Arizona Wrongful Death Lawyers

What Should I Do After a Wrongful Death in Arizona?

Losing someone you love is brutal, and knowing what to do after a wrongful death can help protect your family’s rights and future. Here’s what to do:

• Get immediate support from family, friends or counselors to get through this.
• Get a copy of the death certificate and any medical records to document what happened.
• Report it to the right authorities, like the Arizona Police Department if it was suspicious or illegal.
• Get information about the incident, including witness statements, photos or video to support your case.
• Don’t talk to the insurance company or accept settlement offers before talking to an attorney.
• Call our experienced Arizona wrongful death lawyers to get your options and protect your family.

At Thompson Law, we know this is a lot to take in. Our caring Arizona wrongful death lawyers will walk you through the process, handle the details and get justice for your loved one.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Arizona?

In Arizona, only certain people can file a wrongful death claim after losing a loved one. These are:

• A surviving spouse.
• Children, whether minor or adult.
• Parents or legal guardians.
• Representatives of the estate on behalf of eligible family members.

It’s important to note that only one wrongful death lawsuit may be filed on behalf of all beneficiaries. The court will distribute any awarded damages among the survivors in proportion to their losses.

In cases involving minor children, a surviving spouse may file the claim on their behalf. While the law does not explicitly prioritize a surviving spouse over adult children, coordination among eligible family members is crucial to ensure the claim is filed appropriately.

Given the complexities that can arise, especially when multiple family members are involved, consulting with our experienced Arizona wrongful death lawyers is advisable. They can provide guidance tailored to your situation and help navigate the legal process effectively.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Arizona

Wrongful death happens due to negligence, recklessness or intentional harm. Common causes are:

• Car accidents from distracted driving, speeding or driving under the influence.
• Medical malpractice from misdiagnosis, surgical errors or improper treatment.
• Workplace accidents from unsafe conditions or lack of training.
• Defective products that don’t meet safety standards.
• Criminal acts like assaults or other violent crimes.

Our Arizona wrongful death lawyers will investigate your case to find negligence or wrongdoing and build a strong case for you.

Who is Liable in a Wrongful Death Case in Arizona?

Finding liability in a wrongful death case means identifying everyone responsible for your loved one’s death. Potentially liable parties are:

• Negligent individuals like a reckless driver, healthcare provider or employer.
• Product manufacturers if a defective product caused the death.
• Property owners who didn’t fix hazardous conditions on their property.
• Government entities responsible for maintaining safe roads or public areas.

Our Arizona wrongful death lawyers will investigate every aspect of your case to find liable parties and make them pay.

Determining Fault in a Wrongful Death Case in Arizona

Establishing fault in a wrongful death case involves a thorough investigation and gathering evidence to demonstrate negligence. Important pieces of evidence include:

• Witness testimonies.
• Official police reports or documentation of the incident.
• Video footage or photographs of the scene.
• Medical and forensic records that connect the death to the incident.

To prove negligence, your legal team must show that the party at fault:

• Had a duty of care to your loved one.
• Violated that duty through reckless or negligent behavior.
• Caused the fatal incident as a result of that breach.
• Led to damages, including emotional and financial struggles for the surviving family members.

At Thompson Law, we are committed to building a strong case to ensure that justice is achieved.

How Can a Wrongful Death Attorney Help?

At Thompson Law, our Arizona wrongful death lawyers have handled many complex cases with care and attention. We will investigate every aspect to find out who is responsible for your loved one’s death. From start to finish we will walk you through the process and explain your rights.

To build a strong wrongful death case we will gather and review:

• Eyewitness statements.
• Police and incident reports.
• Testimony from medical and accident reconstruction experts.
• Medical records and autopsy reports.
• Video or photos from the scene.
• Evidence of recklessness or negligence.

Every wrongful death case is different, and we can handle the toughest cases. Let us fight for you and get you the compensation your family needs.

What Factors Determine the Value of a Wrongful Death Claim?

