The unexpected death of a loved one is one of the most heartbreaking tragedies a family can experience. It can be emotionally, mentally, and financially exhausting when a family member dies suddenly due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct.
If your loved one died due to another person’s or company’s wrongdoing, consult with a Summerlin wrongful death lawyer at Shook & Stone. Enlisting the help of our compassionate and experienced injury attorneys could make a tremendous difference in your family’s financial future.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
When one person unlawfully causes another person’s death, that person may be held liable under the Nevada civil cause-of-action of “wrongful death.” It makes no difference whether the homicide was committed with malice, carelessness, or due to negligence.
Per Nevada Revised Statutes § 41.085, a wrongful death claim can be filed on behalf of a deceased person who may have made a personal injury claim against the at-fault party if they were still alive. In contrast with criminal cases, wrongful death claims are civil suits against the accused party for monetary damages; however, both a criminal and civil case can proceed simultaneously.
Wrongful death claims in Summerlin, Rhodes Ranch, and Sovana often occur as a result of:
- Car accidents in which the other driver was careless or reckless
- Medical malpractice on the part of a physician or surgeon
- Workplace incidents involving hazardous working conditions
- Accidents that occur on someone else’s property as a result of poor maintenance
- Accidents caused by an unsafe product that was engineered or manufactured incorrectly
No matter what type of event led to your loved one’s death, our dedicated attorneys are prepared to help you pursue justice.
Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim?
Only certain eligible parties can file wrongful death claims. For instance, the spouse or children of the deceased are legally entitled to file a wrongful death claim. Under NRS § 41.085, fiancées and significant others are deemed ineligible.
If the deceased is unmarried and without children, eligible parties may include their parents, siblings, or the nearest surviving family member who is not a parent or sibling. Hiring a knowledgeable wrongful death lawyer in Summerlin can be useful in determining the appropriate party to file a claim.
Statute of Limitations for a Wrongful Death Claim
Families who wish to pursue wrongful death lawsuits usually have just two years from the date of their loved one’s death to file a claim. If they do not file suit within this two-year timeframe, they will likely lose their right to seek financial recovery.
Contacting our proactive Summerlin wrongful death attorneys early on can prove invaluable. Even an experienced accidental death litigator needs the opportunity to gather important facts and build a solid case before the statute of limitations runs out.
Types of Damages Available in a Wrongful Death Case
If the deceased’s family can prove that another person’s or entity’s negligence caused their loved one’s death, they can recover some of their financial losses. Family members may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Lost wages
- Medical costs
- Future income
- Loss of benefits
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of companionship
- Mental and emotional damage
Additionally, certain cases can result in the award of punitive damage meant to punish heinous behavior deemed deliberate and careless.
A Summerlin Wrongful Death Attorney Could Help Your Family Recover
No legal victory or financial compensation can ever truly equal the value of a loved one. The loss of someone’s life is an unparalleled tragedy. However, holding responsible parties accountable can make all the difference in a family’s ability to begin trudging down the long road of recovery.
Our firm has considerable experience helping families pursue wrongful death lawsuits. We have the expertise and resources to assist you and your family with recovering the compensation you deserve for your losses. Do not wait any longer. Contact a Summerlin wrongful death lawyer at Shook & Stone to begin your journey toward healing.
