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Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence is one of the most painful experiences a family can endure. Along with the grief, there’s often confusion, frustration, and a flood of unanswered questions. Families in Surprise and across Arizona face these same struggles every day, and recent cases show just how heartbreaking wrongful deaths can be.
In Phoenix, the city recently agreed to pay $2 million to the family of a toddler who died after officials advised against hospital transport during a seizure.
In another case, the parents of 16-year-old Preston Lord filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the parents of a known violent teen, alleging years of ignored warning signs that ended in tragedy.
And the family of 58-year-old Lafayette Palmes sued Maricopa County after he died of heat exposure while under public guardianship when he was abandoned on a day when temperatures hit 116 degrees.
If you are here, chances are your family is facing similar pain and uncertainty. At Thompson Law, we want you to know that you don’t have to face this battle alone.
Call today for your FREE CONSULTATION.
When your family is grieving, the last thing you should have to worry about is paperwork, deadlines, or fighting with insurance companies.
At Thompson Law, we take on every detail of your case so you can focus on healing and honoring your loved one’s memory. Families who choose us find peace of mind knowing an experienced legal team is fighting for answers and accountability on their behalf.
We can help with:
We know a wrongful death case is more than just legal paperwork; it’s about a life taken too soon and a family left searching for justice. Let us shoulder the legal burden while you focus on what matters most. Call us today for your FREE CONSULTATION and let us get to work immediately.
We’ve recovered over $1.9 billion for accident victims nationwide, and our results speak for themselves. From serious injury claims to everyday collisions, we fight to get our clients every dollar they’re owed. Our success is rooted in strong advocacy and the relentless pursuit of justice.
Every accident is unique. We take the time to understand the details and develop a legal strategy tailored to your specific needs. This approach ensures that your voice is heard and your case gets the attention it deserves.
With hundreds of 5-star reviews and a history of satisfied clients, Thompson Law is trusted throughout California for our results and responsiveness. Clients choose us because we communicate clearly, act quickly, and deliver results.
You don’t pay anything unless we win your case. It’s that simple. We work on a contingency fee basis, so there’s no risk to you.
We’re available 24/7 to take your call. Once hired, we begin investigating right away to preserve evidence and build your case. Time matters after a crash, so don’t wait. Call us now for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
No amount of money can replace the life of a loved one. Still, a wrongful death claim can provide financial stability and hold the responsible parties accountable.
The amount your family may be entitled to depends on many factors, including your loved one’s age, earning potential, the circumstances of their death, and the extent of your family’s losses.
Special damages cover the tangible financial impact of your loved one’s passing. They may include:
General damages recognize the emotional pain and suffering caused by a wrongful death. They may include:
In cases involving reckless or intentional misconduct, Arizona courts may award punitive damages. These are not tied to your family’s losses but are meant to punish the wrongdoer and prevent similar actions in the future.
Every wrongful death case is unique, and your family deserves compensation that reflects both the financial and emotional impact of your loss. At Thompson Law, we fight to make sure no part of your suffering is overlooked. Call us for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
Don’t let medical bills and insurance stress overwhelm you. Thompson Law is ready to stand by your side and pursue fair compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Not every relative is legally allowed to bring a wrongful death lawsuit in Arizona. Under A.R.S. § 12-612, the right to file a claim is limited to:
The damages recovered in a wrongful death case are distributed among the surviving family members in proportion to their loss. For example, a spouse may recover for loss of companionship and financial support, while children may be compensated for the loss of guidance and care.
Understanding eligibility is critical because filing rules are strict. Families who wait too long to establish who has legal standing risk losing their right to seek compensation. Thompson Law helps families in Surprise navigate these rules so claims are filed correctly and on time.
When a loved one’s life is taken too soon, time can feel like it stops. But when it comes to protecting your family’s rights, the clock is already ticking. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and vital records may be harder to secure as the weeks go by. Arizona law also places strict deadlines on filing a wrongful death lawsuit, making it critical to act quickly.
In Arizona, families generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from seeking compensation. Starting early allows your lawyer to gather evidence, consult experts, and build the most powerful case possible.
While most wrongful death claims follow the two-year rule, Arizona law recognizes certain situations where the filing period may be extended:
Even with these exceptions, it’s best not to wait. Starting early allows your lawyer to preserve evidence and protect your family’s right to justice.
Arizona has specific laws that explain who can file a wrongful death claim, what situations qualify, and how compensation is calculated.
Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-612, only certain family members are legally allowed to bring a wrongful death claim. This typically includes the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased. If none of these relatives survive, the personal representative of the estate may file on behalf of other beneficiaries. These rules ensure the right people are recognized and compensated for their loss.
According to A.R.S. § 12-611, a wrongful death occurs when a person’s death is caused by the “wrongful act, neglect, or default” of another. In other words, if the victim could have filed a personal injury lawsuit had they survived, their family has the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. This can include cases involving car crashes, medical negligence, defective products, or failures in care facilities.
Arizona follows the doctrine of pure comparative negligence under A.R.S. § 12-2505. This means your compensation can still be awarded even if your loved one was partially at fault for the incident. However, the total recovery is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned.
For example, if damages are valued at $1 million but the deceased was found 20% at fault, your family could still recover $800,000.
In wrongful death claims, an official police report can play a crucial role in uncovering what happened and establishing liability. Investigators often record vital details such as witness statements, accident scene observations, and preliminary findings to strengthen your family’s case.
If your loved one’s death occurred in Surprise, you can request the report from the Surprise Police Department:
You can request a copy of your accident report online, by mail, or in person. Once received, store the original in a safe place, and share copies with your lawyer and insurance company. Pairing the report with your medical bills and repair estimates strengthens your claim.
If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence in Surprise, your family deserves both answers and accountability. Thompson Law’s Surprise wrongful death lawyers are ready to investigate, fight for justice, and secure the compensation your family needs to move forward. We are available 24/7, and you pay nothing unless we win. Call today for your FREE CASE REVIEW.
If negligence by a doctor, nurse, or hospital caused your loved one’s death, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim. These cases require strong medical evidence to prove that the care fell below accepted standards. An attorney can help gather expert testimony and hold the hospital or provider accountable.
Yes, surviving spouses can pursue damages for the income their loved one would have earned over their lifetime. This includes not only wages but also benefits such as retirement contributions and health coverage. Recovering these damages helps protect your family’s financial stability after such a devastating loss.
No, you do not have to wait for a criminal case to end before filing a wrongful death lawsuit. A wrongful death claim is a civil action that is separate from any criminal proceedings. Starting early can help preserve evidence and give your family a stronger chance at securing compensation.
Yes, under Arizona law, surviving children can seek compensation in a wrongful death case. This can cover the loss of a parent’s love, care, guidance, and emotional support. The courts understand how deeply a parent’s death affects a child’s life and well-being, and these damages are meant to help provide stability after such a devastating loss.
Thompson Law charges NO FEE unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We’ve put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements in our clients’ pockets. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get your questions answered, and understand your legal options.
State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.
