Las Cruces Wrongful Death Lawyer

When someone dies as a result of the negligence of another person, family members are left grieving over the loss of their loved one. At such a difficult time, the emotions can be overwhelming, but knowing that there is some relief available can be helpful. If you need help, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our Las Cruces wrongful death lawyers.

Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim in Las Cruces?

In New Mexico, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate is responsible for bringing a wrongful death claim. The personal representative is usually named in the victim’s will, but if one wasn’t specified, the court will appoint a personal representative. This individual will file the wrongful death claim and then disburse any compensation to the victim’s family members as specified by state law. 

Common Types of Wrongful Death Claims in Las Cruces

Wrongful death claims can arise in a variety of different contexts, including, but not limited, to the following:

Wrongful Death Claims – Prisons and Jails

Wrongful death claims in prisons and jails can arise when a prisoner dies as a result of negligence, medical malpractice, or mistreatment by prison staff. These claims can be brought against the prison or jail, as well as against individual staff members who may be responsible for the death. Examples of cases that may give rise to a wrongful death claim in a prison setting include:

• Failure to provide proper medical care to a prisoner with a serious medical condition
• Failure to protect a prisoner from harm by other prisoners
• Use of excessive force by prison staff
• Failure to properly train or supervise staff

Wrongful Death Claims – Nursing Homes

Wrongful death claims in nursing homes can arise when a resident dies because of neglect or abuse by nursing home staff. These claims can be brought against the nursing home, as well as against individual staff members who may be responsible for the death. Examples of situations that may lead to a wrongful death claim in a nursing home include:

• Failure to provide proper medical care to a resident with a serious medical condition
• Failure to properly monitor or supervise residents
• Neglect or abuse by staff
• Failure to properly train or supervise staff

Other common examples include wrongful deaths that occur as a result of car accidents, workplace incidents, medical malpractice, defective products, and violent crimes.

Elements of a Wrongful Death Claim

To succeed in a wrongful death claim based on negligence, the following elements must be proven:

Legal Duty of Care

The first element of any wrongful death case is demonstrating that the defendant owed the decedent a legal duty of care. This means that the defendant had some kind of responsibility or obligation toward the decedent before their passing. 

This could be a doctor-patient relationship or something as simple as someone being required to drive safely on public roads.

Breach of Duty

The second element is proving that the defendant failed to meet their legal duty by acting negligently. This means that they did not act according to law or with reasonable care and caution. This can include failing to follow safety protocols at work, providing inadequate medical care, texting while driving, or any other negligent action that causes the death of another person.

Causation

The third element is causation. You must prove that it was the defendant’s breach of their legal duty which caused the victim’s death. Without this link between the breach and cause of death, you will not have a viable wrongful death claim.

Damages

Finally, you must demonstrate that damages were sustained by either yourself or your family members due to the loss of your loved one. These damages could be financial in nature such as lost wages/income or emotional such as pain and suffering.

Why You Should Hire Davis Kelin Law Firm To Handle Your Las Cruces Wrongful Death Claim

If you or a loved one has been affected by a wrongful death, it’s important to consider hiring an experienced Santa Fe wrongful death attorney to handle your claim. There are several reasons you should hire the Davis Kelin Law Firm for your wrongful death claim, including:

• Trial Experience: Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and are prepared to take your case to court if necessary. We are not afraid to go up against large corporations or insurance companies and will fight to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
• Decades of Legal Experience: Our attorneys have decades of legal experience and have handled a wide variety of personal injury and wrongful death claims. We understand the unique challenges that can arise in these cases and know how to navigate the legal system to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they are entitled to.
• Trusted By The Community: Our firm has a reputation for providing exceptional legal services and is trusted by the community. We have a proven track record of success and are dedicated to protecting the rights of our clients.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a wrongful death, it’s important to take action. Contact our attorneys today to schedule a free consultation.