If your family member dies from natural causes, the loss is difficult. When their death was caused by someone’s negligence, especially if your loved one was young, it can be even more painful because the death could have been prevented. In moments like these, contacting a Farmington wrongful death lawyer could help you understand your options and the steps you should take next.
At Singleton Schreiber Injury Attorneys, we are committed to helping you pursue justice for the loss of your loved one. Our personal injury attorneys could help you bring legal action against the person who caused your loved one's death through their carelessness.
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims
When another person's actions, negligence, or carelessness cut your loved one's life short, the New Mexico wrongful death statute allows you to bring legal action against that person. It does not matter if they did not intend to harm your loved one. What matters is that their actions caused the death, and that provides the basis for you to file a civil lawsuit.
You can pursue a wrongful death action even if a criminal case is already underway. To bring legal action, you must serve as the personal representative of your loved one's estate, either through a will or by court appointment.
If your loved one had a will, the administrator or executor named in that document files the claim. If they did not name anyone or had no will, the court can appoint someone close to them, such as a spouse, parent, or sibling. If no close relative can serve, the court may appoint a lawyer.
The process can be complex, which is why you may want to work with our wrongful death attorneys serving Farmington for help with your claim.
Recoverable Damages in a Wrongful Death Action
In a Farmington wrongful death claim, our attorneys guide you through the process of pursuing compensation for your losses. These include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical expenses
- Lost future income
- Loss of inheritance for their family members
- The support your loved one provided to the family
- The companionship, guidance, and affection your loved one provided
- Their pain and suffering
- Their surviving family members' emotional anguish
Our attorneys help you assess the value of these damages and present your case to the defendant. While money will not bring back your loved one, a settlement could help you secure the resources you need to meet your financial obligations.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims?
When you are mourning the death of a loved one, filing a wrongful death claim is usually not your priority. However, for the sake of justice, it is important to begin that process as quickly as possible. Our attorneys understand that Farmington follows a three-year deadline for filing a wrongful death action—shorter if the government or a municipality is responsible— and we guide you through the filing process.
While it may appear that you have ample time, evidence can break down, witnesses may be hard to locate, and crucial information may be lost. This evidence is vital for your claim. Our attorneys are knowledgeable in obtaining these records so that you can focus on healing.
Contact Our Attorneys for Help With Your Farmington Wrongful Death Claim
The loss of your loved one can leave you devastated. A Farmington wrongful death lawyer could help you understand what comes next in clear terms. While you are mourning, let our team at Singleton Schreiber Injury Attorneys handle the legal side of things for you. Call today to speak with one of our attorneys.
