Losing a loved one because of someone else’s actions is an unimaginable hardship. Families dealing with wrongful death rarely feel prepared for the emotional pain, financial struggles, or sudden responsibilities these tragedies bring. We know that no lawsuit and no amount of money can ever truly replace who you have lost. At the same time, holding those at fault accountable can bring a sense of justice and help provide stability for your family’s future.
At this deeply difficult time, a Mesquite wrongful death lawyer can guide you gently through your legal options, offering real support so you don’t have to face this battle by yourself. When you’re ready to learn more about a potential case, contact Valiente Mott Injury Attorneys to speak with a Mesquite wrongful death lawyer or a compassionate Las Vegas personal injury lawyer.
Why You Should Consider Hiring a Mesquite Wrongful Death Lawyer From Valiente Mott Injury Attorneys
With Valiente Mott Injury Attorneys, you have lawyers on your side who are driven by fairness and justice. We take every case personally, leveraging legal knowledge and past insider experience to give you a true advantage in the fight for justice when you’ve lost a loved one.
- 40+ years of winning serious and complex wrongful death claims
- Our “no win, no fee” policy takes the risk off you – you only pay us if we win compensation for you, so our goals are always aligned
- We have significant trial experience and will never push you to settle a case unless it’s truly the right thing for you and your family
We promise to offer an aggressive and transparent partnership when you need help fighting for justice after the loss of a loved one. Contact us today when you’re ready to learn more.
Benefits of Working With a Mesquite Wrongful Death Lawyer After Losing a Loved One
Losing someone unexpectedly can leave you overwhelmed with grief and confusion, not just about your loss, but also about complicated paperwork, insurance companies, and difficult legal questions. Here’s how a lawyer can help:
- An experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorney carefully investigates what happened, gathers crucial evidence, and works with experts so the truth about your loved one’s death isn’t overlooked or minimized.
- Your lawyer will deal directly with insurance companies and other parties, so you can focus on your family and healing, not stressful phone calls or negotiation tactics.
- If negotiation doesn’t lead to a fair outcome, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial and fight for the justice your loved one deserves.
Even though no lawsuit can make up for the loss, having the right legal advocate gives you the answers you deserve.
What is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
A wrongful death lawsuit in Nevada is a legal action filed when someone’s life is cut short because of another party’s negligent or intentional actions. It’s not a criminal case – no one is going to jail no matter what the outcome is (though there could be a separate criminal case as well). Instead, these claims are filed in civil court by those left behind, usually the closest family members or the estate of the victim.
- When the death of any person, whether or not a minor, is caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another, the heirs of the decedent and the personal representatives of the decedent may each maintain an action for damages against the person who caused the death, or if the wrongdoer is dead, against the wrongdoer’s personal representatives, whether the wrongdoer died before or after the death of the person injured by the wrongdoer. If any other person is responsible for the wrongful act or neglect, or if the wrongdoer is employed by another person who is responsible for the wrongdoer’s conduct, the action may be maintained against that other person, or if the other person is dead, against the other person’s personal representatives.
The primary goal of a wrongful death lawsuit is to hold the responsible party financially accountable for the harm they have caused.
Situations That Lead to Wrongful Death Claims
Unexpected tragedies can quickly turn into wrongful death claims when someone’s negligent or intentional actions result in the loss of a loved one. Here are some of the most common situations that give rise to wrongful death lawsuits:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Deadly car, truck, motorcycle, or pedestrian crashes are frequent grounds for wrongful death claims. Whether caused by distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, or poor road conditions, these accidents often result in instant, life-altering loss.
Medical Malpractice
When doctors, nurses, or healthcare providers fail to meet the standard of care and a patient dies as a result, grieving families may bring a wrongful death action.
Dangerous Products
Deaths caused by defective or dangerously designed products, including faulty car parts, toxic substances, or recalled household appliances, can lead to product liability and wrongful death claims against manufacturers, distributors, or retailers.
Workplace Incidents and Unsafe Conditions
Fatal work accidents can form the basis of wrongful death lawsuits, particularly when third-party negligence or an unsafe environment contributed to the accident.
Intentional Acts and Crimes
If a person is killed due to a crime, like assault, robbery, or homicide, a wrongful death claim can proceed along with or even without a criminal prosecution.
Losing a loved one in any of these situations is devastating, but Nevada law provides a way to pursue accountability and compensation.
What is a Survival Action in Nevada?
A survival action in Nevada is a lawsuit that essentially continues the personal injury claim of someone who passed away before their injury case was finished. Unlike a wrongful death claim -which is meant to help the family for what they lost – a survival action lets the estate step in and pursue the compensation the deceased could have received for losses they suffered between the injury and their death. This might include things like medical bills, lost wages, and even pain and suffering up to the time of death.
NRS 41.100 Cause of action not lost by reason of death; damages; recovery for loss arising out of unfair practice regarding policy of life insurance; subrogation.
1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, no cause of action is lost by reason of the death of any person, but may be maintained by or against the person’s executor or administrator.
2. In an action against an executor or administrator, any damages may be awarded which would have been recovered against the decedent if the decedent had lived, except damages awardable under NRS 42.005 or 42.010 or other damages imposed primarily for the sake of example or to punish the defendant.
3. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, when a person who has a cause of action dies before judgment, the damages recoverable by the decedent’s executor or administrator include all losses or damages which the decedent incurred or sustained before the decedent’s death, including any penalties or punitive and exemplary damages which the decedent would have recovered if the decedent had lived, and damages for pain, suffering or disfigurement and loss of probable support, companionship, society, comfort and consortium. This subsection does not apply to the cause of action of a decedent brought by the decedent’s personal representatives for the decedent’s wrongful death.
The executor or administrator of the decedent’s estate files the case, and any proceeds move through the estate and are later distributed to heirs. Punitive damages can still be awarded against a living defendant, but cannot be collected from a defendant’s estate if they too have passed away. Survival actions and wrongful death claims are separate under Nevada law, but both can be brought in connection with the same tragic incident.
Call Valiente Mott Injury Attorneys Today To Learn More About Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Mesquite
While nothing we do can erase your loss or take away the pain, you don’t have to handle the legal fallout of losing a loved one on your own. Pursuing a wrongful death claim can’t change the past, but it can help secure resources and answers that let you focus on healing and rebuilding your life. Compassion, respect, and dedicated advocacy are what we promise to every family we counsel.
We want you to know that we are here for you, ready to fight for justice with the care and sensitivity your circumstances deserve. Call Valiente Mott Injury Attorneys whenever you’re ready to get more information about how to start a wrongful death lawsuit.