hero-desktop-nogradient (2)

Free Consultation

Consulta gratuita

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
"My wife and I found Torgenson Law the beginning of 2023. Hunter and his colleagues were very easy to work with! They knew exactly how to address our problems and that made me feel very comfortable. This is a Professional Team that I highly recommend. Thank You for all your help." "Mi esposa y yo encontramos Torgenson Law a principios de 2023. Fue muy fácil trabajar con Hunter y sus colegas. Sabían exactamente cómo abordar nuestros problemas y eso me hizo sentir muy cómodo. Este es un Equipo Profesional que recomiendo altamente. Gracias por toda su ayuda." Stephen K. Read our 5 Star Google Reviews Lea nuestros comentarios de 5 estrellas en Google

Goodyear Wrongful Death Lawyers

If a loved one experiences a wrongful death accident, it can have a devastating impact on a family, causing immense emotional, psychological, and financial hardships. The sudden loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing can rip a family apart, leaving them to navigate a complex and relentless journey toward healing and justice.

The grief and trauma following a wrongful death accident can be overwhelming. Family members are often overcome with feelings of shock, disbelief, anger, and profound sadness. The sudden absence of a loved one can create a void that is difficult to fill, causing profound emotional distress and psychological trauma. Family members may struggle with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health challenges as they grapple with the profound loss and the injustice of the situation.

Financially, a wrongful death accident can place an enormous burden on a family. The loss of a loved one can result in the loss of income, benefits, and financial security. Families may face mounting medical bills, funeral expenses, and legal fees, adding to their financial distress. Additionally, losing a primary caregiver or breadwinner can create significant challenges in meeting day-to-day expenses, providing for children and dependents, and maintaining a stable lifestyle.

On top of all the family stress, navigating the legal process in seeking justice for a wrongful death accident can be an arduous and lengthy ordeal for families. They may have to endure legal battles, investigations, and negotiations, which can further exacerbate their emotional and financial stress. The Goodyear wrongful death lawyers at Torgenson Law will help you navigate the legal complexities and ensure that the responsible party is held accountable for their actions.

What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

A wrongful death lawsuit is a legal action that can be pursued when a person dies as a result of another party’s negligence, wrongful act, or intentional misconduct. It provides a way for the surviving family members or beneficiaries of the deceased person to seek justice and compensation for their loss.

In a wrongful death lawsuit, the burden of proof lies with the plaintiffs, who are typically close family members, such as spouses, children, or parents of the deceased. They must demonstrate that the defendant’s actions directly caused or contributed to the death and that the death has resulted in identifiable damages, both economic and non-economic, to the surviving family members.

Wrongful death claims can arise from various circumstances, including medical malpractice, car accidents, workplace accidents, defective products, or even criminal acts. These lawsuits aim to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions and provide financial support to the surviving family members who have suffered losses such as lost income, financial support, companionship, guidance, and emotional distress.

The compensation sought in a wrongful death lawsuit may cover various types of damages, ranging from medical and funeral expenses to lost wages, loss of inheritance, and loss of association. It is important to note that wrongful death laws and regulations vary across jurisdictions, so the specific legal requirements, time limits to file a claim, and potential damages can vary from one jurisdiction to another.

Ultimately, a wrongful death lawsuit seeks to provide some form of justice for the deceased and their loved ones, as well as to promote accountability and deter future negligence or wrongful conduct.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Goodyear

Wrongful death is a tragic occurrence that typically arises from the negligence or intentional misconduct of another party. In the state of Arizona, and particularly in the city of Goodyear, several common causes of wrongful death can be attributed to a range of factors and circumstances. One significant cause of wrongful death is car accidents, often resulting from reckless driving, distracted driving, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These accidents can lead to devastating consequences, especially when individuals fail to adhere to traffic laws or engage in negligent behavior behind the wheel.

Medical malpractice is another prominent cause of wrongful death in Goodyear. Instances, where medical professionals fail to provide an adequate standard of care, misdiagnose conditions, or make errors during surgical procedures, can result in fatal consequences. These cases can be exceptionally complex, requiring a thorough investigation by Goodyear wrongful death lawyers to determine if negligence played a role in the patient’s death.

