Peoria Wrongful Death Lawyers

Lost a Loved One in Peoria? Here’s What You Should Know

Losing a loved one in Peoria because of another person’s negligence is devastating. Wrongful death cases are not just statistics, they represent families torn apart by preventable tragedies.

In May 2025, a fatal two-vehicle crash at 91st Avenue and Thunderbird Road claimed a driver’s life instantly, leaving their family searching for answers. Earlier that spring, a 66-year-old woman was killed in Peoria after being struck by a car near Knoxville Avenue and Orchard Place, a sudden loss caused by driver error. Another multi-vehicle accident on 107th Avenue and Rose Garden Lane also resulted in a fatality, a reminder of how quickly negligence can end a life.

Each of these tragedies illustrates the heart of wrongful death law: holding negligent drivers and parties accountable when their actions cause irreparable harm. Families left behind often face not only grief but also financial burdens from medical bills, funeral costs, and lost income.

If your family has suffered a wrongful death in Peoria, you deserve compassionate support and strong legal representation. Contact our Peoria wrongful death lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Receive a Free Case Review

Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a Wrongful Death in Peoria

When a loved one’s life is taken by negligence, Arizona law allows families to pursue financial recovery. While no amount of money can replace a life, compensation can ease the financial and emotional strain.

Families may recover different types of damages:

Special Damages

These are the financial losses you can measure with receipts or bills. They include:

  • Past and future medical expenses for hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, and medication
  • Lost wages for the time you cannot work
  • Loss of future earning ability if you cannot return to the same type of work
  • Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and other property damaged in the crash
  • Travel expenses for medical appointments

General Damages

These cover the ways your life has been changed that don’t have a direct dollar amount, such as:

Punitive Damages

In rare cases where the driver or company acted with extreme recklessness, such as driving under the influence, ignoring safety regulations, or knowingly operating with overloaded cargo, the court may award punitive damages to punish the conduct and deter similar behavior in the future.

Talk to our Peoria wrongful death attorneys today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Peoria Wrongful Death Lawyers

Why Choose Thompson Law as Your Peoria Wrongful Death Attorneys

Choosing the right law firm can make all the difference in securing justice for your loved one. At Thompson Law, we are committed to standing by your side through the most difficult time of your life.

Proven Results

We’ve recovered over $1.9 billion for accident victims nationwide, and our results speak for themselves. From serious injury claims to everyday collisions, we fight to get our clients every dollar they’re owed. Our success is rooted in strong advocacy and relentless pursuit of justice.

Personalized Attention

Every car accident is unique. We take the time to understand the details of your crash and develop a legal strategy tailored to your specific needs. This approach ensures that your voice is heard and your case gets the attention it deserves.

5-Star Reputation

With hundreds of 5-star reviews and a history of satisfied clients, Thompson Law is trusted throughout California for our results and responsiveness. Clients choose us because we communicate clearly, act quickly, and deliver results.

No Fees Unless We Win

You don’t pay anything unless we win your case. It’s that simple. We work on a contingency fee basis, so there’s no risk to you.

Fast Action and Availability

We’re available 24/7 to take your call. Once hired, we begin investigating right away to preserve evidence and build your case. Time matters after a crash, so don’t wait.

Call our Peoria accident attorneys now for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Call for Your Free Consultation

(844) 308-8180

How Our Peoria Wrongful Death Lawyers Build Strong Claims

Wrongful death claims require careful preparation and evidence. Our legal team uses a detailed process to build strong cases for grieving families.

By building a strong claim, we give your family the best chance at justice and fair compensation. Call our Peoria wrongful death lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Our Peoria Wrongful Death Lawyers Fight for Maximum Compensation

Wrongful death cases are about more than immediate expenses. Families are often left with years of financial and emotional hardship. We fight for:

  • Coverage of medical bills, funeral costs, and other immediate expenses
  • Financial recovery for lost wages, benefits, and the lifetime earning potential of your loved one
  • Recognition of the deep emotional loss, including companionship, guidance, and support
  • Willingness to take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses a fair settlement

Your family should not have to settle for less than full justice. Contact our Peoria wrongful death attorneys today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle in Peoria

Wrongful death cases can arise in many ways. At Thompson Law, our Peoria wrongful death lawyers handle claims connected to all types of fatal accidents and negligence.

