If you have lost a loved one due to an accident in Salt Lake City, UT, you and your family may be entitled to compensation by filing a wrongful death claim. Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers can guide you through this challenging time while providing compassionate support every step of the way.
Our law firm has been dedicated to serving the Utah community for over four decades. Our Salt Lake City wrongful death lawyers have 100 years of combined experience and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. We are committed to helping you seek justice and obtain the compensation you deserve.
Contact our law office today at (801) 851-1202 for more information. We offer a free consultation with no obligations.
How Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help with Your Family’s Wrongful Death Claim in Salt Lake City, Utah
Losing a close family member is an unimaginable hardship, and if their death was preventable, the pain can be even more overwhelming. During such a difficult period, you shouldn’t have to navigate the legal system alone. Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you maximize your wrongful death claim.
Our Salt Lake City personal injury attorneys are seasoned litigators who aren’t afraid to stand up to insurance companies or large corporations. We will utilize every resource available to build a strong case on your behalf. When you hire us to assist with your wrongful death claim, we will:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly
- Calculate the full extent of your damages
- Gather and preserve crucial evidence
- Identify all liable parties
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies
- File a lawsuit in court if necessary
Members of our legal team have been recognized for their achievements by Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Contact our personal injury law firm in Salt Lake City, Utah today to get started. During your free case review, we can advise you of your legal rights and options.
Understanding Wrongful Death in Utah
Under Utah law, wrongful death occurs when the wrongful act or neglect of another party causes a person’s death. Essentially, if the deceased could have filed a personal injury claim had they survived, the family may pursue a wrongful death claim on their behalf.
In Utah, the following individuals are eligible to file a wrongful death claim:
- The deceased person’s heirs
- The personal representative of the deceased person’s estate
It’s important to note that wrongful death claims are civil actions separate from any criminal proceedings that may be initiated against the responsible party. Even if criminal charges are filed, you can still pursue a wrongful death claim to seek financial compensation for your loss.
How Much Is My Salt Lake City Wrongful Death Claim Worth?
While no amount of money can truly compensate for the loss of a loved one, a wrongful death claim can provide financial support and a sense of justice for your family. The value of your claim depends on various factors, including:
- The age of the deceased
- Their earning capacity and income at the time of death
- Medical and funeral expenses incurred
- The emotional impact on surviving family members
- The circumstances surrounding the accident
Our legal team will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine the potential value of your claim. We are committed to pursuing the maximum compensation available under Utah law. Contact our Salt Lake City personal injury attorneys today for a free case evaluation; we can answer all your questions.
We Handle All Types of Wrongful Death Cases in Salt Lake City
With decades of experience, our attorneys are equipped to handle a wide range of wrongful death cases, including:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Product liability
- Workplace accidents
- Premises liability
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Defective products
- Intentional acts of violence
If your loved one’s situation isn’t listed here, we may still be able to assist you. Call us today to discuss your case and learn how we can help.
What Damages Can I Recover by Filing a Wrongful Death Claim?
In a Utah wrongful death claim, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. In rare cases, punitive damages may be available.
Economic damages include your financial losses such as:
- Medical expenses related to the deceased’s final injury or illness
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost wages and benefits the deceased would have provided
- Loss of inheritance
Non-economic damages represent more subjective losses, including:
- Loss of companionship and society
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of care, guidance, and support
In certain cases involving egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar actions in the future.
Who Can Be Held Liable for My Loved One’s Wrongful Death in Salt Lake City, UT?
Utah law allows wrongful death claims to be filed against various parties, depending on the circumstances of the case. Potentially liable parties may include:
- Negligent drivers in car, truck, or motorcycle accidents
- Medical professionals in cases of medical malpractice
- Manufacturers of defective products
- Property owners in premises liability cases
- Employers in workplace accidents
- Care facilities in cases of nursing home abuse or neglect
Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case to identify all responsible parties and hold them accountable for their actions.
How Does Comparative Fault Impact a Wrongful Death Claim in Utah?
Utah employs a modified comparative negligence law with a 50% bar. This means that if the deceased is found to be 50% or more at fault for the accident that led to their death, the family cannot recover damages. If the deceased is found to be less than 50% at fault, the compensation awarded will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
For example, if the deceased was 20% at fault, any damages awarded would be reduced by 20%. Insurance companies may try to assign blame to the deceased to minimize payouts. Our experienced attorneys will vigorously defend against such tactics to protect your claim’s value.
What Is Negligence, and How Do I Prove It?
Negligence is a fundamental concept in most wrongful death cases. It refers to the failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person. To establish negligence in Utah, you must demonstrate the following four elements:
- Duty of Care: The defendant owed a legal obligation to the deceased to act with a certain level of care. This duty varies depending on the relationship between the parties and the circumstances.
- Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to fulfill their duty of care by acting negligently or failing to act when necessary. This could involve reckless driving, medical errors, or not maintaining safe premises.
- Causation: The defendant’s breach of duty directly caused the death of your loved one. You must show a clear link between their actions (or inaction) and the fatal outcome.
- Damages: As a result of the death, you and your family have suffered measurable losses, both economic and non-economic.
Proving negligence requires gathering substantial evidence to support each of these elements. This may include:
- Medical records detailing the cause of death
- Accident reports from law enforcement or regulatory agencies
- Witness statements from those who observed the incident
- Expert testimony from professionals in relevant fields
- Photographs or video footage of the accident scene
- Physical evidence, such as defective products or safety violations
Our experienced wrongful death attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation to collect and preserve all necessary evidence. We are adept at building strong cases that effectively demonstrate negligence, increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Salt Lake City?
At Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means:
- You don’t have to pay any upfront fees or hourly rates.
- You only pay if we recover compensation on your behalf.
- Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict.
Typically, the contingency fee is around one-third of the total recovery, but this can vary depending on the specifics of your case. This arrangement allows you to access high-quality legal representation without financial stress.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Utah?
In Utah, the statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits is generally two years from the date of death. Failing to file within this timeframe may result in losing your right to pursue compensation. There are exceptions in certain situations, such as cases involving government entities, which may have shorter deadlines.
It’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your lawsuit is filed on time. Contact us today so we can begin working on your case promptly.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Compassionate Salt Lake City Wrongful Death Attorneys
If you’ve lost a family member due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions in Salt Lake City, Utah, you don’t have to face this difficult time alone. Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers is here to provide the support and legal skills you need.
Our dedicated Salt Lake City wrongful death attorneys have 100 years of combined experience and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. We are committed to seeking justice for your loved one and securing the compensation your family deserves.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. Let us help you navigate this challenging journey and begin the healing process.
Contact Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers to Speak with a Wrongful Death Attorney for a Free Consultation
Our Salt Lake City wrongful death lawyers are here to assist you in the most trying time. Our Salt Lake City personal injury lawyers have assisted various clients just like you to fight for the compensation they deserve.
For more information about how we can assist you after a loved one’s death, contact our Salt Lake City wrongful death law firm today at (801) 851-1202. If you prefer, we will meet with you at the most convenient location for you.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in Salt Lake City, UT
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in Salt Lake City, UT
466 S. 500 E., Suite 100, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
Phone: (801) 851-1202
Opening Hours: 24 hours a day
7 days a week
Highly Rated Emergency Rooms in Salt Lake City
- St. Mark’s Hospital – 1200 E 3900 S, Millcreek, UT 84124
- University of Utah Hospital – 50 Medical Dr N, Salt Lake City, UT 84132
- Salt Lake Regional Hospital Same Day Sgy – 1050 E S Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
