Wrongful Death Lawyer Little Rock

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Little Rock, Arkansas

When a sudden death occurs because of another party’s negligence, it leaves behind a family grappling with emotional devastation and financial uncertainty.

In Little Rock, wrongful death cases often stem from everyday situations where negligent acts create catastrophic consequences.

These tragedies may involve a car accident on a busy roadway, mistakes in a hospital setting leading to medical malpractice, or a dangerous consumer item tied to defective products.

Each of these circumstances can transform a preventable mistake into a tragic loss for surviving family members.

Wrongful death law exists to give those families the opportunity to seek accountability and justice.

By recognizing how these deaths commonly occur, families can better understand the grounds for pursuing a wrongful death claim.

An experienced attorney can investigate, gather evidence, and build a case to show exactly how negligence led to the fatal event.

Common causes of wrongful death in Little Rock include:

• Car accidents caused by speeding, reckless driving, or intoxication
• Medical malpractice, such as surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or medication mistakes
• Workplace incidents, particularly in construction, manufacturing, or industrial environments
• Defective products, including unsafe vehicles, equipment, or consumer goods
• Dangerous property conditions, such as falls, fires, or inadequate security
• Negligent acts by commercial drivers, employers, or corporations
• Acts of violence or criminal conduct resulting in an untimely death

While each wrongful death case is unique, the common thread is that someone’s carelessness or misconduct took away a life that should not have been lost.

These cases are not about placing a dollar amount on human life but about securing justice and financial relief for the family left behind.

Pursuing a wrongful death claim can also prevent similar tragedies by holding negligent parties accountable.

Families may recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and the personal void left by the deceased.

Ultimately, identifying the cause of death is the first step in ensuring that responsibility is placed where it belongs and that the family’s suffering is not compounded by unanswered questions.

How Negligence Is Proven in a Wrongful Death Case

In Little Rock wrongful death lawsuits, liability typically hinges on showing that a person’s negligence caused the fatal outcome.

Just as in personal injury claims, the law requires proof that the responsible parties owed a duty of care to the deceased, that the defendant breached this duty, and that the breach directly caused the death.

For example, a driver has a duty to operate their vehicle safely, a doctor has a duty to follow accepted standards of medical care, and a manufacturer has a duty to provide products free from unreasonable dangers.

When those duties are ignored or violated, the resulting harm can justify a wrongful death claim.

Proving negligence requires a thorough investigation of the accident or event that led to the death. Attorneys often rely on police reports, medical records, expert testimony, and witness statements to establish that the defendant’s actions (or failures to act) were the direct cause of death.

In some cases, multiple responsible parties may share liability, such as when both a careless driver and a defective vehicle part contributed to a fatal crash.

The ultimate goal is to connect the chain of events in a way that clearly demonstrates negligence caused the death and that the family is entitled to recover damages.

With the help of an experienced wrongful death attorney, families can present compelling evidence in civil court that meets the legal standards of Arkansas law.

The four elements of negligence in a wrongful death case include:

• Duty of care: The defendant had a legal obligation to act reasonably and avoid causing harm.
• Breach of duty: The defendant failed to meet that obligation through careless, reckless, or intentional conduct.
• Causation: The breach directly led to the deceased person’s fatal injuries.
• Damages: The death resulted in measurable losses, including financial harm and emotional suffering for surviving family members.

The Arkansas Wrongful Death Statute Explained

Arkansas Code § 16-62-102 provides that when the death of a person (or unborn child as defined in Arkansas law) is caused by a wrongful act, neglect, or default, and that act would have allowed the injured person to bring a claim if they had survived, then the responsible party can be held liable even though death has occurred.

This means that even if a person cannot pursue personal injury claims because he or she died, Arkansas law allows surviving parties to essentially step in with a wrongful death lawsuit as if the injured person had survived.

The statute allows the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate to bring the wrongful death action.

If there is no appointed representative, heirs of the decedent may sometimes have standing to file under certain conditions.

Under § 16-62-102, the law covers a range of wrongful causes: negligence, recklessness, intentional misconduct, and defaults that would have given rise to personal injury liability if death had not ensued.

Damages permitted under the statute include economic losses (e.g., funeral and burial costs, medical expenses incurred before death, lost income) and non-economic losses (such as mental anguish, grief, loss of companionship) for immediate family members and other beneficiaries.

Also, under Arkansas law those damages awarded under wrongful death do not become part of the deceased person’s general estate subject to creditors or debts.

One notable aspect is that liability under the statute exists even if the wrongful death occurred under circumstances that could amount to a felony, so criminal or potentially criminal acts do not prevent civil recovery under this statute.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, state law specifies which individuals have the legal standing to pursue a wrongful death claim.

The statute gives priority to the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, but if no representative has been appointed, certain family members can bring the claim directly.

This ensures that both the estate and close relatives of the deceased person have a pathway to seek justice and financial recovery.

The following parties may qualify to file a wrongful death claim under Arkansas law:

• The personal representative of the deceased person’s estate
• The surviving spouse of the deceased
• The children of the deceased (biological or adopted)
• The parents of the deceased
• The siblings of the deceased, if no closer family members are living

How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, the law provides a strict three years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

This statute of limitations means that if the family does not take legal action within that window, the courts will likely bar the claim, no matter how strong the case may be.

The three-year deadline applies to most wrongful death situations, including car accidents, medical malpractice, and workplace incidents.

In some cases involving government entities or unique circumstances, additional notice requirements or shorter timeframes may apply.

Because timing is critical, it’s essential to consult a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights and pursue compensation.

The Legal Process for a Wrongful Death Claim in Arkansas

Pursuing a wrongful death claim is a serious undertaking that requires careful planning and strong legal guidance.