No matter how your loved one’s death occurred, our legal team is here to help your family pursue justice and hold the responsible parties accountable. Contact our Peoria wrongful death attorneys today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Seek Justice for Your Loved One

Our wrongful death attorneys are here to fight for accountability and the financial support your family deserves. Contact Thompson Law today for a free and compassionate consultation.

Contact Us

Common Damages and Family Losses in Wrongful Death Cases in Peoria, AZ

Loss of Companionship and Care

One of the most painful impacts of wrongful death is the absence of a loved one’s companionship and support. A spouse, parent, or child often provides guidance and comfort that cannot be replaced.

Loss of Household Services

Daily responsibilities such as childcare, transportation, and household tasks may now fall on surviving family members. This added strain makes recovery even harder.

Emotional Pain and Suffering

Grief affects every family differently, but the law recognizes emotional pain as a loss that deserves compensation.

Financial Strain and Future Expenses

Families often face lost income, unpaid medical bills, funeral costs, and ongoing expenses such as housing and education.

Our Peoria wrongful death lawyers carefully document each of these damages so your claim reflects the full scope of loss. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Why Local Experience Matters in Peoria Wrongful Death Cases

Wrongful death cases in Peoria require legal knowledge that extends beyond state statutes.

Local experience makes a difference because the West Valley has its own risks and legal environment. Attorneys familiar with Maricopa County courts understand how local judges manage cases and how juries often respond to certain evidence. This insight helps build stronger strategies from the start.

Knowledge of high-risk areas in Peoria also plays an important role. Busy intersections such as 83rd Avenue and Peoria Avenue, 75th Avenue and Thunderbird Road, and 91st Avenue and Union Hills Drive are known for serious and fatal crashes. Industrial zones and construction sites in the West Valley add another layer of risk for workers.

Local attorneys who already know these areas can connect crash data, safety concerns, and community awareness to support a wrongful death claim.

Beyond this, local lawyers often work with trusted medical professionals, financial experts, and accident investigators in the region. These experts provide testimony that carries weight with Maricopa County juries. Having a team rooted in the community gives families a stronger chance of success.

For guidance backed by local experience, contact our Peoria wrongful death lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Arizona Wrongful Death Laws That Could Affect Your Case

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim

Arizona law (A.R.S. § 12-612) allows certain family members to bring a wrongful death case. These include a surviving spouse, children, parents, or guardians of the person who died. If none of these relatives are alive, the claim may be filed by the personal representative of the estate. A guardian may also bring a claim for the wrongful death of a ward, and either parent may file for the loss of a child.

How Recovery Is Distributed

The money recovered from a wrongful death lawsuit is shared among surviving family members according to the level of harm they experienced. In cases brought by the estate, the recovery becomes part of the estate’s assets and is distributed under estate law.

Disqualification Rules

Arizona law disqualifies family members who played a role in causing the death or who were convicted of related serious crimes. The law treats them as though they died before the victim, preventing them from receiving compensation.

Liability Under A.R.S. § 12-611

If the person who passed away could have filed a personal injury claim had they survived, their surviving family members are allowed to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. This rule applies even if the circumstances of the death also qualify as manslaughter or murder.

Statute of Limitations

Most wrongful death cases in Arizona must be filed within two years from the date of death. If a government agency or city is involved, such as in cases of unsafe roads or a crash with a city vehicle, families must file a notice of claim within 180 days. Missing these deadlines may prevent the family from pursuing compensation.

Wrongful Death vs. Survival Actions

A wrongful death lawsuit compensates the surviving family for losses such as grief, loss of companionship, and financial support. A survival action, on the other hand, is brought by the estate to recover damages the deceased person could have claimed if they had lived, such as medical bills and wages lost before their death.

