Wrongful Death Lawyer South Jordan

If you believe your loved one’s death could have been prevented, call Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks at (801) 500-4000. Our experienced South Jordan wrongful death lawyers are here to help you through this difficult time and fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves.

Losing a loved one is never easy. It can be even more painful when someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing caused their death. In times like this, you do not just lose a person, you also face financial, emotional, and practical challenges you never saw coming. We understand how overwhelming it can be. 

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we want you to know that you do not have to walk this difficult path alone. We are here to help you as you decide what steps to take after a wrongful death in South Jordan, Utah.

Our team of wrongful death lawyers in South Jordan has years of experience guiding grieving families through complicated legal processes. We believe in treating you with compassion while aggressively pursuing justice on your behalf. 

When you have a trustworthy lawyer by your side, you can focus on healing and honoring your loved one’s memory rather than worrying about complex legal matters. 

On this page, we will explain what wrongful death claims are, who can file them, and the types of compensation that may be available.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in South Jordan

Wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to someone else’s carelessness, reckless behavior, or intentional act. 

These cases are based on the idea that if the deceased had survived their injuries, they would have been able to file a personal injury claim. Because the victim is no longer here, the law gives certain family members the right to bring a wrongful death claim on their behalf.

When you pursue a wrongful death claim, you are not only seeking monetary compensation, but you are also standing up for your loved one’s rights and holding the responsible party accountable.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death According to a Wrongful Death Lawyer in South Jordan, Utah

There are many situations where a person’s life can be tragically cut short due to someone else’s negligence. In South Jordan and across Utah, we see several common causes of wrongful death. We want to help you understand these common scenarios so you can identify if your loved one’s death might qualify for a legal claim.

Car Accidents

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of wrongful death in the United States, including right here in Utah. They happen for many reasons, such as:

• Distracted Driving: Texting behind the wheel, adjusting the radio, or even eating while driving can lead to serious collisions.
• Drunk Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs greatly increases the risk of a fatal crash.
• Speeding: Driving above the speed limit or too fast for the road conditions makes it harder to react in time, causing deadly accidents.
• Reckless Behavior: Swerving between lanes without signaling or ignoring traffic lights can also lead to severe injuries or death.

When a fatal car accident occurs in South Jordan, it is often because of another driver’s mistake. If your loved one lost their life in a car crash, you may be able to pursue justice through a wrongful death claim.

Medical Malpractice

We trust doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to take care of us and our families. Most of the time, medical providers in South Jordan do their best. But sometimes, mistakes happen, and these errors can be life-threatening. Here are some examples:

• Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: If a doctor fails to identify a serious condition, the lack of proper treatment can lead to a patient’s death.
• Surgical Errors: Mistakes during surgery, such as operating on the wrong site or cutting an artery, can have fatal outcomes.
• Medication Mistakes: Prescribing the wrong medication or dosage can cause severe reactions or overdose.
• Negligent Care: In hospitals or nursing homes, poor infection control or neglect can lead to complications that become deadly.

If your loved one passed away because of a medical error that should have been prevented, you might have grounds for a wrongful death claim. We know how intimidating it can be to confront a hospital or a medical professional. However, holding them accountable can help save other lives.

Workplace Accidents

Unsafe working conditions or employer negligence can lead to tragic accidents and loss of lives. In South Jordan, industrial sites, construction zones, or even office spaces can have hidden hazards.

• Construction Site Incidents: Falls from heights, faulty equipment, or improperly stored materials can be fatal.
• Machinery Accidents: Factories or industrial plants often have heavy machinery that can be dangerous if not operated or maintained correctly.
• Exposure to Harmful Substances: Chemicals, asbestos, or other toxic materials can cause deadly illnesses if proper safety measures are not followed.
• Lack of Training or Supervision: When employees are not properly trained or supervised, the risk of serious accidents increases.

