Wrongful Death in Albuquerque, NM
A loved one’s death can be overwhelming. Surviving family members are often left to cope with medical and funeral expenses in the midst of grieving their loss. If the death was caused by another person’s negligence, knowing that loss could have been avoided only adds another layer of sadness.
If your loved one has died because someone acted with negligence or indifference, you need to call a wrongful death attorney at The Spence Law Firm in Albuquerque, NM. Our decades of experience can minimize the frustration and confusion of a wrongful death claim. We are a unique law firm unlike most others you see in the advertisements—we will work tirelessly to get to the truth, and we will fight for you until we get the answers, and the justice that you deserve. We have fought for families in the hardest circumstances after the most devastating loss, and we will fight for you.
A Wrongful Death Lawsuit
A wrongful death lawsuit is filed on behalf of the surviving family against the person or people who are legally responsible for the loss. This kind of suit aims to provide help for those who were financially supported by the deceased. The claim will seek compensation for lost income and other damages for the value of that person’s life.
When someone dies because of the negligence of others, the sudden and unexpected loss can make finding closure difficult. Having no chance to say goodbye can leave people feeling lost. A wrongful death lawsuit can help give closure and bring a sense of justice, playing a vital role in the healing process.
When to Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer
There are some common causes of wrongful death for which you might want to hire an attorney. These include when a death was caused by any of the following:
- Medical malpractice
- Automobile accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Defective medications
In addition to these common causes, there are some lesser-known reasons for filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
Industrial Accidents
Heavy equipment is used in certain industries, such as the oil or gas industry, and long hours are common. These practices can increase the risk of wrongful death. If your loved one worked in this kind of environment, a skilled industrial accident lawyer who knows the risks involved in those jobs could help you build a strong wrongful death suit.
Workplace Accidents
Some work environments do not pose the same inherent risks as industrial sites, but fatal accidents can and do still happen. These can include car accidents when driving is part of the job.
At worksites, causes of wrongful death have included falling due to inadequate guardrails, tripping over hazards, and being hit by falling or flying objects. If your loved one died while working, you should consult with a work accident attorney.
Faulty Products
Contact an Albuquerque product liability lawyer if your loved one was killed because of a defective device. Products liability laws are designed to protect those hurt or killed by products that are poorly designed or assembled.
Faulty power tools, appliances, car seats, and more can lead to death. Hiring a lawyer to represent you and your loved one can help hold those who are responsible to account.
Types of Compensation Available for Wrongful Death
In a wrongful death claim, several kinds of compensation can be pursued. Depending on your situation, these damages can be for economic and non-economic losses sustained by you and your family.
Compensation after a loved one’s wrongful death can include:
- Outstanding medical costs related to your loved one’s injuries
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Compensation for lost financial support that would have been provided by the deceased
- Compensation for the loss of support and companionship from the deceased
- Compensation for lost retirement and insurance benefits from the deceased
The wrongful death attorneys at The Spence Law Firm in Albuquerque, NM, can help you determine the value of your wrongful death case. We will also explain all of the legal options that may be available.
Benefits of Hiring a Wrongful Death Lawyer
A successful wrongful death lawsuit requires meeting a certain standard of proof. The process involved in building a strong case is helped by someone who has experience building this kind of proof.
An Attorney Understands the Relevant Law
Successfully navigating a wrongful death suit requires familiarity with many areas of law. Misunderstandings of law and mistakes in the process put justice for your loved one at risk. An experienced attorney will know all of the legal issues that affect your case and can help you build the strongest lawsuit possible.
An Attorney Can Negotiate for You
Negotiating with insurance companies and defense lawyers to get fair compensation is part of every wrongful death claim. Insurance companies sometimes use the vulnerable emotional state of the deceased person’s family members to their advantage.
The attorneys at The Spence Law Firm will handle these negotiations for you, allowing you time to focus on the grieving process with your family.
An Attorney Can Maximize Your Award
Securing maximum compensation for you and your family is the goal of an attorney. Experience in negotiations guided by objective thinking can help you avoid accepting less compensation than you deserve.
Statute of Limitations for Your Wrongful Death Claim
The Spence Law Firm operates from Albuquerque, NM, but we can represent clients wherever we are needed. Many states have a time limit in which you must file a wrongful death claim. This period varies from state to state, but there is no way to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit once it expires.
In New Mexico, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is three years from the date of death. If the claim is not filed within that three-year window, the right to file a lawsuit will likely be lost.
Contact The Spence Law Firm for Help
For compassionate assistance with your wrongful death lawsuit, contact The Spence Law Firm in Albuquerque, NM.
Whether you need a product liability attorney, a work accident lawyer, an industrial accident attorney, or help with any other sort of wrongful death claim, our experienced team will utilize our vast legal resources to approach your case with empathy.
Your case is as unique as the loved one you lost. Let us tailor a wrongful death lawsuit that can provide for your financial needs and help bring closure to your tragedy.