Little Rock Wrongful Death Lawyer

Skilled Wrongful Death Attorneys Serving Little Rock, AR

When an individual dies due to the reckless negligence or fault of another, it is considered a wrongful death. For the surviving loved ones, experiencing such a loss can be one of the most devastating events imaginable. The family of the deceased endures profound grief and suffering following this tragic incident. At The Pfeifer Law Firm, we understand the profound challenges that come with such a loss. Our team is committed to helping you seek justice and pursue a sense of closure by holding the responsible parties accountable. A wrongful death attorney in Little Rock, Arkansas, is here to support you during this difficult time.

Arkansas Wrongful Death Claims

The family members or survivors of the deceased may be entitled to recover financial losses related to the death of their loved one by filing a wrongful death claim. Potential compensation can cover a range of damages, including medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost future earnings. In addition, survivors may seek punitive damages, which are designed to punish particularly egregious conduct by individuals or entities responsible for the wrongful death, as well as compensation for pain and suffering.

Who is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim is typically brought by a surviving heir of the estate or a representative of the estate acting on behalf of the surviving family members against the person or entity legally responsible for the death. In the state of Arkansas, the following heirs are legally entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim:

A surviving spouse, children, parents, or siblings
Individuals acting “in loco parentis” (in place of a parent)
Those to whom the deceased acted “in loco parentis” (in place of a parent)

The statute of limitations, which sets a specific deadline for filing a wrongful death claim in court, varies by state. In Arkansas, you have up to three years to file a wrongful death lawsuit for injuries, such as those resulting from a Little Rock car accident. It’s important to begin investigating the claim as soon as possible, as starting early can strengthen your case.

Arkansas Wrongful Death Case Damages

In Arkansas, wrongful death lawsuits can be classified into two categories: wrongful death claims and survival claims. These claims can also be further categorized into family claims and estate claims, depending on the type of damages—or compensation—that may be awarded.

Family Claims are intended to compensate for the financial and emotional damages suffered by surviving family members due to the loss of a loved one. Damages in family claims may include compensation for:

• Loss of financial support or income
• Loss of benefits
• Loss of consortium (care, comfort, companionship, etc.)
• Reduction or loss of household services
• Emotional distress

Estate Claims are designed to provide compensation to the estate for the financial damages incurred as a result of the decedent’s wrongful death. These damages may cover:

• Medical expenses incurred before the decedent’s death
• Costs of burial and funeral
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased prior to passing away

In a wrongful death lawsuit in Arkansas, each party is entitled only to the specific damages they have incurred. For example, while most surviving family members may suffer emotional distress following a wrongful death, compensation for lost wages and/or benefits may be specifically available to the surviving spouse or children.

Contact Our Little Rock Wrongful Death Lawyer

While no financial compensation can ever truly replace the loss of a loved one, it can provide crucial financial support to help your family move forward. In cases of wrongful death, the responsible party and their insurance company may offer a settlement. If you need a wrongful death lawyer in Little Rock, please contact Pfeifer Law Firm today. We are here to assist you through the process and help you explore your legal options.