When a workplace accident leads to death, you deserve to know your rights. Wrongful death claims related to job-related accidents can be complicated, so it helps to speak with an attorney who knows Utah law. We are here to guide you through the process.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Utah

Losing someone you love is devastating, and you might wonder who has the legal right to file a wrongful death claim. Under Utah law, not everyone can bring this type of lawsuit. Knowing whether you qualify is the first step in seeking justice.

Generally, the right belongs to the heirs of the deceased, or to the personal representative of the deceased’s estate. The following people are commonly eligible:

• Spouse: A surviving husband or wife usually has the right to file.
• Children: Surviving children, including adopted children, may also bring a wrongful death claim.
• Parents: If the deceased was a minor, the parents can typically file. In some cases, if the deceased was an adult who did not leave behind a spouse or children, parents may still have rights.
• Personal Representative: The personal representative of the deceased’s estate can file on behalf of all eligible heirs.

Importance of the Personal Representative

In some situations, a court might appoint a personal representative or executor to handle the deceased’s estate. This person is responsible for managing the estate’s affairs, including any wrongful death claim if the family chooses to file one. 

If you find yourself in this situation, it is essential to work with a knowledgeable lawyer who can help you understand your role and responsibilities.

South Jordan Wrongful Death Lawyer Explains Steps to Take to File a Claim

• Consult an Attorney: A wrongful death lawyer in South Jordan can help you verify your eligibility.
• Gather Documentation: You will need evidence such as the death certificate, police reports, and medical records.
• File the Claim Within Time Limits: Utah has specific deadlines (known as the statute of limitations) for wrongful death claims, which we will explain in the next section.

Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims in Utah

Understanding the statute of limitations is crucial when you are thinking about filing a wrongful death claim. In Utah, wrongful death claims must usually be filed within two years of the date of death. If you miss this deadline, you might lose your ability to seek compensation altogether.

Why the Deadline Matters

• Loss of Legal Rights: If you file after the deadline, the court can dismiss your case, and you will not have the chance to recover damages.
• Evidence Collection: The sooner you begin, the easier it is to gather evidence, witness statements, and other documents that support your claim.
• Closure for Your Family: Starting the process early can help your family find closure. It might seem daunting, but putting things in motion sooner rather than later can make a big difference.

If you believe you have a case, do not wait to speak with a qualified wrongful death lawyer in South Jordan. We are here to guide you through the legal steps and keep you informed about all deadlines that apply.

Compensation Available for Wrongful Death Claims

When a loved one’s life is cut short by someone else’s negligence, the loss is more than emotional. You may be facing sudden medical expenses, funeral costs, and the absence of your loved one’s financial contribution. 

A wrongful death claim seeks to compensate you for all these losses. While no amount of money can bring back your loved one, it can ease some of the financial burdens so you can focus on healing.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are meant to cover the financial losses your family experiences as a result of your loved one’s death. They include:

• Medical Bills: Costs for emergency treatment, hospital stays, or surgeries before your loved one passed away.
• Funeral and Burial Expenses: The high cost of funerals and related services can be overwhelming without the financial support of a wrongful death claim.
• Lost Wages and Benefits: If your loved one was contributing financially, you might be entitled to recover their lost income, including future earning potential and benefits like health insurance or pension plans.
• Property Damage: In some instances, if there was property damage related to the incident, you may seek compensation for those losses.

These damages are usually easier to calculate because they involve bills, receipts, or other documented evidence. We will help you compile and present this information to maximize your claim.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are more challenging to measure because they deal with the emotional and intangible impacts of losing a loved one. Still, they are a critical part of any wrongful death case:

• Pain and Suffering: Your emotional distress and mental anguish.
• Loss of Companionship: The absence of your loved one’s guidance, companionship, and emotional support.
• Loss of Care and Services: If your family member provided essential services like childcare or household management, you might be compensated for that loss.

Placing a dollar value on these aspects is not simple, but Utah law allows victims’ families to recover for these profound losses. We will work closely with you to document how your loved one’s death has impacted your emotional well-being.

