It is sad and unfortunate when an unexpected personal injury takes the life of a loved one. The surviving family members may be due full and fair compensation. However, before you can take legal action and seek compensation, it is highly recommended that you receive formal legal advice. This is because a law firm can help you navigate your legal options and prove that there was negligence that caused the death of your family member. There are also other important details you should know about how wrongful death claims are handled and in what ways your attorney can prove another’s negligent actions. To get started, call Wattel and York in Arizona today for a free consultation.
Who Can Make a Wrongful Death Claim?
When a family member has passed away, the surviving family members have legal rights to settle cases as long as they are eligible. In the state of Arizona, eligibility extends to the husband or wife, children, parents, guardians, and personal representatives. People who aren’t allowed to file a claim include siblings, grandparents, cousins, partners, and common law spouses.
What Are Typical Wrongful Death Cases?
Wrongful death can happen in any setting, but the most common causes include the following:
Car Crash Accidents
Car crashes sometimes result in the death of the driver or passengers.
Product Liability Accidents
Malfunctioning products can cause severe burns, fatal allergic reactions, electric shocks, deep-tissue wounds, and other injuries.
Medical Malpractice Victims
Doctors can make mistakes in the diagnosis and treatment of medical disorders and diseases. They can provide the wrong dosage, give the wrong medical treatment, and other forms of neglect. Doctors can also perform the wrong surgery and make other surgical errors.
Dog Bite Victims
Dog owners can also be neglectful, because their pet can cause severe wounds that result in the death of the victim. These attacks happen when the animal is not properly managed.
Slip and Fall Accidents
If your loved one got injured on someone else’s property, the premises owner could be held liable if their negligence was the reason for your loved one’s death.
Workplace Injury Accidents
There are many occupational hazards that can result in serious injuries, such as chemical exposure, malfunctioning machinery, electrical hazards, slip and fall accidents, and more.
What Types of Damages Can I Claim for my Wrongful Death Settlement?
Wrongful death settlements are treated differently from other personal injury claims because there are more costs involved in a family member’s passing.
Funeral and Burial Costs
Funerals are expensive, as the price of a coffin can be hundreds to thousands of dollars. That also doesn’t include the cost of the burial, the funeral service, flowers, and other necessary material for the proper funeral of a beloved family member.
Missing Relationships
Damages for the loss of your loved one can include loss of consortium, loss of guardianship, loss of mentorship, loss of valuable services, and many other missing aspects of their contributions. A loved one may have helped take care of the children, managed household affairs like chores, and also had an intimate relationship with their spouse. An attorney can calculate the value of those losses.
Lost Earning Capacity
Because the deceased is unable to provide a household income for any remaining dependents, their income can be calculated into the settlement. This also includes any lost wages that occurred due to the injuries leading to their death and after their passing.
Pain and Suffering
The pain and suffering of the deceased can also be accounted for in the settlement.
Other Economic Damages
You can also include the medical treatments used to help your loved one before they passed away. Any property damage can be included as well.
Speak to a Wrongful Death Lawyer To Learn More
To find out more information about how you can get help with your wrongful death case, you can speak to a lawyer to find out how to get started regarding your circumstances. They can help you estimate your wrongful death settlement and can also prove the negligence of the other party. They review your particular case so that it accurately reflects your damages. In addition to personal attention, they will fight for your right to receive a settlement and represent you in court if necessary. Call Wattel and York today for a free consultation.
