Have you lost a loved one in an accident in Ogden, UT? Under Utah law, you and your family may be entitled to compensation by filing a wrongful death claim. At Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers, we know how devastating it can be to face such a loss, and we’re committed to helping you through the legal process with care and expertise.
Backed by 100 years of combined experience and hundreds of millions recovered, our attorneys deeply understand Utah’s wrongful death statutes. You can count on us to seek the full compensation you deserve while honoring your loved one’s memory.
Contact our Ogden wrongful death lawyers today at (385) 402-8187 for more information. We offer a free consultation with no strings attached.
How Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help With Your Family’s Wrongful Death Claim in Ogden, Utah
Losing a close relative is one of the hardest experiences any family can endure in Ogden, Utah. If your loved one’s death was preventable, the grief can be even more overwhelming. During this difficult time, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the legal burden alone. Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you maximize your wrongful death claim under Utah law.
Our Ogden personal injury attorneys are known for achieving strong results, and insurance companies notice our track record. We’re not afraid to stand up to big corporations or negligent individuals and commit every resource to securing the compensation you need. If you hire us to handle your wrongful death claim in Ogden, we will:
- Investigate the Accident: We will gather police reports, medical records, and witness statements to determine exactly how your loved one’s death occurred.
- Calculate Your Damages: From funeral costs to the value of lost support, we’ll document every way this loss has impacted you and your family.
- Collect Evidence: Our team may enlist experts—like accident reconstructionists, economists, or medical specialists—to bolster your claim.
- Identify Who is Liable: Whether the cause was a negligent driver, a defective product, or a property owner who ignored hazards, we’ll pinpoint every responsible party.
- Negotiate on Your Behalf: Insurance companies often try to settle for less than you deserve. We’ll fight for a fair settlement that truly reflects your losses.
- File a Lawsuit if Needed: If the other side refuses to meet their legal obligations, we’re prepared to take your case to court in Weber County or beyond.
Members of our legal team have been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, among other reputable legal organizations. Our main focus is giving you the space to grieve while we handle the legal complexities. Call our Ogden personal injury attorneys today for a free case review, where we can explain your rights and possible next steps.
What Is Wrongful Death in Utah?
Under Utah Code § 78B-3-106, a wrongful death case arises when a person’s death results from someone else’s wrongful act or negligence. Only certain people can file a wrongful death claim in Utah. In most cases, priority is given to the deceased person’s heirs, but it can depend on the facts of the case.
Utah also recognizes “survival actions,” which are separate claims brought on behalf of the deceased person’s estate. A survival action can cover losses the deceased suffered before passing—like medical bills or their own pain and suffering—while a wrongful death claim focuses on the surviving family members’ losses.
Importantly, wrongful death (and survival actions) occur in civil court, separate from any related criminal charges. You can win a wrongful death suit even if the at-fault party isn’t convicted of any crime since the burden of proof is different in civil cases.
How Much Is My Ogden Wrongful Death Claim Worth?
No amount of money can truly replace a life, but damages are the only remedy a civil court can provide. The value of your claim depends on many factors, including:
- Age and health of the deceased
- Earning capacity (current wages, career potential, and so on)
- Dependents relying on their support
- Circumstances of the accident (e.g., whether it’s clear who’s liable)
- Extent of financial and emotional losses (like funeral expenses, loss of companionship, etc.)
While some wrongful death settlements or verdicts in Utah can reach substantial amounts, success often requires strong legal advocacy and evidence. Our attorneys will gather proof of your family’s financial and emotional hardships to push for maximum compensation.
We Can Help With Any Type of Wrongful Death Case in Ogden
Our lawyers at Parker & McConkie have spent decades representing families in many types of wrongful death claims, such as:
- Car accidents and other motor vehicle crashes
- Premises liability incidents
- Workplace accidents
- Medical errors
- Defective products
- Intentional acts
Whatever the circumstances, we stand ready to build a thorough claim. Call us today to start receiving personalized support from our experienced legal team.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Ogden?
Most wrongful death lawyers in Ogden, including us, work on a contingency fee basis. That means you’ll pay zero upfront or hourly fees. From there, you only pay attorney’s fees if we recover compensation for you. In most cases, we will receive around 33% of the jury verdict or settlement we obtain on your behalf.
This structure makes quality legal representation accessible to everyone, regardless of financial status. It also aligns our goals with yours: the more we secure for you, the better we all do.
What Damages Can I Recover by Filing a Wrongful Death Claim?
Wrongful death damages in Utah can sometimes differ from those in personal injury lawsuits. Examples of damages you can recover in an Ogden wrongful death claim include the following:
- Lost wages and benefits, including future earnings they would have provided
- Loss of companionship, guidance, or services the deceased offered to their family
- The emotional toll on surviving family members
- Medical bills related to the deceased’s final treatment
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Outstanding debts or obligations tied to the fatal injury
When we file a wrongful death claim, we seek to cover all types of harm you and your family have endured. In rare cases that go to trial, punitive damages could also be awarded if the defendant acted maliciously or with extreme recklessness.
Who Could Be Liable for My Loved One’s Wrongful Death in Ogden, UT?
Utah law doesn’t generally limit who you can sue for wrongful death. Depending on the facts, possible defendants might include:
- Drivers or trucking companies in a fatal road crash
- Property owners who neglected safety measures
- Manufacturers of defective products or pharmaceuticals
- Healthcare providers who committed malpractice
- Employers or other contractors in a workplace fatality
- Government agencies, if poor road design or maintenance played a role
Wrongful death may be based on negligence (like ignoring safety rules) or an intentional act (like a violent assault). You don’t need a criminal conviction to succeed. Our legal team will investigate every angle to determine who’s truly at fault and bring them to justice.
How Does Shared Fault Impact a Wrongful Death Claim in Utah?
Utah follows a modified comparative negligence standard with a 50% bar to recovery. This means:
- If the deceased was 50% or more at fault for causing their fatal accident, the surviving family members cannot recover damages.
- If the deceased’s portion of fault is less than 50%, the award is reduced by their percentage of responsibility.
Defendants often try to blame the victim to reduce what they owe. That’s why hiring a skilled wrongful death lawyer is crucial. We’ll gather evidence to dispute excessive blame and keep your claim’s value intact.
What Is the Time Limit To File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Utah?
In Utah, the statute of limitations for most wrongful death actions is generally two years from the date of death. If you miss this filing deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation. Some exceptions can apply—for instance, if a minor child is involved or the defendant is a government entity.
Because timing is crucial, it’s best to speak with a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. That way, evidence is still fresh, and we can meet all legal deadlines without rushing.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Compassionate Ogden Wrongful Death Attorneys
Did you lose a family member because of another person’s negligence or wrongdoing in Ogden, Utah? You may have grounds for a wrongful death claim—and Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers can help you pursue it. With 100 years of combined experience and hundreds of millions of dollars recovered, our team knows how to fight for surviving families.
We won’t charge you attorney’s fees unless we succeed in getting you compensation. Call our Ogden wrongful death attorneys today for your free consultation. We’ll discuss your family’s situation, explain your legal rights, and outline a strategy to move forward during this very challenging time.
