What Is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death in Arizona?

If you’ve lost a loved one in an accident caused by another party, it’s important to learn about Arizona’s statute of limitations for wrongful death. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, a statute of limitations is essentially a filing deadline for lawsuits. Suits that are filed too late are usually thrown out, leaving the plaintiffs without the money they deserve.

According to the statute, you’ll have two years from the date of your family member’s death to submit a suit. To make sure your lawsuit is filed before the two-year mark, schedule a free case evaluation with a wrongful death lawyer from Zanes Law ASAP.

Arizona’s Two-Year Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations

Arizona’s two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits is outlined in ARS § 12-542. Failing to comply with the statute could prevent you from getting the compensation you and your family need to cover expenses related to your loss and cope with the grief you’re all experiencing.

If you’ve delayed hiring an attorney for two or more years, don’t give up all hope. There might be a loophole or workaround that a lawyer can use to get you the damages you’re owed. Contact an attorney today to find out if you still have a chance at receiving compensation.

For a free legal consultation, call 866-499-8989

Compensation You Could Receive From a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

If your wrongful death lawsuit is filed within Arizona’s statute of limitations, you could receive compensation for a number of different expenses, losses, and hardships. An attorney can meet with you to discuss the financial and emotional toll that the decedent’s passing had taken on your family.

Your lawyer will use the information you provide to determine which damages you’re entitled to receive and how much compensation you’re owed.

If your suit is successful, you could receive several or more of the following damages:

• Your loved one’s end-of-life medical expenses
• Cost of your loved one’s ambulance transportation
• Funeral and burial costs
• Cemetery fees
• Loss of financial support
• Mental anguish
• Loss of consortium 
• Loss of guidance
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Suit in Arizona

If someone close to you has died in an accident, you might wonder whether you’re eligible to file a lawsuit. According to ARS § 12-612, only specific parties can pursue wrongful death damages on behalf of a deceased individual.

You may submit a suit for a deceased loved one if you are their:

• Spouse 
• Child
• Mother
• Father
• Legal guardian 

If your relationship with the decedent qualifies you to take legal action, you’ll want to do so as soon as possible. Remember, the time limit outlined in Arizona’s wrongful death statute of limitations begins as soon as your loved one passes away. Reaching out to a lawyer as soon as you can will help you comply with the state’s strict filing deadline.

Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today

How a Wrongful Death Attorney Can Win Your Case

Once you’ve hired an attorney for your case, they’ll provide a variety of services geared toward proving wrongful death and obtaining the compensation you need to navigate this challenging time. Here’s what they’ll do to help you win a fair verdict:

Gather Evidence

First, your lawyer will collect evidence related to your family member’s fatal incident. They’ll gather police reports, footage and photos of the incident, testimony from witnesses and experts, and several other documents and records.

They’ll use the information they find to build a strong lawsuit and a sound legal argument as to why you deserve maximum compensation.

Prove Fault

Once your attorney has collected the evidence they need to file a lawsuit, they’ll be able to prove fault and show why the defendant should be held liable for your loss. This process involved proving the following elements:

• The defendant owed your loved one a duty of care
• The defendant breached the duty of care
• The defendant’s actions directly caused your loved one’s passing
• Your and your family incurred economic and non-economic losses as a result of the incident

If your wrongful death lawyer can provide evidence to back up the above-listed elements, there’s an excellent chance that you’ll receive a jury award.

Represent You in Court

If you’re grieving the loss of a close family member, the last thing you want to do is appear in court. Fortunately, a lawyer can represent you and ensure your and your family’s best interests are protected throughout the case.

Your lawyer will call witnesses to the stand, present evidence to the court, and make a carefully planned argument to convince jurors that you deserve a fair verdict.

Follow Requirements for Wrongful Death Lawsuits

In addition to Arizona’s statute of limitations for wrongful death suits, there are several other rules and requirements that your attorney must follow to make sure your case is done “by the book.” 

Navigating the nuances of a trial can be difficult, but a skilled lawyer can make it seem effortless. We strongly encourage you to hire an experienced and reliable attorney to guide you through the legal process. They’ll see to it that your lawsuit is handled properly.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

Don’t Wait Another Day to Hire a Skilled Wrongful Death Attorney

Failing to comply with the statute of limitations for wrongful death in Arizona could prevent you from getting the damages you need to cover inherited medical expenses, cope with your traumatic loss, and pay for your loved one’s funeral services.

Contact the team at Zanes Law today to give yourself the best chance possible at recovering compensation for your loss. We’ll schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the circumstances surrounding your family member’s passing. Then, if we agree to take you on as a client, we’ll get started on your lawsuit as soon as we can.

Call or text 866-499-8989 or complete a
Free Case Evaluation form

Wrongful Death Blog Posts:

Infographic: Surviving a dust storm: Do you know what to do?

Doug Zanes shares advice on surviving a dust storm. Giant dust storms, popularly called “haboobs,” make for spectacular photos that everyone has seen shared on social media. Dust storms

Infographic: Swimming Pool Safety Tips

As summer approaches, my entire Zanes Law team wants swimming pool safety to be something that everyone in Arizona thinks about. All swimming pool accidents are 100% preventable, so as summer

Nightclub Safety – 4 Solid Tips

Four Tips That Will Help You Stay Safe Nightclub safety is important because there are real dangers that we seldom think about. What could be the common denominator in being injured or killed by a

Seven Swimming Pool Safety Tips

Seven Swimming Pool Safety Tips From an Arizona Personal Injury Lawyer Every year thousands of people are injured in accidents that are completely preventable. So with summer right around the corner,