Workplace accidents are another unfortunate cause of wrongful death in Arizona. Construction sites, industrial environments, and other high-risk workplaces can be hazardous, leading to fatal incidents such as falls, equipment malfunctions, electrocutions, or exposure to toxic substances. Employers have a responsibility to ensure proper safety protocols are followed, and failure to do so can result in fatal accidents.

In addition to the causes mentioned above, wrongful death can also occur due to premises liability, where property owners fail to maintain safe conditions, resulting in fatal accidents or incidents. These can include slip-and-falls, fires, or other dangerous conditions that prove fatal for individuals visiting the property.

Whatever the cause, the loss of a loved one due to wrongful death has far-reaching emotional and financial consequences for the surviving family. Pursuing a wrongful death claim can help provide a sense of justice, as well as financial compensation to cover medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, and the loss of companionship and support. Consulting with our experienced wrongful death attorneys familiar with Arizona laws is crucial in navigating the legal complexities and ensuring that the responsible party is held accountable for their actions.

Determining Liability in a Wrongful Death Claim

In a wrongful death claim, determining liability is a crucial step in the legal process to establish who is legally responsible for the death of an individual. Liability is typically determined by examining the circumstances surrounding the accident or incident that led to the death and assessing the legal obligations and duties of the parties involved.

Several key factors are considered to establish liability. First, it must be demonstrated that the defendant had a duty of care towards the deceased person. This duty of care means that the defendant had a legal obligation to act in a reasonably cautious manner to prevent harm to others. For example, a driver must follow traffic laws and operate their vehicle safely.

Next, it must be proven that the defendant breached their duty of care. This can occur through various actions or failures to act, such as negligence or recklessness. Negligence refers to the failure to exercise reasonable care, while recklessness involves consciously disregarding the safety of others.

Furthermore, it is essential to demonstrate that the defendant’s breach of duty directly caused or contributed to the death. This requires establishing a causal link between the defendant’s actions and the harm suffered by the deceased person.

Lastly, damages resulting from the wrongful death claim must be quantified. This involves assessing the financial and non-financial losses suffered by the surviving family members as a result of the death. These damages may include medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and emotional pain and suffering.

Liability in a wrongful death claim is determined through a comprehensive analysis of the evidence and legal principles. It often involves gathering witness testimonies, expert opinions, medical records, and other relevant documentation to construct a compelling case for the responsible party’s liability. Ultimately, a judge or jury will decide upon liability based on the presented evidence, applicable laws, and legal precedents.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for My Loved One’s Accidental Death?

In the unfortunate event of a loved one’s accidental death, the question of who can be held responsible can become quite complex. Several factors need to be considered in determining liability. First and foremost, it is crucial to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident and whether any specific parties played a role in causing or contributing to the incident.

Public spaces

If the accident occurred in a public place, such as a park or shopping center, it is necessary to assess the responsibility of the property owner, manager, or municipality. Such entities have a duty to maintain a safe environment and address potential hazards that could harm visitors. If negligence in maintenance or failure to implement safety measures contributed to the accident, the property owner could be held liable.

Vehicle Accidents

In motor vehicle accidents, responsibility may rest with the driver who caused the collision, especially if their negligent or reckless behavior caused the death. However, if there are defects in the road design, faulty traffic signals, or other factors beyond the immediate control of the driver, government entities or even vehicle manufacturers might share some responsibility.

Professional negligence

In some instances, accidents occur due to the negligence of professionals or institutions, such as doctors, hospitals, or manufacturers of defective products. Medical malpractice or product liability law may come into play if it can be shown that the death resulted from the failure to meet the standard of care or the production of a dangerously flawed product.

Ultimately, determining responsibility for a loved one’s accidental death requires a thorough investigation of the circumstances and relevant laws. The Goodyear wrongful death lawyers are legal experts who can guide families through this complex process, helping them seek justice and compensation from the responsible parties.

How Soon Should I File a Claim For Wrongful Death?

When filing a claim for wrongful death, it is crucial to act promptly and efficiently without delay. The specific time frame for filing a claim may vary depending on the jurisdiction and local laws governing such cases. However, it is strongly recommended to begin the process as soon as possible after an accident resulting in wrongful death.

