Wrongful Death Lawyer Glendale, AZ

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Wrongful Death Lawyer Glendale, AZ

Unfortunately, cases of wrongful death happen every day. People are killed in car crashes. They may die from gun violence. A child may get killed in a bicycle accident. A person undergoing surgery may die from a surgeon’s negligence.

These are examples of wrongful death. In these cases, a person may die immediately, or they may die days later while being treated in a hospital. 

In either case, it is a sad situation. It’s an emotional experience with significant grief involved. Not only that, but the death of a breadwinner can create financial insecurity. Who will support your family now? 

The good news is that you can file a wrongful death claim and recover compensation for the damages you have suffered. While a lawsuit cannot bring your loved one back to life, it can give your family peace of mind, closure, and financial security as you navigate life without your beloved family member. 

Saavedra Law Firm can help you with the next steps after a family member’s death. Our experienced wrongful death lawyers in Glendale, AZ, can help you get compensation for damages caused by a loved one’s unexpected death. 

Contact Our Office Today

If you have lost a loved one because of the negligence or recklessness of another party, we understand there is no amount of money that will make up for that loss. But oftentimes, financial justice is the only avenue families have to hold the at-fault party accountable, especially if there are no criminal charges filed. To schedule a free consultation with a dedicated Glendale, AZ wrongful death lawyer, call Saavedra Law Firm today.

Causes of Wrongful Death

The most common causes of wrongful death are:

  • Car accidents
  • Truck accidents
  • Bicycle accidents
  • Medical malpractice
  • Workplace accidents
  • Construction accidents
  • Defective products
  • Slips and falls
  • Drowning accidents

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim

Under Arizona Law, only certain family members can file a claim and recover compensation for wrongful death. The surviving spouse gets the first opportunity to file a claim. If the person was not married, then any adult children could file a claim. The next family members in line would be parents or guardians. These parties can use a personal representative of the deceased person to file on their behalf if they do not want to file the claim themselves.

You can file a claim for whatever amount is necessary based on the damages you and your family have suffered. The value of your claim will depend on the facts of the case. Arizona does not have any damage caps in place, so your compensation will not be limited. You can recover compensation for various damages, including:

  • Medical expenses
  • Hospital bills
  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Pain and suffering
  • Grief
  • Mental anguish
  • Lost inheritance
  • Loss of consortium or companionship 

The courts will distribute damages to various family members based on their losses. In most cases, the spouse and children of the deceased person will receive most of the compensation due to their dependence on the victim. 

Types of Work-Related Wrongful Death

Despite the fact that there are many laws in place to protect workers, unsafe work conditions can still result in injuries and even the death of employees. If you believe that your loved one died due to negligence on the part of an employer, a wrongful death lawyer in Glendale, AZ can help.The professionals at Saavedra Law Firm, PLC can help you sift through the details of your loved one’s passing to better understand if their employer was to blame. Although there are many different types of work-related wrongful death cases, the following are some of the most common.

Death Resulting From Work-Related Injuries

The most common type of work-related death is from an injury on the job. Certain types of jobs carry with them a greater risk of injury. It is always the responsibility of the employer and the company to minimize these risks as much as possible. If your loved one experienced a work-related injury that then resulted in their death, you could be able to file a wrongful death case against the employer. A wrongful death lawyer in Glendale, AZ will be able to help you review the details of the injury and the death to determine if such a case is viable.

Death Resulting From Unsafe Work Conditions

OSHA regulations are put into place to hold employers accountable for the work environment they provide for their employees. When OSHA guidelines are not being followed, employees can be put at risk. An unsafe work environment can result in injuries and even death. Unsafe work conditions can be proven through an investigation conducted by a wrongful death lawyer in Glendale, AZ. It is often difficult for an individual or a family to conduct the type of research or investigation necessary to prove negligence in a wrongful death case. The legal team at Saavedra Law Firm, PLC can help with this. They have the resources and knowledge to get the information you need to better understand what caused your loved one’s death.

Death Caused From Exposure To Hazardous Materials

There are many industries that deal with hazardous materials. Although these types of jobs are necessary, it is also imperative that employers are incorporating all of the safety measures required by federal law to ensure that employees are not negatively affected by these materials.

