Sandy Wrongful Death Lawyer

Experienced Sandy Wrongful Death Attorney

Losing a loved one in a senseless accident is one of the most devastating experiences a person can go through. Taking legal action on behalf of your family member with the help of a qualified Sandy wrongful death lawyer can help you reach justice, closure, and compensation for you and your loved one’s losses. Don’t hesitate to ask a skilled and understanding Sandy personal injury lawyer about how you can take the first steps in moving forward. 

About The Law Offices of Erik L. Mullins

The Law Offices of Erik L. Mullins is a veteran-owned personal injury firm based in West Jordan. With a diverse team, high-touch service, and strong attorney involvement, we pride ourselves on communicating directly with our community. From families in Crescent to Willow Creek, we help people in all neighborhoods of Sandy.

You deserve a law firm that listens to your story and treats your situation with the care it deserves. That’s why when you entrust your case to us, you can feel confident that it’s not being handled by a mill focused on numbers. 

Understanding Wrongful Death Laws

Whether it’s a person, company, or other party, the negligent or reckless actions of another can unfortunately cause death or fatal injury in several types of accidents. If a loved one was killed in or as a result of one of these accidents, you can seek to recover damages. Some of the most common types of wrongful death cases we oversee at The Law Offices of Erik L. Mullins involve:

• Workplace accidents: Injuries and occupational illnesses can occur in numerous industries, including mining, manufacturing, and construction. You may be able to recover additional damages beyond a workers’ comp claim depending on the nature of the incident. 
• Defective and dangerous products: Multiple parties, especially manufacturers, can be held liable when an unsafe consumer product causes death. This is known as product liability. Dangerous or defective products include faulty vehicle parts such as airbags or brakes, contaminated food or beverages, improperly tested medications, and unsafe construction equipment. 
• Premises liability: Property owners have a duty to maintain the safety of their premises for any guests. If your loved one ultimately died from injuries sustained from a fall, slip, falling object, or other accident on someone else’s property, the owner can be held liable for the wrongful death. 
• Medical malpractice: Common examples of fatal mistakes from healthcare providers include surgical errors, misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, and medication errors. 
• Motor vehicle accidents: Fatalities can happen within a traffic crash or later as a result of injuries. Wrongful death may occur whether the individual was in a car, on a motorcycle, on a bicycle, or walking.

In Utah, unintentional injuries are the leading cause of fatalities, accounting for 1,520 deaths in 2023. Among the most common reasons for wrongful deaths are traffic accidents, with 279 fatalities resulting from crashes that year. Salt Lake County is the county with the second-highest rate of crashes per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. 

Why You Should Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer?

You should hire a wrongful death lawyer because working alongside a legal professional who understands the local courts and laws can not only streamline the process but also increase your chances of a successful outcome. Allowing an experienced Sandy wrongful death attorney, such as Erik L. Mullins, to manage your case can help you feel less unsure of what to expect, more involved in your case, and genuinely taken care of by someone who understands and cares.

Where Are Wrongful Death Claims Processed?

A wrongful death claim in Sandy is typically processed by the Third Judicial District Court system for Salt Lake County. The primary courthouse, the Matheson Courthouse, is located at 450 South State Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84111. 

Depending on where the accident occurred and other details, legal venues can vary. Be sure to confirm any addresses and important information with your wrongful death lawyer.

FAQs

How Long Do I Have to File for Wrongful Death in Utah? 

In Utah, you usually have up to two years from the date the person died or one year if the claim is against a government entity. This is known as the statute of limitations, and if it passes before you are able to file an official claim, you can lose your right to take legal action. It is critical to consult a wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible to avoid delays or other issues that risk missing the deadline. 

What Is the Average Settlement for a Wrongful Death Suit?

There is no average settlement amount for a wrongful death suit in Utah because each case is unique and has different influencing factors. Typically, settlements are a combination of economic damages, such as lost wages or work benefits, burial costs, or medical bills, and non-economic damages, including grief, loss of companionship, and emotional distress. 

What Evidence Is Used to Prove Wrongful Death in UT?

In Utah, evidence that is used to prove a wrongful death claim can vary depending on the type of incident but often includes police reports, autopsy findings, medical records, eyewitness testimony, and professional analysis. To prove wrongful death, evidence must establish that there was a duty of care that was breached, that the breach directly caused the death, and that the death produced losses. 

Which Parties Can File for Wrongful Death in Utah?

In Utah, the parties who can file a wrongful death claim include the deceased’s heirs and the personal representative of their estate. Heirs can include the deceased’s surviving spouse, children, parents, and, in certain circumstances, siblings or grandparents who were dependents. Only one wrongful death action may be filed, covering all eligible family members. 

Speak to a Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

If you want to regain control in a disorienting and overwhelming situation, bring your case to The Law Offices of Erik L. Mullins. We understand how frustrating, upsetting, and stressful it can be to face the loss of a loved one in addition to medical bills, lost wages, funeral costs, and other damages. Our team is here to work with you every step of the way. Reach out today to schedule a meeting with an attorney who actually listens and treats you with dignity.