Pahrump Wrongful Death Lawyer
Wrongful deaths occur when someone else’s negligence, intentional misconduct, or recklessness results in the death of someone’s spouse, parent, child, or another family member. If someone you love passed away in an accident in Pahrump, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim in civil court with the help of a compassionate injury attorney. Not only does the death of a family member cause grief and pain, but it can also cause financial hardship due to funeral expenses, medical bills, and the loss of financial support from your loved one.
A settlement will not make you whole after the death of a family member, but it can help ease the burden of financial struggles and offer you some form of support in a difficult time. A Pahrump wrongful death lawyer can help families navigate the complex legal system and secure rightful compensation by:
- Dealing with insurance companies
- Conducting thorough investigations
- Determining the true value of the case
- Interviewing witnesses
- Compiling evidence
- Analyzing police reports and medical records
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Pahrump, Nevada
Only certain family members and representatives can file wrongful death claims in Nevada. According to the Nevada Revised Statutes, family members legally identified as heirs— as well as personal representatives of the deceased’s estate—could be eligible for compensation after a wrongful death. Potential heirs may include the deceased’s:
- Spouse or domestic partner
- Children
- Parents (if there is no surviving spouse or children)
- Legal dependents
Unfortunately, in most cases, fiancées, unadopted stepchildren, and foster children cannot file a wrongful death claim in Pahrump.
To find out if someone meets the legal definition of heir under Nevada law and to understand who is eligible for compensation in a wrongful death claim, individuals should speak to an experienced Pahrump wrongful death attorney.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases
For a wrongful death, the death must have a direct cause by another person’s negligence, carelessness, or intentional behavior.
Some of the most common causes of wrongful deaths are:
- Pedestrian accidents
- Also, premises liability
- Medical malpractice
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Lastly, workplace accidents
Damages Available in a Pahrump Wrongful Death Claim
In Nevada, there are two categories of compensation potentially available to eligible family members: special damages and punitive damages. Special damages include the medical bills incurred before a family member’s death, as well as compensation for their pain and suffering. Surviving relatives may also be awarded for financial and emotional losses, such as:
- Funeral expenses
- Grief or also sorrow
- Loss of companionship
- Property damage
- Lastly, loss of income and benefits
Additionally, punitive damages are a form of compensation that act as a way of punishing at-fault parties for extraordinarily negligent, reckless, or malicious behaviors.
These damages are only awarded to family members under certain circumstances, so it is best to speak to a wrongful death attorney to determine the full extent of the available damages.
A Pahrump Wrongful Death Lawyer can Help
There is often an overwhelming feeling of confusion and loss in the aftermath of a family member’s wrongful death. Filing a lawsuit may seem like an intimidating and pointless task in the face of tragedy. However, if another person’s negligence caused your family member’s death, you deserve full compensation for your financial losses and emotional suffering.
A wrongful death lawyer in Pahrump can build a strong case to prove liability and negligence and make sure you receive the monetary relief to which you are entitled.