Wrongful Death
Yuma Wrongful Death Lawyers
Compassionate Legal Guidance After a Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one is one of life’s most painful experiences. The emotional burden can feel even heavier when someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing causes that loss. Wrongful death claims provide a way for families to seek justice, accountability, and financial relief after a preventable tragedy. These cases are deeply personal and emotionally charged, making it critical to have a trusted attorney provide guidance through the legal process.
A wrongful death lawyer can handle the complexities of your case, from investigating the circumstances and determining liability to filing claims and pursuing fair compensation. Having an attorney manage your claim allows you to focus on healing while honoring your loved one’s memory through justice.
At Rafi Law Group, we provide compassionate, focused representation to families in Yuma, Arizona. We intentionally limit our caseload to give every client the attention and care they deserve during this challenging time.
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s actions, speak with one of our Yuma wrongful death attorneys by calling (623) 207-1555 or submitting an online contact form.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim occurs when the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another party cause someone’s death. According to Arizona Revised Statute § 12-611, families have the right to take legal action if the death was the result of a "wrongful act, neglect, or default"—circumstances that would have supported a personal injury claim had the deceased survived.
Wrongful death claims aim to hold those responsible for the tragedy accountable and offer financial relief to the surviving family members affected by the loss. Compensation can address a range of losses, including medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering.
In Arizona, families must act quickly due to the statute of limitations. Legal action for a wrongful death must be filed within two years of the loved one’s death. Failing to meet this deadline could forfeit the right to pursue justice.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
In Arizona, the right to file a wrongful death claim is limited to specific individuals closely connected to the deceased.
According to Arizona Revised Statute § 12-612, the following parties are eligible to pursue a claim:
- Surviving spouse of the deceased
- Children of the deceased
- Parents or legal guardians of the deceased
- A personal representative acting on behalf of the deceased’s estate and surviving family members
These individuals are legally entitled to seek compensation for the financial and emotional hardships resulting from the wrongful death. Immediate family members—spouses, parents, and children—often play the most prominent role in these cases, as they typically suffer the greatest impact.
Filing a wrongful death claim is not only about recovering damages; it’s also a way to hold negligent parties accountable and find a sense of justice for your loved one. If you’re unsure whether you qualify to file a claim, our Yuma wrongful death attorneys can help you understand your right to take legal action.
Possible Causes of a Wrongful Death
Wrongful death claims can stem from various situations where a person’s life is ended because of someone else’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing.
Causes of a wrongful death include:
- Car accidents: Whether it’s a crash on the busy roads of Yuma, such as on Interstate 8, or a collision at an intersection, negligent driving can lead to fatal accidents.
- Medical malpractice: When healthcare professionals fail to provide the standard of care required, it can result in serious harm or death.
- Workplace incidents: Fatal accidents can occur in construction, agriculture, or other local businesses. Employers may be held accountable if they fail to ensure safety measures.
- Defective products: If a product, like a vehicle part or household appliance, is poorly designed or manufactured, it can cause deadly accidents.
- Criminal acts: In some cases, wrongful death may result from violent crimes such as assault or intentional acts of harm.
In each of these scenarios, the party responsible—whether it be an individual, business, manufacturer, or property owner—can be held accountable for their actions through a wrongful death claim. Legal action can compensate surviving family members, covering medical bills, funeral expenses, and loss of income while holding those responsible for the tragedy accountable.
Recoverable Compensation in a Wrongful Death Case
When a loved one’s life is taken due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, families may be able to recover various types of compensation. Although no sum of money can ever replace the loss, these damages can provide financial relief and help bring a sense of accountability and justice.
Forms of compensation in a wrongful death case may include:
- Medical expenses: The costs of treatment leading up to the death, including hospital stays, surgeries, and doctor visits.
- Funeral and burial costs: Expenses associated with funeral arrangements and burial services.
- Loss of income: Families can recover compensation for the income they would have earned had their loved one survived.
- Emotional suffering: Compensation for the pain and suffering the surviving family members endured due to the loss of their loved one.
The value of holding responsible parties accountable goes beyond financial recovery. It ensures that those who cause harm face the consequences of their actions. However, proving fault in a wrongful death case requires thorough investigation and compelling evidence. Our attorneys work diligently to establish liability by gathering critical evidence, consulting with expert witnesses, and using our legal insights to build a strong case.
Speak with an Attorney About Your Wrongful Death Claim
The loss of a loved one can be overwhelming, especially when that loss is due to someone else’s actions. At Rafi Law Group, our team offers compassionate support and guidance through every step of the legal process. We believe in providing personalized, attentive service and helping families seek justice.
Please schedule a consultation with one of our Yuma wrongful death attorneys by calling (623) 207-1555 or contacting us online.