How a Provo Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help You Seek Justice
Losing a loved one is devastating. Learn how a Provo wrongful death attorney can guide you through legal action and help your family pursue justice and compensation.
Losing someone you love is one of the most painful experiences life can bring. But when that loss happens because of someone else’s carelessness, the pain is often mixed with anger, confusion, and a deep desire for accountability. In these tragic circumstances, a wrongful death claim can offer surviving families not only financial support but also a path to justice.
If you’re grieving the preventable loss of a loved one in Provo, you may be wondering if there’s anything you can do. A Provo wrongful death attorney can help you understand your options and fight for what your family deserves.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
Under Utah law, a wrongful death occurs when someone’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act causes another person’s death. These cases are civil (not criminal), meaning they’re filed by the family (or estate) seeking compensation, not to punish someone with jail time.
Some common causes of wrongful death include:
- Car, motorcycle, or truck accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace incidents
- Dangerous or defective products
- Pedestrian accidents
- Fatal falls or unsafe property conditions
If the deceased would have had a valid personal injury claim had they survived, their family likely has grounds to pursue a wrongful death case.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Utah?
Utah law allows specific individuals to file a wrongful death lawsuit:
- The surviving spouse
- Adult children
- Parents (if the deceased had no spouse or children)
- Personal representative of the deceased’s estate
In some cases, other financial dependents may also be able to seek compensation. A wrongful death attorney can help determine who has legal standing based on your family’s situation.
What Can You Recover in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
No amount of money can replace your loved one, but financial recovery can help relieve the burdens that follow their loss. A successful wrongful death claim can cover:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical expenses prior to death
- Lost income and benefits that your loved one would have provided
- Loss of companionship, care, and emotional support
- Pain and suffering experienced by the surviving family
In cases involving extreme negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may also be awarded to send a message and deter similar behavior.
How a Provo Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help
Wrongful death cases are emotionally complex and legally challenging. Insurance companies and defendants often work quickly to limit their liability, and families, still in mourning, may be pressured into accepting settlements that fall far short of what they’re owed.
That’s where a skilled attorney can make all the difference.
At Flickinger Boulton Robson-Weeks, a wrongful death attorney can:
- Investigate the cause of death to determine liability
- Gather critical evidence, including medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony
- Navigate the legal process on your behalf while you focus on grieving
- Negotiate with insurance companies or take the case to court if needed
- Pursue full and fair compensation based on your unique losses
You shouldn’t have to handle legal battles while grieving. We’re here to carry that burden with care and determination.
When Should You Call a Provo Wrongful Death Attorney?
In Utah, wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of death (or one year if the claim is against a government entity). The sooner you speak to an attorney, the better your chances of preserving evidence and building a strong case.
Even if you’re unsure whether your loved one’s death qualifies for a legal claim, a consultation can offer clarity and possibly a path forward.
What to Expect During the Legal Process
Pursuing a wrongful death claim can feel daunting, especially when you’re still processing your grief. Understanding the general steps involved can ease some of the uncertainty and help you feel more prepared.
- Initial Consultation – Your attorney will listen to your story, review available information, and assess whether you have a viable claim. This is typically free of charge.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering – Once retained, your attorney will begin collecting documentation, such as medical records, accident reports, surveillance footage, and expert opinions to build a strong case.
- Filing the Claim – Your lawyer will draft and file a wrongful death complaint against the responsible party or parties. This starts the formal legal process.
- Negotiation and Settlement Talks – Many wrongful death claims are resolved out of court. Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf to secure the maximum compensation possible.
- Going to trial (if necessary) – If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to trial, where a judge or jury will determine liability and damages.
Throughout this process, your attorney will keep you informed, guide you through difficult decisions, and advocate fiercely for your family’s rights.
Contact a Provo Wrongful Death Attorney Today
When another person’s negligence leads to the loss of a loved one’s life, the ripple effects can be devastating. The emotional burden, financial strain, and demand for accountability may feel overwhelming, but you have rights, and you deserve answers.
At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, our team of wrongful death attorneys in our Provo offices can help you seek justice not just for your loved one, but for the future of those they left behind.