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23 Best Wrongful Death Lawyers Near Me in Tempe, AZ

Updated June 2026. Ranked by FMAL Score for Wrongful Death cases.

Looking for a wrongful death near you in Tempe? These 23 firms are ranked by FMAL Score — weighted toward specialization in wrongful death cases, plus Google reviews, Reddit mentions, and case outcome signals. Free consultations. Contingency fee.

This directory is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. FindMyAccidentLawyer.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. Use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship.

FMAL Scores for Wrongful Death cases weight documented specialization — case results, practice area evidence, and client reviews. No firm has paid to rank higher here.

Understanding Wrongful Death Cases in Tempe, AZ

For Tempe, Arizona victims: wrongful death claims here fall under Arizona’s 2-year statute of limitations (23 wrongful death firms are rated below). A wrongful death claim allows surviving family members to seek compensation when someone dies due to another party's negligence, recklessness, or intentional act. These cases carry immense emotional weight alongside complex legal questions about who can file, what damages are recoverable, and how to value a human life in economic terms. Wrongful death claims are governed by state-specific statutes that dictate eligible plaintiffs, damage caps, and filing deadlines.

What Makes Wrongful Death Cases Different

Wrongful death cases differ from injury claims in fundamental ways. The person who suffered the harm cannot speak for themselves, so evidence must be reconstructed. Damages include both economic losses (lost income, benefits, household services over a lifetime) and non-economic losses (loss of companionship, parental guidance, consortium). Many states impose damage caps on non-economic damages in wrongful death cases. Additionally, the statute of limitations is often shorter than for personal injury — sometimes as little as one year.

Common Injuries

  • Fatal traumatic brain injuries
  • Fatal internal hemorrhaging from blunt force trauma
  • Fatal spinal cord injuries
  • Death from burn injuries or drowning
  • Fatal injuries in commercial vehicle or industrial accidents
  • Death from medical malpractice or defective products

Evidence to Preserve

  • Complete autopsy report and toxicology results
  • Deceased's employment records, tax returns, and benefits documentation
  • Evidence of the deceased's role in the family (photos, testimony, school records)
  • All evidence from the underlying accident scene
  • The deceased's medical records (pre-existing conditions affect damage calculations)
  • Life expectancy tables and actuarial data

Liability & Fault

Liability in wrongful death cases follows the same negligence analysis as the underlying accident — but the stakes are higher and the defense fights harder. Expert testimony is critical: economists calculate lifetime lost earnings, vocational experts assess career trajectory, and medical experts establish cause of death. In cases where the deceased may have been partially at fault, comparative fault rules reduce the family's recovery proportionally.

Settlement Context

Wrongful death settlements are among the highest in personal injury law. Cases involving the death of a working-age adult with dependents typically settle for $500,000–$3 million. When gross negligence or regulatory violations are proven (e.g., truck driver on drugs, defective product), settlements can exceed $5–$10 million. However, some states cap non-economic damages in wrongful death cases, which can significantly limit recovery.

What a Wrongful Death Claim Involves

Common injuries in wrongful death cases

The right lawyer documents the full extent of these injuries — including ones that surface days later — so the insurer can't undervalue your claim.

  • Back Injury
  • Traumatic Brain Injury / Concussion
  • Broken Bones / Fractures
  • Nerve Damage
  • PTSD / Emotional Distress
  • Chronic Pain
  • Fatal / Wrongful Death

Dealing with the insurance company

After a wrongful death in Tempe, the at-fault insurer's goal is to pay you as little as possible. These are the situations a lawyer handles for you.

  • Lowball Settlement Offer
  • Claim Denied
  • Claim Delayed / Stalled
  • Bad-Faith Insurance
  • Recorded Statement Request
  • UM / UIM Claim
  • Total Loss / Diminished Value
  • Disputed / Comparative Fault
  • Pre-Existing Condition
  • Medical Bills / Liens / LOP
  • Surveillance / Social Media
  • Independent Medical Exam (IME)
  • Statute of Limitations
  • Gap in Treatment
  • Policy Limits / Multiple Defendants

Your Legal Rights After a Wrongful Death in Tempe, AZ

Tempe accident claims are governed by Arizona law. Verified Arizona law, with sources. General information — not legal advice for your specific case.

You have 2 years to file [source]

Arizona's statute of limitations gives you 2 years from the date of the crash to file a personal-injury lawsuit. Miss it and you usually lose the right to recover — one of the most important reasons to talk to a lawyer early.

Fault & your right to recover [source]

Arizona follows modified comparative negligence (51% bar) — you can recover as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. At 51% or more, recovery is barred. Arizona is an at-fault state: the driver who caused the crash — and their insurer — is responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Minimum insurance coverage [source]

Arizona's minimum liability coverage is just $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $15,000 for property damage — often far less than a serious injury costs, which is why uninsured/underinsured-motorist coverage matters.

