October 7, 2026 | Personal Injury
There is no fixed formula for calculating a wrongful death settlement in Arizona. Instead, the value depends on the losses suffered by surviving family members and the circumstances surrounding the death.
Under A.R.S. § 12-613, wrongful death damages should be “fair and just” based on the injury resulting to eligible survivors. This means factors such as lost financial support, the survivor’s relationship with the deceased, and the emotional impact of the death may all affect the value of a claim.
What Types of Damages Are Available in an Arizona Wrongful Death Claim?
Wrongful death compensation generally includes economic and non-economic damages. Punitive damages may also be available in certain cases.
Economic damages address financial losses caused by the death, while non-economic damages compensate survivors for personal and emotional losses. The amount recovered will depend on the evidence supporting each survivor’s damages and, if the case settles, negotiations with the responsible parties and their insurers.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Arizona?
Under A.R.S. § 12-612, a wrongful death action may be brought by the deceased person’s surviving spouse, child, parent or guardian, or personal representative.
The action is generally brought for the benefit of the surviving spouse, children, or parents. If none of these individuals survives, the claim may be brought on behalf of the deceased person’s estate.
Arizona law also provides that compensation is distributed among eligible beneficiaries in proportion to their respective damages.
What Economic Damages Can Be Recovered?
Economic damages compensate surviving family members for measurable financial losses resulting from the death.
These damages may include lost wages, future earnings, employment benefits, financial support, and the value of services the deceased person would have provided. Factors such as the deceased person’s age, health, occupation, earnings, and expected career path may be considered.
KRLG Injury Lawyers has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for clients and understands that calculating future financial losses can be complicated. Our firm can evaluate financial records, employment information, and other evidence to determine the full extent of a family’s losses.
What Non-Economic Damages Can Be Recovered?
Non-economic damages address the personal and emotional impact of losing a family member.
Arizona courts have recognized damages for the loss of companionship, comfort, care, guidance, and society. Survivors may also be compensated for sorrow, mental anguish, pain, shock, and suffering resulting from the death.
Because these losses are personal, the nature and closeness of the relationship between the survivor and the deceased can be an important consideration.
Are Punitive Damages Available in Arizona Wrongful Death Cases?
Punitive damages may be available in some wrongful death cases. These damages differ from compensatory damages because they are intended in part to punish, especially wrongful conduct, and discourage similar behavior.
The Arizona Supreme Court has recognized that the “aggravating circumstances” language in A.R.S. § 12-613 can permit punitive damages in wrongful death actions.
However, negligence alone generally is not enough. Whether punitive damages are available depends on the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct and the specific facts of the case.
How Long Do You Have To File an Arizona Wrongful Death Claim?
Under A.R.S. § 12-542, Arizona generally has a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims, with the claim generally accruing on the date of death.
Waiting beyond the applicable deadline can prevent survivors from recovering compensation. Different deadlines or procedural requirements may apply in some circumstances, making it important to investigate a potential claim promptly.
What Should I Do if I Lost a Family Member in a Preventable Accident?
If a loved one died because of a car accident, defective product, medical negligence, or another preventable event, consider speaking with an Arizona wrongful death lawyer.
An attorney can investigate what happened, identify potentially responsible parties, document your family’s financial and personal losses, and negotiate for compensation. A free consultation can help you understand your legal options and whether you may have a wrongful death claim.
Contact an Arizona Wrongful Death Lawyer at KRLG Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence can leave your family facing difficult financial and emotional challenges. KRLG Injury Lawyers can explain your rights, investigate what happened, and help you pursue the compensation available under Arizona law.
For more information, please contact the personal injury attorneys of KRLG Injury Lawyers at (623) 303-5754 to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Scottsdale, Phoenix, Maricopa County, & Arizona’s surrounding areas.
KRLG Injury Lawyers
7702 E Doubletree Ranch Rd #150, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
(623) 303-5754
