Arizona Wrongful Death Attorneys

Occasionally, we are left without a loved one due to the carelessness or negligence of another party. This may occur in various ways (this list contains a very small few):

• A motor vehicle accident where the “at-fault” party is the other driver, or the driver of the car in which the deceased is a passenger.
• Dram Shop Act liability. Where a server of alcohol over-serves a visibly intoxicated patron who then takes the life of another in a motor vehicle or through some other heinous act.
• Negligent hiring. An employer hires an individual with a violent criminal record and creates a situation where customers may be placed in a vulnerable position resulting in death.
• Product liability. Products ranging from surgical devices to heavy machinery may be designed in such a way to have dangerous consequences even when used properly, or may have been manufactured with a defect exposing the customer to serious harm or death.

Understanding The Wrongful Death Statute

Arizona has a wrongful death statute, A.R.S. §12-612 which permits a wrongful death claim to be brought “on behalf of the surviving husband or wife, children or parents, or if none of these survive, on behalf of the decedent’s estate.” Wrongful death damages seek to capture losses resulting from the death of a family member. Damages can include medical bills and funeral costs, an amount equal to what the deceased family member would have earned in salary if he or she had lived (and their retirement benefits), what the deceased family member would have emotionally provided to a relationship (referred to as loss of companionship or loss of consortium), and the mental pain and suffering resulting from the family member’s death. In some instances, it is appropriate to seek punitive damages as well. If the claim is being maintained by the estate, it is often the case that some of theses damages will not be available.

Generally, in calculating the value of the damages, it is essential to enlist the assistance of economic experts that will project lost earnings, retirement and other financial considerations.

Adam Barlow Law, P.C. – (602) 688-4529

We offer free evaluations of all injury cases and only select those that we feel can be successfully litigated. Our clients pay no fee unless we recover compensation on their behalf. Adam Barlow Law, P.C. is an Arizona personal injury firm representing injury victims primarily in the Phoenix Metro area. Visit our office in Mesa, AZ during business hours, call us, or schedule a free consultation of your wrongful death claim today using our online form.