Salt Lake City Wrongful Death Attorneys

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Utah

There is nothing more difficult than losing a loved one unexpectedly. If someone you care about has recently passed away due to the careless, reckless, or wrongful conduct of another, we at Steele Adams Hosman extend our sincerest condolences. Our Utah wrongful death law firm recognize that you are going through a very difficult time, and we want to help.

Based in Salt Lake City, our wrongful death attorneys provide compassionate, personalized legal representation to the surviving family members of those wrongfully killed throughout the state of Utah. We understand the challenges you are facing, our Salt Lake City wrongful death lawyers are here to help you fight for the justice you deserve.

For a free, no-obligation consultation with a wrongful death attorney in Utah, please call our office at (801) 999-1506 or contact us online using the secure submission form here on our website.

Click on any of the topics below to jump to that section on this page:

• What is Wrongful Death?
• Who can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Utah?
• Damages in Wrongful Death Cases
• Statute of Limitations
• Get Started With a Free Consultation

What Is Wrongful Death?

The state of Utah defines wrongful death as any death arising from the “wrongful act or neglect” of another person or party. In other words, if the person who died (referred to as the “decedent”) would have had grounds to file a personal injury claim had they lived, their death is considered “wrongful.” A personal injury attorney at our law firm can help you file a wrongful death lawsuit in Utah. We can help you file a wrongful death lawsuit against hospitals, police, nursing homes, doctors, and more!

Some of the most common causes of wrongful death include:

• Car accidents
• Motorcycle wrecks
• Large truck collisions
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
• Dangerous property conditions
• Slip and falls
• Dog bites and attacks
• Medical malpractice
• Nursing home abuse
• Defective products

If your loved one was tragically killed in an accident or died due to injuries caused by someone else’s negligent or wrongful conduct, you could have grounds for a case. The same is true if your loved one’s death resulted from someone else’s intentional actions, including criminal assault, battery, or homicide. If you need help advice from an experienced wrongful death attorney in Utah, contact our Salt Lake City lawyers.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Utah?

In Utah, the personal representative of the decedent’s estate (also known as the “executor”) must be the one to actually file the wrongful death claim or lawsuit. The only exception to this is cases involving adults who were under guardianships; in such cases, the guardian may legally bring the claim.

Although the personal representative must be the one to initiate the legal action, damages in wrongful death claims in Utah are sought on behalf of:

• The decedent’s surviving spouse
• The decedent’s surviving biological and/or adoptive children
• The decedent’s surviving parent(s), biological or adoptive
• The decedent’s surviving minor stepchildren if they are also considered dependents

If none of these individuals exist, damages can be sought on behalf of other blood relatives/family members who can show that they were dependent on the decedent.

Damages in Wrongful Death Cases in Utah

There are two main types of damages in wrongful death cases: punitive damages and compensatory damages. While punitive damages are meant to punish the at-fault party, compensatory damages are designed to compensate eligible surviving family members for specific losses they have endured as a result of their loved one’s death.

Common compensatory damages in wrongful death cases in Utah include:

• Medical expenses associated with the decedent’s final treatment/care
• Reasonable burial and/or funeral expenses
• Lost wages and income, including expected future earnings
• Lost inheritance
• The value of support and services provided by the decedent
• Conscious pain and suffering endured by the decedent
• Loss of love, affection, guidance, counsel, and advice provided by the decedent

While no amount of financial compensation can undo the trauma of losing a loved one, a fair settlement or verdict can allow surviving family members and dependents to recover the monetary resources they need to heal. At Steele Adams Hosman, our Salt Lake City wrongful death attorneys strive to recover every last cent our clients are owed. To date, we have secured millions of dollars in compensation for our clients, including some of the highest results in the area.

Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations in Utah

In Utah, wrongful death lawsuits are subject to a stricter statute of limitations than most personal injury claims. Rather than the standard four years, the personal representative of the decedent’s estate only has two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Utah. In cases involving government entities, the statute of limitations is reduced to just one year from the date of death.

Call our Salt Lake City wrongful death attorneys today - Dial (801) 999-1506.