Rafi Law Group Rafi Law Group

Wrongful Death

Phoenix Wrongful Death Lawyer

Helping Clients Pursue Compensation for Deceased Loved Ones

If your loved one has died due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, Rafi Law Group can help. We know this is an incredibly stressful and emotional time. That is why our Phoenix wrongful death lawyer will work hard to handle the legal aspects of your case and keep you informed throughout the process.

We believe in holding companies and individuals accountable for actions that cause harm to others, especially if those actions result in a fatal injury. Whatever your situation, we can discuss your options and tenaciously uphold your right to a financial settlement from those responsible. Our legal team is committed to providing guidance that considers both the emotional and legal nuances of your case, ensuring that your journey toward justice is informed and supported.

Contact our firm for passionate representation in a wrongful death lawsuit in Phoenix, AZ. Call (623) 207-1555 today to get started with our wrongful death lawyer in Phoenix!

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The Process of a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Wrongful death is a legal term referring to a death caused by severe negligence or carelessness. In the state of Arizona, wrongful deaths are governed by ARS 12-611, ARS 12-612, and ARS 12-613. These statutes outline when a person can file a lawsuit, who can file, and what damages can be awarded.

Types of Wrongful Death Lawsuits

While wrongful death cases typically involve negligence or carelessness, they may also involve a willful intent to cause harm to the victim. Whether your loved one died as a result of someone's negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions, our firm can help you pursue justice.

Wrongful death lawsuits may be filed for:

  1. Medical malpractice
  2. Intentional or criminal actions
  3. Vehicle crashes
  4. Occupational hazards
  5. Death during a supervised event

 

Who Can Be Held Liable For a Wrongful Death?

There are a variety of parties that could be held liable in a wrongful death case. For example, you may file a wrongful death lawsuit against negligent drivers in a car or truck accident that resulted in the death of your loved one. Physicians may also be held liable for the death of patients under their care. If they fail to properly diagnose or treat a medical condition, or act carelessly and cause the death of a patient, they may face a wrongful death lawsuit. Furthermore, intentional actions aimed at inflicting harm to the victim may provide grounds for a wrongful death claim, in addition to criminal charges.

Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Wrongful death can only be brought by specific survivors. Of the relatives of the deceased, a spouse, child, parent or guardian, or legal representative of all of these individuals can bring a wrongful death suit against the responsible party. If none of these individuals apply, the estate of the deceased can bring a wrongful death claim. However, siblings, same-sex partners, common law spouses, and other relatives cannot file a wrongful death claim against the responsible party.

If an individual related to the deceased wishes to file a wrongful death claim, he or she must decide whether the situation is appropriate. A wrongful death suit can only be submitted if the deceased person would not have died during an act and instead could have filed a personal injury suit. This section means the death must have occurred because of a wrongful act, neglect, or default, and if the person had survived, he or she would have filed a personal injury lawsuit on his or her own behalf.

 

Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations in Arizona

Arizona imposes a 2-year statute of limitations on wrongful death lawsuits. This means you have 2 years from the date of death to pursue compensation.

The statute of limitations is critical not only for timely legal action but also for preserving evidence. As time passes, key evidence may fade or become inaccessible, such as memories of witnesses or physical evidence that might be altered or lost. Commencing a claim sooner can prevent these challenges and bolster the effectiveness of the evidence presented in court, providing a clearer picture of the circumstances leading to the wrongful death.

Proving Negligence in a Wrongful Death Claim

In order to pursue a wrongful death claim, you must show that:

  • The defendant owed a duty of care to the victim
  • The defendant breached that duty of care
  • The breach of the duty of care caused the victim’s death
  • The victim’s death resulted in the damages the plaintiff is pursuing compensation for

In essence, you must prove the defendant’s negligence or guilt, just as you would in a personal injury lawsuit. Gathering evidence is a vital step in the process. Evidence may include pictures or videos of the incident, witness statements, police reports, and medical records. Our Phoenix wrongful death attorney can conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, and represent your case in court.

