A Guide to Understanding Wrongful Death and When to Seek Legal Assistance

 

When someone you love dies as the result of another’s negligence or irresponsibility, their death becomes very real in a way that can be difficult to deal with.  In fact, grief and rage can cloud your judgment and affect your ability to make decisions about your loved one’s final arrangements or future care. You may also not be aware of the full range of options available if you decide to pursue legal action against the responsible party. Many things to consider, and this guide will help you understand everything when dealing with the aftermath of wrongful death.

What is Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death is the cause of a person's untimely demise due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party. Wrongful death is often classified as a personal injury claim, meaning that if you were injured or killed because of someone else's negligence, they are liable for paying restitution on your behalf which may include medical expenses, lost wages from work, funeral costs, punitive damages and even pain and suffering. A personal injury attorney in Rio Rancho can help you understand the claim and receive compensation for your loss and suffering.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

In the United States, there are two types of people who can file a wrongful death claim: the executor of the deceased's estate or someone with a special relationship with the deceased. The executor is either named in the will or appointed by a judge if there is no will.

What are the Damages of a Wrongful Death Claim?

The damages in a wrongful death claim are often extensive but can vary depending on the circumstances of the case. In general, damages include both economic losses (e.g., lost wages) and non-economic losses (e.g., pain and suffering). Economic losses may be further broken down into past due wages, future lost earning capacity, present value of pension benefits, insurance proceeds for medical or funeral expenses, or life insurance proceeds for unpaid debts. Non-economic losses may include pain and suffering (also called general damages), mental anguish, physical impairment and disability; disfigurement; loss of love; loss of companionship; loss of care services; grief; sorrow; fright and anxiety experienced before death with no prospect for recovery.

How Do I Prove Wrongful Death?

If you believe someone acted negligently, there are three types of damages you can claim: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages. Economic damages are expenses that can be quantified such as medical bills, funeral costs, etc. Non-economic damages cover intangible factors such as pain and suffering which cannot always be calculated monetarily. Punitive damages allow plaintiffs to hold defendants accountable by forcing them to pay more than the standard award in cases where they were particularly reckless or acted with malice aforethought.

In order for these damages to be awarded, plaintiffs need evidence of wrongdoings that show their injury was foreseeable and proximate cause resulted from defendant's conduct. Please contact a personal injury law firm Rio Rancho nm to discuss about your legal options.

When Should I Contact Personal Injury Attorney in Rio Rancho about Wrongful Death?

When the cause of death is in dispute: If there is any question about the cause of a loved one's death, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible so that your family will have someone on their side who can help them determine what happened. If you or a loved one has been accused of murder, it is also important that you consult with an attorney to make sure that your rights are protected and understood throughout the entire process.

7 Personal Injury Claim Mistakes You Can't Afford To Make

 

A personal injury claim can be an effective way to recover lost wages and cover medical bills from an injury caused by someone else’s negligence. However, if you file a claim the wrong way, you could end up with reduced compensation or even none at all. Avoid these six personal injury claim mistakes to protect yourself from problems down the line explained by seasoned attorneys from the personal injury law firm in Rio Rancho nm.

1) Ignoring Legal Advice

It's important that you seek legal advice before filing your personal injury claim. A personal injury attorney in Rio Rancho will be able to help you make sure that you follow all the right steps and avoid any legal pitfalls. He or she will also be able to negotiate on your behalf, which can result in a better settlement or award.

2) Waiting Too Long To Take Action

If you or a loved one has been injured, it is very important that you take action as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that your claim will be denied. If you are unsure of what needs to be done, seek legal assistance.

3) Failing to Keep Records

Many people are under the mistaken impression that they don’t need to keep records of their medical expenses if they have health insurance. The truth is that you should save all of your receipts, bills and any other paperwork related to your injury no matter what kind of coverage you have. If you don’t keep records, it will be much more difficult for your lawyer to help you negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party.

4) Representing Yourself

If you're considering representing yourself in a personal injury claim, it's important to know what is at stake. Filing a claim on your own means you'll be responsible for every aspect of the lawsuit from beginning to end. If you're going to handle the suit yourself, you'll need to make decisions about everything from hiring experts and taking depositions all the way up to negotiating with opposing counsel and presenting your case in court. Things can go wrong and it’s advisable to get legal assistance from a seasoned personal injury attorney.

