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Losing a family member because of another party’s negligence is one of the most painful experiences anyone can face. In Scottsdale, families have turned to the courts after tragedies that could have been prevented with proper care, oversight, or safety measures.
In January 2022, 11-year-old Chaskah Davis died in the bathtub of a Scottsdale extended-stay hotel after years of reported abuse at the hands of his grandmother and her husband. Court documents and a $60 million claim filed in March 2025 allege that Arizona’s Department of Child Safety ignored repeated warnings dating back to 2017, failing to remove the children from a dangerous situation despite multiple opportunities to intervene.
Each of these cases show how wrongful death can occur in many different settings, whether inside a care facility, a family home, or even a public building, and how systemic failures, negligence, or lack of oversight can leave families shattered.
If your family has lost someone in Scottsdale due to another party’s negligence, you do not have to carry the burden alone. Contact our Scottsdale wrongful death lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
Arizona law allows certain family members to bring a wrongful death claim when someone’s life is cut short because of negligence or misconduct. These claims seek to provide financial relief and accountability for the loss that survivors endure.
Families may recover different types of damages:
These are the financial losses you can measure with receipts or bills. They include:
These cover the ways your life has been changed that don’t have a direct dollar amount, such as:
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 Scottsdale wrongful death attorneys today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
We have built our reputation on delivering results and standing by our clients from the first call to the final resolution.
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.
Every 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.
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.
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.
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 Scottsdale accident attorneys now for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Wrongful death cases require a careful approach to prove responsibility and the full impact of the loss. Our team takes a step-by-step approach that includes:
We present each case with clear timelines, strong evidence, and expert support that’s difficult to dispute in negotiations or court. Talk to our wrongful death attorneys in Scottsdale now for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
The loss of a loved one in a preventable accident leaves families facing not only grief but also unexpected financial strain. Beyond funeral costs and medical bills, families may lose the income, support, and companionship that shaped their daily lives. These losses extend far into the future, affecting stability, independence, and emotional well-being.
At Thompson Law, we pursue the full lifetime impact of your loss, not just the immediate expenses. We work to recover damages for lost income, household contributions, emotional suffering, and the profound absence of your loved one. Insurance companies often try to minimize claims, but we are prepared to take cases to trial to fight for the full value your family deserves.
Call today to discuss your case with our Scottsdale wrongful death attorneys. Reach out for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
Our wrongful death team has successfully represented families in some of the most challenging cases, including those involving corporate negligence, multi-vehicle accidents, and unsafe practices that resulted in fatal injuries.
We achieve results by conducting thorough investigations, working with expert witnesses, and holding all responsible parties accountable. From accident reconstruction to company safety record analysis, we gather the evidence needed to prove liability and maximize compensation under Arizona law.
Contact our Scottsdale wrongful death lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
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.
We believe every family deserves justice, regardless of financial means. That’s why our Scottsdale wrongful death attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. You owe nothing unless we secure compensation for your family. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.
Our firm also advances costs such as expert witness fees, court filings, and investigations, so you can focus on healing without financial stress.
Call our Scottsdale wrongful death lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION and learn more about our no-win, no-fee promise.
Families often feel uncertain about what comes next once a wrongful death claim is started. The process can seem overwhelming, but having a clear idea of each step helps bring peace of mind.
Here is what you can expect:
The process begins with a free case review. During this meeting, the attorney listens to your story, explains your legal rights, and outlines possible next steps. There is no obligation, and families get the chance to ask important questions.
Once you decide to move forward, your attorney begins a thorough investigation. This may include collecting police reports, coroner records, medical files, photographs, surveillance footage, and witness statements. Financial experts may also be brought in to estimate the long-term impact of the loss.
Your attorney files the wrongful death lawsuit in the proper Arizona court. If a government entity is involved, such as the City of Scottsdale, a notice of claim is filed within the required 180-day deadline before the lawsuit can proceed.
