Peoria Wrongful Death Lawyer
Arizona’s wrongful death statute (ARS 12-611) gives surviving families the right to hold the responsible party accountable. We work at the family’s pace.
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Arizona’s Wrongful Death Statute
ARS 12-611 gives surviving family members the right to seek compensation when a person dies as a result of another party’s wrongful act, neglect, or default. The claim belongs to the survivors, and the damages under ARS 12-613 are designed to compensate the family for what they have actually lost — not to punish the defendant.
Who Can File Under ARS 12-612
- Surviving spouse
- Children (including adult children)
- Parents
- Guardian, if no surviving spouse, children, or parents
- Personal representative of the estate if none of the above survive
Why Wrongful Death Cases in Peoria Need a Local Lawyer
Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) runs through Peoria as the primary north-south high-speed connector for the Northwest Valley, carrying substantial daily traffic volume at highway speeds. Lake Pleasant Parkway is a major access road into the master-planned communities of the Northwest Valley and sees high commuter volume. Bell Road is Peoria’s primary east-west commercial corridor — a long stretch of signalized intersections with documented T-bone and left-turn crash patterns. Grand Avenue (US-60) cuts diagonally through the southern portion of Peoria, mixing commercial truck traffic with local street use.
Peoria is home to Peoria Sports Complex, which generates a seasonal influx of out-of-state drivers unfamiliar with local roads every spring — a period that correlates with elevated crash frequency. Major trauma cases route to Abrazo Arrowhead Campus in Glendale or Banner Thunderbird Medical Center in Glendale. Peoria PD handles in-city incidents; MCSO covers unincorporated areas. Civil wrongful death claims file in Maricopa County Superior Court; the Northwest Regional Court Center in Surprise handles some smaller matters. When a government entity is involved, the 180-day notice under ARS 12-821.01 begins running from the date of death.
Key Arizona Statutes
- ARS 12-611 — When a wrongful death action lies
- ARS 12-612 — Who has standing to bring the claim
- ARS 12-613 — Damages available to surviving family members
- ARS 12-542 — 2-year statute of limitations
- ARS 12-821.01 — 180-day notice of claim when a government entity is involved
Damages Under ARS 12-613
- Loss of love, companionship, affection, and guidance
- Loss of the financial support the deceased would have provided over their working life
- Loss of household services
- The deceased’s own pain and suffering prior to death, if applicable
- Funeral and burial expenses
We Work at the Family’s Pace
Wrongful death cases require care that other personal injury cases do not. We do not push families toward quick settlements. We provide a direct contact, regular updates, and honest assessments at every stage. You will always know where your case stands.
Our Fee Structure
Contingency fee. No fee unless we recover compensation for your family. No upfront costs.
Related Pages
- Peoria Personal Injury Lawyer
- Peoria Car Accident Lawyer
- Peoria Truck Accident Lawyer
- Peoria Slip and Fall Lawyer
- Arizona Wrongful Death Overview
Crash data: Peoria, 2024
The following crash statistics are reported by the state for Peoria in 2024. They set the backdrop for any personal injury claim in this jurisdiction.
| Total reportable crashes | 3,009 |
| Injury crashes | 1,040 |
| Fatal crashes | 18 |
| People killed | 21 |
| People injured | 1,502 |
| Alcohol-related crashes | 119 |
Source: Arizona Department of Transportation, 2024 Motor Vehicle Crash Facts (azdot.gov)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Arizona?
Under ARS 12-612, the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased have standing to file. If none survive, the personal representative of the estate may bring the action. The order of priority matters — contact us to confirm who has the right to file in your specific situation.
How long do we have to file?
2 years from the date of death under ARS 12-542. If a government vehicle or employee was involved, ARS 12-821.01 requires a 180-day notice of claim filed with the government entity before a lawsuit can be brought — that window opens immediately.
What damages can a wrongful death claim recover in Arizona?
Under ARS 12-613: loss of love, companionship, and guidance; loss of the financial support the deceased would have provided; loss of household services; the deceased’s pre-death pain and suffering if applicable; and funeral and burial expenses.
Do we have to go to trial?
Most wrongful death cases resolve through settlement without going to trial. We prepare every case for trial from day one — that preparation is what produces better settlement outcomes.
Ready to Talk?
Free consultation. No fee unless we win. Speak directly with Josh Wood.