5) Accepting Insurance Company's Offer without Consulting the Lawyer

If you have been injured, it is important that you consult car accident lawyers in Rio Rancho before accepting any offer from the insurance company. Insurance companies are not your friend and they will try to get the best settlement for themselves.

6) Filing a False Claim

One of the most common mistakes people make when filing a personal injury claim is submitting a false claim. This is not only illegal, but it can also affect your credibility and lead to an unfavorable settlement. If you are unsure whether you have a legitimate case, don't file a lawsuit just yet—instead, consult with an attorney first.

7) Not Seeking Medical Treatment

If you think you were injured, it's important to go get checked out right away. That way, the doctor can tell you whether or not your injuries are serious enough to warrant filing a claim. If so, your medical records could be useful evidence in court.

Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Personal Injury Claim

When you are involved in an accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation by filing a personal injury claim against the party who caused the accident. However, many people do not know how to file an effective claim and end up making mistakes that hurt their chances of receiving compensation. Here are the most mistakes you should avoid when filing a personal injury claim, so that you can better your chances of getting the money you deserve for medical bills and property damage costs that were incurred during the accident.

Not Gathering Evidence

Unfortunately, many people who file personal injury claims do not take the time to document their injuries, lost wages, and medical expenses, which leaves them without an adequate case. However, it's easy enough to protect yourself against this mistake by taking some simple precautions. Gather as much as evident possible to increase the value of your compensation.

Not Consulting With a Personal Injury Attorney in Rio Rancho First

Common mistake people make when filing a personal injury claim is thinking they don't need an attorney. Unless you're experienced in this area, it's best to consult with someone who knows the ins and outs of the legal system before proceeding with your case on your own. Hiring car accident lawyers in Rio Rancho typically costs less than trying to represent yourself in court.

By taking this step, you're much more likely to have a successful claim and will have some guidance as to what type of compensation you may be entitled to. Furthermore, by approaching an attorney from a reputed personal injury law firm in Rio Rancho nm, you can find if your case has merit or if it's best for you just move on. Don't make the mistake of not consulting with an attorney first.

Not Knowing Your Rights under the Law

One of the worst mistakes you can make when filing a personal injury claim is not knowing your rights under the law. Knowing your rights will help protect your claim and any possible settlement negotiations.  Don't sign anything without understanding it first!

Not Staying in Touch with Your Insurance Company

Stay in touch with your insurance company to ensure they know about your claim's current state. Remember, you'll need them later if you settle out of court or go before a jury. One way to maintain contact is by contacting them monthly for updates and you can also periodically check in with them for updates and questions along the way.

Being Unreasonable About What You Are Willing to Accept

It's important to be reasonable about what you are willing to accept. Suppose an insurance company, for example, offers you $10,000 dollars in compensation for your injury, and you are only willing to accept $15,000 dollars or less because the injury makes it difficult for you to do certain things. In that case, that might be grounds for rejecting the offer. Be reasonable so both parties can walk away from the negotiating table feeling like they won something!

Not Realizing How Much It May Cost in Future Medical Expenses

Remember that what you pay for your initial medical bills is not all you will have to deal with. The costs can go up in the future, so filing for and documenting your expenses is important. That way, if anything changes and you are no longer eligible for reimbursement from your insurance company or other sources, you'll still be able to recoup some of those costs.

Giving Up If You Don’t Get What You Want the First Time Around

One mistake many people make is giving up right away. Don’t let disappointment or anger get the best of you. The longer you wait, the more attached you’ll become and the more persuasive your arguments will be. Give yourself some time and space to relax, read over your insurance policy, and then go back at it with fresh eyes.

4 Common Mistakes Criminal Defendants Make During Their Case

Criminal law can be complicated, and it’s easy to make mistakes during your defence when you don’t know what you’re doing. However, there are some common mistakes that many criminal defendants make over and over again that can seriously hurt their case. This article from Sydney defence lawyers discusses four common mistakes criminal defendants make in their cases, which should be avoided at all costs.

