Wrongful death claims can arise in many other situations as well. Each case is unique, which is why it’s important to consult an experienced attorney who can evaluate the facts and determine the best course of action.
Las Vegas Wrongful Death Attorney
In a wrongful death case, not only are you dealing with the tragedy of a friend or a loved one’s untimely death, but also with the knowledge that someone could have prevented it with due care. At Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, it’s our mission to help families recover for the negligence of others after fatal accidents in Las Vegas.
After a fatal motor vehicle accident, premises liability accident, workplace incident, medical malpractice mistake, or violent crime takes the life of a beloved family member, contact our Las Vegas wrongful death attorney for a free initial consultation.
Why Choose Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP For Your Las Vegas Wrongful Death Claim?
- Our injury attorneys in Las Vegas have decades of experience with wrongful death cases and are not afraid to take your case to trial.
- We have earned a nationwide reputation for achieving record-setting verdicts and settlements.
- Our wrongful death lawyers can help you navigate the complex legal system.
- We’ll take you from victim to victor during your personal injury case. Don’t take our word for it – read our past client testimonials to see what others say about our law firm.
- We offer FREE consultations to review your case and work using a contingency fee basis.
Meet Your Las Vegas Wrongful Death Attorneys
One of the country’s leading trial attorneys, Brian Panish, has obtained some of the most significant jury verdicts in United States history on behalf of plaintiffs. His courtroom victories include a $4.9 billion record verdict in the landmark products liability case Anderson v. General Motors, six verdicts in excess of $50 million, 32 verdicts, and over 75 settlements in excess of $10 million in personal injury, wrongful death, and business litigation cases.
Rahul Ravipudi is a partner at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP and has spent his legal career handling catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases involving commercial vehicles, pedestrians, industrial or construction accidents, as well as dangerous conditions of public and private property. Licensed to practice in Nevada and California, Mr. Ravipudi serves as leadership counsel in some of the largest plaintiffs’ personal injury cases in the country.
What is a Wrongful Death Claim in Las Vegas?
In Nevada, a wrongful death occurs when someone dies because of another person’s intentional, reckless, or negligent actions. Think of it as a personal injury claim the victim could have filed if they had survived. The legal requirements are similar, but wrongful death claims have different rules, so it’s important to talk to a lawyer.
To win a wrongful death case, the surviving family must show that the person who caused the death was negligent. This means proving the person had a duty to act responsibly, failed to do so, and that failure caused the death.
Wrongful death lawsuits are civil cases that aim to get financial compensation for the losses caused by the death. These cases can be filed alongside any criminal charges.
Family members such as a spouse, child, or parent can file a wrongful death claim—even if the person who died didn’t leave a will. In some cases, other people who depended on the deceased, like stepchildren, stepparents, or non-relatives the deceased supported for at least six months, can also file a claim.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Las Vegas?
The parties eligible to file for wrongful death differ from state to state. In Nevada, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, family members, including a surviving spouse or domestic partner, and surviving children have the right to bring this type of claim. Surviving parents also have the right if no surviving spouse or children exist. Others may also qualify if they can prove their financial dependence on the deceased person.
What Is The Time Limit to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Las Vegas, NV?
Claimants in Nevada have two years from the date of the victim’s death to file a wrongful death claim against the defendant. Missing this deadline generally means the court will refuse to hear the case, which means that you will not be able to recover any losses.
Don’t wait until the end of your statute of limitations – and don’t settle with insurance companies before you contact an experienced Las Vegas wrongful death lawyer from Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP as soon as possible for legal advice.
Do I Need an Attorney to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Las Vegas?
Filing a lawsuit takes careful legal work, and few cases are more serious or urgent than those involving wrongful death. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys understand the legal process and the different types of claims. If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, our law firm is here to support and represent you during this difficult time.
We work to secure a fair settlement that covers funeral and burial costs, lost income, and the emotional toll of losing someone close. Our team thoroughly investigates your case and gathers key evidence to build a strong claim. We aim to win the compensation you deserve—not just for immediate expenses, but also for long-term needs like financial support and loss of companionship.
As you cope with grief and begin to rebuild, we’ll guide you through every step of the legal process with compassion and care. Let us handle the legal side so you can focus on healing.
How Do I Prove Fault in A Wrongful Death Case?
Proving fault in a wrongful death case requires a skilled attorney like the wrongful death lawyers at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP. Showing wrongful death in Nevada requires a court finding these specific elements as true:
- That a person died (The decedent).
- The death was caused by the wrongful, negligent, or reckless acts of another person or entity.
- The plaintiff in the case is an heir or representative of the deceased person.
- That the heir or representative suffered monetary damages as a result of the death.
