It is devastating to lose someone close to you under any circumstances, but especially in an accident that never should have happened. At The Fine Law Firm, we are sympathetic to what you and your family are going through. We understand the heavy emotional and financial toll that a family member’s death takes on those left behind.
Our South Valley personal injury lawyers are committed to seeking justice on behalf of those wrongfully killed due to the negligence or recklessness of another person. We can help you seek a fair and just legal resolution by holding the at-fault party accountable. Contact us at (505) 889-3463 to get started with a free initial consultation.
What Makes Us the Wrongful Death Lawyers for You?
- We have decades of experience in this practice area. Our attorneys have over 100 combined years in the field. The Fine Law Firm has been a trusted source of legal representation for individuals and families in New Mexico since 1975.
- We provide an unmatched level of representation in New Mexico. Throughout your wrongful death case, you will feel heard, seen and respected by your lawyer. We know what you’re feeling in this difficult time and are here to help.
- Our lawyers won’t charge your family anything unless your wrongful death case leads to a financial recovery. We serve clients in South Valley on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay us out of pocket, win or lose.
The Importance of Hiring a Wrongful Death Attorney in South Valley
A wrongful death lawyer will work for your family, not an insurance company. Your lawyer will work tirelessly to protect your rights and pursue the financial compensation your family needs while you grieve and try to heal. Unlike an insurance company that wants to protect its own interests, your lawyer will be committed to fighting for you.
You can count on an attorney to determine the true cause of your loved one’s death, identify all liable parties and potential sources of financial compensation, find and preserve evidence to support your claim, and hire relevant experts to strengthen your family’s legal standing. A lawyer can give your loved one a voice during a wrongful death case in South Valley.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is a legal case that gives surviving loved ones the chance to recover financial compensation by holding one or more parties accountable. When someone’s actions result in another person’s death, that person could face civil consequences as well as criminal charges in New Mexico. These are two different case types with separate goals and burdens of proof.
A wrongful death claim is a civil case. It is not necessary to prove that a defendant intended to harm or kill the decedent to find a defendant liable in a wrongful death claim. It is enough to show that the defendant acted in a manner that a reasonable and prudent party would not have in the same circumstances, and that this resulted in the fatal injury or illness.
The burden of proof is also lower in a civil case compared to a criminal case in New Mexico. The plaintiff or filing party must establish that the defendant more likely than not caused the fatality, rather than proving that a crime was committed in connection with the death beyond a reasonable doubt.
What Damages Are Available?
At The Fine Law Firm, we fight for optimal case results for each and every client. During a wrongful death claim, we can help your family seek fair compensation for losses such as:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Final medical bills
- Lost income and inheritance
- Lost household contributions
- Emotional distress of survivors
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering the victim endured prior to death
Damages from a successful wrongful death case in New Mexico can help surviving family members move forward by providing the financial compensation they need to pay off related debts and prepare for the future.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in South Valley, New Mexico?
If you are seeking legal advice and information as a surviving family member of someone you believe was wrongfully killed in South Valley, know that you may not be able to file this type of lawsuit yourself. Under New Mexico State law, only the personal representative or administrator of the deceased person’s estate has the right to file a wrongful death suit.
While the representative could be a family member, it could also be an appointed professional or attorney. If the decedent did not name a representative in his or her will, the probate courts can appoint a person to this position.
If you wish to take on this responsibility and file a wrongful death claim on behalf of other beneficiaries, speak with an attorney about becoming the representative. Act sooner rather than later; New Mexico law gives you no more than three years from the date of the death to take legal action.
Common Types of Wrongful Death Cases in South Valley
In South Valley, New Mexico, wrongful death cases can arise after many different types of fatal accidents. Any situation in which one or more parties caused or contributed to a victim’s death could lead to a wrongful death claim.
The Fine Law Firm offers legal representation for wrongful death cases involving:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Fatal falls
- Dangerous premises
- Violent dog attacks
- Medical malpractice
- Birth injuries
- Workplace accidents
- Construction site accidents
- Defective products
- Intent to harm
With decades of experience in the field, our lawyers understand the ins and outs of many different types of wrongful death claims. We can explain how unique laws apply to your specific situation as your attorneys.
Contact The Fine Law Firm for a Free Wrongful Death Case Review in South Valley
Coping with the death of a loved one is already more than anyone should have to go through. It can significantly benefit you and your family to work with the right attorney on bringing a wrongful death claim. This type of civil case can deliver justice for your deceased loved one and answer your family’s questions, making it a little easier to move forward.
Start your case by requesting a free consultation with an attorney from the Fine Law Firm. We are available 24/7 to listen to your story and address your concerns. Call us at (505) 889-3463 to schedule a free consultation and discuss a potential wrongful death claim with our knowledgeable lawyers at no cost or obligation. To us, your case is personal.