The death of a loved one under any circumstances is difficult to accept. If you believe that someone else’s negligence or recklessness killed your loved one, however, it can be even harder to cope with your loss. At The Fine Law Firm, we understand what individuals and families need in this devastating situation. We can help you pursue justice against the at-fault party and negotiate for the financial compensation that your family deserves. Contact us today for a free initial case evaluation in Las Cruces.
Why Choose Us
- Our attorneys prepare each case as if it will go to trial. This allows us to be ready for anything and to pursue maximum compensation for our clients.
- We are compassionate wrongful death attorneys who always put the needs of our clients first. Your lawyer will be available 24 hours a day to answer your questions.
- Our lawyers accept clients on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay your wrongful death attorney unless he or she wins compensation on your behalf.
Do You Have a Wrongful Death Case?
The definition of wrongful death according to New Mexico law is a death caused by someone else’s neglect, wrongful act or default (omission). If someone was careless, reckless, wonton or intentionally tried to harm your loved one and this caused his or her fatal injury, your family may have grounds to bring a wrongful death claim. One way to look at this legal right is if your loved one would have been able to file a personal injury case had he or she survived the incident, your family can most likely bring a wrongful death cause of action.
Compensation Available
A wrongful death claim can give you some peace of mind by helping your family pay for related expenses during this difficult time. Although no dollar amount will ever be enough to make up for the loss of a life, a fair settlement or judgment award could help your family move forward with less financial stress by paying for the following:
- Funeral or burial expenses
- Lost wages and employment benefits
- Lost inheritance
- Medical expenses related to the final illness or injury
- Pain and suffering experienced by the decedent
- Mental anguish suffered by surviving family members
- Loss of the loved one’s care and company
A successful wrongful death lawsuit in New Mexico can do more than just repay your family for related costs. It can also provide justice, closure and accountability against a wrongdoer. The value of your wrongful death claim will depend on factors such as your loved one’s age at the time of death, his or her income, the insurance benefits available, and more.
New Mexico Wrongful Death Laws
In New Mexico, unlike many other states, surviving family members cannot file a wrongful death lawsuit. Instead, this type of case can only be filed by the personal representative or executor of the deceased individual’s estate. If the decedent passed away with a will, the person named as the administrator of the will can act as the personal representative. If there is no will or estate plan, the courts will appoint a representative.
The personal representative has a limited amount of time in which to bring a wrongful death case in New Mexico. The state has a law called the statute of limitations that gives no more than three years from the date of the death to file a case. If a family waits more than three years to explore its legal options after a wrongful death, the courts will most likely refuse to hear the case once it’s filed.
Contact The Fine Law Firm Today
If you believe that you have grounds to file a wrongful death lawsuit, contact the Las Cruces wrongful death attorneys at The Fine Law Firm right away to request a free initial consultation. Our attorneys are passionate about representing families and individuals. Find out how we can help you today by calling (505) 889-3463 or sending us a message online anytime.