Mistake #1: Waiting to Hire an Attorney

One of the most common mistakes a defendant can make is waiting to hire an attorney. Hiring Sydney defence lawyers as soon as possible helps you build a defence strategy and determine what, if any, plea deals are available. It will also give you time to gather evidence and witnesses before the case goes to trial, which can be difficult. The sooner you get an attorney on your side, the better chance you have at winning your case.

Mistake #2: Ignoring the Charges

Ignoring the charges against you is a common mistake. If you get charged and don't show up for your trial, it will be assumed that you are guilty. It's also important to remember that if someone else is on trial for the same crime, you could be found guilty of that crime too. So, it's imperative that when you're given notice of a court date, you make every effort to attend. Even if you've been given more than one notice with different dates and times, do not miss any court dates. Else, you will be issued an arrest warrant or other charges.

Mistake #3: Resisting Arrest

Resisting arrest is a serious offence, and if you have been charged with this crime, it’s imperative that you contact an attorney as soon as possible. You might not be aware of the potential consequences but resisting arrest will only make things worse for you. If convicted, you will have to live with the impact for years to come. So if you or someone you know has been charged with resisting arrest, don't hesitate to contact experienced criminal lawyers in Sydney as soon as possible.

Mistake #4: Hiring the Wrong Lawyer

It can be difficult to know who you should hire for your criminal case, especially if you have never been involved with the criminal justice system before. Hiring the wrong lawyer can mean that you are left uninformed and without a proper defence. You deserve to have access to a defence attorney who will work diligently on your behalf and get the best possible outcome. So do your research before hiring one.

As the old saying goes, it’s better to be judged by twelve than carried by six. This means that even if you feel sure you’re innocent and can prove it, you still may not be able to beat your criminal charges without legal representation from an experienced attorney. Hiring the right criminal defence lawyer can immensely help your case and avoid the mistakes mentioned above. Refer to the Sydney criminal lawyers blog today for more insights on criminal law.

Mistakes That Can Negatively Impact Your Car Accident Case

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of death among people of all ages. Most car accidents happen because of human error, which can result in serious injuries, lost wages, medical bills, property damage and even wrongful death in some cases. While there are laws in place to protect the people involved in such accidents, certain mistakes can jeopardize your case.

 If you’ve been involved in a car accident and want to pursue compensation, it’s important to understand the common mistakes that could affect your case, and how to avoid them. We, car accident lawyers in Bernalillo, listed out some of the most common mistakes people make that can negatively impact the case so that you can make informed decisions.

Ignoring Important Evidence

One of the most common mistakes people make after a car accident is ignoring important evidence. It’s crucial to take photos of the damage to your vehicle and the other driver’s vehicle. You should also get the contact information of any witnesses. This evidence can be critical in proving who was at fault for the accident.

Not Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney in Bernalillo

Many people try to handle their own case or use a general practice lawyer who’s not specialized in personal injury law. This can indeed affect your case. Seasoned personal injury attorneys from a reputed personal injury law firm Bernalillo NM will know how to investigate your case, gather evidence, and negotiate with the insurance company to get you the best possible settlement.

Taking Too Long To File a Lawsuit

Waiting too long to file a lawsuit can reduce the chances of receiving the compensation you deserve for the pain and suffering you’ve endured. The statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years, so if you wait any longer than that, you may be out of luck. In some cases, even though it has been more than two years since your accident, you might still have a case if it can be shown that your injuries were not apparent right away.

Similarly, there are some situations where the statute of limitations can be extended beyond its usual limit. However, the time limit can vary from one state to another. If this applies to your situation, consult with an attorney before filing anything so they can tell you what’s best for your case.

Ignoring medical treatment

Many people believe that they are not injured or that their injuries are not serious. However, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident. Often, injuries do not become apparent until days or even weeks after the accident. By seeking medical treatment right away, you can document your injuries and file the claim while recovering.

Settling Before Consulting a Lawyer

Many people choose to settle their case before consulting a lawyer. A lawyer will ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries. Without a lawyer, you may not know all the options available to you and you may accept a low offer from the insurance company.

Try and avoid these mistakes if you’ve been involved in a car accident due to other party’s negligence. Seek the assistance of a personal injury attorney to discuss your case and know your options.

