Glendale Wrongful Death Lawyer
Glendale, AZ Wrongful Death Lawyer: Guidance After the Loss of a Loved One
A wrongful death lawyer in Glendale can explain who is allowed to bring a claim after a fatal crash or another preventable death, what the claim can cover, and how long the family has. In Arizona, a wrongful death claim generally must be filed within two years of the date of death (A.R.S. 12-542), and a claim involving a public entity has a shorter notice period. We know this is a hard call to make, and you can make it at your own pace.
- Filing deadline
- 2 years from the date of death
- A.R.S. 12-542(2)
- Who may bring the claim
- Surviving spouse, child, parent or guardian, or personal representative
- A.R.S. 12-612
- Public entity involved
- Notice of claim within 180 days
- A.R.S. 12-821.01
Wrongful Death Lawyer in Glendale: Where to Begin After a Loss
Nothing about a wrongful death claim makes the loss smaller. The claim exists because Arizona law says that whoever would have been liable had the person lived is liable for damages when a death is caused by a wrongful act, neglect or default (A.R.S. 12-611). In practice, that means a family in Glendale may have a legal path after a fatal crash on the Loop 101 or Grand Avenue (US 60), a preventable death in a care facility, a drowning, a dog attack, or another death someone else caused. A fatal car accident lawyer in Glendale starts with the crash itself, and the same questions apply to the other causes.
Statewide, ADOT reported 1,307 traffic deaths in 2023, 446 of them tied to speeding and 332 to alcohol impairment (figures reported by azfamily, 2023). Behind each number is a family trying to learn what happened. Valley Accident Law is a Scottsdale firm, and we do not have an office in Glendale. We start by phone, we explain your legal rights in plain language, and we do not ask you to decide anything on the first call. Our statewide guide from a wrongful death attorney in Arizona covers the law in full, and our page for a personal injury lawyer in Glendale covers the other injury cases we see from the area.
Who May File a Wrongful Death Claim in Arizona
A wrongful death attorney in Glendale begins with a simple question: who is the claim for? Arizona names the people who may bring it and who it benefits.
- Who may bring the claim
The surviving spouse, a child, a parent or guardian, or the personal representative of the person who died (A.R.S. 12-612).
- Who the claim benefits
The spouse, children and parents, or the estate if none of them survive. Siblings are not statutory beneficiaries.
- What damages are
A jury awards damages it deems fair and just for the injury to the surviving parties, considering mitigating or aggravating circumstances. A recovery is not subject to the decedent's debts unless it is brought on behalf of the estate (A.R.S. 12-613).
- Caps and punitive damages
Arizona's constitution bars caps on personal injury and death damages. Punitive damages are possible only when an evil mind is shown by clear and convincing evidence, which is a high bar.
Two Deadlines to Know Early
A wrongful death claim generally must be filed within two years of the date of death (A.R.S. 12-542). If a city, county, state agency or other public entity may be involved, a written notice of claim with the facts and a specific sum is generally due within 180 days (A.R.S. 12-821.01), and a lawsuit within one year after accrual (A.R.S. 12-821). A criminal case, if there is one, is separate from the civil claim and does not stop these clocks. These rules have exceptions, so call us and we will explain how they apply to you. Our Arizona statute of limitations guide has more.
Arizona
Glendale Roads, Reports and Courts in a Fatal Crash Claim
A fatal crash claim depends on records that sit in a few places. These are the Glendale ones.
Loop 101 and Grand Avenue (US 60)
The Loop 101 passes State Farm Stadium, with exits at 59th, 67th and 75th Avenues, Glendale Avenue and Cardinals Way. Grand Avenue runs through Glendale on its way to Phoenix.
63rd Avenue and Beardsley Road
ADOT crash data cited by ABC15 showed 10 red-light-running crashes there in 2020. A driver who runs a red light is a danger at any intersection.
Glendale Police Department
Main station at 6835 North 57th Drive. Records is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The city's records page points to an online request form and to buycrash.com. For a freeway crash, ask which agency took the report.
Banner Thunderbird Medical Center
5555 W. Thunderbird Rd., a Level I trauma center. Medical records from the first hospital visit often matter to the claim.
Glendale City Clerk
5850 W. Glendale Ave. If a city vehicle, signal or road may have played a part, a notice of claim is generally due within 180 days. We confirm who may accept it.
Maricopa County Superior Court
Hears wrongful death lawsuits and assigns civil cases to a judicial district by ZIP code. See our guide to Maricopa County courts.
How a Glendale Wrongful Death Claim Usually Unfolds
Every case moves at its own pace. These are the points where timing matters.
In the first days
Records and evidence
We ask for the police report and tell you which records are at risk. For a truck crash, carriers may discard driver logs after six months.
In the first weeks
Who is responsible
We look at the driver, any employer, any property owner or business, and whether alcohol was served to an obviously intoxicated person. A claim against a licensee likely has only a one-year deadline, so call immediately.
Before 180 days
Notice to any public entity
If a public entity may be involved, the written notice of claim must be served on time.
Before two years
Filing the lawsuit
A wrongful death lawsuit generally must be filed within two years of the date of death. Whether the death followed a crash or another cause, a wrongful death lawsuit lawyer in Glendale will often file earlier if the claim is not resolved.
Arizona
What to Gather When You Are Ready
You do not need all of this to call us. Gather what you can, and we will help with the rest.
- The police report number or the name of the agency that responded.
- Names and phone numbers of witnesses.
- Medical bills, records and the name of each hospital or provider.
- Funeral and burial bills.
- Insurance cards and policy letters, including your own auto policy.
- Anything the other side or an insurer has sent you. You are not required to agree to a recorded statement.
Related pages
Wrongful death by city
Questions
Questions about Glendale wrongful death cases
What does a wrongful death claim lawyer in Glendale actually do?
We explain who may bring the claim, find out who is responsible, protect the records, deal with the insurance companies, and tell you what the claim may cover. You pay no attorney fee unless we recover money for you.
How long do we have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Glendale?
Generally two years from the date of death (A.R.S. 12-542). A claim involving a public entity has a 180-day notice requirement, so do not wait.
Can a brother or sister bring a wrongful death claim?
Arizona names the surviving spouse, a child, a parent or guardian, or the personal representative as the people who may bring the claim. Siblings are not statutory beneficiaries. Call us and we will explain how this applies to your family.
Where would the lawsuit be filed for a death in Glendale?
In Maricopa County Superior Court, which assigns civil cases to a judicial district by ZIP code. A 2018 administrative order uses the ZIP code of the plaintiff's lawyer when the plaintiff has one, so we confirm the current assignment when we file.
How do we get the crash report after a fatal accident in Glendale?
Glendale Police Records is at 6835 North 57th Drive and open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The city says there may be a fee. If the crash was on a freeway, ask which agency took the report. Our guide to getting a police report has the steps.
Does the criminal case have to finish before we can file a wrongful death lawsuit?
No. A civil claim is independent of any criminal case, for example a DUI charge. The civil deadlines keep running while the criminal case moves, so call us early.
Do I have to travel to Scottsdale to talk with you?
No. We start by phone. Call any time. Office visits Monday to Friday, 9 to 5. Our office is about 16 miles from Glendale City Hall, and the firm takes cases anywhere in Arizona.
Free case review
Talk With Us About Your Glendale Loss
Call (602) 584-8054 or request your free case review. Our experienced and friendly attorney will explain your legal rights, at whatever pace your family needs. The earlier you call, the better, but it's never too late to find out your legal rights.
Call any time. Office visits Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.
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