Nothing can prepare you for the devastation of losing a loved one—especially when their death was caused by someone else’s negligence. Whether it was a reckless driver, a negligent property owner, or a careless medical provider, the pain is unimaginable, and the questions feel endless.
At Big Chad Law Injury, we help grieving families find answers—and justice. With the help of a skilled Tucson wrongful death lawyer, you may be entitled to compensation for the financial and emotional toll of your loss. While money can never replace a loved one, it can relieve the burdens that follow and hold the responsible party accountable.
Our firm includes our best personal injury lawyers in Arizona, and we’re here for you when it matters most.
What Qualifies as a Wrongful Death in Arizona?
Under Arizona law, a death is considered “wrongful” if it results from another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. This includes:
Fatal car, motorcycle, or truck accidents
Medical malpractice
Dangerous premises (slip and falls, poor security, etc.)
Defective products
Workplace accidents
Nursing home abuse or neglect
Criminal acts, including assault or DUI
If your family member would have had grounds to file a personal injury claim had they survived, then a Tucson wrongful death lawyer can help your family pursue justice on their behalf.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Tucson?
Arizona law allows specific people to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. These include:
The surviving spouse
Children of the deceased
Parents or legal guardians
The personal representative of the estate (if no direct family is available)
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, our top Tucson lawyer will guide you through your rights and next steps. We handle all paperwork, filings, and deadlines—so you can focus on grieving and healing.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Wrongful Death Case?
Wrongful death cases are about accountability—but they also ensure families aren’t left to suffer financial devastation on top of emotional grief. You may be entitled to compensation for:
Funeral and burial costs
Medical expenses related to the final injury or illness
Loss of the deceased's income and benefits
Loss of inheritance
Pain and suffering
Loss of companionship, guidance, and care
Emotional distress of surviving family members
At Big Chad Law, our best Arizona lawyer works with economists, grief counselors, and other experts to ensure we fully value your loss.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Arizona?
In Arizona, the statute of limitations for most wrongful death lawsuits is two years from the date of death. However, exceptions may apply—especially if the claim involves a government agency or delayed discovery of negligence.
Don’t wait to speak to a Tucson wrongful death lawyer. Critical evidence can be lost over time, and waiting too long could prevent you from filing at all. Let your Arizona law man preserve your family’s right to justice.
What’s the Difference Between Criminal Charges and a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
It’s important to understand the difference between a criminal prosecution and a civil wrongful death case.
A criminal case is brought by the state and may result in jail time or fines.
A civil wrongful death lawsuit is filed by the family and seeks financial compensation.
Even if there’s a criminal case pending—or if the at-fault party wasn’t charged—your family can still pursue a civil claim with a Tucson wrongful death lawyer. These are separate systems, and justice can come through both.
How Can a Tucson Wrongful Death Lawyer Help?
These cases are emotionally exhausting and legally complex. At Big Chad Law, we don’t just handle the paperwork—we help families find peace, closure, and real support.
We’ll manage every aspect of your case:
Investigate the cause of death
Gather medical records, police reports, and witness statements
Consult medical and financial experts
Handle negotiations with insurance companies
File the lawsuit and represent you in court, if needed
Most importantly, we listen. We take time to understand who your loved one was, what they meant to you, and how their loss has affected your life.
Why Families Trust Big Chad Law
Attorney Chad Schaub—your Arizona law man—was born and raised in this state. Our team is deeply rooted in the Tucson community, and we treat our clients like family.
Here’s what you can expect:
Our top Tucson lawyer assigned directly to your case
If your loved one’s death was caused by someone else’s negligence, Big Chad Law is here for you. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options.
Call (602) 560-5820 now to schedule your free consultation with a trusted Tucson wrongful death lawyer.
FAQs
It depends on several factors, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and your relationship with the deceased. Our attorneys can help estimate the value.
Not typically. In Arizona, the spouse, children, and parents of the deceased have first priority. Siblings may only file if they are named as estate representatives.
You can still file a civil wrongful death claim. The standards of proof are different, and civil cases don’t require a criminal conviction.
Yes generally, two years from the date of death. In cases involving government entities, the timeline may be shorter.
Yes. These cases are complex and emotionally charged. A lawyer can handle the legal burden and increase your chance of full compensation.
Spouse, children, parents/guardians, or (if none) the estate’s personal representative may bring the claim. Any recovery is distributed to those statutory beneficiaries in proportion to their losses (if the estate brings it, proceeds become an estate asset).
Arizona juries award what’s “fair and just,” considering mitigating or aggravating circumstances. Wrongful-death proceeds aren’t subject to the decedent’s debts (unless the action is brought for the estate). Typical categories include funeral/burial, final medical bills, lost income/benefits, and loss of companionship/guidance.
Most wrongful-death suits: 2 years from accrual (generally, date of death). If a public entity/employee may be at fault, you must serve a Notice of Claim within 180 days and then file suit within 1 year—or the claim is barred. Big Chad Law calendars both clocks on day one.
Wrongful death compensates the survivors for their losses. 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. The Arizona Constitution forbids laws limiting damages for injury or death. Punitive damages may be available against private defendants in egregious cases, but they’re not recoverable against public entities or public employees acting within scope.
The aftermath of a personal injury is overwhelming and confusing, especially when navigating legal processes and obtaining fair compensation for your damages.
