The duration of a wrongful death lawsuit in Glendale depends on the unique details of each situation. Some cases may be resolved in just a few months if liability and compensation are quickly agreed upon by all involved parties. However, more complicated cases, such as those with disputes over fault or multiple defendants, can extend the process to several years. The timeline can also be affected by factors like the need for thorough investigations, expert witness input, and court scheduling.

While most wrongful death claims in Arizona are settled out of court, especially with the guidance of an experienced attorney, trials may be required if a fair agreement cannot be reached. For a more personalized estimate of how long your case might take, please call us today at (480) 637-5757.

Winning a wrongful death lawsuit requires proving key legal elements: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. The at-fault party must have owed a responsibility to the deceased, failed to meet that responsibility, and directly caused the death (resulting in measurable losses for the surviving family). An experienced wrongful death law firm, like Rasmussen Injury Law, can help meet this legal standard.

In Arizona, damages from a wrongful death lawsuit are usually awarded to the deceased’s surviving spouse, children, parents, or legal guardians. If the deceased had a will, the compensation may be distributed according to its provisions or as part of the estate. The law stipulates that damages should be allocated among eligible family members based on the extent of their individual losses, not necessarily in equal shares. If the estate pursues the claim, it may receive the compensation, but immediate family members are most often the main beneficiaries.

To learn more about how wrongful death claims work in Arizona, contact Rasmussen Injury Law today at (480) 637-5757.

Wrongful death is not a criminal charge in Arizona; it is a civil legal matter. While the events that cause wrongful death could potentially involve criminal acts (such as manslaughter), the wrongful death lawsuit itself is a separate process focused on securing financial compensation for the survivors, not imposing criminal penalties on those responsible.

Compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit typically falls into three main types: economic, non-economic, and, in rare cases, punitive damages. Your Glendale wrongful death attorney can help determine which categories apply to your situation.

Economic damages reimburse you for tangible financial losses, such as funeral and burial costs, medical expenses related to the deceased’s final injury or illness, lost wages and benefits the deceased would have earned, and the value of household services they would have provided.

Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses, including emotional suffering, the loss of companionship (“loss of consortium”), guidance, protection, and moral support experienced by surviving family members.

Punitive damages may be awarded in cases involving especially reckless or intentional misconduct, serving as a penalty for the responsible party and a deterrent to others. In mass tort cases involving deaths resulting from a defective product, punitive damages are more common.

Call Rasmussen Injury Law, Glendale’s wrongful death lawyers, to begin the process of filing a claim: (480) 637-5757.

No. Under IRS Rule 1.104-1, wrongful death settlements are typically not subject to federal or Arizona state taxes, provided the compensation is for personal injury or death. This includes payments for medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of companionship, and emotional distress. However, punitive damages, any interest accrued on the settlement, and reimbursements for medical expenses that were previously deducted may be taxable. For detailed advice tailored to your situation, consult a qualified tax professional.

Selecting the right wrongful death attorney is a critical step in your case. Seek out a lawyer who has extensive experience in both personal injury and wrongful death law, a proven history of successful outcomes, and a reputation for clear, compassionate communication. Many attorneys provide free initial consultations, giving you the opportunity to review your case and determine if they are the right match for you. The ideal attorney will make you feel at ease, keep you updated throughout the process, and vigorously defend your family’s legal rights.

If you suspect that your loved one’s death was the result of another’s negligence, reach out to a Glendale wrongful death lawyer to discuss your options.

To learn more about pursuing a wrongful death claim, call Rasmussen Injury Law at (480) 637-5757.