Carson City Wrongful Death Lawyer

Carson City Wrongful Death Attorney

The unexpected death of a loved one or family member can be an incredibly difficult tragedy. There are funeral considerations and often financial concerns following any death. While some deaths are unfortunate accidents, there are situations where an individual or group may be at fault for your loved one’s passing. This is where the work of a Carson City wrongful death lawyer can help.

At Easton & Easton, LLP, we understand the anguish of losing someone very close. With the right legal representation, our lawyers can hold the at-fault party accountable for their actions. Monetary compensation will not bring back your loved one, but it can relieve much of the stress that follows a sudden and unexpected death. We can fight for this compensation so you can focus on recovering from your grief.

Wrongful Death Cases Explained

Wrongful death cases in Carson City are not criminal matters. If someone is charged with involuntary manslaughter or a related charge, that case will be handled in criminal court. Wrongful death cases are civil, meaning they seek compensatory damages. While criminal cases require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, a wrongful death case requires a preponderance of evidence.

When someone is at fault, either through negligence or misconduct, for the death of another person, survivors of the deceased individual can file a lawsuit in the interests of the estate of the deceased person. Usually, this is a spouse, but close relatives can also file a claim.

Through negotiated settlements or a jury trial, if necessary, your wrongful death attorney in Nevada will fight to recover damages based on several factors. The degree of negligence is one factor. If someone willfully harmed another person, that adds to the malicious nature of the death. Someone assaulting an individual who later dies of his injury is one example. A jury may award punitive damages in those circumstances.

Expenses incurred by survivors due to the negligence of the defendant are also factors that can be considered when calculating an appropriate settlement offer. The deceased person’s age and earning capacity are other considerations, as the defendant may be liable for the years of lost productivity caused by the victim’s death.

Common Examples of Wrongful Death

There are many situations that can provide legal grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit. Actions that have criminal consequences can also be addressed in civil court. For example, if your loved one was assaulted, shot, or attacked in another manner, the defendant could face both criminal and civil charges. There have been high-profile cases where someone was found not guilty of murder but civilly liable for the death of that same person.

Automobile collisions are another common incident that leads to a wrongful death claim. The negligent party may not have been paying attention to the road. A commercial trucking company may have failed to inspect their vehicle properly, which led to a tire blowout. If your loved one was involved in a car crash and died, your wrongful death lawyer can investigate the circumstances of that collision to determine if there are grounds for suing the at-fault party.

Property owners can be held accountable for not taking reasonable steps to provide a safe environment for visitors or tenants. Failing to provide adequate lighting, for example, could cause a slip-and-fall accident. The dark environment could attract criminals who assault residents or visitors.

Other possible situations that can lead to a wrongful death lawsuit include product defects, medical malpractice, boating collisions, and workplace accidents. Our law firm has represented clients in a variety of wrongful death cases, and we always fight for the maximum award possible.

What to Expect During Your Wrongful Death Court Case

Any civil case seeking monetary damages can take as long as several months or even longer to resolve. The wheels of justice sometimes move slowly, but our lawyers will be with you every step of the way. Once grounds are established for filing a lawsuit, our attorney will serve the defendant, who then has time to respond.

The litigation may begin with a demand letter detailing the facts of the case and the amount of monetary compensation the plaintiff is seeking. If the defendant does not settle immediately, there could be a lengthy negotiation period where both parties gather evidence and depose witnesses. If settlement talks fail, the case will go to trial.

FAQs

Q: Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in NV?

A: The survivor of a wrongful death can file a lawsuit in Nevada. This is usually the spouse of the deceased person, but any close relative may be eligible to file a suit on behalf of the deceased individual. Your attorney can determine if you qualify as an heir or personal representative of the deceased person.

Q: Why Sue for Wrongful Death?

A: A lawsuit will not bring back your loved one, but it can help with closure. Holding the negligent party accountable is an important component of seeking justice through the courts. Any monetary settlement or court-ordered compensation can relieve the financial stress associated with the loss of a loved one. When criminal charges cannot be brought, families can seek justice through the civil courts.

Q: What Constitutes Wrongful Death in NV?

A: In the State of Nevada, any death caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another constitutes a wrongful death. Proving negligence is not always a straightforward matter, which is why seeking the legal services of an experienced wrongful death law firm is a critical first step. Your lawyer will work to prove that a preponderance of evidence supports your claims.

Q: What Is a Survival Action, and How Does It Differ from a Wrongful Death in NV?

A: A survival action refers to when the estate of a deceased person uses the courts to recover damages. These damages can go beyond simple compensatory figures. Survival actions are different from wrongful death actions that involve surviving family members, although the two legal processes are related and can be combined in the same lawsuit.

Contact a Carson City Wrongful Death Attorney Today

Easton & Easton, LLP, attorneys understand that no amount of money can repair the deep loss of a loved one. In the wake of that tragedy, monetary compensation can lend a sense of stability to a very unstable situation. If you believe that the loss of your loved one could and should have been prevented, contact our office today so we can hear the details of your case and consider what your next steps should be.

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Firm Awards

Top 10 Motor Vehicle Accident Settlements in Los Angeles

Easton & Easton has been recognized by TopVerdict.com Top 10 Motor Vehicle Accident Settlement in Los Angeles for 2025, for the case Bicyclist v. Inattentive Driver — the fifth time the firm has appeared on a TopVerdict list across nine years, and a recognition that arrives in the firm’s 35th anniversary year.

Easton & Easton holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau — the highest rating available. Trust is earned. We've earned it.

Easton & Easton is honored to have been chosen anew each year since 2014 by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers as one of the "Best Law Firms" for the Southern California Metro Area.

Easton & Easton was voted #1 in 2025 (People's Choice Award). This recognition means the most to us — because it comes from the community we serve.

Doug, Brian, and Matt Easton were selected to the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 — an invitation-only organization recognizing the nation's premier trial attorneys. Selection is based on case results, leadership, and reputation. When you need attorneys who are ready for the courtroom, you want a team that's already proven they belong there.

All five partners of Easton & Easton — Doug, Brian, Matt, Travis, and Gabe — were selected to Best Lawyers in America® 2025. This is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. Selection is based entirely on peer review, representing the consensus opinion among leading lawyers in the community. When other attorneys are asked who they trust, they name us.

Number 1 Paraplegia Settlement California 2024

Our $4.5M settlement in Dump Truck Operator v. Equipment Rental Co. has been recognized as #1 in California for 2025 in two categories: • #1 Paraplegia Settlement in California — 2025 • #1 Rollover Accident Settlement in California — 2025

Number 1 Rollover case Accident Settlement California 2025

Number 1 Bicycle Accident Settlement California 2024

We were recently honored for our efforts in securing a $32,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as the #1 Bicycle Accident Settlement in California in 2024 by TopVerdict.com.

Easton & Easton was named a Tier 1 firm in Southern California by U.S. News & World Report — the highest ranking a law firm can achieve. Selection is based on client feedback, peer reputation, and professional excellence. When independent evaluators rank the best, we're at the top.

Gabe Mendoza, Alexandro Garza, John Oney, Billy Seidlitz, and Aaron Sinfield were selected to Super Lawyers Rising Stars — honoring the top 2.5% of attorneys 40 or younger in California. Three attorneys — John, Billy, and Aaron — were selected for the first time in 2027. The next generation of Easton & Easton is already among the best in the state.

Easton & Easton was voted "Best Personal Injury Law Firm in Orange County" by readers of the Los Angeles Times in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Three years in a row — chosen by the people we serve

Doug, Brian, Matt, Travis, and Saul were selected to Super Lawyers — a distinction earned by only 5% of California attorneys. Selection is based on peer nominations, independent research, and professional achievement. Doug Easton has been selected for 19 consecutive years. Matt Easton was also named to the Top 50 Orange County Super Lawyers for 2027. When you hire Easton & Easton, you're hiring attorneys in the top 5%.

10 Best Personal Injury Law Firms in all of Southern California

Easton & Easton was recently honored for securing a $26,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as a Top 10 Personal Injury Settlement in California in 2023 by TopVerdict.com.

Easton & Easton received the "People Love Us On Yelp" award in 2016 due to exceptional client satisfaction reviews.Our clients don't just hire us — they recommend us.

Personal Injury Settlements United States 2024

Easton & Easton was recently honored for securing a $32,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as one of the Top 20 Personal Injury Settlements in the entire United States in 2024 by TopVerdict.com.

Brian, Matt, and Travis Easton are lifetime members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum — a distinction held by less than 1% of U.S. attorneys. Membership requires securing a verdict or settlement of $2 million or more. When you hire Easton & Easton, you're hiring proven results - because Results Matter.

