If your loved one was killed due to another person’s wrongful actions, Arizona’s wrongful death laws may allow you to take legal action on their behalf. A wrongful death claim is designed to compensate the decedent’s surviving family for the costs and losses they endured due to the death of their loved one.
However, pursuing a wrongful death legal claim in Arizona can be challenging. That is why in the below guide, we discuss the issues surrounding wrongful death actions and explain how an experienced Arizona wrongful death attorney can help you.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in Arizona?
According to Arizona Revised Statute (ARS) § 12-611, a wrongful death occurs when an individual dies due to another person’s wrongful act, neglect, or default. Typically, if the at-fault party’s actions would have allowed the decedent to file a personal injury lawsuit had they lived, then the liable party can be held responsible in a wrongful death claim. But under these claims, the surviving loved ones would pursue this legal action on behalf of the decedent.
However, it is important to point out that wrongful death claims are a civil action, meaning they are entirely separate from any criminal charges that can be brought.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Suit in Arizona?
In Arizona, the following individuals can pursue legal action by filing a wrongful death suit:
- The decedent’s surviving spouse
- The decedent’s surviving children
- The decedent’s parents or guardian
- The decedent’s personal representative on behalf of the spouse, children, parents or guardians, or the estate
If you want to know whether you qualify for a wrongful death suit, consider speaking to an experienced Arizona wrongful death attorney as soon as you can. These legal professionals can review the facts of what happened, determine whether you can file a wrongful death lawsuit, and help you and your family go after the money you deserve.
The Damages Available in an Arizona Wrongful Death Lawsuit
In a wrongful death lawsuit, you may be able to go after both economic and non-economic damages. These damages generally include payment for the following:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical bills
- The value of lost income and benefits the decedent would have earned had they lived
- Loss of household services the decedent provided
- Loss of the decedent’s love, affection, companionship, guidance, and comfort
- Pain and suffering as a result of the death
It should also be noted that the time to pursue these damages is limited. In Arizona, the decedent’s survivors only have two years from the date of their loved one’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
For these reasons, if you believe you have a valid wrongful death claim, contact a knowledgeable Arizona wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. These lawyers can review your legal options, determine which damages you can pursue, and help ensure your case is filed before time runs out.
Get Help With Your Wrongful Death Legal Claim
If you lost a loved one in an accident due to another person’s wrongful actions, and want answers regarding your legal options, contact an experienced Arizona wrongful death attorney at Territorial Law, LLC today.
We know that pursuing legal action is the last thing on your mind, but your family deserves justice for what happened. Our legal team is here to provide you with the legal support you need, handle every aspect of your claim, and help you fight for the financial recovery you are entitled to.
Contact us online today to schedule a free initial case evaluation, or call us at 928-766-4705.