The unexpected loss of a loved one is one of the most devastating experiences anyone can face, and when someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions cause that death, the pain and sense of injustice can be overwhelming.
Wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to another person or entity’s misconduct, negligence, or intentional act. In these tragic circumstances, surviving family members may pursue legal action to recover compensation for their loss.
Each Siegfried & Jensen Ogden wrongful death lawyer understands that no amount of money can truly compensate for the loss of a loved one.
However, pursuing a wrongful death claim with the help of an Ogden personal injury lawyer can help ease the financial burden left behind, hold the responsible parties accountable, and bring a sense of justice to those grieving.
Our experienced Ogden wrongful death attorneys have over 30 years of experience and are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to families during this difficult time.
Wrongful Death Claims
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit that the surviving family members of a person who has died because of another party’s negligent or intentional actions can file.
Utah law allows certain close relatives of the deceased to pursue legal compensation to cover the financial and emotional damages caused by the death. Utah Code §78B-3-106 governs wrongful death claims and specifies that you can bring a wrongful death action when a person’s death is caused by another’s wrongful act, neglect, or default.
It is essential to act quickly when pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit in Utah, as state law also imposes a statute of limitations on wrongful death claims. You must file the lawsuit within two years after the death occurs, or you may lose your right to pursue compensation. Contact our wrongful death attorneys in Ogden today to discuss your legal options.
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful death lawyer serving Ogden, call (801) 266-0999
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Utah
Not just anyone can file a wrongful death claim in Utah. Under Utah law, certain individuals may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These parties typically include:
- The deceased’s surviving spouse
- The deceased’s children
- The deceased’s surviving parents
- The personal representative of the deceased’s estate
In certain situations, the deceased’s siblings or other relatives may be able to file a claim if none of the individuals above can do so. It is essential to consult with an experienced Ogden wrongful death attorney to determine who is eligible to file the claim and ensure that your legal rights are protected. If you have lost a loved one due to wrongful death, contact our office for a free case evaluation.
Ogden Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me (801) 266-0999
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Ogden
Wrongful deaths can occur in a variety of situations, but they are generally the result of either negligence or intentional misconduct. This is why you should consider hiring a wrongful death attorney in Utah. Some of the most common causes of wrongful death cases in Ogden and throughout Utah include:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
According to the Utah Department of Public Safety Highway Safety Office, car accidents caused 319 fatalities in 2022 and are one of the leading causes of wrongful death claims. Driver negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, or reckless behavior, often causes these accidents. In some cases, defective vehicle parts or dangerous road conditions may also contribute to a fatal accident.
Truck Accidents
Commercial truck accidents can be particularly devastating due to these vehicles’ sheer size and weight. When a large truck collides with a smaller vehicle, the occupants of the smaller vehicle are far more likely to suffer fatal injuries.
Truck driver fatigue, improper maintenance, overloaded cargo, and negligent driving are common factors that lead to fatal truck accidents.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s negligence or failure to follow the accepted standard of care results in the death of a patient.
Claims for wrongful death cases involving medical malpractice may arise from surgical errors, misdiagnosis, failure to diagnose a life-threatening condition, medication errors, or other forms of medical negligence.
Workplace Accidents
Certain industries, such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation, have a higher risk of fatal workplace accidents. When an employer’s negligence, unsafe working conditions, or failure to follow safety protocols leads to a worker’s death, the surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Defective Products
Manufacturers must ensure that their products are safe for consumers. When a product defect results in a fatal injury, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer may be held liable for wrongful death.
Defective car parts, household appliances, and dangerous pharmaceuticals are common examples of products that may give rise to a wrongful death claim.
Premises Liability
Property owners must maintain their premises reasonably safely and warn visitors of any dangerous conditions. If a person dies because of a hazardous condition on someone else’s property, the property owner may be held liable for wrongful death.
Criminal Acts
In cases where a person’s death is the result of an intentional act, such as murder, assault, or manslaughter, the responsible party can face criminal and civil penalties.
hile the state may prosecute the offender in criminal court, the surviving family members can also pursue a wrongful death claim in civil court to recover financial compensation for their loss.
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Damages in a Wrongful Death Case
While no amount of money can replace losing a loved one, a successful wrongful death claim can provide financial relief for your family and help cover the many expenses and losses that result from the death. In a Utah wrongful death case, the surviving family members may seek compensation for various types of damages. These damages include:
- Economic damages: These damages compensate for the financial losses your family has incurred because of the death. These may include medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of benefits.
- Non-economic damages: These damages compensate for the emotional and psychological impact of losing a loved one. These damages may include loss of companionship and guidance and pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before death.
- Punitive damages: In rare cases, the court may award punitive damages in addition to economic and non-economic damages. Punitive damages are not meant to compensate the family but to punish the defendant for particularly egregious or reckless behavior and to deter similar conduct.
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Our Wrongful Death Lawyers in Ogden Have a 97% Success Rate
If someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions have claimed your loved one’s life, you can seek justice and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Our experienced personal injury lawyers have recovered over $1.2 billion for our clients and are here to help you through this challenging time as well. Contact Siegfried & Jensen today to schedule a free case evaluation with a wrongful death lawyer in Ogden.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form