Our Unrivaled Albuquerque Wrongful Death Attorneys have obtained billions and consistently secured the largest wrongful death verdicts and settlements in history for the families of wrongful death victims in New Mexico and across the United States.
While no amount of compensation can replace the loss of a loved one, a wrongful death lawsuit can help hold the negligent parties accountable, prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future, and ensure that you and your family have the financial resources to take care of each other.
Our Goals: Accountability, Financial Security, and Prevention
Every wrongful death case is unique, but our objectives remain the same:
- Hold the negligent and reckless parties fully accountable
- Provide our clients and their families with the financial resources to care and provide for themselves for the rest of their lives
- Prevent the dangerous conduct from occurring again in the future
We not only consistently achieve these goals, but we also set records for our clients in the process.
Billions Secured and the #1 Largest Wrongful Death Recoveries in NM
In the past 5 years alone, our Albuquerque Wrongful Death Attorneys have:
- Secured Billions for families who tragically lost their loved ones in oilfield, plant and refinery explosions, truck accidents, and the most catastrophic workplace accidents in history
- Regularly achieved the #1 Largest Verdicts and Settlements in New Mexico for wrongful death victims, including—most recently—the #1 Largest Accident Settlement in New Mexico on behalf of a client whose spouse was tragically killed in a head-on collision with a commercial truck.
Quick Facts
- Albuquerque’s top wrongful death lawyers
- Unprecedented success in obtaining billions for clients
- Consistently achieving the largest wrongful death verdicts and settlements
Understanding Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Albuquerque
What Constitutes a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
A wrongful death lawsuit allows the surviving family members of the deceased to hold the negligent defendants legally responsible and financially accountable by providing the decedent’s family and estate with the financial resources to care for themselves and their family members in their loved one’s absence.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit and What is the Deadline for Filing?
In most states, including New Mexico, the surviving spouse, children, and parents are allowed to file wrongful death claims on behalf of a deceased family member. If the decedent did not have children or was not married at the time of death, the wrongful death lawsuit can be filed by the decedent’s parents or by the estate itself, through the Executor or Administrator.
What Damages are Available in Wrongful Death Cases in Albuquerque?
Families of wrongful death victims in Albuquerque are entitled to recover both “economic” and “non-economic” damages, including:
- Loss of past and future income (economic)
- Loss of past and future household services and assistance (economic)
- Loss of companionship, society, and consortium (non-economic)
- Loss of inheritance (economic)
- Mental anguish and emotional distress suffered by family members (non-economic)
- Pre-death pain and suffering (non-economic)
Punitive Damages: Holding the Negligent Parties Accountable
In cases involving “grossly” negligent conduct, the Albuquerque family may also be entitled to recover punitive damages, which are designed to punish the wrongdoer and prevent them from putting others at harm with the same dangerous conduct in the future.
Survival Claim vs. Wrongful Death Claim
A wrongful death lawsuit compensates the surviving family members for the emotional suffering and financial losses they’ve experienced as a result of their loved one’s death. A survival action, on the other hand, is filed by the surviving family members to recover damages for any pain and suffering the decedent experienced before they passed away.
FAQs
- What is the main purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit in Albuquerque?
A wrongful death lawsuit aims to hold the negligent parties accountable, prevent similar incidents from happening in the future, and provide financial security to the surviving family members. - Who is eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Albuquerque?
The surviving spouse, children, and parents can file a wrongful death claim. If the decedent had no children or spouse, the parents or the estate itself can file the lawsuit. - What types of damages can be recovered in a wrongful death case in Albuquerque?
Both economic and non-economic damages can be recovered, including loss of income, loss of household services, loss of companionship, loss of inheritance, mental anguish, and pre-death pain and suffering. - What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action?
A wrongful death claim compensates the surviving family members, while a survival action recovers damages for the pain and suffering experienced by the decedent before their death. - Are punitive damages available in Albuquerque wrongful death cases?
In cases involving gross negligence, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and prevent them from causing harm in the future.