Law
What the Law Means for You
Nearly 5,700 residents killed in accidents in a recent one year period may have been the victims of an Arizona wrongful death, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), and as attorneys with more than 30 years combined experience, this number alarms us. State law, unlike some other states, does provide extensive remedy for the families of victims who died as a result of another person's negligence or violation of law. There are also limitations, however.
ARS 12-611, ARS 12-612, and ARS 12-163 prescribe the remedies that are afforded to families of wrongful death victims. These laws allow the family to file a civil case even if criminal charges are brought against the offender. However, the statute of limitations on filing a wrongful death claim inhibits the rights of some families as the suit must be filed within two years of the victim's death and not all cases can be proven so quickly. Many times the statute of limitations may be even less, as little as 180 days. When it comes to the statute of limitations, every case is different and it is always important to discuss the claim with an experienced attorney.
How Can a Wrongful Death Law Attorney Help?
Often, the families of wrongful death victims are overwhelmed by the loss of a family member and do not know how to handle legal ramifications or offers for settlement in cases where the negligent party is aware of his or her role in the victim's death. An experienced attorney can help clear up the confusion by working on the family's behalf to secure a fair settlement that will appropriately cover the loss of a wage earner as well as expenses related to medical care, the funeral, and other personal damages the family may qualify to seek.
Wrongful Death Statistics
A wrongful death can be caused in any number of situations, from a slip and fall head injury at the local grocery store to the more common car crash that results from distracted driving. In 2009, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS reported that four people died after being bitten or struck by a dog, seven people died as a result of the accidental discharge of a firearm, and 731 people died as a result of a fall, such as those that occur on escalators or slippery floors and in parking lots. An additional 2,887 Arizona residents died in 2009 as a result of other non-vehicle related accidents.
Contact The Husband & Wife Law Team
The Husband & Wife Law Team would build a strong case based on evidence and bring in experts to assess the case and assign fault to the negligent party. We would do everything in our power to ensure that the family of the victim received appropriate compensation for their permanent loss. If your loved one died as a result of another party's negligence, you need a skilled wrongful death law attorneys on your side. Contact us today for a free consultation.