Scottsdale Wrongful Death Lawyer

Facing the wrongful death of a loved one can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure about your future. You are likely facing high medical bills and funeral expenses. When a loved one’s death is caused by neglect, recklessness, or wanton carelessness, you and your family deserve financial compensation to help you rebuild your life. A Scottsdale wrongful death lawyer can help you secure a fair settlement.

Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer

When you are focused on grieving, you should not have to build a wrongful death claim. At Bleaman Law Firm, P.C., we offer compassionate representation during difficult circumstances. When you hire a wrongful death lawyer, they can gather the necessary evidence to prove the wrongful death claim and help ensure fair compensation.

Unintentional Injury Deaths in Arizona

Wrongful death claims can be filed in cases where, had the injured party survived, they could have sought damages against the responsible party. Many wrongful death claims are the result of an accidental death. The Arizona Department of Health Services tracks population health and vital statistics to look at trends. For 2023, the number of deaths resulting from unintentional injuries caused by accidents totaled 5,868. Of these deaths:

• 2,388 caused by medical drug poisoning
• 1,344 caused by motor vehicle accidents
• 1,172 caused by falls
• 243 caused by excessive heat
• 146 caused by gas or vapor poisoning
• 126 caused by accidental drowning
• 70 caused by medical or surgical care mistakes
• 55 caused by choking on food
• 41 caused by fire, flames, or smoke
• 38 caused by suffocation
• 29 caused by excessive cold
• 29 caused by choking on an object
• 13 caused by an accidental firearm discharge
• 11 caused by aircraft accidents
• 11 caused by adverse drug reactions
• 9 caused by railway accidents
• 8 caused by electrocution
• 7 caused by water transport accidents

If one of your loved ones was killed in an accident due to the reckless or negligent actions of another person, you may have to file a wrongful death claim in court to receive the compensation you need to move forward. Scottsdale residents can file wrongful death claims in the Maricopa County Superior Court in Phoenix at the Central Court Building, 201 W. Jefferson Street.

Steps in a Wrongful Death Case

Losing a loved one in a sudden accident can shatter your world. When an accident is caused by negligence or malice, it can leave you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. It can be challenging to continue with your day-to-day life, even without the added challenge of seeking damages from the responsible party. A Scottsdale wrongful death attorney can help you secure the compensation you are entitled to so you can focus on grieving.

No two wrongful death cases are alike, but there are some common steps to follow when filing a wrongful death claim. These steps generally include:

• Secure a wrongful death attorney to represent your interests.
• Investigate the accident and gather relevant evidence and testimony.
• File the wrongful death complaint with the Arizona court.
• The pre-trial process includes discovery, filing motions, and negotiating potential settlements.
• If a fair settlement is not reached, a trial allows you to present evidence, and a jury decides on an appropriate settlement amount.

The jury can award economic and non-economic damages designed to cover both the tangible and intangible costs associated with the wrongful death. In some cases, the judge may also award punitive damages when the wrongful death was the result of intentional or grossly negligent actions.

FAQs

What Is the Average Wrongful Death Settlement in Arizona?

There is no average settlement amount in a wrongful death claim in Arizona. Several factors are considered when calculating a settlement amount. The settlement should cover both economic and non-economic factors, including future costs.

Settlements in negligence cases are affected by the severity of the negligence. Compensation can also be limited by the amount of insurance coverage available. Complex or lengthy cases also accrue higher fees, which can also affect the overall settlement amount.

How Much Do Attorneys Charge for a Wrongful Death Case?

A wrongful death attorney is likely to charge based on a contingency fee scale. Contingency fees are a percentage of the total settlement amount, but the fee may be higher for cases that require litigation. With a contingency fee, you do not owe any money up front, and you only pay if you are awarded a settlement amount. Be sure to ask about fees, fee structure, and payment during your initial case review.

Who Can File a Claim for Wrongful Death in Arizona?

In Arizona, a wrongful death claim can be filed by a close family member—such as a spouse, child, or parent—or by the representative of the deceased’s estate. If a settlement amount is recovered, it is awarded to the surviving family members or estate, depending on who brings the claim, who qualifies as a beneficiary, and other factors. The most effective way to determine whether you are eligible is to consult with a trusted wrongful death lawyer.

What Is the Success Rate of Wrongful Death Claims in Arizona?

There is no success rate statistic for wrongful death claims in Scottsdale, Arizona, but there are several factors that can increase the likelihood of winning a wrongful death claim. Collecting strong evidence can lead to a positive settlement experience. Hiring a knowledgeable wrongful death attorney can also result in a higher settlement amount. Choosing to settle may be a good option when there is clear evidence, but a trial may be necessary in some situations.

Is There a Cap on Compensation Amounts in Wrongful Death Cases in Arizona?

No, Arizona does not have a cap on the amount that can be awarded in a wrongful death case. Wrongful death cases can seek economic and non-economic damages from the responsible party. In some cases, punitive damages can also be sought when the party responsible acted intentionally or with gross negligence. However, courts are required to make sure punitive damages are reasonable and not arbitrary.

Contact Bleaman Law Firm, P.C.

Losing a loved one due to the negligent actions of another person can leave you devastated. Financial compensation can’t bring back a loved one, but it can help ensure your family has a strong financial future as you grieve and learn how to live in your new reality. Contact the Bleaman Law Firm, P.C., to schedule your initial case review.

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