Wrongful Death Attorneys in
Las Cruces, New Mexico

When a person’s negligence causes you or a loved one harm, it is normal to begin to wonder about the medical bills, the time that will have to be taken off of work, and other potential losses after a catastrophic event like this. When their actions cause a loved one to die, it can be difficult to navigate the future. Our attorneys at Lilley & O’Connell, P.A. provide families of wrongful death victims with empathetic and insightful representation while seeking their justice. If you have witnessed a death that was caused by another person’s negligence and are looking for financial compensation, contact us in Las Cruces, New Mexico, today to set up a free consultation with our passionate advocates.

What Defines a Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death is similar to a personal injury lawsuit in that the incident occurred as a result of another person’s negligence or careless actions. There are many instances in which a wrongful death can occur including:

• Situations of negligence, such as drunk driving, architectural errors, slip and falls on dangerous property, and more

• Medical malpractice, or

• Intentional acts, including crimes.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits vs. Criminal Trials

In a criminal trial, a person who is convicted of a crime like murder or manslaughter can face a penalty of jail or prison time, fines to the state of New Mexico, probation, or other forms of punishment. In a civil lawsuit like wrongful death, the only penalty the liable party has to pay is financial compensation, also known as damages.

The proof of burden is also different between the two trial processes. In a criminal trial, the prosecutors must prove the accused’s guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt,” which is the highest standard in a court of law. In a wrongful death lawsuit, the defendant’s liability must be shown only, “by a preponderance of the evidence,” which means the evidence must point to the conclusion that the accused party is in fact responsible for the death. A person can be both sued for wrongful death in civil court and prosecuted for a crime for the same instance at the same time.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

If a person is found liable for wrongful death, he or she may be responsible for:

• Paying the funeral or burial expenses

• Medical expenses

• Lost wages that the deceased was expected to earn

• Contributions to the deceased household and family

• Reparations for any distress to the family, and

• Restitution for any pain and suffering the victim experienced before death.

If you have been burdened by any financial responsibility because of an unexpected death of a family member, get in touch with us today for your free consultation with our wrongful death attorneys in Las Cruces. Our top priority is compassionately guiding you through the process of a lawsuit and seeking the justice and financial compensation you deserve.

Start Moving Forward Today

Experiencing the death of a family member is one of the hardest things a person can endure. While grieving, it can be difficult to file a wrongful death lawsuit due to how personal and complex the process is. That is where we come in. Our attorneys at Lilley & O’Connell, P.A. are determined to make this process as stress-free and beneficial to you and your family as possible. Reach out to us today at our law firm in Las Cruces, New Mexico, to set up your free, initial consultation with our attorneys.