Salt Lake City Wrongful Death Attorney
Legal Guidance After a Preventable Loss
Losing a family member because of someone else’s choices changes everything. In the middle of grief, you may also be facing medical bills, funeral expenses, and urgent questions about how your family will move forward. If you are wondering whether you should talk with a wrongful death lawyer in Salt Lake City, you do not have to sort that out alone.
At Pearson Butler, we help Utah families understand their legal options after a fatal incident. Our firm has grown since 2010 into a collaborative team of more than 30 attorneys with over 300 years of combined experience. We offer free confidential consultations so you can speak with an attorney, ask questions, and get clear information about your situation.
Our goal is to provide calm, steady guidance at a time when everything feels uncertain. We take time to listen, explain how Utah wrongful death law applies, and help you decide what is right for your family.
Contact our firm today at (800) 265-2314 to let us help your family during this difficult time.
What is Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death occurs when a person loses their life due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another individual, business, or entity. These cases are civil claims, separate from any criminal charges, and are intended to provide financial relief and accountability for the victim’s surviving family members.
Common situations that may lead to a wrongful death claim include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Truck and commercial vehicle crashes
- Medical malpractice
- Defective products
- Workplace accidents
- Dangerous property conditions
- Acts of violence or misconduct
If your loved one’s death could have been prevented and was caused by another party’s actions or inaction, you may have the right to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit in Utah.
Utah Wrongful Death Laws
Utah law allows certain surviving family members to file a wrongful death claim when negligence or misconduct leads to a fatality. These claims are governed by state statutes that outline who may file, what damages can be recovered, and how long families have to take legal action.
Key aspects of Utah wrongful death laws include:
- Statute of limitations: In most cases, families have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If the claim involves a government entity, shorter deadlines and notice requirements may apply.
- Burden of proof: The plaintiff must show that another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional behavior directly caused the death.
- Civil vs. criminal cases: A wrongful death claim is separate from criminal proceedings. Even if criminal charges are not filed—or do not result in a conviction—families may still pursue compensation through civil court.
Working with our Salt Lake City wrongful death lawyer helps ensure your case is handled properly and filed within the required time frame.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Utah law specifies who is eligible to bring a wrongful death claim. Typically, the following individuals may file:
- Surviving spouse
- Adult children
- Parents of the deceased
- Personal representative of the estate
If multiple family members are eligible, they may file jointly or be represented collectively in a single claim. These cases can be emotionally complex, especially when families are coping with grief. Legal guidance helps ensure everyone’s interests are represented appropriately.
Compensation for Wrongful Death
No amount of money can replace a loved one, but financial compensation can help families manage the consequences of a sudden loss and maintain stability. A successful wrongful death claim in Utah may include damages for both economic and non-economic losses.
Possible compensation includes:
Economic damages
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the final injury or illness
- Lost wages and future income
- Loss of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions
Non-economic damages
- Pain and suffering experienced by surviving family members
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Emotional distress
- Loss of care and support
Estate-related damages
- Claims for the deceased’s pain and suffering prior to death
- Property damage or financial losses tied to the incident
Our Salt Lake City wrongful death attorney at Pearson Butler will evaluate the full impact of your loss and pursue the maximum compensation available under Utah law.
Wrongful Death FAQs
How do I know if I have a wrongful death case?
If your loved one’s death resulted from another person’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act, you may have grounds for a claim. A lawyer can review the circumstances and advise you.
How long does a wrongful death case take?
The timeline varies depending on complexity, evidence, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases resolve in months, while others may take longer.
What if the deceased was partially at fault?
Utah follows comparative fault rules. Families may still recover compensation, though the amount could be reduced based on the deceased’s share of responsibility.
Will the case go to court?
Many wrongful death claims settle outside of court. However, if a fair agreement cannot be reached, your attorney can take the case to trial.
How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death lawyer?
Most wrongful death attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs. Legal fees are only collected if compensation is recovered.
Why Families Turn To Pearson Butler
Wrongful death cases are rarely simple. A single event can raise questions about insurance coverage, the estate, business interests, taxes, and even criminal proceedings. When that happens, you need more than one lawyer working in isolation. You need a coordinated team that can see the full picture and protect your family on several fronts at once.
That is why many families come to Pearson Butler. As one of Utah’s leading multi practice firms, we have built a team that includes personal injury, probate, estate planning, tax, business, and family law attorneys under one roof. When a case involves multiple legal issues, our attorneys work together so your strategy is consistent and nothing important falls through the cracks.
Since opening our doors in 2010, we have handled thousands of cases across Utah, including matters in the Utah State Supreme Court, Utah Court of Appeals, and the 10th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals. Our attorneys have been recognized in Utah Business Magazine’s Legal Elite, and several have been selected to Super Lawyers or Rising Stars lists. These honors reflect the care and preparation we bring to every case, including those arising from a tragic loss of life.
We have also been intentional about how our firm grows. We are selective about who joins our team, and we limit caseloads so our attorneys can give each family the attention they deserve. Clients often tell us they appreciate our consistent communication, clear explanations, and genuine concern for what happens to their families over the long term.
To talk with our team about your situation, call (800) 265-2314.
