Chandler Wrongful Death Lawyer

Trusted Chandler Wrongful Death Attorney

After the sudden death of a loved one, you are often left feeling overwhelmed and lost. The experience can be especially devastating and disorienting when your relative’s death was the result of an unnecessary accident. To seek justice and compensation for medical bills and emotional distress, speak to a qualified Chandler wrongful death lawyer. 

A Chandler personal injury lawyer skilled in wrongful death cases understands how to hold the negligent party responsible while advocating for you to receive a fair settlement. Whether you’re in Downtown Chandler or Ocotillo, we at The Law Offices of Erik L. Mullins are here to support your family during this difficult time.

About The Law Offices of Erik L. Mullins

At The Law Offices of Erik L. Mullins, a personal injury firm based in Gilbert, we put our community first by representing clients with honesty and dignity. As a veteran-owned law practice with a diverse legal team, we hope to give a voice to those who often feel underrepresented in the area of personal injury. When you bring your case to us, you and your family can feel reassured that you’re not just another number; we are here to listen and help. 

Understanding Wrongful Death Laws in AZ

Under Arizona personal injury laws, the surviving family members or estate representative can take legal action when the deceased was killed due to another party’s negligence or misconduct. 

In a wrongful death claim, you may be able to recover economic damages such as medical bills, end-of-life care expenses, funeral or burial costs, or loss of future earnings or work benefits. Wrongful death settlements also largely include non-economic losses, including the family’s grief, emotional pain, and loss of companionship, guidance, and moral support. Wrongful death cases often involve accidents involving:

• Medical malpractice: Malpractice is when a healthcare provider’s mistake causes unnecessary harm, including when it directly causes a wrongful death. Some examples are surgical errors, prescribing or administering the incorrect medication or dose, failure to diagnose, misdiagnosis, and anesthesia mistakes. 
• Workplace accidents: Injuries or occupational injuries can arise in a variety of industries, with accidents including falls from a height, falling objects, equipment or machinery failures, electrocution, burns, structural collapses, and toxic or chemical exposure.
• Dangerous or defective products: Unsafe consumer products can include improperly tested medications, faulty car parts, contaminated drinks or food, defective medical devices, and more. 
• Slip-and-fall accidents: If a loved one dies as a result of injuries sustained after slipping and falling, the property owner can be held liable for damages and the wrongful death. This is known as premises liability. Falls can occur for numerous reasons, including debris, uneven ground, slippery surfaces, and broken stairs or handrails.
• Traffic collisions: Vehicle crashes can involve passenger cars, trucks, bicycles, motorcycles, or pedestrians. 

In 2023, there were approximately 6,000 deaths resulting from unintentional injury in Arizona. Among these fatalities, 1,299 were the result of motor vehicle accidents, and 1,287 occurred from a fall incident. 

Don’t Wait to Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer

It is strongly advised that you hire a wrongful death lawyer as soon as you can. This is because the statute of limitations for wrongful death actions in Arizona is two years from the date of the individual’s death. If the liable party is a government entity, the deadline is only one year. If you wait too long and the deadline passes, you can lose your right to recover damages. 

Consulting an experienced Chandler wrongful death attorney right away allows you to verify your ability to take legal action, and your lawyer can begin collecting evidence and building the case. Working with a lawyer also makes it much easier to stay on top of important filing deadlines. 

Where Is a Wrongful Death Case Handled?

A wrongful death claim in Chandler is most likely to be handled by the Maricopa County Superior Court in downtown Phoenix. The main courthouse would be the Central Court Building, which is located at 201 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003. 

Be sure to verify any important information with your wrongful death attorney. 

FAQs

What’s the Average Wrongful Death Payout in Arizona?

There is no average wrongful death payout in Arizona because every case is different. The compensation amount can vary quite a bit depending on the case factors. This includes the deceased’s previous health and earning capacity, age and projected life expectancy, number and age of dependents, the nature and severity of the defendant’s misconduct, and the strength of the evidence available. 

Can I Claim Wrongful Death if My Loved One Was Partially at Fault?

Yes, in Arizona, you can still claim wrongful death even if your loved one was partially at fault for the fatal accident. Arizona personal injury law follows a comparative negligence doctrine, meaning that compensation is reduced by the percentage the victim was found to be at fault. Additionally, there is no reduction in compensation if the defendant acted intentionally, willfully, or wantonly in their misconduct. 

How Long Does a Wrongful Death Case Usually Take in Arizona?

How long it may take to resolve a wrongful death case in Arizona can depend on the unique circumstances. If evidence shows the defendant to be clearly liable and they are willing to negotiate a settlement, the case may only require a few months. However, complex cases with minimal or a large amount of evidence, or if the issue is highly contested, can take several months or over a year. 

Is a Wrongful Death Claim the Same as a Survival Action in AZ?

In Arizona, a wrongful death claim and a survival action are two distinct legal filings. Wrongful death claims compensate the surviving family members for their own losses after the death of their loved one, while a survival action compensates the estate for what the deceased suffered before dying. Families may be entitled to file both types of actions simultaneously. 

Kind and Dedicated Wrongful Death Attorney

The Law Offices of Erik L. Mullins is here to support you during this difficult time by taking the time to listen and understand. Our legal team prioritizes making you feel taken care of, including fiercely advocating on your behalf in and out of court. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation where we can discuss your case and next steps.