When a loved one dies unexpectedly because of someone else’s negligence, families suffer in so many ways. Shock, grief, and anger take over. Then comes anxiety about financial insecurity. Your family may be entitled to compensation that can ease your financial distress. Talk to a Sandy personal injury lawyer to learn your options.
Siegfried & Jensen has been fighting against injustice for over 30 years. We stand up for injury victims and the families of those who have died from untimely, preventable deaths. A wrongful death lawyer in Sandy is ready to put that experience and commitment to work for you.
Why You Should Partner With a Sandy Wrongful Death Attorney
The wrongful death statute of limitations in Utah is two years in many situations. A fast partnership with an attorney ensures you meet that deadline. Missing it could take away your opportunity for justice. While you shouldn’t count on an extension, some circumstances do warrant them. Even if you think you’ve missed the deadline, don’t give up hope on a possible claim without talking to a lawyer.
The role of government immunity in wrongful death cases is relevant to your claim if the event leading to your loved one’s death involved a government agent, vehicle, or property. In these cases, the filing deadline is only one year, and there are special filing procedures to follow.
A prompt connection also gives an attorney time to investigate the accident, confirm facts, and build evidence against the at-fault party before the filing deadline. Evidence collection is usually more productive when it occurs quickly, as there is less time for information to get lost, erased, or otherwise compromised.
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful death lawyer serving Sandy, call (801) 266-0999
What Counts as a Wrongful Death in Utah
As established in Utah Code § 78B-3-106, wrongful deaths result from the “wrongful act or neglect of another.” Losing a loved one is always traumatic, but when that death is preventable, anger and a sense of injustice compound that grief.
Motor vehicle crashes are among the common causes of wrongful deaths. Additional causes include sports injuries or falls. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), falls account for 17% of workplace deaths and 24% of all preventable-injury deaths. Property owners must keep their spaces reasonably free of hazards for guests, including those that lead to falls.
Medical professionals may make avoidable mistakes. They could, for example, fail to diagnose, mistreat patients, or leave objects in the body during surgery. Acts of violence are another cause. Your loved one may have accidentally been killed as a bystander to a crime. They could be victims of domestic violence. A lawyer can handle your situation, no matter the specifics.
Sandy Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me (801) 266-0999
Securing Compensation for a Wrongful Death
Utah’s wrongful death laws allow the decedent’s heirs or “a personal representative for the benefit of heirs” to file a claim for compensation. Utah Code § 78B-3-105 identifies heirs as the deceased’s spouse, children, parents, or stepchildren who meet specific requirements. If none of these heirs exist, “any blood relative” can file under the rules of intestate succession.
Siegfried & Jensen can manage pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit in Utah for you. We take care of investigating the accident, dealing with insurance companies, and filing your claim with the court. A Sandy wrongful death lawyer knows what proof is needed in a wrongful death case and will work to gather every available shred.
We’ll first work to settle your claim through negotiations with the at-fault party’s representatives. We send a letter notifying them of the amount of compensation demanded. They will likely respond with a lower offer. Our team and theirs will continue trading evidence, arguments, and offers until reaching an agreement.
Going to Trial
Many wrongful death claims resolve without a trial, through negotiations. Still, sometimes the opposing party refuses to cooperate or make reasonable offers. If this happens in your case, an attorney can explain the pros and cons of taking your case to court. Our team has extensive courtroom experience and can provide sound guidance.
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We Will Fight to Maximize Your Compensation
There is no average compensation amount. Specific case factors affect the value of each claim. For example, your loved one’s age, earning capacity, and whether they required related medical care prior to their death all matter. Wrongful death claims typically recover or acknowledge:
- Medical treatment for accident-related injuries if the incident did not cause immediate death
- Your loved one’s pain and suffering prior to death
- Your loved one’s lost potential wages and job benefits
- End-of-life expenses
- The loss of affection and companionship that surviving family members suffer
A wrongful death attorney in Sandy will consider every detail when assessing your losses and will demand the highest amount available in your situation. Our team knows the tactics insurance companies use to minimize the value of your claim and will be prepared to challenge their attempts.
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Utah’s Personal Injury System Can Affect Compensation
Utah Code § 78B-5-818 codifies the State’s modified comparative fault system for personal injury claims. Only victims who bear 49% or less of the blame for an accident that results in injury and other losses can file a claim for damages. Those assigned a lower percentage of blame can file, but their compensation will be reduced proportionally.
The same standard applies to wrongful death claims. If your loved one is found 50% or more responsible for the accident leading to their death, heirs cannot file a claim. Our team will work to gather evidence to support your claim against the at-fault party and protect your compensation from unfair reductions.
You could be entitled to punitive damages for extreme negligence in Utah. Punitive damages impose a monetary penalty that the at-fault party must pay in addition to compensating you for damages. Extreme negligence shows egregious recklessness, carelessness, or neglect. For example, severely drunk drivers or repeat offenders who cause fatal accidents could be held liable for punitive damages.
Contact Siegfried and Jensen for Help Today
Wrongful deaths rob families of their loved ones, of financial security, and of peace. Siegfried & Jensen can fight to get justice for those losses by holding responsible parties accountable.
Connect with a Sandy wrongful death lawyer from our team to arrange a free consultation. We’re ready to help.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form