WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN UTAH PERSONAL INJURY AND WRONGFUL DEATH LAWSUITS?

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On July 28, 2022
Salt Lake City Wrongful Death Attorney, salt lake personal injury attorney, salt lake personal injury lawyer

personal injury v. wrongful death claims in utah.

There is nothing more tragic than losing a loved one in an accident. It is common for family members to feel confused, upset, and anxious after suffering such a loss. Many family members struggle to know how to even move forward. It can be an unbelievably difficult and stressful time as family members try to put their lives back together, all while trying their best to deal with insurance companies, bills, and sometimes even investigative agencies. 

An experienced Salt Lake wrongful death attorney can help your family get through all of the legal and other hurdles associated with such a tragedy, protecting your rights and taking all the required steps to obtain a fair recovery for the family. Hiring a qualified Salt Lake wrongful death attorney can and should reduce the family’s stress associated with complex legal proceedings and aggressive insurance companies, increasing the family’s chances of obtaining a fair recovery for its loss.  

It is worth noting, however, that wrongful death lawsuits are much different than personal injury lawsuits. Outlined below are some of the key differences:

utah’s wrongful death statute of limitations is shorter than the personal injury statute OF LIMITATION.

Under Utah law, a personal injury lawsuit must be filed within four years, including motor vehilce accidents. Utah Code Ann. § 78B-2-307. If the same accident, however, results in a death, Utah law requires that the lawsuit be filed within two years. Utah Code Ann. § 78B-2-304(2). That means that if you or your family think that you might have a wrongful death claim, you need to act fast. Contact a Salt Lake wrongful death attorney as soon as possible to discuss whether you might have a claim.

different damages are available in utah wrongful death lawsuits.

In a wrongful death lawsuit, the damages can become more complicated because the plaintiffs are family members, not the person actually injured in the accident. For example, in a personal injury lawsuit, the injured person directly files the lawsuit against the person responsible for his or her injuries. In a wrongful death lawsuit, however, the heirs or the estate file a lawsuit against the person(s) who are responsible for the death. Click here to see what documents to bring to a consult with a personal injury attorney.

Among other things, the heirs in a Utah wrongful death action might seek the following types of damages: 

  • Funeral expenses
  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of companionship and care

gosdis law is salt lake city’s TOP wrongful death law firm FOR YOUR CASE.

If you have lost a loved one in an accident in Salt Lake City, Utah or any other Utah location, you should retain a Utah wrongful death lawyer. You and your family are entitled to compensation. Gosdis Law can help you recover it. Call or text us today at (385) 429-9960 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Utah wrongful death lawyer.

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