Losing a loved one is one of life’s most painful experiences especially when the death was caused by someone else’s negligence or misconduct. While no legal action can undo the heartbreak, Arizona law does allow surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim to hold the responsible party accountable and recover financial compensation.
If you're facing the unimaginable loss of a family member due to another's negligence in Glendale, understanding your rights is the first step toward justice. This article explains what qualifies as a Glendale wrongful death, who can file a claim, and how an experienced lawyer can help.
What Is Wrongful Death Under Arizona Law?
A wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional act of another person or entity. Arizona’s wrongful death laws are designed to provide financial relief to surviving family members while also holding wrongdoers accountable.
Common causes of wrongful death in Glendale include:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Defective products
- Construction or workplace accidents
- Nursing home abuse or neglect
- Criminal actions such as assault or DUI
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Glendale?
In Arizona, the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit is limited to certain family members and representatives. Those eligible include:
- The deceased person’s spouse
- Children of the deceased
- The parents or guardians
- A personal representative of the estate (often named in a will)
If successful, the claim may result in compensation for both financial and emotional losses suffered by the surviving family members or the estate.
What Damages Can Be Recovered?
While no amount of money can replace a loved one, a wrongful death lawsuit can help ease the financial burdens and hold the negligent party accountable. Depending on the case, survivors may be entitled to:
- Medical bills related to the deceased’s final illness or injury
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of income the deceased would have earned
- Loss of companionship, care, and guidance
- Emotional pain and suffering for surviving family members
- Loss of inheritance or benefits
In certain extreme cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
The Role of a Glendale Wrongful Death Attorney
Wrongful death claims are legally and emotionally complex. You’re not only dealing with the legal system but also grieving a profound personal loss. A compassionate and skilled Glendale wrongful death attorney can ease that burden by:
- Investigating the cause of death and collecting evidence
- Working with medical, accident, and financial experts
- Identifying all liable parties (including individuals, companies, or government entities)
- Calculating full and fair compensation
- Handling negotiations with insurance companies
- Representing you in court if needed
Most importantly, they will advocate for your family’s rights while you focus on healing.
How Is Wrongful Death Proven?
To win a wrongful death case in Glendale, you must prove:
- Duty of Care – The defendant had a legal obligation to act safely or reasonably.
- Breach of Duty – The defendant failed to meet that obligation.
- Causation – That failure directly caused your loved one’s death.
- Damages – The death resulted in measurable losses for the surviving family or estate.
This requires strong evidence, including police reports, expert testimony, medical records, and witness statements—all of which your attorney will help compile.
Arizona’s Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death
In Arizona, you typically have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, if the claim involves a government agency or municipality, additional notice requirements and shorter deadlines may apply.
Missing this window could permanently bar you from seeking compensation, so it’s crucial to act quickly and consult a wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible.
Finding the Right Glendale Wrongful Death Lawyer
Not every attorney has the skill or sensitivity needed for wrongful death litigation. Look for a lawyer who:
- Specializes in personal injury and wrongful death cases
- Has a proven track record of success in Arizona courts
- Offers free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis (you pay nothing unless they win)
- Understands how to support grieving families with compassion
You Deserve Justice and Closure
The sudden loss of a loved one due to negligence or recklessness is devastating. While legal action cannot bring them back, it can provide a sense of justice, financial security, and peace of mind for the future.
If you believe your family member’s death could have been prevented, don’t suffer in silence. Contact a Glendale wrongful death attorney today for a confidential consultation and let a legal advocate help you seek the justice your loved one deserves.
