Yuma Wrongful Death Lawyers

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences any family may experience. When that loss is due to someone’s negligence, the pain may be even more challenging to cope with. Arizona law recognizes the impact a loss of life can have on a family and allows survivors to hold the at-fault party accountable in a wrongful death case. While no amount of money can ever replace the loss of a close relative, a wrongful death claim can provide support and closure for the family left behind. Your loved one deserves justice and that starts with retaining legal counsel to protect your rights.

An experienced Yuma wrongful death attorney can provide your family with compassionate legal support and obtain the justice your loved one deserves.

What is Wrongful Death?

In Arizona, wrongful death occurs when an individual suffers fatal injuries due to the negligence of another person or entity. In the aftermath of such a loss, eligible surviving family members or beneficiaries may bring a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. This is a civil case that seeks compensation for economic and non-economic damages associated with the loss of life. The goal is not only to seek justice but also to provide support for the family left behind, helping to alleviate the financial hardships that often accompany such a tragedy.

Types of Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases

In Arizona, survivors who file a wrongful death case may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages. The compensation awarded may vary depending on the facts and circumstances of the case, but typically involves the following:

• The mental anguish associated with the unexpected loss of a close relative.
• The costs associated with the decedent’s funeral, burial, and related services.
• Loss of care, companionship, and guidance that the deceased relative provided to the family.
• Any medical bills incurred before the deceased’s passing, including hospital stays and surgeries, may be recovered through a survival action.
• Lost wages and earning capacity for the income the decedent would have earned if they had lived, including future wages and benefits that would have supported the family.

The court may award punitive damages in fatal accident cases where the opposing party’s actions were especially egregious, like drunk driving or driving under the influence. Punitive damages are meant to serve as a punishment for the defendant and to deter similar conduct in the future.

How is Wrongful Death Proven?

Proving wrongful death in Arizona requires demonstrating that the loss of life was caused by the recklessness or negligence of another individual or entity. To bring a successful case forward, several key elements must be established:

• Duty of Care: The defendant must have owed a duty of care to the decedent. For instance, drivers have a duty to exercise due care and follow traffic laws while operating a motor vehicle.
• Breach of Duty: It must be shown that the defendant breached their duty of care. In the case of a fatal car accident, this may include running a red light or speeding.
• Causation: There must be a direct link between the loss of life and the defendant’s actions. The burden of proof is on the plaintiff to show that the defendant’s actions led to causing the fatality.
• Damages: The plaintiff must prove that the loss of life resulted in specific damages, such as loss of financial support, funeral costs, mental anguish, and other related losses.

Evidence plays a key role in fatal accident cases. The Yuma wrongful death attorney you select to represent your family will work diligently to gather and preserve evidence to build a strong case for justice and maximum compensation.

Fatal Hit-and-Run Accidents and How a Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help

Fatal hit-and-run crashes are among the most tragic and complex cases. In these cases, the at-fault driver is often unidentified, making it more challenging to hold them accountable. An experienced Yuma wrongful death attorney can play a crucial role in assisting surviving family members navigate the legal process by:

• Investigating the Incident: Work with an attorney that has the resources to work with a private investigator to collect evidence, such as physical evidence from the crash site, eyewitness statements, and surveillance footage to help identify the fleeing driver.
• Working With Insurance Companies: Even if the hit-and-run driver is not located, an attorney can assist survivors in bringing a claim through their loved one’s insurance policy if they have uninsured motorist coverage. If the driver is found later, the lawyer can assist in holding them accountable.

In the aftermath of a fatal hit-and-run collision in Yuma, Arizona having a knowledgeable wrongful death attorney by your side can make all the difference in securing the justice needed to cope with the loss. Learn how our legal team can help your family by giving our office a call or submitting an online contact form for a free consultation today.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Case in Arizona?

In most cases, the immediate family of the deceased, such as the surviving spouse, children, or parents are entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit, as outlined in A.R.S. 12-612. In some cases, relatives who were financially dependent on the deceased may be eligible. It is important to consult with an experienced Yuma wrongful death attorney to determine your eligibility to file, as each case may have specific circumstances that may impact who can take legal action. Additionally, Arizona places a time limit for filing a wrongful death lawsuit, so it is important to act quickly.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Cases in Arizona?

In wrongful death cases, there are strict time limits for filing a case in civil court, known as the statute of limitations. It is important to act quickly to protect your rights and ensure you do not miss the opportunity to seek justice and compensation for your loss. In the State of Arizona, there is a two-year statute of limitations in these cases. The claim must reach settlement, or a lawsuit must be filed within this time limit. Keep in mind that the two-year deadline is shortened to six months if a government entity is named a defendant in the wrongful death case.

Types of Wrongful Death Cases Our Law Firm Handles

At our law firm, we represent surviving family members who have lost loved ones in a wide array of situations, including:

• Car accidents
• Bicycle collisions
• Motorcycle crashes
• Pedestrian accidents
• Commercial truck accidents
• Premises liability, such as slip and falls

For more information, call or message us online to schedule a free consultation. Our law office serves clients in Yuma and throughout Arizona.

Call a Yuma Wrongful Death Attorney Today

After the loss of a close relative in an accident, you need an attorney who not only is well-versed in Arizona wrongful death law but also the emotional toll this tragedy has taken on your family. Our Yuma wrongful death attorneys are here to help your family understand your options for justice. Schedule a free consultation at (602) 777-3300. Let our legal team help you obtain the justice your loved one deserves and handle all aspects of your case so you can focus on recovering and grieving. Our law firm proudly serves clients in Yuma County and across the state of Arizona.