands of another, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Contact Bleaman Injury Law, PC, today, and our compassionate legal team can help you get the justice you are due.
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