Las Vegas Wrongful Death Lawyer
Las Vegas Wrongful Death Attorney
Losing a family member unexpectedly is never easy, but when you know that their death resulted from the negligence or misconduct of another party, it can add anger and resentment to an already strong mix of emotions. A wrongful death is any death that occurs from an act of negligence or any criminal behavior from another party. Wrongful deaths unfortunately occur throughout the United States for many reasons, usually leaving the surviving family members of the deceased wondering how they can ensure accountability for the experience.
Compassionate Legal Counsel for Las Vegas, NV, Wrongful Death Claims
If you have lost someone you love recently and you believe another party is to blame, a Las Vegas wrongful death attorney is the best resource to consult if you want to accurately determine your options for legal recourse in this situation. The right attorney will help their client understand the breadth of legal options available to them and prepare them for an emotionally taxing wrongful death claim.
The attorneys at Easton & Easton have years of experience handling all types of personal injury claims and wrongful death claims on behalf of Las Vegas area clients. Our firm takes time to get to know each client, listening to their story and helping them understand the various legal mechanisms that could influence their civil claim proceedings. We have a strong track record of successful wrongful death claims behind us thanks to this ongoing commitment to ensuring client-focused legal counsel in every case we accept. If you believe you have grounds for a wrongful death claim, we can provide the responsive counsel you need to approach the case with confidence and peace of mind.
Common Causes of Wrongful Deaths in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet, and millions of people visit the city each year. As a result, personal injuries and wrongful deaths may happen in the area for a variety of causes, and the first step in succeeding in any Nevada wrongful death claim is proving exactly how the death occurred and identifying the party responsible. A few of the most commonly cited causes of wrongful deaths in the Las Vegas area include:
- Motor vehicle accidents, which are a leading cause of accidental deaths throughout the country. If you recently lost someone you love in a fatal vehicle accident in the Las Vegas area, the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy may only cover a fraction of the total damages resulting from the death. The attorneys at Easton & Easton can help you file your insurance claim and then build a solid wrongful death case against the party responsible for the death.
- Premises liability. Las Vegas is home to many hotels, resorts, and casinos, and the owners of these businesses are legally required to ensure that their properties are safe for lawful guests and visitors. If someone you love died in a fatal slip and fall incident or any other accident on another party’s property in Las Vegas, your attorney can assist you in filing a wrongful death suit under the state’s premises liability laws.
- Work-related injuries. There are tens of thousands of people working in the Las Vegas area, and many people visit the city on business every day. When a work-related accident proves fatal, the victim’s family can seek death benefits through their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. However, if a specific party caused the death, they likely have grounds for more extensive legal recourse.
- Violent crime. Unfortunately, most major tourist destinations are hotspots for criminal activity. If a loved one was killed during the course of a crime, the offender who took their life will likely face several criminal charges including homicide. This may not only lead to years in prison for the defendant, but also substantial liability for civil and punitive damages to the victim’s family.
The attorneys at Easton & Easton can assist you in determining the exact cause of your loved one’s death, and our team will provide ongoing support through all phases of your case. In addition, we will help you develop a comprehensive wrongful death suit that seeks maximum compensation for your family’s losses, and you will have access to a dedicated legal advocate through every stage of your proceedings.
Nevada’s Rules for Wrongful Death Claims
While a wrongful death claim is very similar to a personal injury claim in some respects, there are specific laws that apply strictly to wrongful death claims that you must understand. First, state law restricts eligibility to file a wrongful death claim in a few ways:
- The personal representative of the deceased’s estate is the party with the primary right to make a wrongful death claim as the personal representative of the deceased’s estate. If the decedent had an estate plan, they likely named an executor or personal representative they wished to have handle their legal affairs after their death. This is usually a family member, such as the spouse or an adult child of the deceased.
- The surviving spouse or child of the decedent would be first in line to file a wrongful death claim under the intestate succession law. If the deceased did not have an estate plan naming a personal representative, their surviving spouse would be first in line to file a wrongful death suit, followed by any grown children if the victim had no surviving spouse.
- If the deceased did not leave behind children or a spouse, the deceased’s parents or siblings would be next in line to file a wrongful death claim.
