Losing a family member is one of the hardest experiences anyone can face and no one prays for it. When that loss happens because of a preventable tragedy such as a crash on the US-60, Val Vista Drive, or Gilbert Road, a medical error at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, nursing home neglect, or another act of negligence, the grief is often accompanied by confusion and financial strain. Families are suddenly confronted with funeral costs, medical bills, lost income, and the uncertainty of how to move forward. In these painful times, working with a compassionate and experienced Gilbert wrongful death lawyer who understands Arizona wrongful death laws can help you navigate the legal process while protecting your family’s rights.
At Life Justice Law Group, our practice is devoted exclusively to wrongful death and catastrophic injury litigation. This singular focus allows us to dedicate all of our knowledge, resources, and energy to families facing unimaginable loss. We collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, economists, and trial experts to build strong, evidence-driven cases. From the very first call, our attorneys take steps to preserve critical records, interview witnesses, and begin telling your loved one’s story in a way that honors their life and reveals the truth.
Choosing a law firm that focuses on wrongful death matters means your case receives the attention and preparation it deserves. Our mission is clear: relieve your family of the legal burdens so you can focus on grieving and healing. Meanwhile, we fight for accountability, justice, and the financial recovery needed to safeguard your future. At Life Justice Law Group, our Gilbert wrongful death attorneys are dedicated to honoring every life lost by standing beside families and fighting tirelessly for fair results.
Get Free Case Evaluation
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in Gilbert, Arizona?
A wrongful death claim provides surviving family members with the right to pursue compensation when a loved one dies due to another person’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. In Arizona, these cases are governed by A.R.S. § 12-611 through § 12-613, which outline who may bring a claim and the types of damages that can be recovered.
It is important to understand that a wrongful death lawsuit is a civil case, not a criminal prosecution. While the state may file criminal charges against the responsible party, the wrongful death action is about the harm suffered by the family. These lawsuits often arise in Gilbert from car or truck collisions, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, defective products, or workplace accidents.
At its heart, a wrongful death claim is about accountability and justice. It ensures that families can seek financial support for their losses while holding wrongdoers responsible. Having a Gilbert wrongful death lawyer by your side gives you the guidance and advocacy needed to pursue your claim with precision, care, and compassion.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Gilbert
Sadly, wrongful deaths occur in a wide range of settings throughout Gilbert, Arizona. Among the most frequent causes are fatal vehicle crashes on the US-60, Loop 202, Gilbert Road, and Higley Road, where distracted driving, impairment, or speeding often play a role.
Medical malpractice is another tragic cause, including surgical errors, misdiagnoses, or delayed treatment at hospitals and clinics in Gilbert. Nursing home abuse and neglect also remain pressing concerns, where inadequate staffing or improper oversight leads to preventable fatalities among vulnerable residents.
Workplace accidents in Gilbert’s construction, retail, and manufacturing industries contribute to wrongful death claims as well, often tied to unsafe work environments or defective equipment. Additionally, dangerous consumer products and intentional acts of violence can result in lives cut short and families left behind with unanswered questions.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Arizona?
Arizona law (A.R.S. § 12-612) defines who has the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. The individuals prioritized under the law include the deceased person’s spouse, children, and parents. If none of these close relatives are alive, the personal representative of the estate may file a claim on behalf of the beneficiaries.
This framework ensures that the individuals most directly impacted by the loss have the right to seek justice. Unfortunately, friends or extended family members who do not fall within this legal definition are not eligible to bring a wrongful death action. A Gilbert wrongful death lawyer can evaluate your family’s unique circumstances and guide you through the process of determining eligibility and filing the claim correctly.
What Damages Are Recoverable in Arizona Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Wrongful death claims allow families to recover both financial and non-financial damages. Economic damages often include funeral and burial expenses, outstanding medical bills, and the value of lost wages and benefits that the deceased would have provided to the household.
Non-economic damages, while more difficult to measure, are equally important. These include compensation for emotional suffering, the loss of companionship, parental guidance, and the profound absence left in everyday life. In cases where the defendant acted with extreme recklessness or intentional disregard for safety, punitive damages may also be awarded to discourage similar behavior.
How Much Time Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Arizona?
Under Arizona law (A.R.S. § 12-542), families generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Missing this statutory deadline can prevent you from recovering any compensation, regardless of how strong your case may be.
Because key evidence can disappear quickly and witness memories fade, it is crucial to contact a Gilbert wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. Early legal involvement helps preserve evidence, secure important documentation, and establish a strong foundation for your case. Acting promptly ensures your family’s rights remain protected.
Get Free Case Evaluation
Why Hire a Gilbert Wrongful Death Lawyer?
Wrongful death cases are legally complex and emotionally draining. They require careful investigation, expert testimony, and strategic negotiation. Insurance companies and defendants often attempt to minimize payouts, even in clear cases of negligence. Having an experienced Gilbert wrongful death lawyer ensures your family has a skilled advocate fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Your attorney will manage every detail, from working with medical and accident experts to negotiating with insurers and preparing for trial if necessary. Beyond the legal strategy, your wrongful death lawyer provides guidance and compassion, giving your family the space to grieve while knowing your case is in capable hands.
What to Look for in a Gilbert Wrongful Death Attorney
Choosing the right lawyer is about more than credentials; it’s about trust and partnership during one of life’s hardest moments. Look for:
- Proven experience in wrongful death cases – These claims require legal knowledge, strong resources, and readiness for trial.
- Empathy and compassion – You need an attorney who listens, supports, and respects your family’s story.
- Clear communication – Complex legal matters should always be explained in plain, understandable terms.
- Comprehensive resources – From reconstruction experts to economists, your lawyer should have the tools to build a strong case.