If an employer is not following guidelines properly it could result in injury and death. If you believe your loved one died because of exposure to hazardous materials at work a wrongful death lawyer in Glendale, AZ can help.

Drunk Driving Crashes and Wrongful Death

Each year in this country, there are 111 million times when a driver gets into their vehicle when they are over the legal alcohol limit. The result of these bad decisions is that more than 10,000 people are killed in drunk driving accidents every year. That means that every day, 28 families lose a loved one to a drunk driver. Every 51 minutes, someone’s child, parent, and sibling, is killed.

A wrongful death lawyer in Glendale, AZ knows that although there has been much in the way of educating the public of the dangers of driving drunk and an increase in the penalties for drunk driving, safety experts say there is still more that can be done to save lives.

Stopping DUI Fatalities

In the past four decades, the drunk driving rate has decreased nationwide by almost 60 percent, yet drunk driving is the number cause of car crash fatalities. Enforcing strict drunk driving laws has helped in keeping alcohol-impaired drivers off the road. In Arizona, approximately 300 people are killed every year in DUI accidents, despite the fact that Arizona has some of the harshest drunk driving laws in the country.

Some of the factors that have proven effective in the war against drunk driving are obvious ones, while others may be ones you would not think of. The following are some of the factors that a Glendale, AZ wrongful death lawyer understands do make a difference in preventing fatal DUI accidents.

Sobriety checkpoints – where police are allowed to briefly stop drivers to see if they are impaired – have been successful and have prevented countless numbers of fatal drunk driving deaths by pulling the impaired driver off the road.

The use of ignition interlocks for those convicted of DUI has also been shown to be helpful in preventing DUI crashes. The devices, which measure a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC), are attached to a convicted driver’s vehicle. The driver must blow into the device before it will start. If the device measures a BAC of more than .02 percent, the vehicle will not start.

The popularity of ridesharing companies has also played a role in decreasing the number of DUI accidents. There are many areas where cab service is unavailable, or the cost of the service may be expensive. But services like Lyft and Uber provide an inexpensive and easily accessible way for people to go out and enjoy a few drinks without having to worry about the drive home.

One of the more surprising factors that may decrease fatal DUI crashes is taxing alcohol. In a study done by the University of Florida, drunk driving deaths decreased by more than 25 percent in Illinois when that state raised the tax on alcohol.

Despite all of the above, fatal drunk driving accidents still occur far too often and families are left to grieve the tragic loss of their loved ones. If you have lost a family member because of a drunk driver, reach out to a Glendale, AZ wrongful death lawyer to find out what type of financial justice you can pursue for your loss.

Reach Out to Saavedra Law Firm, PLC

Any wrongful death is a tragedy. If you lost a loved one or close family member because of the sudden and irresponsible actions of another party, you deserve justice and closure. While criminal charges may bring you closure, only a successful civil suit can give you the financial compensation you need to properly process your loss.

No amount of money can bring back someone you cared about, but it can help you and the rest of their family and friends come to terms with your loss. Don’t suffer any more than you already have, and don’t pay out of pocket for a tragedy that will affect you for the rest of your life.

Reach out to Saavedra Law Firm, PLC today to get in touch with a wrongful death lawyer in Glendale, AZ.

Youth Football Players and Brain Injuries

There is nothing more tragic than the death of a child. What is even worse is when that death could have been prevented. One of the more alarming trends that have emerged over the past several years is the increased incidents of brain injuries and death to youth and high school football players both here in Arizona and across the country. If your family has suffered a tragedy, contact a wrongful death lawyer in Glendale, AZ for legal assistance.

Brain Injuries

There has been much reporting about the widespread issue of brain injuries that professional football players have suffered over the years and the alleged cover-ups by the NFL and helmet makers, including multiple lawsuits that have been filed by former players and their families. One of the gravest dangers of playing the game is that the repeated blows to the head many players endure, which cause the degenerative brain disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This disease is eventually fatal for victims who develop it.

However, as a Glendale wrongful death lawyer knows, it is not just professional athletes who are at risk of developing CTE. Multiple studies have concluded that these blows to the head are even more serious for young players because their brains have not fully developed. In fact, the younger a child is when they begin playing, the more severe the injuries can be.