- Following a surviving spouse, child, parent, or sibling, any remaining blood relatives would be next in line to file a wrongful death claim.
- If the deceased did not have any surviving kin, anybody who can demonstrate financial dependence on them can file a wrongful death claim.
Your Las Vegas wrongful death attorney can clarify any uncertainties you face surrounding your eligibility to file a wrongful death suit. Once you have determined eligibility to file the claim and identified the party responsible for the death, your legal team will assist you with filing the claim itself and determining the scope of damages you can seek from the defendant.
Claiming Compensation for a Wrongful Death in Las Vegas
Money cannot replace a lost family member, but any wrongful death is likely to cause tremendous financial strain to the surviving loved ones of the deceased. Therefore, it is natural to want to maximize the compensation you obtain from the defendant, both to hold them accountable for their actions and to alleviate the economic problems they have caused for you and your family. Under the state’s wrongful death laws, the plaintiff in a wrongful death suit can seek more than one type of compensation. Damages available in these claims depend on whether a personal representative of the deceased is filing the claim or if a surviving family member brings the wrongful death action.
When a personal representative files a wrongful death suit, they can seek compensation for reasonable funeral/burial costs for the deceased, compensation for the medical expenses incurred during the treatment of the deceased’s final injury or illness, and any punitive damages that the deceased would have been eligible to receive had they survived.
If a family member brings a wrongful death claim, they can also seek the aforementioned damages along with compensation for the family’s losses, including their pain and suffering. A Las Vegas wrongful death attorney will help their client determine a fair amount of compensation for the family’s grief, the loss of affection and companionship, and compensation for the surviving spouse’s loss of consortium. When it comes to financial losses, the plaintiffs can seek compensation for the financial support the deceased could have provided in the future if they had survived.
Resolving Your Wrongful Death Claim in Las Vegas
Many wrongful death claims raise various difficult financial issues for the surviving family members, such as life insurance claim disputes, lost valuation on investment accounts, and the impact of a wrongful death on a family-owned business. Whatever your situation may entail, the team at Easton & Easton can provide compassionate and responsive guidance through every stage of your case until you reach a positive conclusion.
The majority of civil claims for damages in Las Vegas are resolved through private settlement. When the defendant’s liability is clear, it behooves them to settle their wrongful death suit as swiftly as possible. However, if the defendant caused the wrongful death through illegal misconduct or disputed liability for the death, the case may need to proceed through litigation. When you have the attorneys at Easton & Easton representing you, our team has the skill and resources to guide you through whatever proceedings are necessary for resolving your claim as swiftly as possible.
Wrongful Death Lawyers FAQs
Q: How Much Do Las Vegas Wrongful Death Attorneys Cost?
A: The team at Easton & Easton understands that you likely have many pressing financial concerns related to your wrongful death claim, and it’s natural to be hesitant about the potential cost of your legal representation. However, our firm uses the contingency fee billing system, meaning you only pay a legal fee to us once we win your case. There are no upfront or ongoing legal expenses for the duration of your case, and if we are unable to secure compensation on your behalf for any reason, you pay nothing.
Q: What Is My Wrongful Death Claim Worth in Las Vegas?
A: The total value of a wrongful death claim can fluctuate based on many factors. If a personal representative is filing the claim on behalf of the deceased’s estate, they can seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses, the cost of the deceased’s final medical treatment, and any punitive damages the deceased could have collected had they survived. If a family member brings the claim, the deceased’s beneficiaries are entitled to claim more compensation for their pain and suffering and the lost financial support.
Q: Why Should You Hire a Las Vegas Wrongful Death Attorney?
A: There may not be any strict law requiring you to hire an attorney to file a wrongful death claim, but legal counsel you can trust is an invaluable asset when facing any complex civil claim for damages. Your attorney can manage your case proceedings on your behalf so you and your family can have a measure of reassurance during an emotionally challenging time. Additionally, your attorney will know how to maximize the compensation you obtain from the defendant, so with their help, you are likely to reach a much better outcome than you could have managed alone.
Q: How Long Does a Wrongful Death Claim Take to Resolve in Las Vegas?
