University Ave. Plaza
470 N University Ave #202
Provo, UT 84601
Phone: 385-224-3765
If someone you loved was taken because of the wrongful acts of another, please call immediately. While compensation will never replace your lost loved one, you should call us immediately to discuss your options. There are fast-moving limitations on your claim as a family member of a deceased.
Alta Legal will do a free case evaluation and consultation and discuss the law and timeframes you must follow to preserve your rights for compensation from the wrongdoer.
We understand the pain and confusion that follow the unexpected death of a loved one. In addition to the emotional devastation, families are often left with serious financial challenges—medical bills, funeral expenses, and the sudden loss of household income. The person you relied on for emotional and financial support is gone, and you’re left trying to make sense of what comes next.
This is the moment when people feel most overwhelmed. Many are unsure who to talk to, what evidence to gather, or how long they must take legal action. Unfortunately, these questions don’t wait for grief to subside. This is why so many families turn to experienced wrongful death attorneys for help during this painful chapter.
We know that no legal action can compensate for your loss, but pursuing a claim can relieve some of the financial strain and provide a sense of accountability. Our role as attorneys is to manage the legal aspects of your case so you can focus on your family.
Wrongful death claims require a detailed legal approach. We must prove that someone breached a duty of care, that their conduct caused the death, and that your family suffered measurable losses. We build your case, gather records, interview witnesses, consult with experts, and negotiate on your behalf. Our team also ensures that all filings are timely and complete. These are not details that should be left to chance.
Alta Legal handles wrongful death cases with deep care and personal attention. With over 40 years of combined legal experience, we’ve recovered millions of dollars for grieving families throughout Utah and Arizona. Our clients come to us during some of the most challenging times, and we don’t take that responsibility lightly.
We take a hands-on approach to every case. That means working closely with you, giving you honest updates, and developing a legal strategy that reflects your goals. Our offices in Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, and Phoenix make it easy for us to meet with families where and when it’s convenient.
Wrongful death is a civil claim that arises when someone dies due to another person or entity’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. Unlike a criminal case, which is brought by the state, a wrongful death case is filed by the surviving family or representative of the deceased’s estate.
To bring a successful claim, we must prove four legal elements:
Common examples of wrongful death include fatal car crashes, unsafe property conditions, medical negligence, fatal workplace incidents, and criminal violence. As wrongful death lawyers, we have handled a wide range of cases involving individuals and corporations and know how to identify all potentially liable parties.
Compensation in a wrongful death case may include:
Medical bills associated with the final injury or illness
Each case is unique, and we work closely with economists and other professionals to calculate the full value of your claim. The emotional loss is deeply personal, but the financial impact can also be life-changing.
When someone passes away due to negligence or misconduct, time is not on your side. We recommend the following steps:
It’s just as important to avoid common missteps. Failing to act within Utah’s two-year statute of limitations could permanently bar your claim. Accepting a quick settlement before understanding the full impact of your loss can result in far less compensation than you deserve. In many cases, there is more than one responsible party—something insurance companies may not point out.
These are precisely the kinds of risks we help our clients avoid. Our wrongful death attorneys are here to manage every legal detail so that you don’t have to take that burden on yourself.
How Long Will a Wrongful Death Case Take?
The timeline of a wrongful death case depends on a few factors, including whether the case settles or goes to trial. In general, a case can take several months to over a year. The process may take longer if liability is contested or multiple parties are involved.
We keep you informed from our first meeting to resolution. We begin with a full investigation and then move forward with claims against insurance carriers or defendants. If we can resolve the matter through negotiation, we will. But we are fully prepared to present your case in court if a trial is necessary.
Our wrongful death lawyers handle these matters regularly, and we know what to expect from local courts, insurers, and defense counsel. This allows us to stay one step ahead and maintain pressure until your case is resolved.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Utah?
Generally, you have two years from the date of death to file a claim. However, if a government agency is involved, you may need to provide formal notice within one year or even less. It’s essential to speak with an attorney as early as possible.
Do I need a lawyer to file this type of case?
Technically, you can file independently, but wrongful death claims involve complex legal standards, and missing a requirement can weaken your case. Legal representation gives your claim structure, credibility, and a stronger path to resolution.
What does a consultation cost?
Our consultations are always free, and you are not obligated to hire us afterward. During the consultation, we’ll review the circumstances of your case, answer your questions, and provide guidance about the potential legal options available to your family.
What should I gather before calling?
Collect the death certificate, medical records, accident or incident reports, and any communication from the other party or their insurance company if possible. These documents help us better understand the situation and assess your potential claim more accurately.
Can I recover anything if my loved one was partly at fault?
Yes. Under Utah law, compensation is still available if your loved one was less than 50% at fault. The final award may be reduced based on that percentage, but you can still pursue damages with legal support.
Who is allowed to file the claim?
In Utah, a wrongful death claim may be filed by the surviving spouse, children, parents, or the estate’s personal representative. If there are multiple eligible parties, the court may designate one individual to proceed on behalf of everyone.
We represent families across Utah and Arizona with compassion and care. Our legal services extend to:
