Lost someone to
someone else’s negligence?
Free, private 5-minute call. We are not in a hurry. We are not going to rush you. No paperwork on the first call.
You’re not ready to think about a lawsuit. We understand.
The wreck was on the 10, the 17, the 60. Or it was a fall that shouldn’t have been a fatal one. Or a workplace incident that took someone who shouldn’t have been at risk. The funeral happened or is happening. The kids are asking when mom or dad is coming home.
Wrongful death cases sit in the worst category of personal injury law because they ask families to perform legal-procedural work in the moment they have the least capacity. Most lawyers handle them clumsily — pushing for information, requesting decisions, treating it as a transactional file. We don’t. The first call is a conversation, not an intake.
How Arizona wrongful death law works
Six things you should know that affect timing, recovery, and how the case proceeds.
Who can bring it — A.R.S. § 12-612
Surviving spouse, child, parent, or guardian. If none, the personal representative of the estate brings on behalf of beneficiaries.
2-year clock
Two years from date of death under A.R.S. § 12-542(A). Government-vehicle cases require 180-day notice under § 12-821.01.
Damages — A.R.S. § 12-613
Loss of love, companionship, and guidance; survivors’ grief; lost income and services; funeral expenses; punitive damages in some cases.
Comparative negligence applies
If the deceased was partially at fault, recovery is reduced by their percentage under A.R.S. § 12-2505 — but not eliminated.
Don’t take the first offer
Insurance offers in wrongful death are typically a small fraction of case value, especially when the deceased was a wage earner.
UM/UIM applies
The deceased’s own auto policy may include UM/UIM under A.R.S. § 20-259.01 that covers wrongful death.
What we do — and don’t do — on the first call
We listen.
Answer your questions about the legal framework. Explain what insurance is likely to do next.
We don’t pressure.
No paperwork on the first call. No pushing for documents you don’t yet have. No requesting decisions you’re not ready to make.
We tell you honestly.
Whether your case is one we’d be a good fit for, or one better referred to a specialist firm.
You decide when to follow up.
When you’re ready. The legal clock has weeks-to-months of margin in most cases.
Wood Injury Law took over my case after another firm told me to take a low-ball settlement. They got me significantly more once they actually fought it. Worth every minute.
Questions clients ask on the first call
How much does it cost to hire Wood Injury Law?
Nothing upfront. Contingency fee, paid a percentage of recovery. If we don’t recover, you owe nothing in attorney fees.
How long do I have to file in Arizona?
Two years from the date of the wreck under A.R.S. § 12-542. Government cases require 180-day notice under A.R.S. § 12-821.01.
What if I’m partly at fault?
Arizona is a pure comparative negligence state under A.R.S. § 12-2505. You can still recover, reduced by your percentage of fault.
What if the at-fault party had no insurance?
Your own UM/UIM coverage under A.R.S. § 20-259.01 may pay your damages even when the at-fault driver carries no insurance.
What if I had a prior injury?
Arizona follows the eggshell plaintiff doctrine. A wreck that aggravated an existing condition still caused your current injury and is compensable.
How quickly should I call?
Today if you can. Earlier involvement means evidence preservation, no recorded-statement traps, and a clear strategy from day one.