A: Most personal injury and wrongful death claims are settled outside court. The settlement process enables all parties involved to reach a mutually agreeable resolution at a fraction of the cost of the legal expenses they would otherwise face in litigation. When the defendant’s liability is clear, and the plaintiff has experienced legal counsel on their side, it may only take several weeks to a month or two of proceedings for them to settle the case. If a wrongful death claim proceeds to litigation, this will take much longer to resolve.
Q: Will a Defendant Face Criminal Charges for Causing a Wrongful Death?
A: It is always possible for a wrongful death to not only lead to civil liability for the at-fault party, but also criminal charges. If the defendant caused the death through egregious negligence or any criminal action, such as DUI or an act of violence, the state is likely to file criminal charges against them. Your Las Vegas wrongful death attorney can advise you as to how the nature of the defendant’s actions could influence your recovery.
Ultimately, any wrongful death is a tragic and unexpected loss that can easily leave a family feeling emotionally broken and uncertain about their financial future. It’s natural to feel a mix of frustration, grief, and anxiety after losing someone you love, and the right attorney can provide invaluable guidance and support in this difficult situation. If you are ready to learn how a Las Vegas wrongful death attorney can assist you with your case, contact Easton & Easton today to schedule your consultation with our team.
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The superior client service Easton & Easton provides has earned the firm an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
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 is 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.
Doug and Brian Easton have been selected as Top 100 Trial Lawyers for California each year since 2014 — honors given to less than 1% of attorneys.
Doug and Matt Easton have each been chosen as one of The Best Lawyers in America for Plaintiff's Personal Injury Litigation. Best Lawyers lists attorneys who have earned selection through exemplary legal work that attracts the notice of their colleagues. Lawyers cannot buy their way onto this list.
Brian and Matt Easton were recently honored for their efforts in securing a $1,850,000 verdict for a client in 2016, which was selected as one of the Top 50 Personal Injury Verdicts in California by TopVerdict.com.
Doug and Brian have each been selected by Super Lawyers, an honor given to less than 5% of attorneys. Matt Easton has been selected among Super Lawyers' Up-and-Coming Top 25 in Orange County and Top 100 in Southern Califonia, an honor given to less than 1% of attorneys under 40 years old.
Easton & Easton is honored to have been chosen as one of the "10 Best Personal Injury Law Firms” in all of Southern California" each year Since 2015 based on client satisfaction — one of the highest honors we could ever hope to achieve.
Easton & Easton received the “People Love Us On Yelp” award in 2016 due to the exceptional client satisfaction reviews given by our clients over the years.
Doug and Matt Easton have each been featured as Premier 100 Trial Attorneys for California since 2015 — honors given to less than 1% of attorneys.
Brian and Matt Easton have each earned lifetime appointment to the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum — The Top Trial Lawyers in AmericaTM through the results achieved for their clients. This is an honor given to less than 1% of attorneys in the United States.
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, and is based on the legal profession’s oldest peer review rating system, dating back to 1887.
Doug, Brian, and Matt Easton have all been chosen as one of the "10 Best" Personal Injury Attorneys in Southern California each year since 2015 based on client satisfaction, an honor given to less than 1% of personal injury attorneys - and Easton & Easton houses three of them.
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 certain number of jury trials as lead counsel and approval by a majority vote of the ABOTA board.
Matt Easton has been selected each year since 2014 as one of the Top 40 Trial Lawyers Under 40 for California by The National Trial Lawyers — an honor given to less than 1% of attorneys.
Doug and Matt Easton have each been chosen as one of The Best Lawyers in America for Plaintiff's Personal Injury Litigation. Best Lawyers lists attorneys who have earned selection through exemplary legal work that attracts the notice of their colleagues. Lawyers cannot buy their way onto this list.
Both Doug and Matt Easton have been selected as Top Personal Injury Attorneys by Avvo with scores of 10 out of 10 based on their skill, experience, results, peer evaluations, and client reviews.
Matt Easton has been selected as one of the Top 10 Personal Injury Attorneys Under 40 in California for 2015 by the National Association of Personal Injury Attorneys — an honor given to less than 1% of personal injury attorneys under the age of 40.
Doug, Brian, and Matt Easton have all been selected by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel among the Nation's Top One Percent of Attorneys each year since 2017.
“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
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…
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…
Ive used them twice and never been disappointed. Read more…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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
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!
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