WRONGFUL DEATH

Families who have lost a loved one in an accident that happened as a result of negligence may want to contact a Wrongful Death Attorney Las Vegas to talk about the case. The person or entity responsible for the person’s death may be required to pay compensation to the surviving family members. Nevada state law specifies that the death can be the result of either a wrongful act or neglect. Legal action can be brought by each one of the heirs or personal representatives of the deceased individual.

Types of Accidents

The types of accidents that might result in a wrongful death lawsuit include car accidents, work-related accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice and even murder. If a manufacturer releases an unsafe product and the use of it leads to a person’s death, that might also be grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit. A wrongful death attorney Las Vegas may be able to explain whether a lawsuit is appropriate in any individual situation.

Civil versus Criminal Cases

After some incidents that result in wrongful death, there could be criminal charges filed against the person who caused the death. A wrongful death lawsuit, which is a civil case, can still be successful even if the criminal case is not. One reason for this is that the burden of proof in a civil case is lower. In a criminal case, the prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. In a civil case, the standard is a preponderance of evidence. This means that the winning side must present more convincing evidence than the other side.

Sometimes, before a case goes to trial, the responsible party may offer an out-of-court settlement. A wrongful death attorney Las Vegas may be able to advise as to whether the offer is a reasonable one, but accepting or rejecting the offer is ultimately the decision of the family.

Types of Damages

There are a number of different types of damages that may be involved in a wrongful death suit. Some of these are called special damages while another type is punitive. Special damages include expenses such as any medical costs, funeral expenses and any property damage that happened as a part of the accident. Special damages also takes lost income into account. This includes the income the person might have earned through a lifetime, and this payment can be important for the person’s dependants. Another element of special damages is less tangible. It is the loss of affection and companionship.

The separate category of punitive damages is not tied to any element of loss. Instead, it is about punishing the person or company that caused the wrongful death. A wrongful death attorney Las Vegas may be able to explain what kind of damages it would be appropriate for a family to seek.

An unexpected death is a tragedy for loved ones left behind, and no amount of money can make up for that loss. However, compensation can be important in helping support the family of the deceased person, and punitive damages may help the family feel some measure of justice has happened. Call Gabroy Law Office today to speak to a wrongful death attorney Las Vegas about an accident and find out what we can do to help.