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Wrongful Death Accidents

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Ogden Wrongful Death Attorneys Serving Families Across Utah

A judge's gavel and a judgement saying Wrongful Death.

If you have lost a loved one because of someone else's negligence, we can help. We understand that no amount of money can replace the person you have lost, but holding the responsible party accountable and securing financial stability for your family is an important step forward. At Stephen Farr Law, our experienced attorneys have recovered up to $47.5 million for clients and have been named Best of Davis County every year since 2019. Call us today to discuss your case.

Wrongful death is a claim against a person or entity that has caused the death of a loved one through their willful act, wrongful act, or negligence. A wrongful death lawsuit claims that your loved one's death could have been prevented if the responsible party had acted with reasonable care.

These cases often arise from semi-truck accidents, auto accidents, motorcycle crashes, and pedestrian collisions on Utah's roads. They can also result from medical malpractice, workplace accidents, defective products, and other acts of negligence.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim Under Utah Law?

Utah has specific rules about who may bring a wrongful death lawsuit. Under Utah Code 78B-3-105, the following individuals are eligible to file a wrongful death claim:

  • The surviving spouse of the deceased
  • The children of the deceased, including adult children
  • The parents of the deceased
  • The personal representative of the deceased's estate, acting on behalf of the heirs

If multiple family members are eligible, they may file jointly or the personal representative of the estate may bring the claim on behalf of all heirs. The court will consider the relationship between each claimant and the deceased when determining how to allocate damages.

You can bring wrongful death charges against the responsible individual as well as public agencies, including city or state government, jails, prisons, hospitals, schools, or nursing homes. Each type of defendant has its own procedural requirements under Utah law, and an experienced wrongful death attorney can ensure your claim is filed correctly.

Utah's Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations

Under Utah law, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is two years from the date of death. This is shorter than the four-year deadline for most other personal injury claims in Utah, so it is critical to act quickly. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your family from pursuing any compensation, regardless of how strong your case may be.

There are limited exceptions that may extend this deadline, including cases where the death was not discovered immediately or where the defendant concealed their involvement. However, these exceptions are narrow and fact-specific. Consulting with an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible ensures your rights are protected and your claim is filed on time.

What Damages Can Utah Families Recover?

A wrongful death claim must establish that the death was caused by the defendant's negligence or willful act and that there are surviving members — such as a spouse, children, dependents, or beneficiaries — who have suffered as a result.

If your family's claim is successful, a Utah wrongful death lawyer will pursue damages that may include:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical bills incurred before the death
  • Loss of the deceased's expected income and earning capacity through retirement
  • Loss of benefits such as pension, health insurance, and medical coverage
  • Loss of companionship, guidance, and protection for surviving family members
  • Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before death
  • Emotional distress of surviving family members
  • Punitive damages in cases involving particularly egregious or reckless conduct

Every wrongful death case is unique, and the total value of your claim depends on many factors including the deceased's age, income, health, and the circumstances of the death. Our attorneys carefully evaluate every aspect of your loss to pursue the maximum compensation your family is entitled to.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Utah

Wrongful death can result from many types of negligence and reckless behavior. The most common causes we handle at our Ogden firm include:

How Our Utah Wrongful Death Attorneys Fight for Your Family

Family members who file a wrongful death lawsuit and can prove that someone else's wrongdoing caused the fatality may be entitled to substantial compensation. Insurance companies and corporate defendants in these cases often have large legal teams working to minimize what they pay. You need an attorney who has the experience and resources to go up against them.

At Stephen Farr Law, we handle wrongful death cases with both the compassion your family needs and the aggressive legal representation required to win. We conduct thorough investigations, retain expert witnesses, and build the strongest case possible to hold the responsible parties fully accountable. Our track record includes recovering the largest semi-truck accident verdict in Utah history — $47.5 million — and we bring that same level of determination to every wrongful death case.

If you have lost a loved one due to someone else's negligence, you may qualify for damages that provide your family with financial security and a measure of justice. Give us a call at (833) 465-9744 or contact us online for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

Related Practice Areas

Wrongful death cases often arise from vehicle accidents. Learn more about our other practice areas:

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