Homicide, Manslaughter and Negligent Homicide in Arizona

The state of Arizona defines wrongful death as a loss of human life due to neglect, abuse, wrongful act, or fault of another person, company, or entity. It includes homicide, manslaughter, negligent homicide. People are often killed in connection with the commission of other crimes such as robbery, kidnapping, and sexual assault. Arizona law allows family members to sue for compensation for lost income and the loss of the their loved one’s presence in the family’s life.

Guns: Firearms are involved in over half of all known suicides and two-thirds or more of homicides. Gun owners must use reasonable precautions to keep their guns out of the hands of criminals, children, and inexperienced gun users. Criminal background checks, gun locks and secure gun storage containers play a key role in protecting the public from the reckless use of firearms. Failure to take reasonable measures to keep firearms out of the wrong hands, may subject the gun owner or gun seller to civil liability for their negligence .

Drunk Driving: In 2006, there were 13,470 fatalities in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver (BAC of .08 or higher) – 32 percent of total traffic fatalities for the year. 16,005 people were killed in the United States in alcohol-related* motor vehicle traffic crashes (BAC of .01 or higher). Drunk drivers and bars that over serve patrons must be held responsible for the emotional and financial devastation they cause to the innocent families of their victims.

Inadequate Security: Places, like people, have characters or personalities. Some places not only host crime, but facilitate crime, especially violent crime like robbery, rape and other forms of stranger violence. It is the duty of the land owner to know the character of the property and take reasonable steps to prevent crime from happening on the premises. This duty extends apartment complexes, bars, ATM machines, etc. Holding property owners responsible for crime on their premises not only provides much needed compensation for the families of victims of crime, but helps prevent future crime on that property.

Wrongful deaths affect everyone

Many people may ask, “Why should I sue? It won’t bring my loved one back.” It is true that suing will not bring someone back. But a wrongful death suit is not just about money. For many people, wrongful death actions are the only way to hold the guilty accountable and prevent future deaths and traumas from affecting other Arizona families.

Contact the law firm of Sara Powell

The best way to determine if your loved one’s death was someone else’s fault is to consult with an experienced Arizona wrongful death attorney. If you believe a family member is a victim of wrongful death, contact Sara Powell today.

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