One study, in particular, tracked the deaths of two dozen high school football players who have died over the past few years from injuries to the brain and spinal cord. The most dangerous positions – leaving players the most susceptible to these injuries – were running back and linebacker.

These studies prompted USA Football – a national governing organization for youth and high school football – to draft a new set of rules for leagues with younger players. The new rules include:

  • Eliminating special teams, which often cause harder hits
  • Matching up players of equal size
  • Prohibiting the “three-point stance” which gives players a more powerful position to tackle off the line
  • Reducing the number of players on the field. The current rules allow 11 players on the field; the new rules will allow only seven;
  • Reducing the size of the playing field from 100 yards to 40 yards
  • Requiring players to rotate positions

Has Your Child Been Injured?

When a child plays football through schools or youth programs, the organizations owe a responsibility to players to keep the game safe, as these new regulations imply. Just like in professional player lawsuits, failure to do so can open organizations and equipment makers to liability if children are injured because of that failure.

If your child suffered a fatal injury in a sporting event, while there may be no criminal charges for your family to get justice, there may be a way for you to get some level of justice through the civil court system. Call Saavedra Law Firm, PLC today to schedule a free consultation with a compassionate Glendale wrongful death lawyer and find out how we can help.

Damages in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

In the majority of wrongful death lawsuits, it is either the victim’s surviving family members or a representative of their estate that can file the lawsuit. Any damages that are recovered in either a settlement or award are given to the victim’s spouse, children, and/or other next of kin.

Some of the more common damages that a Glendale, AZ wrongful death lawyer can pursue on behalf of the victim’s family include:

  • Medical expenses: In many accident cases, the victim was provided with medical treatment in an effort to save their life. This can include emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, and more. This type of extensive emergency medical care can result in high medical bills, even if the victim had health insurance. A wrongful death lawsuit is one way to ensure that all of these expenses are paid and paid by the party responsible for the victim’s death.
  • Funeral and burial expenses: Funerals and the disposition of remains are very expensive. The family of the victim can pursue compensation for these expenses in the wrongful death lawsuit.
  • If the victim’s income was used to provide for their family – especially if they were the primary breadwinner – the impact of the victim’s death can also cause significant financial hardship for their family. Loss of income, including future wages the victim would have earned, and other benefits the victim provided, such as health insurance, are all compensable in the lawsuit.
  • Loss of companionship: The loss of the victim’s love, guidance, and companionship are also damages that can be included in wrongful death actions.
  • Pain and suffering: Both the pain and suffering the victim may have experienced from their injuries before they died, as well as the pain and suffering the victim’s family have dealt with their loss can be damages sought in the lawsuit.

Four Reasons to Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer

If someone you love has died in an auto accident because of someone else’s fault, whether intentional or not, their loss of life is considered a wrongful death. Wrongful death settlements help the decedent’s family get through financial hardship and provide some sense of closure after a devastating loss. The purpose of hiring an attorney is to help the family get the justice they deserve. If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence of another party, contact an experienced wrongful death lawyer in Glendale, AZ, at the Saavedra Law Firm, PLC. Here are four reasons you should consider hiring legal help if you believe you have a wrongful death case.

Maximum Settlement

Attempting to settle a case on your own could result in you not getting the best possible settlement for your loss. The party responsible for the loss of your loved one may offer you compensation, but you need to know how much you are entitled to, and a lawyer can help you get the maximum about of damages owed to you and your family.

Advocate on Your Behalf

Bouncing back from the sudden loss of a loved one can take time to grieve. Negotiating with lawyers from an insurance company can be a painstaking ordeal. Hiring an attorney to fight for you can help put your mind at ease because your best interest would be a priority.

Interpretation of the Law

It may be difficult for you to understand all the legal jargon, and you may end up settling for damages at a lower rate than necessary. A skilled wrongful death lawyer in Glendale, AZ, at the Saavedra Law Firm, PLC can help you understand the law and avoid any loopholes that can impact the outcome of your case.