Pursuing Compensation in a Wrongful Death Case

Most people who file a wrongful death claim are trying to seek compensation for the losses they suffered by the absence of their loved one. Some claimants were financially dependent on the deceased. Others lost the potential earnings he or she would have provided in the future. In some cases, the family needs to sue to cover the cost of medical, funeral, and burial expenses. Last, families can sue for the value of emotional damage and loss to survivors because of the absence of their loved one.

Depending on the situation, you may pursue compensation for:

  • The decedent’s pain and suffering
  • Loss of consortium
  • Medical expenses of the decedent prior to death
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Loss of companionship, care, nurturing, and guidance
  • Loss of the decedent’s expected income and inheritance

The court will use the above and other variables to determine an appropriate level of compensation. A judge will then distribute this to the statutory survivors as he or she sees fit.

Do I Need a Phoenix Wrongful Death Attorney?

Whether you are filing a claim against an individual or a company, our firm can help. We provide thorough guidance and aggressive representation to clients wanting to hold negligent or reckless parties responsible for the death of their loved one. Having an experienced legal advocate on your side can help the process go smoothly, as well as make sure all the paperwork is filed correctly.

Engaging a wrongful death attorney brings value far beyond the courtroom. An attorney familiar with Arizona wrongful death law can provide strategic insights, such as identifying the most viable causes of action and the best avenues for negotiation or litigation. They ensure that all deadlines and procedural rules are meticulously followed, averting any misstep that might inadvertently sabotage the case.

Contact Our Wrongful Death Attorney in Phoenix Today

At Rafi Law Group, we have guided numerous clients to successful legal solutions. If you need representation for a wrongful death lawsuit, we can fight on your behalf. Our Phoenix wrongful death attorney can answer your questions and walk you through the process. We have a thorough knowledge of state and federal laws regarding wrongful death claims, and can provide personal services every step of the way.

Contact us for a free initial consultation with our Phoenix wrongful death attorney. We offer a contingency fee basis, so you only pay if we win your case. Call (623) 207-1555 today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a wrongful death attorney?

A wrongful death attorney in Phoenix plays a crucial role in navigating the complexities of legal procedures associated with wrongful death claims. They provide the essential guidance required from the start of the legal process through to the conclusion. This guidance involves helping clients gather necessary evidence to support their claims, such as medical records, accident reports, and eyewitness testimonies. Attorneys also help assess the value of claims, ensuring all potential damages are correctly identified and pursued.

Additionally, wrongful death attorneys manage negotiations with insurance companies and opposing legal teams, a task that can be daunting for those unfamiliar with legal negotiations. They aim to secure the most favorable settlement possible, using their knowledge of Arizona's legal landscape and recognizing fair compensation standards. The attorney also guides clients through court procedures if the case goes to trial, providing representation that defends their client's interests throughout the litigation process. Their expertise ensures that legal arguments are presented effectively and that procedural protocols are strictly followed, enhancing the likelihood of a successful outcome.

How can surviving family members prove financial dependency?

Proving financial dependency in a wrongful death claim involves presenting evidence demonstrating the reliance of surviving family members on the deceased for financial support. This often includes showcasing regular income contributions the deceased made towards household expenses or any demonstrable support for essential needs such as food, housing, and education expenses. Income statements, tax returns, and bank records can serve as critical evidence.

To bolster claims of dependency, affidavits from other witnesses, such as accountants or financial advisors familiar with the deceased's financial situation, might be required. Additionally, documenting shared expenses or obligations, like mortgages or loans with the deceased, provides a clearer picture of financial reliance. Legal filings should precisely articulate the necessity of the deceased's contributions to the surviving family's finances, ensuring a comprehensive argument for compensation that reflects the full impact on survivors. Effective legal representation is crucial in compiling and presenting this information coherently.