Losing a loved one is one of life’s hardest experiences. When that loss happens because of someone else’s negligence, the grief is compounded by frustration, anger, and unanswered questions. Families are left wondering not only why this happened, but also what they can do next.
At Steele Adams Hosman, we’ve stood beside Utah families during these painful times. Through wrongful death claims, families can pursue accountability and financial support, not as a replacement for their loved one, but as a way to secure stability and honor their memory.
Understanding Wrongful Death in Utah
In Utah, wrongful death occurs when a person’s life is taken due to another’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. Common examples include:
- Fatal car or truck accidents caused by negligent drivers
- Medical malpractice, such as surgical mistakes or delayed diagnoses
- Workplace accidents in industries like construction or mining
- Defective products that fail during normal use
- Criminal acts that result in death
Think of it this way: if your loved one could have filed a personal injury lawsuit had they survived, then the family may have grounds for a wrongful death claim after their passing.
Hurt by someone else’s negligence? Don’t face this alone! Contact Steele Adams Hosman now.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Utah law carefully defines who can bring this type of claim. Typically, it’s:
- A surviving spouse
- Children, if no spouse survives
- Parents, if no spouse or children survive
In some cases, the personal representative of the estate may file on behalf of the family. Only one lawsuit may be filed per death, so families often need legal guidance to coordinate their claims and protect everyone’s interests.
Deadlines You Can’t Ignore
Utah gives families two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. While this may seem like a long time, the reality is that evidence fades quickly. Accident reports may be lost, memories fade, and critical records can disappear. Acting promptly helps ensure your case is built on the strongest possible foundation.
What Damages Can Families Recover?
A wrongful death claim is about more than financial recovery, it’s about accountability. Still, the law recognizes that families suffer both emotional and financial losses when a loved one dies.
Compensation may include:
- Economic losses: wages and benefits the deceased would have provided, medical expenses before death, and funeral costs.
- Non-economic losses: the loss of love, companionship, comfort, and support.
- Survival actions: damages for the pain and suffering your loved one endured between the time of injury and death.
These damages vary depending on the person’s age, health, earning capacity, and life circumstances.
Proving a Wrongful Death Claim
To succeed, families must prove the same elements as a personal injury case:
- Duty of care. The defendant had a legal responsibility toward the deceased.
- Breach of duty. That duty was broken through negligence or wrongful conduct.
- Causation. The breach directly caused the death.
- Damages. The family suffered measurable harm.
This often involves accident reports, expert testimony, and documentation of both financial and emotional losses. In medical cases, for example, testimony from other physicians may be required to show how the standard of care was violated.
Why These Cases Are Emotionally Complex
Filing a wrongful death claim is not just a legal process, it’s an emotional journey. Families must revisit painful memories while navigating court deadlines and insurance negotiations. At Steele Adams Hosman, we handle the legal fight so you can focus on grieving and healing.
Your future deserves protection. Call us now for a free consultation.
Why Choose Local Representation
Wrongful death cases often involve big insurance companies or corporate defendants. Choosing a law firm with Utah-specific experience matters. Steele Adams Hosman understands local courts, judges, and jury attitudes. We know the unique challenges of Utah life, from icy winter highways to dangerous construction zones, and use that knowledge to tell your family’s story with clarity and compassion.
Taking the First Step
No amount of money can bring your loved one back, but seeking justice can bring stability and closure. A wrongful death lawsuit holds negligent parties accountable and helps secure your family’s financial future.
You don’t have to navigate this process alone. Contact Steele Adams Hosman today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice and healing.
