Peoria Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one is never easy, especially when their death is the result of another’s negligence. In such times, seeking legal representation is crucial. At Hastings & Hastings, we are dedicated to helping families in Peoria, AZ, navigate the complexities of wrongful death claims and secure the justice they deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We only get paid if you win.

Why Choose Hastings & Hastings

• Choosing Hastings & Hastings means partnering with a law firm with over 90 years of combined legal experience. 
• Our Peoria injury attorneys offer personalized attention, a proven track record of success, and a commitment to client satisfaction. 
• Our unique discount fee structure ensures more money in your pocket, and our ten convenient Valley-wide offices make accessing legal help easy.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Arizona

A wrongful death claim in Arizona arises when someone dies due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another person or entity. Common causes of wrongful death include:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Medical malpractice 
• Defective products, and 
• Acts of violence 

Arizona law (A.R.S. § 12-611) provides the framework for wrongful death claims, ensuring that the responsible parties are held financially accountable for losses incurred by certain family members due to the death. 

Under Arizona law (A.R.S. § 12-612), family members eligible to file a wrongful death claim include:

• The Surviving Spouse 
• The Children of the Deceased, and 
• The Parents of the Deceased 

If none of these relatives exist, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate may bring the claim on behalf of the estate’s beneficiaries. 

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Wrongful Death in Arizona

Liability for a wrongful death hinges on proving negligence, which means showing that the defendant failed to exercise reasonable care, directly leading to the death. Various parties whose actions resulted in your loved one’s death can be held liable, including:

1. Individuals: This includes anyone whose negligent, reckless, or intentional actions directly caused the death. For example, a driver who caused a fatal car accident.
2. Employers: If an employee causes the death while acting within the scope of their employment, the employer may be held liable. This is often seen in cases involving commercial vehicle accidents.
3. Medical Professionals and Institutions: If medical malpractice is involved, doctors, nurses, hospitals, and other healthcare providers can be held liable.
4. Manufacturers and Distributors: Under product liability laws, any company that produces or distributes a defective product that results in fatal injuries can be held accountable.
5. Property Owners: Owners of premises where unsafe conditions lead to a fatal accident (e.g., slip and fall, drowning in a pool) may be liable.
6. Government Entities: In some cases, a government entity can be held responsible, such as when the fatality resulted from defective road conditions or a police shooting.

The assistance of a skilled Peoria, AZ, wrongful death attorney who can help identify all the responsible parties is crucial to maximizing the potential compensation for your family.

What Compensation Can Be Recovered?

Your family may be entitled to recover various types of damages in a wrongful death claim, including: 

1. Economic Damages:
   • Medical expenses
   • Funeral and burial costs
   • Loss of income and future earnings
   • Loss of benefits
   • The value of the services the deceased provided
2. Non-Economic Damages:
   • Loss of companionship and care
   • The pain and suffering of your family
   • Loss of consortium for the spouse
3. Punitive Damages:
   • In cases of egregious or intentional actions

A knowledgeable Peoria wrongful death attorney can provide specific guidance based on the specifics of your case.

The Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Arizona

In Arizona, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is typically two years from the date of death (A.R.S. § 12-542). It is crucial to act promptly to preserve your right to seek compensation, as missing this deadline can result in losing the ability to file a lawsuit. Furthermore, it is essential to get an insurance claim initiated as soon as possible to allow time to negotiate a satisfactory settlement before a lawsuit needs to be filed. 

How an Experienced Peoria, AZ Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help

An experienced wrongful death attorney can play a vital role in:

1. Investigating your wrongful death claim.
2. Gathering the necessary evidence.
3. Identifying the liable parties; and 
4. Representing your family in court if necessary. 

An experienced Peoria, AZ, wrongful death Attorney can help you navigate complex legal procedures, ensuring all deadlines and legal requirements are met. An attorney’s assistance can be critical in maximizing the compensation your family receives, allowing you to focus on healing from your loss.

Call Hastings & Hastings for a Peoria, AZ Wrongful Death Attorney

If your family has lost a loved one wrongfully in Peoria, AZ, contact Hastings & Hastings today. Our experienced Peoria wrongful death attorneys are ready to help you seek justice and the compensation you deserve. Call us at (480) 706-1100 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us focus on your case while you focus on healing.