Justice After the Loss No Family Should Have to Face
There’s nothing more devastating than losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence. In these moments, your family deserves answers, accountability, and the chance to pursue justice. A skilled Glendale wrongful death lawyer at Big Chad Law can help you understand your rights and take legal action against the party responsible for the loss, our role as your lawyer is to step in with clarity, compassion, and the legal strength needed to hold the at-fault party accountable. We work with families across Maricopa County to pursue justice and secure compensation that can help preserve their future while honoring the life that was taken too soon.
What Makes a Death Legally “Wrongful” in Arizona?
Not every tragic death qualifies as a wrongful death under the law. In Arizona, a wrongful death is defined as one caused by the “wrongful act, neglect, or default of another.” This applies to both individuals and entities (e.g., companies, government agencies, healthcare providers). Essentially, if the deceased could have filed a personal injury lawsuit had they survived, then the family may now pursue a wrongful death claim.
A wrongful death claim is a civil action meaning it’s separate from any criminal charges and focuses solely on monetary compensation and accountability.
Common causes include:
Fatal auto or motorcycle collisions caused by a negligent driver
Defective products or equipment that lead to fatal injuries
Workplace incidents due to unsafe conditions or employer violations
Nursing home abuse or neglect that results in death
Pedestrian or bicyclist deaths involving traffic violations
Our job is to examine the circumstances of your loved one’s passing, identify whether Arizona’s wrongful death statute applies, and if it does build a strong, timely case.
Who Can File a Claim With a Glendale Wrongful Death Lawyer
Arizona law (A.R.S. § 12-612) allows certain individuals to file a wrongful death claim:
The surviving spouse
Children of the deceased
Parents or legal guardians
If none of the above are available, the personal representative of the estate may file on behalf of the deceased's heirs
If you’re not sure whether you're eligible, a Glendale wrongful death lawyer at our firm will walk you through your options and help clarify who should take legal action.
What a Glendale Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help Your Family Recover
Wrongful death claims aim to address the economic and emotional impact of a preventable loss. While financial compensation can never replace what was taken, it can provide stability and a sense of closure especially when future plans have been disrupted.
Damages may include:
Medical expenses related to the final injury or illness
Funeral and burial costs
Loss of household income and benefits
Loss of companionship, care, or guidance
Pain and suffering of the surviving family
Loss of future support (particularly in cases involving a working parent or provider)
In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the at-fault party’s behavior was particularly reckless, intentional, or malicious.
Understanding the Legal Process
We understand that most families have never dealt with anything like this before. That’s why we break down the process into clear steps and stay with you from start to finish:
Initial Consultation We listen to your story, answer your questions, and determine whether your case meets Arizona’s wrongful death criteria.
Case Investigation Our legal team conducts a thorough investigation—gathering police reports, medical records, witness statements, expert opinions, and anything else needed to support your claim.
Filing the Claim Once we’ve established liability, we draft and file the wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible party. This may be an individual, a business, a healthcare provider, or a government agency.
Negotiation & Resolution Many cases settle before trial. We engage in aggressive negotiation to secure the highest possible compensation. If a fair offer isn’t made, we are fully prepared to take your case to court.
Support Throughout We stay in contact with your family throughout the process—explaining next steps, setting expectations, and keeping your loved one’s legacy at the center of everything we do.
How Long Do You Have to File in Arizona?
In most cases, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim in Arizona is two years from the date of death. However, some cases involving public entities or special circumstances may have shorter timelines.
Waiting too long can weaken your case or result in losing your legal right to compensation altogether. That’s why we encourage families to reach out sooner rather than later—even if you’re unsure whether you have a case.
Why Families Choose Big Chad Law
Losing someone is deeply personal. Your legal representation should reflect that. At Big Chad Law, we don’t treat wrongful death cases as transactions we treat them as stories that deserve to be heard and wrongs that must be corrected.
What sets us apart:
Proven experience with complex wrongful death litigation
Skilled in both settlement negotiations and courtroom trials
Relationships with top medical and forensic experts
Compassionate client care from start to finish
No fees unless we win we take cases on contingency
Your family deserves legal guidance rooted in empathy and backed by strength. That’s exactly what we offer.
Talk to a Glendale Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
If your loved one died due to someone else’s negligence, you don’t need to navigate the legal system alone. Big Chad Law is here to support your family, fight for justice, and hold the responsible parties accountable no matter how powerful they are.
📞 Call today or fill out our free consultation form online. A knowledgeable and compassionate Glendale wrongful death lawyer will review your case and explain your options clearly at no cost, with no pressure.
FAQ's
Under Arizona law, the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased may file a wrongful death claim. If none of these family members are available, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can pursue the claim on behalf of the heirs.
Wrongful death claims may seek compensation for medical expenses prior to death, funeral and burial costs, lost income and benefits, loss of companionship and guidance, emotional pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages for particularly reckless or intentional misconduct.
The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Arizona is generally two years from the date of the person’s death. Certain cases involving government entities may have shorter deadlines, so it is important to act promptly.
Many wrongful death cases are resolved through settlement negotiations. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court to seek the justice and compensation your family deserves.
Spouses, children, parents/guardians, or the estate’s personal representative may bring the case. Money is awarded for the losses of the statutory beneficiaries (and, by statute, is distributed to them—not generally to the estate).
Arizona juries award what’s “fair and just,” considering mitigating or aggravating circumstances (which allows punitive-type considerations). Recoveries are not subject to the decedent’s debts unless the case is brought for the estate.
Most wrongful-death suits: 2 years from accrual (typically tied to the date of death). If a public entity/employee may be at fault, you must serve a Notice of Claim within 180 days and file suit within 1 year or the claim is barred.
Wrongful death compensates the survivors for their losses (companionship, financial support, funeral, etc.). A survival action preserves the decedent’s own claims for the estate, but the decedent’s pain-and-suffering damages do not survive under Arizona’s survival statute. Many cases include both claims.
No general caps. Arizona’s Constitution forbids laws limiting damages for injury or death. But punitive damages cannot be recovered against public entities or public employees acting within the scope of employment. (Private-party punitive claims may still be available in egregious cases.)
The aftermath of a personal injury is overwhelming and confusing, especially when navigating legal processes and obtaining fair compensation for your damages.
