Reno Wrongful Death Lawyers, Washoe County, NV
Helping Nevada families move forward after the death of a loved one
Claggett & Sykes Law Firm understands the pain and loss of finding out that a loved one has unexpectedly passed away – especially when that death could have been prevented. When drivers are negligent, property owners and manufacturers put profit before safety, and doctors fail to provide competent care, they must be held accountable for the deaths they tragically cause. The families have the right to seek damages when deaths are due to the negligence of others.
Our Reno wrongful death attorneys respect your need to mourn and honor your loved one while working to hold the wrongdoers accountable. We aim to determine how the wrongful death occurred and who should be liable. We work with your deceased’s employers and financial experts to properly assess the family’s economic losses and with the family members directly to assess just how much the loss of the loved one affects their lives.
Our Reno lawyers have a strong track record of success handling wrongful death claims, including one verdict of $153 million. Contact us to get started on your case today.
Quick Questions
- What types of fatal accidents lead to Reno wrongful death cases?
- Who can file a Reno wrongful death claim?
- What is the time limit for filing a wrongful death claim in Nevada?
- What damages should Reno wrongful death claim defendants pay?
- How do our Reno attorneys fight for the families of loved ones killed due to their wrongful death?
- Is there a Reno wrongful death lawyer near me?
What types of fatal accidents lead to Reno wrongful death cases?
Some of the many types of Reno accidents or conduct that lead to wrongful death claims include:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Product defects
- Pedestrian accidents
- Premises that are unsafe
- Slip and fall accidents
- Worksite and construction accidents
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Intentional acts including crimes
When a loved one dies, they can’t testify on his/her own behalf to tell us or jurors what happened. This means it is critically important that skilled Reno wrongful death lawyers determine through witnesses, the police, experts, and others how the accident or incident occurred.
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Reno?
Nevada law provides that the heirs of the decedent or the personal representative of the decedent have the right to file the wrongful death claim. The heirs are the people who would have the right to inherit from the decedent through Nevada’s intestate laws. The personal representative is either the person appointed as the executor of the decedent’s estate, or an administrator approved by the local court.
Heirs include:
- A surviving spouse or domestic partner.
- Surviving children.
- Parents if the decedent was not married and did not have children.
- A sibling if there is no spouse, parent, or child.
What is the time limit for filing a wrongful death claim in Nevada?
In Nevada, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the victim's death, for the most part. You may have more or less time to file, however, if your case qualifies as an exception.
As soon as you suspect wrongful death, consult with a wrongful death attorney in Reno to avoid missing your deadline. Your attorney can help you navigate all of Nevada’s wrongful death laws in pursuit of justice and optimal case results.
What damages should Reno wrongful death claim defendants pay?
The aim of a wrongful death lawsuit is to ensure the people or companies responsible for the death of your loved one pay the maximum amount possible so families can pay their bills and have the funds necessary to honor their loved ones by leading secure and productive lives. And, in many cases, wrongful death claims send a message that this type of conduct is not ok and can help ensure no one else is hurt or killed by the same conduct.
Nevada’s wrongful death statute provides that the heirs are entitled to financial damages for:
- Their grief and sorrow
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship, society, comfort, and consortium
- The pain and suffering or disfigurement the decedent suffered before dying
The personal representative can also claim damages for:
- Any medical bills of the decedent caused by the accident
- The funeral expenses
- Any penalties including punitive damages the decedent would have been entitled to if he/she had lived
In addition to filing a wrongful death claim, the heirs and personal representative can file a “survival action” against the responsible defendants for damages the decedent could have claimed had he/she lived.
Our experienced Reno wrongful death and survival action lawyers explain who can file the claims and what damages they can demand.
How do our Reno attorneys fight for the families of loved ones killed due to their wrongful death?
When any type of fatal accident happens that causes a death, it is important to speak with seasoned personal injury lawyers as soon as you can breathe again. We understand just how difficult this is. But when it comes to determining liability, the sooner you speak to an attorney, the better for your case.
At Claggett & Sykes Law Firm, our lawyers are skilled at investigating accident cases and showing all the ways the decedent’s death affected our clients. We file claims against all the responsible defendants and negotiate your claims with the insurance companies. Many insurance claims do settle because the adjusters respect our track record of success in trying cases before a jury.
We coordinate the wrongful death and survival actions with any criminal actions against the defendants. (If, for example, your loved one died because a driver was intoxicated, the DUI case will normally proceed first.) We send speak with professionals, such as product safety experts and doctors, to help show your loved one’s death was due to negligence, recklessness, or other irresponsible conduct.
Is there a Reno wrongful death lawyer near me?
Our Reno law office is located at 100 N Sierra St, Suite 220. If you are unable to travel to us because you are injured or because you live out of state, we can hold virtual meetings over video conference, or schedule to speak on the phone.
Request Your Free Consultation in Reno Today
At Claggett & Sykes Law Firm, our Reno wrongful death attorneys guide your family through the legal process with care, compassion, and a commitment to success. We’re dedicated to helping you obtain the largest recovery possible. We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. To discuss your rights and how best to honor your loved one, call us at 702-333-7777 or contact us now.
Reno Office
100 N Sierra St, Suite 220
Reno, NV 89501