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13 Best Wrongful Death Lawyers Near Me in Salt Lake City, UT

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

Looking for a wrongful death near you in Salt Lake City? These 13 firms are ranked by FMAL Score — weighted toward specialization in wrongful death cases, plus AI analysis of Google reviews, client sentiment, and case results. Free consultations. Contingency fee.

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.

Our Top Picks in Salt Lake City for Wrongful Death Cases

Why these firms rank where they do — every stat and quote below comes from our AI analysis of their public Google reviews and published case results. How the FMAL Score works →

  1. top-tier communication scores from client reviews · faster-than-typical settlements reported by clients · 29 accident-case reviews analyzed

    1 client reviews specifically mention their wrongful death work.

  2. 35 years in practice · top-tier communication scores from client reviews · 282 accident-case reviews analyzed

    1 client reviews specifically mention their wrongful death work.

  3. 21 years in practice · top-tier communication scores from client reviews · 380 accident-case reviews analyzed

1
76
GoodVerified
FMAL
MM

Mortensen & Milne

68 S Main St Fl 7, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Google4.9(32)
Analyzed29 accident reviews
Fights for clientsCommunicates wellNot a millFast settlements
Free Consultation
View Profile →
2
92
ExcellentVerified
FMAL
SA

Steele Adams Hosman

6713 S 1300 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84121

Google4.9(380)
Analyzed282 accident reviews
Fights for clientsCommunicates wellNot a mill
Free ConsultationNo Win, No Fee
View Profile →
3
92
ExcellentVerified
FMAL
ML

McMinn Law Firm

650 S 500 W Suite 290, Salt Lake City, UT 84104Office in Salt Lake City

Google4.9(418)
Analyzed380 accident reviews
Fights for clientsCommunicates wellNot a mill
Free ConsultationNo Win, No Fee
View Profile →
4
90
ExcellentVerified
FMAL
CK

Cutt Kendell & Olson

215 State St Ste 900, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Google4.8(203)
Analyzed194 accident reviews
Fights for clientsCommunicates wellNot a mill
Free Consultation
View Profile →
5
90
ExcellentVerified
FMAL
HH

Handy & Handy Attorneys At Law

2150 S 1300 E Ste 300, Salt Lake City, UT 84106

Google4.9(319)
Analyzed290 accident reviews
Fights for clientsCommunicates well
Free ConsultationNo Win, No Fee
View Profile →
6
90
ExcellentVerified
FMAL
GG

Good Guys Injury Law

522 East 100 South, Suite 100A, Salt Lake City, UT 84101Office in Salt Lake City

Google5.0(716)
Analyzed332 accident reviews
Fights for clientsCommunicates wellNot a millFast settlements
Free Consultation
View Profile →
7
90
ExcellentVerified
FMAL
CS

Craig Swapp & Associates

Suite 500, Salt Lake City, UT 84101Office in Salt Lake City

Google4.9(7,729)
Analyzed595 accident reviews
Fights for clientsCommunicates well
Free Consultation
View Profile →
8
87
ExcellentVerified
FMAL
FW

Feller & Wendt Personal Injury Attorneys

67 S Main St #100, Layton, UT 84041

Google4.8(1,794)
Analyzed439 accident reviews
Fights for clientsCommunicates wellFast settlements
Free Consultation
View Profile →
9
86
ExcellentVerified
FMAL
SJ

Siegfried & Jensen Personal Injury Attorneys

5664 S Green St, Salt Lake City, UT 84123

Google4.9(4,738)
Analyzed861 accident reviews
Fights for clientsCommunicates well
Free Consultation
View Profile →
10
83
ExcellentVerified
FMAL
RJ

Robert J. DeBry & Associates

35 W Broadway Suite 300, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Google4.8(1,401)
Analyzed574 accident reviews
Fights for clientsCommunicates well
Free ConsultationNo Win, No Fee
View Profile →
11
73
GoodVerified
FMAL
AD

Adams Davis

35 W 300 S Ste 203, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Google4.6(41)
Analyzed34 accident reviews
Fights for clientsCommunicates well
Free Consultation
View Profile →
12
82
ExcellentVerified
FMAL
HL

Howard Lewis & Petersen

120 E 300 N, Provo, UT 84601

Google4.4(100)
Analyzed54 accident reviews
Fights for clientsCommunicates well
Free ConsultationNo Win, No Fee
View Profile →
13
95
ExcellentVerified
FMAL
CL

Cockayne Law

6671 S Redwood Rd Ste 110, West Jordan, UT 84084

Google4.9(261)
Analyzed225 accident reviews
Fights for clientsCommunicates well
Free ConsultationNo Win, No Fee
View Profile →

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Type of accident

Step 1 of 3

Understanding Wrongful Death Cases in Salt Lake City, UT

For Salt Lake City, Utah victims: wrongful death claims here fall under Utah’s 4-year statute of limitations (13 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 caused by a defective vehicle or tire failure

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., a drunk or drug-impaired truck driver), 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 Salt Lake City, 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 Salt Lake City, UT

Salt Lake City accident claims are governed by Utah law. Verified Utah law, with sources. General information — not legal advice for your specific case.

You have 4 years to file [source]

Utah's statute of limitations gives you 4 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]

Utah follows modified comparative negligence (50% bar) — you can recover only if you were less than 50% at fault. At 50% or more, you are barred. Utah is a no-fault state: you first turn to your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage for medical bills, and can step outside the no-fault system to sue the at-fault driver only when your injuries meet the state's threshold.

Minimum insurance coverage [source]

Utah's minimum liability coverage is just $30,000 per person / $65,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage — often far less than a serious injury costs, which is why uninsured/underinsured-motorist coverage matters.

Limits on compensation [source]

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

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. 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 Salt Lake City, UT?

Most wrongful death lawyers in Salt Lake City 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 Utah?

In Utah, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 4 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 Utah's fault system for wrongful deaths?

Utah is a no-fault state, meaning your own insurance covers your medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. However, you can step outside the no-fault system and file a lawsuit if your injuries meet the state's serious injury threshold.

Do I need a lawyer for a minor wrongful death in Salt Lake City, UT?

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 Salt Lake City, UT 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 Salt Lake City, UT?

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 Salt Lake City, UT before accepting any settlement offer.

How do I choose the best wrongful death lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT?

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 Salt Lake City, UT wrongful death lawyers on these exact factors across multiple data sources.

How do I find an accident lawyer near me in Salt Lake City, UT?

To find an accident lawyer near you in Salt Lake City, UT, use the rankings above — every firm is local to Salt Lake City, UT 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.

Wrongful Death Lawyers in Other Utah Cities

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.