The loss of a loved one is always devastating. However, when that loss is caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of another individual or entity, the grief can be compounded by feelings of anger and injustice.
At Citrine Law, our Yuma wrongful death attorneys understand the immense emotional and financial burden placed on families after such a tragedy. We are committed to helping you through this difficult time by providing compassionate legal guidance and fighting tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
How An Attorney Can Help You Heal
While no amount of money can ever replace the loss of a loved one, a wrongful death lawsuit can help ease the financial burden families face after such a tragedy. Our experienced attorneys at Citrine Law understand the immense emotional strain placed on surviving family members and are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support.
We will take care of all the intricate legal details and meticulous investigation involved in wrongful death cases, allowing you to focus on healing and spending time with loved ones during this difficult time. You don't have to navigate the complexities of dealing with insurance companies on your own. Our lawyers will be your strong advocates, aggressively negotiating for a fair settlement that reflects the loss you have suffered.
Most importantly, we will fight tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable for their negligence and ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
Understanding Wrongful Death Lawsuits
A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil action that allows surviving family members to seek compensation for the loss of a loved one due to someone else's wrongdoing.
The Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S Sec 12-611) outlines the circumstances under which wrongful death lawsuits can be pursued. To qualify for a wrongful death lawsuit in Arizona, the death must be caused by:
- Negligence: This could include a car accident caused by a drunk driver, a slip and fall accident due to a property owner's negligence, or medical malpractice that leads to death.
- Medical Malpractice: When a medical professional deviates from the standard of care and their actions cause death, a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed.
- Intentional Criminal Act: If the death was a result of a criminal act, such as assault or murder, a wrongful death lawsuit might be pursued.
Wrongful death cases are civil cases, and negligence is the largest factor to prove in these lawsuits. The burden of proof for negligence requires that 4 factors be present: duty, breach, causation, and damages.
Duty requires demonstrating the defendant in the case had a duty of care toward the victim, while breach refers to the violation of this duty of care through negligence or wrongful actions that led to the victim's death. Causation establishes the connection between the negligence of the defendant and the wrongful death. Damages require demonstrating some damage incurred by family members, such as financial loss, from the wrongful death.
Who Can File A Wrongful Death Claim?
There is a lot of confusion around Wrongful Death cases and a good deal of that is surrounding who is responsible for filing a lawsuit. In Arizona, the following individuals may file a wrongful death lawsuit:
- Spouse of the deceased
- Children of the deceased
- Parents of the deceased, if there is no surviving spouse or children
- Personal representative of the deceased's estate, if none of the above family members are alive
Possible Damages Available in a Wrongful Death Case
A wrongful death lawsuit can help recover various damages, both financial and emotional, to ease the immense burden placed on surviving family members. Our Yuma wrongful death attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and are dedicated to fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve. A.R.S Sec 12-613 highlights the damages which can be awarded in wrongful death claims. Here are some of the damages you may be able to recover:
- Medical Expenses
- Funeral and Burial Costs
- Lost Income and Earning Capacity
- Loss of Companionship and Support
- Loss of Inheritance
For more information on any of these claim types, please contact Citrine Law to speak to a qualified professional about your case. Remember: the specific damages available will depend on the unique circumstances of your case. Our wrongful death lawyers will work diligently to identify all recoverable damages and fight to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.
Does Arizona Impose Restrictions on Wrongful Death Cases?
Unlike other states, the state of Arizona does not place caps on the number of wrongful death claims that can be filed, but there are restrictions on the types of damages that can be received. The compensation that can be awarded for punitive damages cannot exceed $2 million or must be three times greater than the pecuniary damages awarded.
Citrine Law Is Here For You And Your Family
We understand that no legal victory can replace the loss of a loved one. However, securing compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit can help ease the financial burden and provide a sense of justice during this challenging time.
At Citrine Law, we are dedicated to providing compassionate legal representation and fighting for your rights during this difficult ordeal. Contact Citrine Law today for your free consultation.