Because every case involves unique circumstances, an attorney must decide the best way to prove fault in a wrongful death case for a claimant. Some common forms of evidence used to prove wrongful death cases include:
- Surveillance footage or cell phone video coverage of the event,
- Medical records,
- Testimony from eyewitnesses to the event,
- Expert testimony reconstructing the accident or event,
- Any recorded or written communications by the defendant.
In a wrongful death civil lawsuit, the plaintiff has to prove only by a “preponderance of the evidence” that the defendant’s actions led to the victim’s death for the court to find the defendant liable. This is different than the higher standard in a criminal case where a jury must find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Examples of Wrongful Death Claims in Las Vegas
Wrongful death claims in Nevada provide a civil path to justice when someone’s negligence or misconduct causes a fatal accident. These lawsuits help surviving family members seek compensation for their loss and hold responsible parties accountable. In Las Vegas, wrongful death cases can arise from a wide range of incidents, including:
- Car accidents
- Premises liability
- Construction accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Product liability
- And more
What Are Some Wrongful Death Accident Statistics?
Any personal injury accident could result in wrongful death if the injuries are severe enough. Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death in America and the cause of 40.4 deaths per 100,000 people in Clark County, Nevada. A fatal accident can take place on the roadways, at work, in a hospital, or at a Las Vegas hotel and casino. The most common causes of wrongful death are car accidents, falls, pedestrian accidents, and accidental poisonings.
In 2021, 309 people died in auto accidents in Clark County. Forty-eight of these fatalities involved reckless drunk drivers. The same year, fatal workplace accidents took the lives of 43 workers throughout the state of Nevada.
At Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, our wrongful death lawyers in Las Vegas view your case as more than just a number. We see the person behind the wrongful death claim. Our law firm excels at helping juries see the same thing. We know how to get the best possible results for your wrongful death suit, no matter the circumstances of the fatal incident.
What Are Common Defenses in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Any individual, company, or organization in Nevada can face a wrongful death lawsuit if they’re implicated in a person’s wrongful death. Common defendants in these cases include:
- Reckless drivers or drivers operating a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating substances,
- A doctor who committed medical malpractice by neglecting to provide appropriate care or administering substandard or inappropriate medical care to a patient,
- A person who intentionally killed someone (This also involved a separate criminal investigation),
- A hotel or other business that failed to monitor for carbon monoxide levels and the failure resulted in a death.
- A parent who allows a visiting child in their home access to a firearm that kills the child or someone else.
What Damages Can I Recover from a Wrongful Death Claim?
In a wrongful death case, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. These damages are meant to cover the financial and emotional losses caused by the death of a loved one.
Economic damages may include:
- Medical bills the deceased incurred before passing
- Property damage related to the incident
- Lost wages the deceased would have earned
- Lost benefits, such as retirement or insurance
Non-economic damages are meant to compensate for emotional and personal losses, including:
- Loss of care, affection, and guidance
- Loss of companionship and comfort
In cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm, courts may also award punitive damages. These are extra payments meant to punish the person or party responsible and deter similar actions in the future.
Attorneys, like those at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, carefully gather evidence to seek the highest possible compensation. To calculate future earnings, attorneys may also work with expert economists who can help determine the long-term financial impact of the loss.
What Is The Difference Between Settling And Going to Trial?
Many people being sued in wrongful death cases have insurance that helps cover the damages. This is especially common in medical malpractice cases. However, in Nevada, doctors are not required by law to carry malpractice insurance, and there’s no federal law requiring it either.
Wrongful death claims involving medical malpractice have some special rules. For example, the family must prove that the death wasn’t caused by the natural course of an illness, but by a doctor’s mistake or poor treatment plan. These cases also often have limits (caps) on how much money can be awarded.
Sometimes, wrongful death cases are settled outside of court, which allows more flexibility and quicker resolutions. But many grieving families want their day in court to speak out, share their pain, and seek closure.
Going to court has both pros and cons:
- Pros: Juries sometimes award more money than a settlement would offer.
- Cons: There’s a risk the jury could find the defendant not responsible at all. Also, if the defendant loses, they might appeal the decision, which could delay the case for years in the legal system.
Call The Las Vegas Wrongful Death Lawyers at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP
If you have recently lost a loved one caused by someone’s negligence, contact the legal team at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP for a free consultation to seek justice for the victim. Our Las Vegas wrongful death attorneys will take care of the legal process of your wrongful death claim while you focus on grieving and healing with your family.
Whether your loved one passed away in a car crash, medical negligence, or workplace accident, we can help you explore your rights as a surviving family member or personal representative and take legal action. Initial case reviews are always free and confidential. Call (702) 830-9353 to schedule your wrongful death consultation in Las Vegas today.