Statute of Limitations

A wrongful death case should be filed within two years after the date of death. If there is an attempt to file a claim after two years, the courts may not agree to hear the case. Call a wrongful death lawyer in Glendale, AZ at the Saavedra Law Firm, PLC, if you need to file a case or have questions.

Losing a loved one is probably the most difficult thing you will ever experience, and putting the pieces of your life back together after such a loss is equally as hard. If you have lost a loved one at the expense of someone else’s negligence, do not hesitate to contact a wrongful death lawyer at the Saavedra Law Firm, PLC.

Fatal Car Crashes Statistics

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety conducts some very important studies. One major study they did revealed an alarming trend in fatal crashes. According to the report, one out of every five fatal vehicle crashes involves a driver who is unlicensed. The report, entitled Unlicensed to Kill, was written by researchers from the Texas Transportation Institute located at Texas A&M University. The team used data from the Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). The report also cited Arizona as one of the top states having unlicensed driver fatal crashes. If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, a wrongful death lawyer in Phoenix, AZ can help.

Unlicensed to Kill

The study found that almost 8,500 people die every year in accidents involving a driver who does not have a valid license. The study also found that 30 percent of those unlicensed drivers had received three or more license revocations or suspensions within the three years leading up to the deadly crash.

The lead researcher of the study compared the current license suspension system with a revolving door, pointing out that despite having their licenses suspended, again and again, these unlicensed drivers still get behind the wheel of vehicles.

During the five-year period, the research team looked at, there were 183,749 fatal crashes that involved 278,078 drivers. Almost 15 percent of those drivers – 38,374 – did not have a valid license. Their licenses had been expired, suspended, canceled, revoked, or denied. Some drivers had no record of having a license at all.

The driving status of another 20 percent of drivers – 36,750 – was not classified because the crash was either a hit-and-run or police were unable to determine the status for unknown reasons.

Researchers found common characteristics among the unlicensed drivers:

  • One-third of these drivers were under the age of 20 years old
  • The majority of drivers were male
  • Fatal accidents involving unlicensed drivers occurred more in the early morning or late-night hours
  • Drivers with a suspended license were three times more likely to be intoxicated when the accident occurred
  • Drivers with revoked licenses were four times more likely to be intoxicated when the accident occurred
  • In accidents where the hit-and-run driver was identified, the fleeing driver was five times more likely to be unlicensed than licensed.

The state with the highest amount of unlicensed fatal accidents was New Mexico, followed by Washington D.C., Arizona, California, and Hawaii. A Phoenix, AZ wrongful death lawyer can help Arizona families seek the financial justice they deserve for the loss of their loved ones.

Law enforcement puts the blame on mild penalties for people who are caught driving without a license. In many jurisdictions, a person arrested for driving without a license only has to pay a fine and is then released. The study recommended passing more stringent rules, such as impounding the vehicles of unlicensed drivers. They also point to new technology in development that could help address the issue.

Call Saavedra Law Firm, PLC Now

If you have lost a loved one in an accident caused by another party, contact Saavedra Law Firm, PLC to meet with a Glendale, AZ wrongful death lawyer and find out how we can help.

Parties Taking Wrongful Death Action After The Loss Of A Loved One

When a person has passed away unexpectedly, the family will be left to grieve, but when the loss was the result of another person or parties’ negligent actions, the necessary step forward may be to consult with a Glendale, AZ wrongful death lawyer. There are several variables needed for reaching a favorable outcome when pursuing these types of legal cases, and the families of the victim will be responsible for proving that the at-fault party was negligent. While this may seem overwhelming amidst the grief, it’s possible to understand the legalities regarding this process and receive a clear strategic path forward with help from our team of professionals available at Saavedra Law Firm, PLC. When managing the way forward, keep the following in mind

Examples of Legal Action for Wrongful Death

Wrongful death is a legal action that may be taken when a person dies as a result of the negligence of another party. In cases of this nature, surviving family members with a legal claim may have the opportunity to seek damages for what has been lost. Several types of wrongful death accidents may constitute this type of legal case, for example:

  • Product Liability
  • Work-Related Accidents
  • Car Accidents
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Pedestrian-Related Accidents
  • Large Truck Accidents
  • Nursing Home Abuse Cases

Know Who Can Take Action

As a Glendale wrongful death lawyer will explain, only specific parties can pursue compensation for wrongful death. When doing so, the estate executor should file the legal claim. While multiple parties may benefit, it’s important to note that all who have a claim will be submitted as one. While state laws can vary, specific parties may be eligible, including the surviving spouse, children, and potentially the descendants’ parents.