- Trial readiness – While many cases resolve in settlement, you want a lawyer who is prepared to take your case before a jury if needed.
The right Phoenix wrongful death attorney allows you to focus on your family while trusting that your case is handled with both legal skill and genuine care.
Current Trends in Gilbert Wrongful Death Cases
In recent years, Gilbert has experienced a rise in wrongful death cases connected to roadway fatalities, particularly along US-60 and Loop 202, where congestion and distracted driving often contribute to deadly crashes.
Medical-related wrongful deaths have also drawn attention, including cases involving delayed emergency care and surgical errors at local hospitals. Additionally, Gilbert’s rapid growth has brought an increase in workplace incidents tied to construction and manufacturing, where safety lapses sometimes result in fatalities.
These patterns highlight the importance of strong legal advocacy to secure justice for families and encourage safety improvements throughout the community.
Recent Case Results from Life Justice Law Group
Our firm has achieved significant recoveries for families facing tragic losses:
- $24 Million – Defective Medical Device: A faulty implant caused a fatal injury, with evidence showing the manufacturer failed to warn of risks.
- $15 Million – Trucking Accident: A fatigued driver caused a fatal collision. Our investigation uncovered falsified logbooks and systemic safety violations.
- $9.5 Million – Hospital Negligence: A patient died due to ER mistakes. Medical experts confirmed the outcome would have been preventable with proper care.
- $6.2 Million – Workplace Fatality: An industrial worker was killed by defective equipment. We pursued claims against both the employer and the manufacturer.
- $3.4 Million – Nursing Home Neglect: An elderly resident died after months of poor care. Records revealed chronic understaffing and repeated violations.
- $1.7 Million – Distracted Driving Crash: A young student lost their life to a distracted driver. The settlement provided stability and funded a memorial scholarship.
These results reflect our commitment to achieving justice and honoring every client’s story.
Get Free Case Evaluation
Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle in Gilbert
At Life Justice Law Group, we focus exclusively on wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. Common matters we handle include:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents – Fatal crashes involving cars, trucks, or motorcycles caused by negligent or impaired driving.
- Medical Malpractice – Errors in diagnosis, surgery, or treatment at hospitals and clinics.
- Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect – Fatalities caused by poor staffing, neglect, or mistreatment.
- Workplace & Industrial Accidents – Fatal injuries in construction, manufacturing, or other high-risk industries.
- Defective Products – Dangerous products, including medical devices, equipment, or consumer goods.
- Intentional Acts – Civil claims following intentional harm or violence, in addition to criminal charges.
No matter the circumstances, our Gilbert wrongful death lawyers are committed to seeking truth and justice for grieving families.
Speak with a Gilbert Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
If your family has lost a loved one in Gilbert due to negligence, misconduct, or recklessness, you may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. While no amount of money can undo the loss, legal action can provide financial stability and hold the responsible parties accountable.
We offer free consultations and handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Because strict deadlines apply under Arizona law, it is important to take action as soon as possible.
Contact Life Justice Law Group today to speak with a Gilbert wrongful death lawyer and begin the process of seeking justice for your loved one.
Get Free Case Evaluation
FAQs About Gilbert Wrongful Death Lawsuits
What is wrongful death under Arizona law?
In Arizona, wrongful death occurs when a person loses their life due to another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. Examples include a fatal car crash, a medical error, or unsafe workplace conditions. The law allows certain surviving family members to file a civil claim to recover compensation for both financial and emotional harm. It is important to note that this type of case is separate from any criminal proceedings that may also be filed against the responsible party.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Gilbert, AZ?
Arizona law typically gives families two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim (A.R.S. § 12-542). If you miss this deadline, your family may lose the right to seek compensation entirely. Because evidence can quickly be lost and witnesses’ memories fade, it is always best to speak with a wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible. Acting early helps preserve your case and ensures you don’t run into legal time limits that could jeopardize your family’s rights.
Who is allowed to bring a wrongful death lawsuit?
Only certain individuals have legal standing to bring a wrongful death claim in Arizona. This includes the deceased person’s spouse, children, and parents. If none of these relatives are alive, the personal representative of the estate may file the lawsuit for eligible beneficiaries. Unfortunately, extended relatives and close friends cannot file a claim, even if they were deeply impacted. An attorney can help clarify your family’s eligibility and ensure the claim is filed correctly under Arizona law.
What damages can be recovered in a wrongful death case?
Recoverable damages fall into two categories: financial and non-financial. Families can seek compensation for funeral and burial costs, unpaid medical bills, and the lost income and benefits the deceased would have contributed. In addition, Arizona law allows recovery for emotional harm, including grief, loss of companionship, and the loss of parental guidance. In cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar behavior.
Do I need to pay upfront legal fees to hire a Gilbert wrongful death lawyer?
No. Most wrongful death lawyers, including our firm, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront. Instead, the lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the recovery obtained through settlement or verdict. The initial consultation is free, and you will only owe fees if your case is successful. This structure allows families to seek justice without taking on additional financial strain during an already difficult time.
How is a wrongful death case different from a survival action?
A wrongful death claim is filed on behalf of the surviving family members for the personal losses they suffer as a result of their loved one’s death. A survival action, on the other hand, is brought by the deceased’s estate to recover damages the individual could have pursued if they had survived — such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering prior to death. In some cases, both claims may be filed together, depending on the facts of the case.
What if criminal charges are also filed against the responsible party?
It is possible for both criminal and civil proceedings to arise from the same event. For example, if a drunk driver causes a fatal crash in Gilbert, the state may pursue criminal charges, while the family files a wrongful death lawsuit in civil court. The outcome of the criminal trial does not determine the civil case, since the standards of proof are different. Even if criminal charges are not pursued or result in acquittal, your family can still seek accountability through a wrongful death claim.