Every step is taken on behalf of the deceased person’s estate and surviving family members, making accuracy and timeliness crucial.

The process begins with a full evaluation of the circumstances of the death and continues through investigation, negotiation, and, if necessary, trial.

Because wrongful death cases often involve significant damages and contested liability, working with an experienced attorney ensures that your family’s rights are protected throughout.

Below is an overview of the general steps involved in filing and pursuing a wrongful death claim in Arkansas:

1. Consult with a wrongful death attorney to review the circumstances of the death and determine eligibility under Arkansas law.
2. Investigate the case by collecting medical records, police reports, witness statements, and other evidence.
3. File the claim in civil court, either through the personal representative of the estate or eligible family members acting on behalf of the deceased.
4. Engage in settlement negotiations with insurers or defense counsel to attempt to resolve the case without trial.
5. Proceed to trial if settlement cannot be reached, allowing a judge or jury to decide liability and damages.

Each of these steps is designed to hold negligent parties accountable while securing the financial and emotional recovery that families are entitled to under Arkansas law.

Gathering Evidence for a Wrongful Death Case

Evidence is the key to proving both liability and damages in a wrongful death claim.

Without solid documentation, it can be difficult to show how negligence caused the death and what losses the family has suffered as a result.

A lawyer from Keith Law Group works closely with families to collect, preserve, and organize evidence, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

This process provides the foundation for negotiations with insurance companies and for presenting a compelling case in court.

Common forms of evidence in a wrongful death case include:

• Medical records documenting the treatment and cause of death
• Police or accident reports describing the incident and identifying involved parties
• Witness statements from people who saw the event or its aftermath
• Expert testimony, including accident reconstruction or medical experts
• Photographs or video evidence from the accident scene
• Employment and financial records showing lost wages and benefits
• Funeral and burial expenses linked directly to the death
• Personal records or testimony demonstrating the loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support

By gathering this evidence, Keith Law Group builds a thorough case that helps families pursue justice and secure the compensation they deserve.

Damages in Wrongful Death Claims

Damages in wrongful death cases are meant to provide financial relief and recognize the emotional harm suffered by surviving family members after a preventable loss.

They cover both tangible costs, such as unpaid medical bills, and intangible losses, like emotional pain and suffering.

By pursuing these damages, families can hold negligent parties accountable while securing resources to help rebuild their lives.

Common damages in wrongful death claims include:

• Medical bills related to treatment prior to the death
• Funeral and burial expenses, including memorial services
• Lost wages and future income the deceased would have earned over their lifetime
• Loss of benefits, such as retirement contributions, health insurance, and pensions
• Loss of inheritance, reflecting what the deceased would have passed down to heirs
• Loss of companionship, love, and guidance provided to a spouse, children, or other dependents
• Loss of household services, including childcare, home maintenance, and caregiving the deceased once provided
• Emotional pain and suffering experienced by surviving family members
• Mental anguish and grief resulting from the sudden and preventable death
• Loss of consortium, covering the loss of marital relationship and intimacy for a surviving spouse
• Punitive damages, in cases where the death was caused by reckless or intentional misconduct
• Out-of-pocket expenses, such as transportation to medical appointments, estate administration costs, or counseling services

Meet the Experienced Wrongful Death Lawyers at Keith Law Group

Keith Law Group is operated by a compassionate and skilled team with decades of combined experience helping families after the loss of a loved one.

Leading our firm is Sean Keith, a nationally recognized trial attorney and lifelong Arkansas resident with more than 30 years of legal experience.

Sean has represented clients in complex wrongful death and personal injury cases across the state, including those involving car accidents, truck crashes, and product liability claims.

His extensive trial background and leadership have earned him numerous accolades, including recognition as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer and multimillion-dollar verdicts in high-profile wrongful death cases.

Sean also serves on the Arkansas Supreme Court Model Civil Jury Instructions Committee, and in 2015, was appointed by Governor Asa Hutchinson to serve as a Special Justice on the Arkansas Supreme Court.

Brynna Barnica brings more than 17 years of legal practice to Keith Law Group.

After being admitted to the bar in 2006, she began her career in criminal defense before serving as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Benton County, where she tried serious cases, including homicide.

Today, Brynna focuses her practice on wrongful death and serious personal injury cases, drawing on her courtroom experience to fight for accountability and justice for grieving families.

Both attorneys are graduates of the University of Arkansas School of Law and have deep experience working within courts across Little Rock, Pulaski County, and throughout Arkansas.

Their local insight, trial experience, and unwavering commitment to justice make them trusted advocates for families pursuing wrongful death claims.

Personalized Client Care Through Dedicated Communication

At Keith Law Group, our commitment to communication sets us apart when representing families after a tragic loss.

Sean Keith personally reaches out to clients, making sure they feel supported directly by the lead attorney handling their case.

Our attorneys, paralegals, and staff maintain regular contact, provide updates, and answer questions promptly, helping families feel informed and secure throughout the process.

We recognize that every client’s situation is unique, and we treat each family with compassion and respect rather than as just another case file.

Building strong, lasting relationships with clients is at the core of our practice, and our mission is to provide personalized, compassionate legal representation in every wrongful death case we handle.

Contact Keith Law Group Today

At Keith Law Group, we know the devastation that follows the unexpected loss of a loved one, and we are here to guide you with compassion and determination.

Our attorneys and staff work tirelessly on behalf of every family we represent, pursuing justice and financial relief with the skill and dedication these cases demand.

Whether you are a longtime client or a new client seeking answers after a tragic death, you will receive personal attention and steadfast advocacy at every stage of the process.

Contact Keith Law Group today to schedule a free consultation and learn how our team can help you seek justice, accountability, and the compensation your family deserves.