When someone passes away, surviving family members are left to grieve and pick up the pieces and, in many cases, face financial hardship as a result of their loss. If someone was responsible for your loved one’s untimely death, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages to lessen the burden of this terrible loss. However, you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit, so it is crucial to act quickly. In the state of Arizona, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death lawsuit is two years, starting on the date of your loved one’s passing.
Economic and Non-Economic Damages in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
There are typically two types of damages surviving family members can receive in a wrongful death lawsuit – economic and non-economic.
Here are some of the economic damages you can recover:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Final medical costs connected to the decedent’s death
- Loss of inheritance
- Loss of benefits, including income, medical coverage, and pension plans
- The value of services or goods the decedent would have provided had it not been for his or her untimely death
Here are some of the non-economic damages you can recover:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of guidance, care, training, protection, and advice from the decedent
- Loss of companionship and love
Although calculating economic damages is a relatively straightforward task, non-economic damages are less black and white. After all, how can anyone put a price tag on the emotional pain one feels after losing a beloved family member? To ensure you receive fair compensation for your loss, it is imperative to hire an experienced wrongful death attorney to handle your case.
Special Cases
Although the statute of limitations for a wrongful death lawsuit is usually two years, there are some exceptions to the rule. For example, minors have two years, starting on the date they reach the age of majority, to file a lawsuit. In cases where surviving family members could not have known another party’s negligence caused the death of their loved one, the clock would only begin to run once they become aware of it or should have become aware of it. Therefore, even if you think the statute of limitations ran out on your case, it would still be wise to consult with an attorney.
Speak to a Compassionate Wrongful Death Attorney Today!
If you lost a loved one due to another party’s negligent actions, contact the wrongful death team at Rafi Law Group for the knowledgeable and compassionate legal guidance you deserve and need to hold the responsible party liable. We understand how hard it is to lose someone you love, which is why our team is committed to providing fierce legal representation and personalized solutions to help you reach your goals.
Moreover, our team believes you should spend your time trying to heal from this loss, which is why we provide our services on a contingency fee basis. If we cannot win your case, you will not owe us any legal fees.
Contact our law office today at (623) 207-1555 to schedule a free consultation.