Losing a loved one is one of the most devastating experiences a person can face. It can be especially difficult if this death was unexpected. For families who were dependent on the deceased’s income, a fatal accident may place an additional financial strain on them in a time of emotional turmoil.
If you have lost a loved one in an accident, you may be able to take legal action. Call a Tucson wrongful death lawyer today to learn how you could recover monetary damages for funeral expenses and other losses. Our compassionate personal injury attorneys could help your family navigate this difficult time.
Many dangerous accidents could result in death, but certain incidents are more likely to be fatal. Common accidents that may lead to death include:
If a fatal incident was caused by the negligence of another party, the deceased’s family may be able to file a civil suit. A local attorney could review the facts surrounding wrongful death and assist the family in filing a lawsuit to seek compensation.
Wrongful death lawsuits are available to the family members of deceased persons who would have been able to pursue a personal injury case had they not died. According to Arizona Revised Statutes § 12 -612, only certain family members can bring a wrongful death claim for fatal accidents. The parties who are permitted to file a lawsuit may include:
Siblings, same-sex partners, and non-married domestic partners may not pursue a claim. Additionally, there is a time limit for anyone planning to file a case.
Wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of the family member’s passing, though there are some rare exceptions. For example, a person who does not learn of the death immediately may be given more time to file a claim. A wrongful death lawyer in the area could help families understand these deadlines and identify who is permitted to file a lawsuit.
A wrongful death claim brought forth by family members may include compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages encompass the plaintiff’s economic and non-economic losses. This might include medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages, suffering, and loss of affection
Punitive damages are awarded if the defendant acted egregiously. There is no cap on the amount of damages a plaintiff may receive. An attorney could review a family’s wrongful death case to determine what damages may be available.
If you have recently lost a loved one, you may be experiencing a lot of emotional pain. Though no amount of money can bring back your loved one, filing a wrongful death claim could provide you with an opportunity to recover damages for your losses. A Tucson wrongful death lawyer could help you seek justice for your family.