The primary reason for acting swiftly is to ensure that important evidence is preserved, witnesses’ recollections are fresh, and the details surrounding the accident are still readily available. As time passes, evidence may deteriorate or be lost, and witness testimonies may become less accurate, potentially weakening the case. Therefore, filing a claim soon after the accident allows for a more comprehensive and solid presentation of the case.

In addition to preserving evidence, filing a claim promptly also ensures that the statute of limitations, which is the legal timeframe within which a claim can be made, is not exceeded. By filing within the specified time limit, the claimant can avoid the risk of their case being dismissed due to the expiration of the statute of limitations.

It is important to note that the process of filing a claim for wrongful death can be complex and often involves various legal procedures. Therefore, seeking legal advice and consulting with an experienced attorney right away is highly recommended. We can guide you through the process, assess the strength of your case, and help you navigate the legal requirements and deadlines specific to your jurisdiction.

When a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Can Apply

A wrongful death claim typically applies to accident cases where a person’s negligence or intentional actions result in the death of another individual. In such cases, when the death was caused by the wrongful or negligent behavior of another party, the surviving family members or beneficiaries may have the legal right to file a wrongful death claim.

To be clear, a wrongful death claim is distinct from a personal injury claim, where the injured party survives the accident. Wrongful death claims arise when the accident directly leads to the death of the victim. The claim is usually filed by the deceased person’s family members, such as a spouse, children, or parents, on behalf of the deceased.

How Difficult Is it to Establish Wrongful Death?

Establishing a wrongful death claim can be a complex and challenging process, requiring a thorough understanding of legal principles and the ability to navigate intricate legal procedures. The difficulty of such a claim stems from several factors, including the burden of proof, the need to establish negligence or liability, and the emotional nature of the case.

Firstly, the burden of proof lies with the plaintiff, who must demonstrate that the defendant caused the death through negligence, intentional harm, or a breach of duty. This requires presenting evidence that convinces the court that the defendant’s actions or lack thereof directly led to the individual’s death. Proving causation can often pose challenges, as it may require expert testimony, medical records, eyewitness accounts, and other forms of evidence to link the defendant’s behavior to the fatal incident.

Secondly, wrongful death claims typically involve proving negligence or liability. This means establishing that the defendant failed to uphold a duty of care owed to the deceased, resulting in their death. To do so, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant’s actions (or lack thereof) fell below the standard of care expected in similar circumstances. This often requires a comprehensive investigation, gathering evidence, and analyzing any applicable laws or regulations.

Wrongful death claims are typically emotionally charged, as they involve the loss of a loved one. This emotional aspect can further complicate matters, as grieving family members may struggle to remain objective throughout the legal process.

Additionally, wrongful death claims often involve sensitive topics, such as medical malpractice, product liability, or accidents, making them emotionally taxing for the surviving family members and adding another layer of complexity to the case.

Ultimately, establishing a wrongful death claim is challenging due to the need to gather compelling evidence, prove causation, establish negligence or liability, and address the emotional toll it takes on the involved parties. Engaging the services of a Goodyear wrongful death lawyer specializing in complex death cases can greatly assist in navigating these claims and increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.

How Torgenson Law Can Help

Any loss of life is tragic, but a wrongful death incident can be devastating for a family. Medical bills and funeral expenses, combined with loss of income and companionship, can seem insurmountable to overcome. The last thing you want to do after a loss is to try to negotiate a settlement with an insurance company. The entire team at Torgenson Law approaches each case with compassion and dedication to obtaining justice for our clients.

Torgenson Law has worked with hundreds of families grappling with wrongful death. We have experienced investigators to evaluate your case, gather facts, and help us get you the compensation you rightfully deserve. If your family is grieving the loss of a loved one because of someone else’s negligence, contact us for a case evaluation.

The personal injury lawyers at Torgenson Law will review your case and go over all the details on how to make a successful case of compensation for your loss. We investigate the unique circumstances surrounding your situation and guide you along the best path forward. Our attorneys are expert litigators prepared to go to trial if needed to obtain justice. For a free and confidential case review, contact us online or call 602-726-0747.