LAS VEGAS WRONGFUL DEATH ATTORNEY
In the most tragic cases, negligence leads to not just injury but death. Such losses are usually sudden, and the shock felt by family members is both emotional and financial. Not all negligence that results in someone’s death results in criminal prosecution. Civil law, however, recognizes your right to hold an individual or organization accountable for a deadly event. Guidance from a wrongful death attorney in Las Vegas can allow you to navigate this legal process. At Lach Injury Law, we understand that this is a difficult time for you. Our role will be to advise you compassionately while strenuously pursuing a settlement from the responsible party.
Who Has a Legal Right to File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Nevada law only authorizes certain people to bring forward a wrongful death claim. This right belongs to:
- The personal representative in charge of the decedent’s estate
- The surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children
- Surviving parents in the absence of a spouse or children
By speaking with a wrongful death attorney in Las Vegas, you can learn who should officially be named as the plaintiffs in your case.
Wrongful Death As an Extension of Personal Injury
A wrongful death lawsuit functions like a personal injury lawsuit. If your loved one had survived but sustained injuries, then that person could have sought damages for injuries. Unhappily, in a wrongful death case, the injuries resulted in death, but passing away does not undo the legal liability accompanying negligent or reckless actions.
For this reason, many wrongful death claims are rooted in the same type of accidents that can produce personal injury cases. Typical sources of wrongful death claims are:
- Defective products
- Unsafe working conditions
- Medical malpractice
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Accidents on poorly maintained property
- Violent crimes
To build a strong case, a wrongful death lawyer in Las Vegas investigates the events that led up to your loved one’s death. Depending on the circumstances, the investigation can include:
- Identifying all parties whose action or inaction contributed to the death
- Interviewing witnesses
- Consulting accident, medical, or engineering experts
- Examining insurance coverage
- Photographing the accident scene
- Looking at maintenance records
The Wrongful Death Claim Process
After speaking with a lawyer to determine your eligibility to pursue compensation for the person’s death, you can ask the lawyer to conduct an investigation. The evidence is gathered during this stage, and the specific legal grounds for collecting financial damages are described. The investigation may include consultations with law enforcement, physicians, and other specialists whose expertise is pertinent to the case.
Formal court filings come next. These documents name one or more defendants, explain the evidence, and outline the extent of your damages. As pretrial activities commence, the defendant could propose a settlement. The advice of your attorney could help you decide whether to accept it or move forward with litigation. Should your case go to trial, then your attorney will strive to convince the jury of the defendant’s responsibility.
Do Not Wait to Consult a Lawyer
The statute of limitations in Nevada for wrongful death is only two years. The grief and disruption that the fatal event brought to your life can make it difficult to cope with the complexities of suing the responsible party. A wrongful death lawyer in Las Vegas can take up these bureaucratic burdens. Although we cannot undo your sorrow, our efforts could result in justice and a financial settlement. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.