The value of a wrongful death claim depends on several factors unique to each case. Insurance companies and courts consider various elements when determining the compensation a family may receive, including:

• The type and seriousness of the accident.
• The deceased’s age, occupation, and lifestyle.
• The health and life expectancy of the deceased before the incident.
• The deceased’s past and potential future earnings.
• The financial support provided to the spouse.
• Whether the deceased had minor children and the number of dependents.
• The deceased’s involvement in their community and relationships.

These factors can either increase or decrease the potential settlement amount. For instance, a claim may result in lower compensation if the victim was elderly, had no dependents, and was partially at fault for the accident. Conversely, a claim may be higher in value if the victim was young, fully blameless, and left behind a spouse and minor children who depended on their financial and emotional support.

Why Choose Thompson Law?

Selecting the right legal team is crucial when seeking justice for your loved one’s wrongful death. At Thompson Law, our Arizona wrongful death lawyers are dedicated to providing exceptional support and results for families during this difficult time. Here’s why families in Arizona trust us:

• No Fees Unless We Win – We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case and recover compensation for you.
• Proven Results – With over $1.9 billion recovered for our clients, we have the expertise to deliver the best outcomes.
• Quick and Easy Process – Start your case by calling us anytime. You can consult with a lawyer immediately and begin your claim without delay.
• Available 24/7 – We know legal emergencies can happen at any time, so our team is ready to help whenever you need us.
• Personalized Support – We treat every client with care and respect, ensuring clear communication and updates throughout the process.
• Bilingual Assistance – We provide bilingual services to Spanish-speaking families, removing language barriers and ensuring access to justice.

At Thompson Law, we focus on securing maximum compensation for families grieving a wrongful death. From investigating the circumstances to negotiating with insurance companies or preparing for trial, we handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing.

Don’t wait to take action. Arizona law sets a limited time to file a wrongful death claim. Contact us today for a free consultation and let our Arizona wrongful death lawyers fight for the justice and support your family deserves.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Arizona?

In Arizona, you have 2 years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death claim. But that timeline can be different if it involves a government entity. Get a wrongful death attorney right away so you don’t miss deadlines.

Can multiple family members file separate wrongful death claims for the same case?

No, Arizona law only allows one wrongful death claim per case. Eligible family members (spouse, children, parents) can file one claim together. If there are disputes, an attorney can help resolve them and make sure all eligible beneficiaries are included.

What damages can I recover in a wrongful death case?

Families can recover economic and non-economic damages, including funeral and burial expenses, lost income, loss of companionship and emotional pain and suffering. The amount depends on the circumstances of the death and how it affects the surviving family members.

Can I file a wrongful death claim if criminal charges are already being pursued?

Yes, a wrongful death claim is a civil matter separate from criminal charges. Even if the responsible party is facing criminal charges, you can still file a wrongful death lawsuit to get financial compensation for your family.

What if the death was partially caused by the victim’s own actions?

Arizona is a comparative negligence state, so you can still recover even if the deceased was partially at fault. The amount of compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault of the victim. Our Arizona wrongful death attorneys can help you evaluate the case and determine the impact of shared fault.

Can I file a wrongful death claim for a work-related accident?

Yes, if the death was caused by unsafe working conditions or negligence, a wrongful death claim can be filed. Our attorneys can guide you through both workers’ compensation and wrongful death claims.

How is compensation divided among family members?

Arizona law dictates that compensation is divided fairly among eligible beneficiaries. Disputes can arise, and we can help ensure a smooth resolution.

What happens if the responsible party doesn’t have insurance?

If the at-fault party lacks insurance, we can explore other options, such as personal assets or uninsured motorist coverage, to recover compensation.

What’s the difference between a civil wrongful death claim and criminal charges?

A wrongful death claim is a civil case focused on financial compensation for the family, while criminal charges are brought by the state to penalize the at-fault party. You can file a wrongful death claim even if criminal charges are not pursued.