Most wrongful death cases involve negotiations with insurance providers, corporations, or government lawyers. Attorneys present evidence of negligence and the full extent of damages to push for a fair settlement. Many cases resolve at this stage, avoiding the stress of a trial.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case moves to trial. Your attorney prepares evidence, lines up expert witnesses, and builds arguments to present before a judge or jury. While trials can take more time, they may provide the best path to full justice and accountability.
If your case is successful, the court or settlement agreement determines how compensation is awarded. The funds are then distributed to the eligible family members based on Arizona law.
Throughout every stage, our Scottsdale wrongful death lawyers keep families informed, handle communication with the other side, and work to protect your rights.
Contact our Scottsdale wrongful death lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW and let us guide you through each step of the process.
Wrongful death claims in Arizona are guided by state law. These rules define who can file a case, how damages are recovered, and how responsibility is determined. Understanding these laws is an important step for families considering legal action.
Under A.R.S. § 12-612, a wrongful death case can be filed by:
If none of these parties are living, the claim may be filed by the personal representative of the estate. A guardian may also bring a case for the wrongful death of a ward, and either parent may bring a case for the death of a child.
Money recovered from a wrongful death case is shared among the surviving family members based on the level of harm they suffered. If the case is brought on behalf of the estate, the recovery becomes part of the estate’s assets.
Family members who caused the death, or were convicted of related serious crimes, cannot recover damages. Arizona law treats them as if they predeceased the victim.
If a person could have filed a personal injury lawsuit had they survived, then their survivors may file a wrongful death claim. The responsible party can still be held liable even if the death occurred under circumstances that would also qualify as murder or manslaughter.
Most wrongful death claims in Arizona must be filed within two years of the date of death. If the claim involves a government entity, a formal notice of claim must be filed within 180 days. Missing these deadlines can prevent families from recovering damages.
A wrongful death case compensates surviving family members for their losses, while a survival action is brought by the estate to recover damages the deceased person could have pursued if they had lived, such as medical bills or lost wages before death.
Our team of Scottsdale wrongful death lawyers understands these laws and how to use them to build strong cases. Contact us today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
Wrongful death can happen in many ways, and the causes often point to preventable negligence. In Scottsdale, families have filed claims after accidents and failures in several settings:
Car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents remain one of the leading causes of wrongful death in Arizona. High-traffic areas in Scottsdale, such as Scottsdale Road, Shea Boulevard, and Camelback Road, have seen deadly collisions caused by speeding, impaired driving, and distracted drivers.
Construction, transportation, and industrial jobs carry higher risks, but even office or retail workers can face fatal injuries when safety rules are ignored. Employers who fail to provide proper training, equipment, or safe conditions may be held liable.
From machinery to consumer goods, faulty design or manufacturing can lead to deadly accidents. Arizona product liability law allows families to pursue wrongful death claims against manufacturers and distributors when unsafe products cause fatal harm.
Property owners are responsible for keeping their premises safe. Fatal slip-and-fall accidents, inadequate security leading to assaults, or unsafe building conditions may all support a wrongful death claim.
Failure to diagnose, surgical mistakes, medication errors, and lack of proper care can cost patients their lives. When medical professionals or facilities fall below accepted standards of care, surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim.
Losing a loved one to any of these causes is devastating. Contact our Scottsdale wrongful death lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION.
The impact of a wrongful death extends far beyond financial loss. Families in Scottsdale often face both immediate costs and long-term changes to their daily lives.
The absence of a spouse, parent, or child can leave a permanent void in a family. Arizona law recognizes the deep emotional harm of losing love, guidance, and protection.
Beyond income, families also lose the everyday support the deceased provided, from childcare and home maintenance to elder care and family responsibilities.
Grief, trauma, and psychological harm affect each surviving family member differently. Wrongful death cases allow compensation for the emotional toll that comes with such a loss.