Doug Easton has held the "AV Preeminent" Rating for over 30 years, and Matt Easton received this prestigious distinction in 2015. The AV Preeminent rating is the highest possible rating for both legal ability and ethical standards, based on the legal profession's oldest peer review rating system — dating back to 1887. When your peers have trusted your ability and integrity for over three decades, that says everything.

Number 1 Bicycle Accident Settlement Los Angeles 2023

We were recently honored for securing a $26,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as a the #1 Personal Injury Settlement in Los Angeles County in 2023 by TopVerdict.com.

Brian Easton was selected to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) in 2015. ABOTA is one of the most premier associations of trial attorneys and judges, requiring a proven track record of jury trials as lead counsel and approval by a majority vote of the ABOTA board. Membership isn't given — it's earned in the courtroom.

The National Top 40 Trial Lawyers Under 40

Travis Easton, Gabe Mendoza, and Brenda Kocaj were selected to the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 — an invitation-only honor recognizing the nation's top young trial attorneys. At Easton & Easton, experience and ambition work side by side.

Easton & Easton was honored for securing a $20,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as one of the Top 10 Personal Injury Settlements in the entire United States in 2019 by TopVerdict.com.

Nation's Premier Top Ten Attorney Personal Injury

Both Doug and Matt Easton have been selected as Top Personal Injury Attorneys by Avvo with scores of 10 out of 10 — based on skill, experience, results, peer evaluations, and client reviews. A perfect score. No room for higher.

Easton & Easton was honored to have been chosen by the LA Times Reader's Choice Poll as "The Best Personal Injury Law Firm in Orange County" for 2018-2020 (each year the voting took place).

Top 50 Personal Injury Verdicts in California 2016

We were recently honored for our efforts in securing a $1,850,000 verdict for a client, which was selected as one of the Top 50 Personal Injury Verdicts in California in 2016 by TopVerdict.com.

20+ prestigious awards and recognitions. Exposed to the harshest scrutiny. Earning the highest honors. Recognized by every major legal organization — year after year.

Awards/recognitions noted are from organizations recognized within the legal profession as bona fide.
No purchase was required for selection. Selection methodologies available upon request.

*Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Orange County Personal Injury Lawyer | Costa Mesa Auto Accident Attorney | Catastrophic Injuries

“We look for the human story behind every injury or wrongful death. We prepare our cases for trial; reaching out to the jury with the most compelling evidence possible for the best verdict possible. Insurance companies know this and come to the table prepared to negotiate in good faith. Call us to see how we can turn your story into fair compensation.”

Partner W. Douglas Easton

What Our Clients Say

“Client testimonials reflect individual experiences; results vary. No guarantee of outcome.”

Coming out of my first auto accident as an adult, a very difficult and scary time to navigate and understand, I was so incredibly thankful to have been put in contact with Easton & Easton. I honestly was lost with how to handle paperwork, doctors, medical costs and what next steps were, and from the moment I spoke with Travis Easton and my case manager Katie, my mind was put at ease. They have made the entire process stress free for me as I recovered, and I am so grateful for them and their genuine care for my case. Communication from the start has been fantastic, especially making clear what my expectations for the entire process would look like, and I truly believe they have my best interest at heart. 100% I would recommend their firm for anyone that is needing representation! Read more…

Sara McClelland

My experience with Easton & Easton has been amazing! Gabriel Mendoza and my case manager Katie have been so helpful and taken so much stress off my plate. They’ve been super informative and honest and given me very clear expectations. They’ve taken such a terrible experience (my accident) and eased my mind about the outcome. I can’t thank them enough!! Read more…

Caila Dean

Ive used them twice and never been disappointed. Read more…

Lisa Bluemel

The Easton & Easton Law Firm is amazing! The entire team is very helpful and caring. They were always there to answer all my questions. They directed me through the entire process and stayed with me every step of the way. This team is outstanding and were wonderful to work with. Because of the tremendous effort they put on my case they were able to win my difficult personal injury case. I couldn’t have asked for a better law firm to handle my case. They are the Best! Thank you for your patience, professionalism, & guidance! I definitely recommend this firm to handle your case. They go out of their way to fight for your rights. THANK YOU… Read more…

