Losing a loved one unexpectedly can be traumatic, leaving you feeling lost and wondering what to do next. A wrongful death can affect you not only emotionally, but financially as well. If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, a wrongful death lawyer in Carson City may be able to help you secure the financial compensation you deserve.
At Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers, we believe you deserve justice. While no amount of money can bring back what was taken from you, our Carson City personal injury lawyer is here to fight on your behalf to help alleviate the financial and legal stress.
What is a Wrongful Death Claim in Nevada?
If you have suddenly lost a loved one due to the negligence of another party, you may be entitled to compensation. There are many situations in which a wrongful death may occur. Common situations can include:
- Fatal car and truck accidents
- Medical negligence and malpractice
- Unsafe property conditions
- Workplace and construction accidents
- Defective products
Individuals should feel safe when out performing daily tasks such as working or driving, while under the care of a medical professional, or on someone else’s property. If they were not, and tragedy strikes, a wrongful death attorney in Carson City may be able to help you get compensation.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Carson City?
Not every loved one is entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit, even if they lived with or shared expenses with the deceased. Under Nevada law, only certain parties can file wrongful death claims (NRS 41.085). This can include:
- Surviving spouses or domestic partners
- Children of the deceased
- Parents of the deceased
- Personal representatives of the estate
If you have lost a family member and feel that you may be entitled to compensation, speaking with a Carson City wrongful death attorney is the first step in determining if you have a case and how much that case may be worth.
Types of Damages Available in a Wrongful Death Case
Wrongful death cases are not the same as a typical personal injury case. Since the victim is no longer alive, the types of compensation may differ. While medical bills incurred while trying to save the victim may be covered, there won’t be any sort of continuing medical treatment or disability payments that need to be reimbursed.
You may be entitled to non-economic damages that cover items such as grief, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering. These are designed to help you cope with the mental anguish you may experience while grieving your loved one.
Some economic damages may be covered as well. This can include funeral and burial expenses, lost income due to missing work, and possibly even property damage if a vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident. Working with a Carson City wrongful death lawyer can help you understand the full scope of what you may be entitled to.
Free Consultation We’ll help you win the benefits you need to get your life back.
Proving Liability is Essential
In wrongful death cases, proving liability from a legal standpoint can be more difficult. This is because the victim is not there to advocate for themselves and share their recollection of events. Some ways that your Carson City wrongful death attorney can help prove liability may include:
- Accident reports and investigations
- Medical records and expert opinions
- Witness statements
- Video or photographic evidence
- Safety and maintenance records
Nevada abides by a modified comparative negligence system (NRS 41.141 ). This means that as long as you are shown to be less than 51% liable for an accident, you could still be entitled to compensation, minus the percentage of responsibility that falls on you. This same doctrine is applied in wrongful death cases.
How a Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Support Your Family
Navigating the legal system is complex on its own, let alone after the loss of a loved one. Working with an attorney can help to make these challenging situations more manageable. At Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers, we believe that at this time you deserve empathy and care, and we are prepared to give you that while fiercely advocating on your behalf.
Delays in wrongful death cases can crush your case. A mistake can mean the difference between meaningful compensation for what you’ve endured and receiving nothing. Your attorney will work to ensure all filings are done efficiently and correctly to prevent these delays.
Nevada has a two-year statute of limitations in wrongful death cases (NRS 11.190). There can be exceptions to this rule, such as if they have a dependent who is a minor, if there was fraud, or if medical malpractice was involved. Exceptions that may apply in certain cases
Local Experience Matters
From catastrophic car collisions to medical malpractice never events, having a qualified, local attorney advocating for you and the loss of your family member can be immensely beneficial. Some ways having an attorney local to Carson City can help include:
- Deep knowledge of Nevada law
- Understanding and having direct experience with local roadways is especially helpful in vehicle collision accidents
- Relationships with judges, court personnel, other government employees, and opposing counsel
- Familiarity with the local courthouse can expedite filing
- Connection with the community, giving extra incentive to ensure its members receive justice
Having a local lawyer means you have an advocate in your corner who cares deeply for the people of Carson City and holds great value in getting justice for its residents. After a tragedy, you should not have to go it alone, and having a dedicated attorney means that you don’t have to.
Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers is Here to Fight For You
A wrongful death is a tragedy and deserves to be treated that way. Our team at Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers believes that you deserve full compensation for the suffering and grief you’ve had to endure.
If you are ready to take the next step to reclaiming your life, call us today for your free, no-obligation consultation. Our compassionate Carson City wrongful death lawyer will stop at nothing to make sure you and your family are cared for.