The sudden loss of income can leave families unable to cover rent, mortgages, tuition, or medical bills. A wrongful death claim can help secure financial stability during an overwhelming time.
Our team works with experts to document both economic and non-economic damages so that families receive full and fair compensation. Contact our Scottsdale wrongful death lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
Wrongful death cases require not only legal skill but also local knowledge. Scottsdale families benefit from attorneys who understand the specifics of the community and courts.
Each court and judge has its own procedures and expectations. Lawyers who regularly handle cases in Maricopa County are prepared for the nuances of local wrongful death litigation.
From busy intersections to senior care facilities, attorneys who know Scottsdale can identify local hazards that have led to past wrongful death claims. This insight strengthens the case by tying it to known safety concerns.
Local attorneys understand how Maricopa County juries have historically ruled in wrongful death cases. This experience helps them shape arguments, present evidence effectively, and anticipate defense strategies.
Cases often require medical experts, accident reconstructionists, or financial analysts. Having local resources means evidence can be gathered quickly and efficiently, giving families an advantage in pursuing justice.
Our Scottsdale wrongful death lawyers combine local experience with proven results to guide families through one of the hardest times of their lives. Contact us today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
In a wrongful death case, official records such as police reports, coroner findings, and medical examiner documents are vital. These records may include officer notes, diagrams, witness statements, citations, and medical details that help establish the cause of death and identify responsible parties. Having these documents early gives families and attorneys a stronger foundation for pursuing a claim.
You can request a Scottsdale police report in three ways:
Use the Scottsdale Police Department’s online records portal. You will need the last name of someone involved, the date of the incident, and the Departmental Report Number (DR#). A small processing fee applies.
Complete the official Report Request Form and send it with payment (check or money order) and a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Scottsdale Police Department – Records Division
8401 E. Indian School Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Visit the Records Division at the same address, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring a valid photo ID and the required fee.
In cases where the Maricopa County Medical Examiner was involved, families may also request autopsy and coroner records. These can provide important medical evidence in addition to the police report.
Because wrongful death claims often involve questions about negligence, timing, or medical conditions, obtaining these documents quickly is essential. Our Scottsdale wrongful death lawyers can take care of these requests on your behalf to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Contact our Scottsdale wrongful death lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
Losing a loved one is devastating, and no family should have to face financial uncertainty on top of grief. That is why our Scottsdale wrongful death lawyers offer legal help on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront and nothing out of pocket while your case is ongoing. We only receive payment if we win compensation for you. If we do not secure a settlement or verdict, you owe us nothing.
This approach allows families to pursue justice without worrying about legal costs. From the very first consultation, our goal is to give you clear answers, guide you through the process, and fight for accountability so you can focus on healing.
Take the first step today by contacting our Scottsdale wrongful death lawyers for a FREE CONSULTATION. We are here to listen, to act quickly, and to stand by your side until your case is resolved.
Yes. Families can bring a wrongful death claim if neglect, poor supervision, or unsafe conditions in a care facility led to a loved one’s death. Arizona law allows survivors to hold facilities accountable for failing to meet the standard of care.
Workplace fatalities may involve multiple parties, including employers, contractors, and equipment manufacturers. In some cases, workers’ compensation benefits may apply, but families can also file a wrongful death claim against negligent third parties, such as subcontractors or product makers.
Many do. While some cases go to trial, a large number of wrongful death claims are resolved through settlements with insurance companies or defendants. Settling can provide faster compensation, but your attorney will advise if trial is the best way to secure full justice.
Yes. A civil wrongful death case is separate from criminal proceedings. Even if prosecutors file charges for manslaughter, murder, or abuse, families can still pursue compensation in civil court. A civil case can succeed even if the criminal case does not result in a conviction.
The timeline depends on the complexity of the case, the willingness of the other side to negotiate, and the amount of evidence involved. Some claims settle within months, while others may take one to two years, especially if they proceed to trial.
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.