Our Peoria wrongful death lawyers know these laws and how to apply them to protect your family’s rights. Contact us today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

How to Obtain a Peoria Wrongful Death Police Report

A police report is one of the most important documents in a wrongful death case. It contains details about the crash or incident, including when and where it happened, who was involved, and the officers’ initial findings. Families in Peoria can request these reports in several ways.

Peoria Police Department Records Unit

Accident reports are handled by the Records Unit. You can request a copy in person at the Peoria Police Department, located at 8351 W. Cinnabar Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85345. Phone: +1 623-773-7098

Online Request

Reports are also available through the City of Peoria’s online public records request portal. You’ll need details such as the report number, date of the accident, and the names of involved parties. Processing usually takes several business days.

Fees and Identification

There is typically a small fee for the report, and you may need to provide valid photo identification to verify your connection to the crash.

While this can feel overwhelming in the middle of grief, our team can take care of obtaining the police report for you to make sure nothing delays your case. Contact our Peoria wrongful death lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

What to Expect After Filing a Wrongful Death Claim

Filing a wrongful death claim is a serious step, but understanding the process can help families feel more prepared.

Initial Consultation

The first step is meeting with an attorney for a free, no-pressure review of your case. This helps determine whether you have grounds for a claim and what damages may be pursued.

Investigation

Your lawyer will then gather the key evidence. This often includes police reports, medical and coroner records, and statements from witnesses. In some cases, accident reconstruction experts or other professionals may be involved.

Filing the Claim

Once the evidence is reviewed, your attorney will file the claim. If the case involves a government agency, such as a city or county, a formal notice of claim must also be submitted within 180 days.

Negotiations

Most wrongful death cases involve negotiations with insurance companies, corporations, or individual defendants. The goal is to reach a fair settlement that compensates your family without a lengthy court battle.

Pre-Trial and Trial Preparation

If settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will prepare the case for trial. This stage includes selecting expert witnesses, organizing evidence, and developing a trial strategy to present in court.

Resolution

Finally, the case may end in a settlement or a court award. Any recovery is then distributed according to Arizona law and the losses of surviving family members. Contact our Peoria wrongful death lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Take the First Step With a Free, No-Pressure Case Review

Losing a loved one is devastating, and the last thing families should face is financial stress on top of grief. Our attorneys handle wrongful death cases in Peoria with compassion and care. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not owe us anything unless we recover compensation for you.

We also advance the costs of experts, filings, and investigations so you can focus on your family while we focus on your case. Contact our Peoria wrongful death lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

FAQs About Wrongful Death Cases in Peoria

Who can file a wrongful death claim in Arizona?

Arizona law allows a surviving spouse, child, parent, or guardian to file a wrongful death claim. If none are living, the personal representative of the estate may bring the case.

How long do I have to file?

Most wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of death. If a government agency is involved, families must file a notice of claim within 180 days.

Can I bring a claim if my loved one died at work or in a nursing home?

Yes. Wrongful death claims can arise from many situations, including workplace accidents, nursing home neglect, medical malpractice, and motor vehicle crashes.

Do wrongful death claims usually settle out of court?

Many cases are resolved through settlement negotiations with insurance companies or defendants. However, some do go to trial if a fair agreement cannot be reached.

What if the responsible party is facing criminal charges too?

A wrongful death claim is separate from criminal charges. Even if the at-fault party is charged with crimes like manslaughter, your family can still pursue civil damages.

What types of evidence are most important in these cases?

Police reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony are often critical. Photos, videos, and financial records can also strengthen your case.

How long does a wrongful death case usually take?

The timeline depends on the complexity of the case and the willingness of the other side to settle. Some claims resolve in months, while others may take a year or more if they go to trial.

Thompson Law Guarantee

Thompson Law charges NO FEE unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We’ve put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements in our clients’ pockets. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get your questions answered, and understand your legal options.

State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.