Determine the Value of the Claim

Most families in pursuit of legal action after a person’s passing will want to know the value of their claim. While this can help them determine the appropriate path forward, before assigning a specific value to the case, a lawyer must first gain insight into it. Depending upon case specifics, there are several damages surviving family members may request, including:

  • Medical Expenses
  • Funeral Expenses
  • Pain and Suffering
  • Loss of Emotional Support
  • Lost Wages (Present & Future)
  • +More

The Burden of Proof

Civil claim cases like wrongful death require that the plaintiff carry the burden of proof, meaning that they must provide evidence that, based upon the preponderance of the evidence, the defendant was more likely than not responsible for the accident. To meet this expectation, the plaintiff (and their lawyer) will need to supply evidence that supports the claim, including:

  • Proof of Lost Wages
  • Medical Bills
  • Medical Records
  • Proof of Lost Future Earnings
  • Photographs/Videos
  • Pay Stubs
  • +More

We know how challenging the time is after someone’s untimely passing, and for many, the path forward is by speaking with an experienced legal professional. While nothing can change the events that transpired or bring back the person that you have lost, sometimes, legal action can hold the responsible party accountable and monetarily regain some of what has been lost. For more information about how we can assist families who want to learn more, reach out to our Glendale wrongful death lawyer from Saavedra Law Firm, PLC.

Wrongful Death FAQs

Below are frequently asked questions regarding the various ways a lawyer can provide support after suffering a tragic loss.

How can a wrongful death lawyer help a family cope with the loss of a loved one?

A Glendale, AZ wrongful death lawyer from Saavedra Law Firm, PLC can provide support and guidance to the family during the difficult process of navigating the aftermath of a loved one’s death. They can help the family navigate the legal system, including filing a wrongful death claim, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing the family in court. Additionally, a lawyer can help the family obtain financial compensation to cover the costs of medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost income.

What is the role of a wrongful death lawyer in establishing liability for a loved one’s death?

A lawyer who specializes in wrongful death cases can investigate the circumstances surrounding the death to determine who may be liable for the loss. This can include examining medical records, gathering witness statements, and consulting with experts to establish causation. The lawyer can then use this information to build a case against the responsible parties and seek justice for the family.

How can a wrongful death lawyer help a family recover financial damages?

A lawyer will be able to assist the family in recovering damages for a variety of losses, including medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional distress. Our wrongful death lawyer in Glendale can work with financial professionals to calculate the full extent of the damages and use this information to negotiate a settlement with the responsible parties, and if necessary argue their case in court.

What are some of the challenges that families may face in pursuing a wrongful death claim?

Families pursuing a wrongful death claim may face a range of challenges, including complex legal procedures, statutes of limitations, and the burden of proof. Additionally, the emotional toll of dealing with the loss of a loved one can make it difficult to navigate the legal process. Your legal team can help alleviate some of these challenges by providing support and guidance throughout the entirety of the process.

How can a wrongful death lawyer help a family find closure after a tragic loss?

While a lawyer cannot bring back a loved one, they can help the family find closure by seeking justice and holding the responsible parties accountable for their actions. By providing support and guidance throughout the legal process, our Glendale wrongful death lawyer can help the family come to terms with their loss and begin to move forward. Additionally, the financial compensation obtained through a wrongful death claim can help ease the family’s financial burden and provide a sense of security for the future.

Contact Us Today

It can be devastating when a loved one dies unexpectedly, especially when the death could have been prevented. Fortunately, a wrongful death lawsuit can help you get justice against the liable party.

The team at Saavedra Law Firm can help you get closure after a loved one’s tragic death. Our  Glendale, AZ, wrongful death lawyers can help you identify various sources of compensation. Schedule a consultation today by calling (602) 878-6625 or filling out the online form

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