Las Vegas Wrongful Death Attorney
Losing a family member is a difficult enough experience in itself. When a loved one’s death is caused by another person or company’s disregard for safety, however, the pain and frustration are indescribable. As the unforeseen financial burdens that accompany such a loss, like medical bills, funeral costs, and the loss of income begin to emerge, it can quickly feel like you have no place to turn. You don’t have to shoulder the challenges of your loved one’s death alone. Las Vegas injury lawyer Christopher Burk at Burk Injury Lawyers understands your pain, and he wants to help you take legal action.
Call: 702-620-2020
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
Wrongful death claims are civil lawsuits that are brought against wrongdoers on behalf of a deceased person who, if alive, would have had the right to recover compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Unlike criminal charges, like homicide or manslaughter that could result in the other party’s imprisonment, a successful wrongful death lawsuit results in financial compensation for the victim’s family.
What Caused Your Loved One’s Untimely Death?
Wrongful death cases can arise anytime a person or company’s negligence or intentional actions lead to the loss of a person’s life. Some of the most common scenarios wrongful death lawyers in las Vegas see involve:
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Wrecks
- Dangerous Property Conditions
- Nursing Home Negligence
- Medical Malpractice
- Defective Products
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See What Our Clients Say
"I can't express how grateful I am for the outstanding service provided by Chris Burk and his team. They truly went above and beyond, making the entire process as easy as possible for me. From handling all the necessary paperwork to taking care of the details, they did the dirty work, allowing me to focus on my recovery. Thank you for your professionalism, efficiency, and genuine care. I highly recommend their services to anyone in need."
“Chris works hard to get you the cash and care you deserve. His professional and friendly staff provide excellent support throughout the entire process. Chris supports veterans and made it his personal mission to help me and my family, thank you!”
“After getting knocked off my motorcycle by a careless driver, I knew I needed help. This was my first time being injured in an accident. Chris Burk and his team educated me on the process, kept me informed during my case, and got me way more than I ever expected. I can not thank them enough. If you are looking for a group of professionals that genuinely cares about their clients, will put your best interest first, and will work hard to get what you deserve, then you have found the perfect legal team to represent you.”
“Everyone at Burk Injury Lawyers was great with helping me with my case and keeping me informed on what was going on in the whole process. Chris was super efficient and helpful throughout the whole process. His case manager Mylee was awesome and followed up with me a lot via e-mail and over the phone to let me know how everything on their side was going as well as to see how my treatments were. Thank you Chris and everyone at Burk Injury Law!”
Mr. Burk did an amazing job when it came to my injury case. He even gave me his cell phone number. What other attorney does that? He followed up on a weekly basis, from Dr visits, to just checking on my well-being. I would highly recommend Mr. Burk to family, friends, & colleagues. Thank you again for all your help.
Mr. Burk handled my case with great professionalism and care. With his expertise he was able to save me medical expenses for unnecessary procedures as well as refer me to a great chiropractor. Knowledge and experience can be expected from Chris.
Chris’s passion for his clients and is beyond reproach. My needs were met from start to finish. If I could use one word to describe the experience ‘turnkey’ would best fit. After my accident and subsequent injuries I didn’t know how to approach insurance carriers to discuss my situation. Chris worked with me every step of the way in getting me the appropriate care needed for my injuries, damages and communicated regularly on all aspects of my case.
Chris was able to handle my case with ease. His office is set up so you can scan and email him your information. He took his time and he actually cared about my case! He gave me his personal cell phone and email. He was able to resolve the case quickly and efficiently. Chris and his staff are so easy to work with!
El Sr. Burk hizo un trabajo increíble en lo que respecta a mi caso de lesiones. Incluso me dio su número de teléfono celular. ¿Qué otro abogado hace eso? Él hacía un seguimiento semanal, desde las visitas del Dr., hasta simplemente verificar mi bienestar. Recomiendo encarecidamente al Sr. Burk a familiares, amigos y colegas. Gracias de nuevo por toda tu ayuda.
El Sr. Burk manejó mi caso con gran profesionalismo y cuidado. Con su experiencia, pudo ahorrarme gastos médicos para procedimientos innecesarios y recomendarme a un gran quiropráctico. Se puede esperar conocimiento y experiencia de Chris.
La pasión de Chris por sus clientes y está más allá de cualquier reproche. Mis necesidades fueron satisfechas de principio a fin. Si pudiera usar una palabra para describir la experiencia, “llave en mano” encajaría mejor. Después de mi accidente y lesiones posteriores, no sabía cómo acercarme a las compañías de seguros para discutir mi situación. Chris trabajó conmigo en cada paso del camino para obtener la atención adecuada necesaria para mis lesiones, daños y me comunicó regularmente sobre todos los aspectos de mi caso.
Chris pudo manejar mi caso con facilidad. Su oficina eatá configurada para que pueda escanear y enviarle su información por correo electrónico. ¡Se tomó su tiempo y realmente se preocupó por mi caso! Me dio su teléfono celular y correo electrónico personales. Pudo resolver el caso de manera rápida y eficiente. ¡Es muy fácil trabajar con Chris y su personal!
Who Can Be Held Liable for Wrongful Death in Las Vegas?
In some wrongful death cases, determining liability is fairly straightforward.
- The at-fault driver in a car accident
- The property owner in a slip and fall
- A nurse who was negligent in providing care
Often, however, identifying all parties who may be legally responsible is a bit more complicated. In some cases:
- Liability for fatal car accidents can fall on the at-fault driver and his or her insurance company, a defective parts maker, a vehicle manufacturer, or even the entity that sold alcohol to an inebriated driver.
- Individual staff members, nurses, nursing home facilities, and even cleaning companies and food preparers may liable for a nursing home resident’s death.
- Property owners, managers, and controllers may not the only liable parties in a slip and fall accident death. Product manufacturers, maintenance personnel, cleaning companies, and even security firms may also be partially responsible for the dangerous condition.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Nevada?
Nevada law states that only personal representatives or the decedent’s estate and his or her heirs may file wrongful death claims. You may be considered an heir who can file a claim for compensation if you are:
- The victim’s surviving spouse or domestic partner
- A surviving child of the victim
- A parent of the victim (if no surviving spouse, domestic partner, or child exists)
Las Vegas Wrongful Death FAQs
How do criminal charges impact a wrongful death claim?
The charges brought forth in a criminal case are separate from a wrongful death lawsuit in civil court. A wrongful death claim can be filed even if a criminal case is in progress. Family members can still recover damages in the civil suit regardless of the criminal court’s verdict.
What happens if the defendant dies before the wrongful death claim was filed?
If the wrongdoer dies before the wrongful death case was filed, a wrongful death lawsuit can still be filed against his or her estate.
What damages are available in a Nevada wrongful death case?
The following damages may be available in Nevada wrongful death cases.
- Medical bills
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost wages and loss of future earnings
- Lost benefits that would have been available to surviving heirs
- Pain and suffering the victim endured
- Loss of companionship
- Grief and sorrow suffered by surviving family members
- Punitive damages