Punitive Damages

In some cases, Utah courts might award punitive damages. These damages are not meant to compensate your family. Instead, they are intended to punish the at-fault party for especially reckless or intentional behavior. Although punitive damages are not awarded in every case, they are possible when the actions of the defendant are extremely egregious.

How Our Team of South Jordan Wrongful Death Lawyers Can Help You Secure Compensation

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we know how to approach these damages in a way that shows the full extent of your loss. We do this by:

• Gathering Solid Evidence: From accident reports to medical records, we collect everything needed to prove your claim.
• Calculating Future Losses: We bring in experts to determine how much income your loved one would have earned and what services they would have provided had they lived.
• Documenting Emotional Loss: We guide you on how to present evidence of emotional damages, like therapy records or personal statements about how your life has changed.

Our firm obtained $5 million in one recent wrongful death case, reflecting our dedication to helping grieving families get the justice and compensation they deserve.

We understand that this is an emotional and often confusing time. At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we are here to guide you each step of the way, ensuring you feel supported, informed, and confident about your choices.

Initial Consultation

Our process typically begins with a free consultation. We want to hear your story, learn about your loved one, and understand the circumstances that led to their passing. During this meeting:

• We Listen: We let you explain the situation in your own words, including any emotional, financial, or personal hardships you are facing.
• We Advise: We help you understand whether your case meets the legal criteria for wrongful death in Utah.
• We Plan: If we believe you have a valid claim, we discuss potential next steps, timelines, and how our firm can assist you.

Thorough Investigation

Once you decide to work with us, our team will investigate your claim immediately. This can involve:

1. Collecting Evidence: We gather medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and other crucial documents.
2. Working with Professionals: We might consult with medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, or financial experts to strengthen your case.
3. Preserving Key Information: We make sure any vital evidence, such as surveillance footage or digital records, does not disappear.

Building a Strong Legal Strategy

After investigating, we create a strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. Our experience in wrongful death cases allows us to:

• Identify All Liable Parties: Sometimes, more than one party shares responsibility for your loved one’s death.
• Calculate Damages: We work meticulously to include all possible losses, both economic and non-economic.
• Negotiate or Litigate: We are skilled negotiators who know how to fight for a fair settlement. If the at-fault party does not offer a just amount, we are prepared to take your case to court.

Transparent Communication

We believe communication is the key to a successful attorney-client relationship. Throughout the process, we keep you informed by:

• Regular Updates: We let you know about any changes or developments in your case.
• Open Door Policy: You can reach out with questions or concerns, and we will do our best to provide clear answers.
• Personalized Attention: We treat every family with respect and compassion, recognizing that each wrongful death claim is unique.

Emotional Support and Understanding

We understand that pursuing a wrongful death claim is about more than just money. It is also about finding closure and a sense of justice. We offer:

• Compassionate Counsel: Our attorneys and staff are sensitive to your emotional needs.
• Resources for Grief Support: If needed, we can guide you to local counseling or support groups in South Jordan.
• A Shoulder to Lean On: We are here to listen, and we encourage you to share your thoughts and feelings as we move through the process together.

Preparing for Trial When Necessary

In many cases, a fair settlement can be reached without going to trial. But if the at-fault party refuses to provide adequate compensation, we will not hesitate to take your case before a judge and jury. Our trial preparation includes:

• Detailed Legal Research: Ensuring we have all the precedents and statutes that support your claim.
• Professional Witness Testimony: Presenting testimony from professionals who can clarify complex medical or financial details.
• Compelling Presentation: We know how to tell your loved one’s story in a way that resonates with a jury.

Our Commitment to You

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, our mission is to fight tirelessly for South Jordan families who have suffered wrongful deaths. We care about you, your family, and your future. We believe in:

• Integrity: Being honest about what we can achieve for you.
• Tenacity: Working hard to ensure the best possible outcome.
• Empathy: Recognizing that every family’s journey through grief is different.

When you are looking for a wrongful death lawyer in South Jordan you can trust, turn to us. We promise to stand with you from start to finish, offering guidance and representation and a genuine desire to help you move forward.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Claims in South Jordan