View All Practice Areas Personal Injury Wrongful Death Professionals M. Esther Aboussou Douglas B. Cannon Charles T. Conrad Schedule a Consultation If A Loved One Has Died Because of Negligence, You Need Legal Expertise. What is Wrongful Death? A wrongful death is caused by the “wrongful act or neglect of another” such as, but not limited to, medical malpractice, auto accidents, defective or faulty products, or exposure to hazardous materials. If you have lost someone because of the actions of others, then you may be entitled to bring a legal claim on behalf of that person. It is vital that you hire an experienced Salt Lake wrongful death attorney to make sure you understand your rights as well as help you navigate the legal process. Important Details About Wrongful Death Cases Wrongful death cases are the result of an individual or a family member being killed as a result of somebody else’s negligence. They have two general components: Wrongful Death Claim Heirs are entitled to bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of themselves for the loss of a family member. Survival Action Claim is brought on behalf of the deceased person for the injuries, damages, and suffering they experienced prior to their death. A wrongful death action often requires the appointment of a personal representative before the action can be prosecuted. In the state of Utah, if there is a spouse, they are considered the default or de facto or presumptive personal representative. Do Wrongful Death Cases Have a Time Limit? Utah Statute-of-Limitations? Generally wrongful death cases in Utah have a two-year Statute-of-Limitations. Because of the shortened Statute-of-Limitations and the overall complexity of wrongful death cases in the state of Utah, plaintiffs should contact an attorney as early as is practicable. How to Win a Wrongful Death Case An experienced wrongful death attorney can be invaluable to wrongful death victims. Seasoned lawyers will understand the complexities of the details involved. Maximum settlements and awards require thorough consideration of the earnings the victim should have made, what their consumption would have been on those earnings, the impact on dependent children or dependent parents and many other factors. Every case is unique and each one requires a comprehensive core of legal knowledge in order to move forward toward an equitable resolution. Do I Have a Viable Wrongful Death Case? How can you know if your case is viable? That requires an expert legal analysis to determine whether or not another person was at fault for the death. As Salt Lake wrongful death attorneys who have recovered millions of dollars for clients, our office can help you navigate the hurdles and answer questions associated with recovering your damages. If you are a legal heir of this person and you would like to discuss your case with an attorney, contact Fabian VanCott for a free consultation. Schedule a Consultation Professionals M. Esther Aboussou Practice Group Coordinator Douglas B. Cannon Attorney / Of Counsel Charles T. Conrad Attorney / Partner Schedule a Consultation