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Scottsdale wrongful death attorney

Scottsdale wrongful death claims under Arizona's wrongful-death statute. Big Dog Law represents Scottsdale families after a fatal crash, medical event, or other negligence-caused death.

There is no version of this page that softens what happens after a sudden, preventable death. The legal questions arrive at the worst possible moment, the insurer’s letter shows up before the funeral does, and the investigation clock starts running before anyone is ready to think about it. We handle Scottsdale wrongful death cases with the patience these families need and the legal pressure these defendants respond to.

Arizona wrongful-death basics

  • Arizona's wrongful-death statute (A.R.S. § 12-611) allows the surviving spouse, child, parent, or personal representative to bring the claim.
  • Most wrongful-death claims have a 2-year statute of limitations from the date of death.
  • If a public entity (city, county, state, ASU, etc.) may share responsibility, the 180-day Notice of Claim rule applies.
  • Damages are not capped under the Arizona Constitution.

Common Scottsdale wrongful death cases

  • Fatal vehicle crashes

    Loop 101 and the high-speed Scottsdale arterials produce a meaningful share of fatal crash cases in the Northeast Valley.

  • Truck and commercial-vehicle deaths

    Federal motor-carrier defendants, layered insurance, and a different evidentiary playbook.

  • DUI and weekend-nightlife fatalities

    Particularly involving Old Town, rideshare, and the surrounding bar district.

  • Pedestrian and bicycle fatalities

    Particularly along corridors with high foot or bike traffic and inconsistent infrastructure.

  • Premises and pool deaths

    Drownings, fall deaths at resorts and apartment complexes, and security-failure deaths at commercial properties.

  • Medical and care-facility deaths

    Including missed diagnoses, medication errors, and nursing-home neglect.

What the wrongful-death statute can recover

Arizona wrongful-death damages are personal to the surviving family — not just to the estate. The statute recognizes both economic and substantial non-economic losses.

  • Loss of love, companionship, and guidance

    Recognized non-economic damages for the surviving spouse, children, and parents.

  • Loss of financial support

    Including future income, benefits, and household-services contributions the decedent would have provided.

  • Pain and suffering of survivors

    The emotional toll of the loss on each statutory beneficiary.

  • Funeral and burial expenses

    Recoverable as part of the family's claim.

  • Decedent's pain and suffering before death

    Brought as a separate "survival" action by the personal representative when conscious pain and suffering preceded death.

Lost a loved one in Scottsdale? Talk to us — confidentially.

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Scottsdale, AZ

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