Sun City Wrongful Death Lawyers

The sudden loss of a close relative in an accident is an unimaginable tragedy that may leave families dealing with shock and grief. The emotional toll is compounded by unexpected emotional and financial losses as survivors cope with the absence of a beloved family member. The devastation of the loss may create a profound void that may take years to heal. If someone else is to blame for the fatal incident, Arizona law allows surviving family members to hold the at-fault party accountable through a wrongful death action.

Working with an experienced Sun City wrongful death attorney is important for protecting your rights as a surviving family member and seeking justice.

What are the Leading Causes of Wrongful Death?

A wrongful death case may arise when an individual loses their life in an incident due to the negligence or recklessness of another party or entity. These cases may encompass a wide array of circumstances, each with unique factors causing or contributing to the fatal accident. Common causes of wrongful death include:

• Fatal injuries occurring at the workplace, such as construction site accidents
• Faulty products, including defective medical devices and dangerous drug products
• Hit-and-run accidents involving vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcycle riders
• Road defects due to unsafe roadway design or lack of road maintenance by a government entity
• Defective car parts and equipment, such as tires, airbags, brakes, steering, fuel system, seatbelts, and other vehicle components
• Motor vehicle collisions causing fatalities, including those caused by motorists who are impaired, speeding, distracted, and other types of driver negligence
• Fatal big rig crashes involving 18-wheelers and other vehicles caused by violations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) by a truck driver or trucking company

Regardless of how the fatal incident occurred, our dedicated wrongful death attorneys serving Sun City are here to help you and your family. These cases are sensitive and require extensive investigations that must be started promptly so that evidence can be preserved, expert witnesses can be consulted, and eyewitnesses can provide statements before their memories fade.

What Types of Wrongful Death Compensation Can Survivors Receive?

While no amount of compensation can replace a lost close relative nor undo the pain that has been caused by their absence, the damages awarded in a wrongful death case are intended to assist survivors with the losses and financial burdens experienced. By working with a skilled attorney, the decedent’s family may receive financial compensation for:

• Costs of funeral and burial arrangements
• Loss of the deceased’s guidance, care, protection, and companionship
• Mental anguish and emotional distress experienced by surviving family members due to the unexpected loss of life
• Medical expenses incurred by the decedent for final injuries due to the accident (which is recovered through a survival action)
• Loss of the decedent’s income and employment benefits that were provided to the family household, such as health insurance

If the at-fault party’s actions were particularly egregious, surviving family members may be able to seek punitive damages, which are intended to punish the defendant. Punitive damages make an example out of the negligent party and serve as a reminder that such behavior is not be tolerated in the community. For more information, contact an experienced Sun City wrongful death attorney.

What if Fault is Disputed for the Fatal Incident?

According to Arizona’s comparative fault law, if an individual is partly at fault for an accident, their award would be decreased by the percentage of negligence that is assigned to them. For instance, if a decedent is determined to be 30 percent responsible for the incident, the total compensation awarded to survivors would be reduced by 30 percent. Keep in mind that insurance companies often use comparative negligence to minimize payouts for accident claims.

Establishing fault and proving negligence can be a complex legal matter and is best left to an experienced Sun City wrongful death attorney to handle. The right attorney will have the experience, skills, and resources to examine the facts of the incident and build the strongest case to secure maximum compensation. You owe it to yourself and your family to retain legal counsel to protect your rights and work toward a more secure future while seeking accountability and justice.

What is the Deadline for a Fatal Accident Case in AZ?

The decedent’s surviving family members or a representative of the deceased’s estate, have no more than two years from the date of the death to file a lawsuit in Arizona. The case must be filed in the appropriate jurisdiction where the fatal incident occurred. In the case of a fatal accident in Sun City, the lawsuit must be filed in civil court in Maricopa County. If the claim is not settled with the other party within the time limit, the case must be filed to protect the statute.

In some matters, exceptions may permit less time to file. In cases where the defendant is a public agency, the deadline for filing a notice of claim is six months or 180 days from the date of the death. It is important to consult with an experienced attorney immediately regarding your family’s loss, due to the time required to gather and preserve evidence and file a case before the statute of limitations expires. For more information, contact a wrongful death lawyer in Sun City today.

What Services Does an Attorney Provide in a Fatal Accident Case?

When you hire an attorney to handle your Sun City wrongful death case, they will take various steps to ensure that your family receives the justice and financial compensation you all deserve. This includes the following:

• Identifying the individual, business, or other entity responsible for the death and applicable coverages
• Conducting a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the fatal incident that claimed your loved one’s life
• Determining which survivors are eligible to receive compensation under Arizona’s wrongful death law
• Gathering and preserving evidence to support the wrongful death claim for economic and non-economic damages
• Filing claims with insurance companies, handling verbal and written communication, and negotiating for a favorable settlement agreement
• Preparing and filing a wrongful death lawsuit to protect the statute of limitations if a mutual agreement cannot be met within the applicable time limit

What is most helpful about working with an attorney is that most, such as ours at Southwest Injury Law, operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that an attorney only receives payment if they successfully resolve the matter. To learn how we can assist you with your potential case, call us or submit an online contact form today.

How to Prepare for Your First Meeting with a Wrongful Death Lawyer?

When you first meet with an attorney to discuss a fatal accident case, it is important to bring any relevant information and documents. This may include medical bills for the decedent’s final injuries, police report for the fatal accident, insurance details, and legal documents. Having this evidence ready will allow the attorney to evaluate your potential case effectively and determine if you have grounds for legal action against the opposing party.

Consult with a Sun City Wrongful Death Attorney Today

The loss of a loved one in an accident may leave a family devastated, causing profound emotional pain and unexpected challenges that affect every aspect of their lives. If someone else is to blame for the fatality, taking legal action can help hold them accountable and provide survivors with the compensation needed to navigate the emotional and financial hardships caused by the loss. After a fatal accident, our skilled Sun City wrongful death attorneys are here to help your family. Book a free consultation today at (602) 777-3300. We represent surviving family members in fatal accident cases in Maricopa County and across Arizona.