Get to Know the Types of Cases a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Handle

A personal injury lawyer can help you if you’ve been hurt in an accident and need compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. The right Albuquerque personal injury attorney can make all the difference in recovering damages to cover your costs and losses and will advocate on your behalf to help ensure you get what you deserve. Personal injury lawyers handle different types of personal injury cases, and you should know what types of cases these lawyers handle to make informed decisions. Here are the types of cases that a personal injury lawyer can handle.

Slip and Fall Injuries

If you've been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be wondering if you have a case. These types of accidents can be complex, and it's important to understand your legal rights and options. A personal injury lawyer from a reputed personal injury law firm in Albuquerque can help you navigate the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Car Accidents

A personal injury lawyer can help you if you've been in a car accident. They can handle all aspects of your case, from negotiating with insurance companies to filing a lawsuit. Different lawyers have different areas of expertise, so it's important to choose a car accident lawyer in Albuquerque nm.

Injuries at Work

Many people are injured at work every year. If you've been injured at work, you may be wondering if you need a personal injury lawyer. The answer depends on the severity of your injuries and whether or not your employer was at fault. A personal injury lawyer can help you get compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Unsafe Products

If a company has put out a product that has hurt you, even if it’s just through negligence, you may be able to file a claim. These cases can be tricky, so it’s important to have an experienced lawyer on your side.

Dog Bites/Animal Attacks

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite or animal attack, you may be wondering if you have grounds for a personal injury case. The answer depends on several factors, including the severity of the injuries, whether the animal had a history of aggression, and whether the owner was negligent in controlling the animal. A personal injury lawyer can help you evaluate your claim and determine whether you are eligible for compensation.

Dealing with any personal injury claim can be overwhelming as you’ll experience emotional, physical, and financial trauma. Having an experienced personal injury attorney can make the compensation process easier while you can focus on recovering and returning to your job. If you’ve been injured due to someone’s negligence, please speak to a personal attorney right away.

Common Construction Accidents You Need To Know

Construction accidents are a common occurrence in many cities across the world, and they can cause serious injury and even death to construction workers. In fact, in the United States alone, over 600 construction workers are injured every single day due to accidents while working on construction sites or building machinery. If you’re involved in any kind of construction work, it’s important to know about the most common construction accidents that could affect you so that you can make informed decisions.

If you’ve been involved in construction accidents, it’s a good idea to get a legal aid from a personal injury attorney in Bernalillo to see if you’re entitled to compensation for the lost wages and pain and sufferings you’ve endured. Let’s look at the common construction accidents.

Falls from Height

The most common cause of construction injuries and fatalities is falls from height. To avoid falling: don’t work at heights, secure your workplace with proper fall protection measures, use support systems like scaffolding and rope lifelines. Never stand on chairs or ladders; they can break unexpectedly, sending you plummeting to your death. Always wear a helmet when working at heights, as a part of a full-body harness system and make sure there are two lines of protection between you and a potential fall. If you’ve been injured in a fall, please speak to your personal injury attorney.

Falls into Openings

Each year, falls are among some of the leading causes of workplace fatalities. If you are working in a construction zone and you’re at an elevated level, it’s important that there is a barrier between yourself and a fall, such as guardrails. Always watch your step when on high platforms and make sure that someone has secured all openings around you so that if you do slip, you don’t fall more than just a few feet.

Trip and fall

In recent years, trip and fall accidents have claimed more than 30% of construction injuries. These incidents can range from minor scrapes to severe head traumas, but they often involve an unexpected slip on a puddle of water or some other slick surface. A simple trick for avoiding these trips is taking your time when climbing stairs or walking across wet floors; if you’re hurrying through a job site, it’s likely that you’ll forget about potential hazards and simply slip out.

Injuries Due To Objects Falling On Workers

By far, falls are still one of your biggest risk factors. Fortunately, you can manage many of these with proper training and work practices. However, there’s still no way around a steel beam or crane falling on a worker and it happens far more often than you think! To help prevent injuries caused by objects falling on workers, make sure that cranes are properly inspected and installed. If you’ve been injured due to an object falling, please approach a personal injury law firm Bernalillo and get legal aid for filing a personal injury claim.

You should talk to your personal injury attorney in Bernalillo about the legal options if you got injured in a construction accident.