Sofia Sanchez

I could not be more pleased with the services provided by the Law Offices of W. Douglas Easton. The senior partner Mr. Easton took the time to meet with me and my wife while I was still in the hospital, where he gave my family hope that there was light at the end of a very long, and very dark tunnel. Matt Easton then worked my case, and because of his dedication, experience and expertise I received a settlement that was larger than I EVER thought possible. It was truly astounding! Matt and the entire team at Easton & Easton looked out for me throughout my recovery, and in the end they gave me my life back. Five stars is not enough. Thanks Matt! Thanks Easton & Easton! Read more…

Dan Campbell

Brian and everyone at Easton and Easton are simply the BEST at what they do. Brian is thorough, easy to talk to, and truly cares about his clients. If you want a family of attorneys with perseverance and determination to fight for you, give Easton and Easton a call. I am glad I did. Read more…

Kyle Keith

What an amazing law firm, talk about going above and beyond to make such a painful experience go so well. I have referred a co-worker and a family member to them as well and everyone had such a great experience as I had. Read more…

Logan Ross

I can’t say enough amazing things about my experience with Travis Easton at Easton & Easton. Travis and his entire team (Katie, Amy, Dee, Michelle, & Araceli) are phenomenal. It provided me a lot of comfort to know I was being so well taken care of. I was especially impressed that every document for the case was perfectly written and specific to me. Nothing was generic, which shows the level of care and attention they put into each individual case. I had such a great experience and would highly recommend Travis Easton and his firm to anyone going through a personal injury. Travis took a bad situation and made the best of it for me. Thank you again, I’m forever grateful!!
-Allee

Ashlee A.

Retaining Easton and Easton was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! From the initial consultation to our final meeting, they were nothing short of exceptional. I was forced to retain their services after firing my previous attorney for not handling the case properly. I dealt with Gabriel and Brian (partner) exclusively throughout the case. They did as promised and were great communicators throughout the entire process. I will recommend them to anyone I know going through a personal injury case. They were ultimately able to untangle the mess caused by my previous lawyer and get a result that I was extremely happy with. Their staff is exceptional as well and provided top notch customer service. Amera was also extremely helpful and easy to deal with as well.

Jeffrey N.

I was in a pretty bad car accident and decided to have Easton & Easton represent me, Travis Easton to be specific. Travis Easton and his paralegal made the whole process effortless. They were so understanding and helpful! The entire thing was a gigantic mess, yet Travis managed to make it run like clockwork. I would HIGHLY recommend Easton & Easton! If you are ever in need of a personal defense attorney Easton & Easton is the firm to represent you!

Mark B.

They are the best law firm in Orange County period. Choosing them to represent me was the best decision of my life.
My life changed in a matter of seconds after a catastrophic spinal cord injury that left me disabled. Brian Easton and his team worked on my case non stop for 3 years and provided me the justice I deserved. I couldn’t have been more content.
I was treated with utmost respect and I felt like I was being represented by a close family member. The responses to my questions were quick and clear. What E & E has done for me is phenomenal.
My sincere thanks to Brian, Matt, Travis, Doug, Gabriel and Amera. They are what they are because of their dedication to provide high quality and professional service to their clients.

Vamsi P.

Brian Easton and his team, Gabe Mendoza and Amera Hajali, helped me during a very difficult time in my life. I had a significant injury from a car accident, and wound up seeking out Easton & Easton when I was having difficulties getting help from my doctors. The Easton team took a lot of stress off of me while acting as my advocates to help me get the care I needed, and saw my case all the way through to a healthy settlement.
They are the BEST!

Jennifer P.

I have nothing but good things to say about Easton and Easton. Brian handled my case professionally and communicated with me effectively throughout the process. He made sure that the process was effortless and as hands free as possible. This was super important for my busy schedule. I highly recommend Easton and Easton if you are ever found in a situation that you need an attorney.

Claudia C.

I would highly recommend Easton & Easton.
I was rear ended on my home and pushed into a semi-truck. I was not sure how to go about even using an attorney.
Brian, Gab and Amera were so good about helping me thru the process and representing me.
I was able to concentrate on getting myself better knowing they had my back, taking care of the details and keeping me informed along the way

Linda M.

The best Law firm by far. I would highly recommend Easton & Easton, LLP and ask for Gabriel Mendoza and staff. He and his colleagues did and exceptional service. Thank you for everything. Job well done!

Ericka P.