Limits on compensation [source]

Arizona does not cap the compensation you can recover in a general personal-injury claim — your award is based on your actual losses.

Get matched with a top accident lawyer in Tempe

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What happens next:

1. We match you with 1–2 top-rated attorneys who handle your case type.

2. A qualified lawyer calls you within 1 hour during business hours.

3. Your free consultation is completely confidential — no obligation.

What type of accident?

1/5
1
95
Excellent
FMAL
PV

Plattner Verderame, PC

E Flower St. Phoenix, AZ 85012

Google4.9(84)
Fights for clientsCommunicates wellNot a mill
Attorneys personally handle cases and communicate directly with clientsParalegals (Donna, Kandi, Denise) actively involved and praised for support
Free ConsultationNo Win, No Fee
View Profile →
2
94
Excellent
FMAL
TL

The Law Offices of Daniel J. Marco, PLLC

1166 E. Warner Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85296

Google4.9(32)
Communicates wellNot a mill
Keeps clients informed throughout the entire processProvides clear explanations of the legal process
Free ConsultationNo Win, No Fee
View Profile →
3
84
Excellent
FMAL
DS

Desert Star Law Group

3240 E Union Hills Dr Ste 145, Phoenix, AZ 85050

Google4.9(121)
Reddit123 mentions
Fast settlements
Provides rental carsHelps with car repairs
Free ConsultationNo Win, No Fee
View Profile →
4
83
Excellent
FMAL
AL

AJ Law, PLC

5800 W. Glenn Drive, Suite 310, Glendale, AZ 85301

Google5.0(296)
Communicates well
Provides multilingual support, particularly in Kinyarwanda and SwahiliClients feel cared for and respected throughout the process
Free Consultation
View Profile →
5
95
Excellent
FMAL
CL

Cook Law Office, PLLC

4500 S Lakeshore Dr, Tempe, AZ 85282

Google4.9(258)
Fights for clientsCommunicates wellNot a mill
Arranges immediate medical appointments and referrals (e.g., AZ Spine, pain specialists).Proactively checks in with clients (e.g., weekly updates from Blake).
Free Consultation
View Profile →
6
73
Good
FMAL
MJ

Maria Jones Law Firm

202 E Earll Dr Ste 370, Phoenix, AZ 85012

Google4.4(1,003)
Reddit201 mentions
Provides assistance with various immigration-related cases, including residency, DACA, and work permits.Staff is described as knowledgeable, professional, and attentive.
Free Consultation
View Profile →
7
80
Excellent
FMAL
AJ

Accident Justice

7201 N 7th St Suite B, Phoenix, AZ 85020

Google4.9(138)
Provides guidance on the legal processExperienced attorney with knowledge of the insurance industry
Free Consultation
View Profile →
8
64
Good
FMAL
TS

The Sorenson Law Firm

950 West Elliot Road, Suite 226

Google4.8(43)
Reddit74 mentions
Communicates wellNot a mill
provides clear communication and education throughout the legal processdemonstrates compassion and empathy towards clients
Free Consultation
View Profile →
9
77
Good
FMAL
AL

Accident Law Group LLC

2141 E Broadway Rd, Tempe, AZ 85282

Google4.7(337)
Reddit7 mentions
Communicates well
guides clients on medical care and treatment optionsproactively keeps clients informed via calls, texts, and emails
10
63
Good
FMAL
BL

Bailey Law Firm

2169 E Warner Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284

Google4.9(39)
Reddit29 mentions
Communicates wellNot a mill
Provides helpful explanations and answers questions thoroughlyCommunicative and understanding
11
70
Good
FMAL
MP

MayesTelles PLLC

3636 N Central Ave #1000, Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA

Google4.7(54)
Reddit95 mentions
Not a mill
Free Consultation
View Profile →
12
68
Good
FMAL
ZL

Zazueta Law, PLLC

2633 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016

Google5.0(43)
Reddit1 mentions
Communicates wellNot a mill
Provides thorough explanations of legal processesResponsive to calls and emails
Free Consultation
View Profile →
13
54
Fair
FMAL
PA

Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm

2550 W Union Hills Dr Suite 350, Phoenix, AZ 85027

Google5.0(24)
Reddit100 mentions
Keeps clients informed throughout the processAnswers questions and addresses concerns
Free ConsultationNo Win, No Fee
View Profile →
14
54
Fair
FMAL
IL

Impact Legal

412 S Mitchell St, Cadillac, MI 49601

Google3.3(7)
Communicates wellNot a millRed flags
Responsive and available attorneyProfessional and hardworking team
Free Consultation
View Profile →
15
66
Good
FMAL
TL

Thomas Law PLLC

14555 N Scottsdale Rd UNIT 320, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Google4.9(30)
Reddit4 mentions
Communicates wellNot a mill
Keeps clients informed throughout the processProvides clear explanations and guidance
16
64
Good
FMAL
ML

Majors Law Group, PC.

