Jonesboro Wrongful Death Lawyer

Like other lawsuits, wrongful death claims follow a statute of limitations. We can calculate your three-year filing deadline, do what is necessary to meet it and help you with all aspects of your upcoming wrongful death lawsuit in Jonesboro.

While three years is the typical statute of limitations, wrongful death lawsuits due to medical malpractice must be brought within two years. Beneficiaries of wrongful death claims may get economic and non-economic damages from lawsuits, even if they settle lawsuits out of court. Strong evidence compels large out-of-court settlements and can yield larger jury awards at trial, so we will aim to obtain all proof of liability, including eyewitness statements.

For a free case evaluation from our wrongful death lawyers, call (479) 316-0438 now.

What is the Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations in Jonesboro?

The statute of limitations starts to run the day a victim dies, which may differ from the day they were injured. Call us as soon as possible about your case, and we can see how much more time you have to file and get justice.

Arkansas’ statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits is three years, according to Ark. Code. § 16-62-102(c)(1). If the person liable for your loved one’s death was also convicted of murdering them, you may face no statute of limitations for your case whatsoever. Even so, filing swiftly is general best.

The statute of limitations may be paused or “tolled” for several reasons. The delayed discovery rule can apply to wrongful death lawsuits, meaning the statute of limitations would only start to run when the defendant’s negligence is discovered as the cause of death.

The statute of limitations is shorter for deaths due to medical negligence. In these cases, plaintiffs have two years to file lawsuits for medical malpractice, not three.

What if No One Witnessed a Wrongful Death?

Not all fatal accidents have witnesses. If no one witnessed the events that caused your loved one’s wrongful death, you may still bring a successful claim with our help.

Without eyewitness testimony, medical records, photos, incident reports, surveillance footage, and other evidence can prove liability for a wrongful death. Reach out soon after a victim’s death due to negligence so we may preserve footage most at risk of being lost, such as video footage.

Do not assume no witnesses were present during a fatal accident, and let our lawyers investigate further. Our wrongful death lawyers may identify and interview eyewitnesses who may later testify about the defendant’s negligent conduct.

If you were in the vehicle during a fatal car crash, with your loved one during a deadly slip and fall, or were present during another serious event that killed the victim, tell us. Your testimony may is also valuable, and we will prepare you to testify with confidence in case your lawsuit goes to trial.

Can Survivors Get Non-Economic Damages from Wrongful Death Lawsuits?

Not all states let survivors recover non-economic damages from wrongful death lawsuits, but Arkansas does. § 16-62-102(f) lets you get compensation for mental anguish and the typical grief associated with losing a loved one.

Juries may sympathize with survivors whose spouse, parent, or child was killed by negligence, especially if they hear about their pain and suffering firsthand. We may ask survivors to testify about their mental anguish when lawsuits go to trial so juries can better understand it.

In addition to non-economic damages, wrongful death lawsuits often provide economic damages, like loss of services.

We can help a deceased victim’s spouse, children, parents, siblings, and potentially others learn more about the damages they stand to claim in a wrongful death lawsuit, as well as how those damages will be divided among beneficiaries.

Never underestimate your non-economic and economic damages from a loved one’s unexpected death due to negligence. Let us evaluate losses to all beneficiaries so we may request and recover an appropriate amount in Jonesboro.

Should I Settle a Wrongful Death Claim in Jonesboro?

Like other lawsuits, many wrongful death claims are settled without trials. This is sometimes easier for survivors who want to avoid the emotional turmoil of a trial. For others, going to court is the goal from the get-go. Tell us what you want from a lawsuit, and we can help you accomplish it.

We can help you decide whether or not to settle a case based on the offers we get and the damages you and other survivors have suffered. Never feel pressured into accepting a settlement. We will inform you if an offer is fair and handle responding with counteroffers backed by strong evidence.

Going to trial gives survivors their day in court and lets them publically hold defendants accountable for victims’ deaths. Straightforward wrongful death trials may only take a matter of days, while more complicated cases may take a week or longer.

Do You Need Medical Evidence to Prove a Wrongful Death?

Medical evidence is crucial in proving a wrongful death lawsuit. Tell us where the victim got medical treatment before they died, and we can obtain all relevant medical records so you do not have to.

Lab work, diagnostic test results, surgical reports, emergency room notes, X-rays and other imaging, and autopsy reports all help establish the victim’s cause of death.

Past medical records can show the victim did not have any life-threatening pre-existing conditions, illnesses, or injuries, so we may also get those for a wrongful death lawsuit.

Some victims live for days or weeks before dying from fatal injuries due to negligence. We will get medical records from before the victim’s death, as well as any medical bills associated with their treatment.

Give any copies of medical bills in your possession to our lawyers, and we can retrieve others from providers as necessary.

Call Us for Help with Your Wrongful Death Case in Jonesboro

For call (479) 316-0438 for a free case analysis from our wrongful death lawyers.