In Need of a Wrongful Death Lawyer?

At Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys, our Salt Lake City wrongful death attorneys know when somebody is killed as a result of someone else’s negligence, naturally, this is an extremely painful situation for the family, loved ones, and friends who are close to the person who passed.

In Utah, wrongful death is defined as a death caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another person or entity. The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to provide a legal remedy for the surviving family members or heirs of the deceased, allowing them to seek compensation for their losses.

Fortunately, our skilled Midvale personal injury attorneys have been around for a combined 90 years, helping families work through wrongful death claims—including representing the family during one of the largest wrongful death settlements in the nation in 2013.

If you have lost a loved one to negligence in Utah, our attorneys at Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys will fully advise and educate each client on their rights and potential damages in a wrongful death claim.

Get in Touch with Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys
Call Today! 801.212.9992

We understand that when another person or party’s negligence changes your life, you need a team of personal injury attorneys in your corner. Our wrongful death attorneys in Salt Lake County operate as your team and want to deliver much-needed relief through our compassion, attention to detail, and tenacious advocacy.

Once you partner with our personal injury law firm, you can rest easy knowing your team has represented clients in more than 1,200 mediation/arbitration cases and over 85 jury trials with tremendous success. Let us use our over 90 years of combined experience to help you and your family confidently move forward and recover economic and non-economic damages.

Contact our Salt Lake City wrongful death attorneys today to learn more during a free consultation.

File a Wrongful Death Claim in Utah

Who Is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Utah?

Utah law allows a claim for wrongful death that occurs as a result of somebody else’s negligence. In addition to the wrongful death of an individual, there is also survival action. The damages in a wrongful death claim differ somewhat from those for somebody involved in a personal injury claim.

Utah law determines who the heirs are in a wrongful death claim.

For example, if a minor child who is under 18 is killed as a result of somebody else’s negligence, under Utah law, the heirs are the surviving parents.

In situations where no surviving heirs are under the statute, the Utah statute sets out who would be the next heir if the first designated heirs are not alive. If an adult person is killed as a result of somebody else’s negligence, the statute defines the heirs as a surviving spouse, surviving children, and the parents who are surviving. If none of those individuals have survived the death of an adult who was wrongfully killed, then the statute sets forth who stands in line next to be an heir.

The attorneys at Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys are trained to handle wrongful death claims, including those that occurred due to negligence involving:

  • Motor Vehicle Accidents.
  • Medical Malpractice.
  • Defective Products.
  • Premises Liability.

Allow our skilled Midvale wrongful death lawyers to assist you during this challenging time so you understand your rights and how we can help pursue justice and financial support for you and your family. Understanding the statutory definition and legal requirements is essential for pursuing a successful claim. If you believe you have a wrongful death claim, consulting our highly experienced attorneys in Salt Lake City can help you navigate the legal process and seek appropriate compensation.

What Type of Compensation Can Eligible Family Members Pursue During a Utah Wrongful Death Claim?

Under Utah law, there are two broad categories of damages in a wrongful death situation.

The first is non-economic damages, and the second is economic damages.

  • Economic Damages: These include funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses incurred before death, loss of financial support, and loss of benefits.
  • Non-Economic Damages: These include compensation for the loss of love, companionship, care, and guidance, as well as emotional pain and suffering endured by the surviving family members.

Each one of those broad categories has complex parts. When we attempt to resolve a wrongful death claim at the proper time, we will focus on all the damages that pertain to your situation. Like any other case, it is essential to contact the attorneys at Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys immediately so we can do a quick and thorough investigation and begin focusing on the damages that apply to your claim.

waddoups wrongful death infographic

The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim in Utah is generally two years (one year if it involved a government entity) from the date of death. Fulfilling the claim within this timeframe is crucial to preserve the right to seek compensation. We can help.

Get in Touch with Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys
Call Today! 801.212.9992

Contact Our Trusted Wrongful Death Attorneys in Salt Lake City, Utah to Discuss Your Claim During a Free Consultation

Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys has represented thousands of Utah clients, successfully obtaining settlements during negotiations and fighting for their rights and optimal outcomes in jury trials for more than 90 combined years.

If you have lost a loved one to negligence anywhere in Utah, contact our Salt Lake City wrongful death attorneys today to discuss your claim during a free consultation. We provide top-notch legal representation on a contingency basis and never recover any legal fees until we win your case. Even then, we promise our clients that their net settlement will be more than our legal fee recovery percentage because it is the right way to do business.

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Frequetly Asked Questions for Wrongful Death Attorney Salt Lake City

  • How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Salt Lake City?

    In Utah, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is typically two years from the date of death. However, there are exceptions, and it’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the legal timeframe.

  • What evidence is needed to support a wrongful death claim?

    To support a wrongful death claim, evidence such as medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and testimony may be required. Your attorney will help gather and present this evidence to establish liability and demonstrate the extent of your damages.

  • How long does it take to resolve a wrongful death case?

    The duration of a wrongful death case can vary widely depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the extent of the damages, and the willingness of the parties to negotiate. Some cases may be resolved in a few months, while others may take years, particularly if they go to trial.

  • Will my wrongful death case go to trial?

    Not all wrongful death cases go to trial. Many are settled out of court through negotiations or mediation. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to trial where a judge or jury will determine the outcome.

  • What are common causes of wrongful death claims?

    Common causes of wrongful death claims include car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, defective products, and acts of negligence such as slip and fall accidents. Each case involves different circumstances, but the key element is that the death resulted from another party’s wrongdoing or failure to act responsibly.

  • How is liability determined in a wrongful death case?

    Liability in a wrongful death case is determined by establishing that the responsible party acted negligently or intentionally caused harm. This involves proving that the responsible party owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and that the breach directly caused the death.

  • Can a wrongful death claim be filed if the deceased was partially at fault?

    In Utah, wrongful death claims can still be pursued if the deceased was partially at fault, though this may affect the amount of compensation you can receive. Utah follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that if the deceased’s actions contributed to their death, their compensation may be reduced in proportion to their degree of fault.

  • What steps should I take immediately after a loved one’s death due to someone else’s negligence?

    Immediately after a loved one’s death due to potential negligence, you should seek medical attention if needed, gather any relevant documents or evidence related to the incident, and consult with a wrongful death attorney. This will help ensure that your rights are protected and that important evidence is preserved.

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