4667 S Lakeshore Dr

Google4.7(371)
Reddit100 mentions
Offers payment plans for bankruptcy servicesStaff is described as kind, patient, and understanding
Free Consultation
View Profile →
17
50
Fair
FMAL
DL

Dillenburg Law Offices

2173 AZ-101 Loop, Tempe, AZ 85284

Google5.0(2)
Reddit1 mentions
Not a mill
Free Consultation
View Profile →
18
49
Fair
FMAL
DJ

Doran Justice, PLLC

67 E Weldon Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012

Google5.0(147)
Reddit138 mentions
Fights for clientsCommunicates wellNot a mill
Achieves charges dropped/dismissed for criminal casesHelps clients avoid prison/jail time
19
77
Good
FMAL
RC

Rowley Chapman & Barney, Ltd.

63 E. Main Street, Suite 501, Mesa, AZ 85201

Google4.8(108)
Communicates wellNot a mill
attorneys demonstrate compassion and empathyparalegals are highly involved and effective
20
48
Fair
FMAL
TS

Treon & Shook, P.L.L.C.

4600 N 12th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014

Google3.4(5)
Fights for clientsNot a mill
Goes above and beyond to sue at-fault party in addition to getting insurance to payProfessional and courteous service
Free ConsultationNo Win, No Fee
View Profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit?

Every state has its own rules. Most states limit wrongful death claims to the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased. Some states also allow domestic partners, siblings, grandparents, or anyone who was financially dependent on the deceased. In many states, the claim is filed by a personal representative of the deceased's estate on behalf of all eligible beneficiaries. A wrongful death lawyer in your state can confirm who qualifies.

What damages can be recovered in a wrongful death case?

Recoverable damages typically include: the deceased's lost future earnings and benefits over their expected lifetime; medical and funeral expenses; loss of companionship, parental guidance, and consortium (for a spouse); loss of household services the deceased provided; and the pain and suffering the deceased experienced before death (survival action). Some states also allow punitive damages when death resulted from egregious misconduct.

Is there a time limit to file a wrongful death claim?

Yes, and it's often shorter than the standard personal injury statute of limitations. Many states give families only 1–2 years from the date of death to file. Some states start the clock from the date the cause of death was discovered (relevant in medical malpractice or toxic exposure cases). Missing this deadline permanently bars the claim — no exceptions. Contact a wrongful death lawyer immediately to preserve your rights.

How much does a wrongful death lawyer cost in Tempe, AZ?

Most wrongful death lawyers in Tempe work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and they only get paid if you win your case. The typical contingency fee is 33% of your settlement before trial, or 40% if the case goes to court. There are no hourly fees or retainers for most personal injury cases.

How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Arizona?

In Arizona, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 2 years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to pursue compensation. It's critical to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your claim.

What is Arizona's fault system for wrongful deaths?

Arizona is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages. You can file a claim against the at-fault driver's insurance company or file a lawsuit to recover compensation.

Do I need a lawyer for a minor wrongful death in Tempe, AZ?

Even minor accidents can result in significant medical bills, especially if symptoms like whiplash or soft tissue injuries appear days or weeks later. Insurance companies routinely offer lowball settlements to unrepresented claimants. A free consultation with a Tempe, AZ wrongful death lawyer costs nothing and can help you understand if your case is worth pursuing.

What should I do immediately after a wrongful death in Tempe, AZ?

First, call 911 and get medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Document the scene with photos. Exchange information with the other driver. File a police report. Do not admit fault or give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance. Contact a wrongful death lawyer in Tempe, AZ before accepting any settlement offer.

How do I choose the best wrongful death lawyer in Tempe, AZ?

Look for a lawyer who specializes in wrongful death cases (not a general practitioner), offers a free consultation, works on contingency (no upfront fees), has verifiable case results, and has positive reviews from past clients. Our FMAL Score rates Tempe, AZ wrongful death lawyers on these exact factors across multiple data sources.

How do I find an accident lawyer near me in Tempe, AZ?

To find an accident lawyer near you in Tempe, AZ, use the rankings above — every firm is local to Tempe, AZ and offers free consultations. Filter by accident type to see lawyers who specialize in your specific case. Call any firm directly — most respond same-day and all work on contingency, so there's no cost to reach out.

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