The death of a loved one has a significant emotional and economic impact on surviving family members. If another person’s negligence caused his or her death, then you have the right to file a claim with a wrongful death lawyer for Taos, New Mexico. At Grano Law Offices, P.C., we will look out for your rights and offer responsive legal care throughout the process.
There is a limited amount of time to file a claim, which means that you should reach out to our team sooner than later. We know that a lawsuit or money does not bring your family member back to life, but it does help you provide for your future, and you may gain some sense of closure through the civil justice system.
Free Consultation with a Taos Wrongful Death Attorney
Contact a wrongful death lawyer for Taos, New Mexico at Grano Law Offices, P.C. today and discuss your potential wrongful death case with us. You can reach our legal team at (505) 426-8711 for a Free Case Evaluation or message us here. If you hire me to represent your family, I will not request any form of advance payment.
New Mexico’s Wrongful Death Act Protects People in Your Situation
What makes a death “wrongful?” In the eyes of New Mexico law, a wrongful death occurs when another person’s negligent actions cause an accident and lead to your loved one’s death. Wrongful death accidents can happen from several circumstances and causes. Your Taos wrongful death attorney will investigate the cause of the accident.
Types of wrongful death accident matters Grano Law Offices, P.C. handles include:
- Fatal car accidents
- Fatal truck accidents
- Slip and fall wrongful death
- Premises liability cases
- Dog bites or attacks
- Fatal bicycling accidents
- Electrocution
- Other fatal accident cases
When you hire my legal team, we will look at the facts and circumstances surrounding your case and preserve evidence to build your case. You do not have to fight with the insurance company or at-fault parties alone while simultaneously mourning the loss of a loved one. Your Taos wrongful death lawyer at Grano Law Offices, P.C. will stand by your side every step of the way.
Free Case Evaluation
Family Members May File a Claim and Proceeds Go to Survivors by First Right
In a wrongful death case, not everyone close to the decedent has a right to file a claim or proceed. Some specific laws and rules related to the distribution of civil court proceeds in New Mexico.
More specifically, a wrongful death award is distributed to the following parties(s) as described below:
- One spouse, but no surviving children: All civil awards go to the surviving spouse
- One spouse and has surviving descendants: Half of the civil award goes to the spouse, while the remaining half is distributed equally among the surviving children
- No spouse, but has descendants: All civil awards are divided equally among surviving children and grandchildren, according to New Mexico’s “right of representation” laws
- No spouse and no descendants: All civil awards go to the decedent’s parents
- No spouse, no descendants, and no parents: All lawsuit proceeds go to siblings
If you are unsure about this aspect of your case, hire a Taos wrongful death attorney to help you determine who should file the claim and how proceeds will be distributed according to the law. You will have the reassurance and insight you need to handle your case legally and practically. Let Grano Offices, P.C. guide your case.
Our State’s Laws Protect Your Right to Compensation
As if the mental distress caused by your family member’s death is not enough, it often comes with overwhelming financial consequences as well. Many families experience financial burdens due to the loss of income, benefits, and medical costs leading to their death. While every case is unique, a wrongful death lawyer for Taos, New Mexico will help you estimate what your case is worth and how you can proceed.
Some of the financial awards that you can recover may include:
- Past medical costs
- Cremation or burial expenses
- Funeral or ceremonial costs
- Lost future earnings
- Lost future benefits
- Other recoverable damages
Aside from the financial losses you suffered, you and your family members are undoubtedly struggling with the emotional consequences of your untimely loss. Wrongful death lawsuits also give you a chance to receive compensation for these damages as well, including:
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of guidance
- Loss of consortium
- And more
My legal team understands that this time is likely one of the most challenging. We will treat your family with empathy, respect, and dignity. Your wrongful death attorney for Taos will communicate with you regularly about new developments, thoughts, and when decisions need to be made. If the insurance company does not give you what you deserve, I will not shy away from taking your case to a judge or jury trial.
New Mexico Civil Laws Limit the Timeline of Your Case
A statutory deadline applies to wrongful death cases in New Mexico, known as the statute of limitations. You have up to three (3) years from the date of your family member’s death to file a civil suit. Missing this deadline means that you cannot receive an insurance settlement or civil court award.
Insurance companies are acutely aware of this deadline and may use it as a bargaining chip in your case. As such, make sure you hire a wrongful death lawyer for Taos at Grano Law Offices, P.C. as soon as possible to avoid missing your chance at fair compensation. We will use this time to conduct a full investigation of the facts so that the insurance company does not offer you a subpar settlement.
