Las Vegas Wrongful Death Attorney

The finality of the death of a loved one is hard to bear in any circumstances. But when a life has been cut short unnecessarily because of some other person’s negligent act, the knowledge that the death was entirely preventable and the resulting emotional anguish may feel impossible for the family to bear. And when your grief is compounded by financial disaster because the deceased person was your family’s primary breadwinner, you may wonder how you’ll ever be able to recover. The injustice is staggering. In the difficult time when you are struggling with grief, pain, and economic woes, the thought of a legal action may seem overwhelming. But it is important that you hold the person or other party that caused your loved one’s untimely and unnecessary death accountable for your suffering. The family and estate of the deceased may do this by making a claim for monetary compensation for the death, with the help of a Nevada wrongful death attorney.

Money may seem like small consolation for the loss of someone you love, but it can ease your financial stress and give you some sense of closure to hold the responsible party accountable in some way. It may also help prevent the same type of negligence from endangering the lives and safety of others by deterring the behavior or lack of care in the future. It is one way you can make the negligent party face up to the harm they have caused.

Causes of Wrongful Death

A wrongful death is any preventable death that occurred because of the negligence or wrongdoing of another. Wrongful deaths occur in many ways: motor vehicle crashes, medical malpractice, premises negligence, defective products, dangerous drugs or medical devices, toxic substance exposure, animal attacks, nursing home abuse, and violent acts are some of the most common causes of wrongful death.

Wrongful Death Damages

In a Nevada wrongful death action, the heirs and personal representative of the victim’s estate can seek compensation for economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.

Economic damage compensation may cover the cost of any medical expenses the victim incurred before death, funeral expenses, and the lost earnings, benefits, and projected future financial support to the family.

Non-economic compensation is awarded family and loved ones for the emotional suffering they’ve been forced to endure due to their loss. Emotional suffering can’t truly be measured in dollars, but a monetary award for non-economic damages is the only type of justice available and can serve the dual purpose of making the responsible party pay for the wrongdoing and relieving the financial difficulties the family is suffering in the wake of their loss. Non-economic damages may include loss of companionship, guidance, affection, comfort, consortium, grief, mental anguish, and the deceased’s pain and suffering between the time of the incident and death.

When the cause of death was gross negligence or depraved indifference to the victim’s life or well-being, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the wrongdoer, beyond simple compensation. Punitive damages are designed to add an extra level of deterrence, and they also increase the award amount to the family and heirs who have suffered so unnecessarily.

Who May File a Wrongful Death Action in Nevada?

In Nevada, the law allows the heirs and personal representative of the deceased, or individuals with a particular relationship to the deceased, to file a wrongful death action: the decedent’s surviving spouse or domestic partner, children and issue of deceased children. In some circumstances, a putative spouse, children of the putative spouse, stepchildren, parents, or a minor living in the household who can prove dependency of the deceased for a certain period of time may also be able to recover. To learn if you are eligible, you will need to consult with an experienced Nevada wrongful death attorney.

The Compassionate Help You Need Following a Wrongful Death

Eric Woods is among Las Vegas’s most respected and effective wrongful death lawyers. Eric knows that losing a beloved member of your family is painful; losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence is even more devastating. With sensitivity and compassion at this difficult time, Eric will handle the case with the least amount of stress for you and your family, allowing you the time you need to grieve. Put Eric’s more than thirty years of experience behind you in your pursuit of justice. Call the Woods law office today at (702) 737-0000 to arrange an appointment to learn how we can help. There is no charge for the consultation, and no fees or expenses unless you receive a compensation award.