Wrongful Death Attorneys in Salt Lake City, UT
Justice for Victims of Preventable Loss
- Where other firms send the toughest cases
- Backed by leading medical experts statewide
- Millions Recovered in High-Stakes Wrongful Death Cases
- Prepared to Take Cases to Trial When Accountability Is Denied
"You feel like somebody's
fighting for you.” –Matt
Why Choose Younker
Hyde Macfarlane?
Choosing the right firm after a wrongful death is one of the most important decisions your family will make. You owe it to yourself to request a free consultation with us because:
- We Take the Hardest Cases
Approximately 75% of our clients are referred by other Utah law firms. Attorneys turn to us when wrongful death cases require extensive investigation, credentialed medical experts, and the ability to prepare cases for trial when accountability is denied. - We Secure Crucial Autopsy Evidence
Autopsies are often critical in wrongful death cases, particularly when the cause of death is disputed or unclear. We guide families through the process of obtaining an autopsy through the University of Utah, the Medical Examiner, or qualified private pathologists to ensure the true cause of death is accurately documented. - We’re Known by Insurers, Defense Counsel, and Medical Institutions
Our reputation for thorough preparation and principled advocacy has earned us credibility throughout Utah’s legal and medical communities. These relationships often help us identify responsible parties early and resolve complex wrongful death claims more effectively. - We Get Results
Our team has recovered millions for families harmed by preventable loss. We use those results to help clients secure stability, accountability, and a path forward after devastating circumstances.
Time Is of the Essence
Utah law gives families two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. That time can pass quickly, especially while you are grieving.
Early action allows us to preserve evidence, consult experts, and build the strongest possible case. Financial hardship resulting from negligence should never fall on your family. We are here to help you stand on equal footing with insurers and major institutions.
$5 Million Jury Award
During a hernia repair surgery, a surgeon accidentally cut a patient’s bowels, leading to rapid decline. Although her condition later improved, doctors failed to communicate this and withdrew life-sustaining care. After a nine-day trial, we proved she likely would have recovered. The jury awarded $5 million, including $2 million to each child and $1 million to her estate.
$2.94 Million Verdict
A Utah Transit Authority employee repeatedly sought care for chest pain (classic signs of aortic dissection) but was misdiagnosed twice. He passed away days later. The clinic rejected a $1 million settlement, so we went to trial and secured a $2,940,250.21 verdict, even with the jury assigning 30% fault to the victim.
Misdiagnosis Can Be Grounds for a Wrongful Death Case
If your loved one died of a heart attack after being seen by a family doctor or emergency room personnel who failed to diagnose the condition, you may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit. Some physicians may fail to take blood tests or an EKG. In other cases, these tests may be given, but the results are misread, and the symptoms are incorrectly attributed to heartburn or a shoulder injury.
Other common instances of misdiagnosis involve a pulmonary embolism, in which a blood clot becomes stuck in a lung artery. This can cause symptoms such as painful breathing and low oxygen levels, and is often misdiagnosed as pneumonia or asthma.
If you suspect a misdiagnosis is to blame for the loss of your loved one, reach out to our attorneys in Salt Lake City. We can help recommend the right steps to take next.
Opioids and Hypoxic Injuries
Improper opioid dosing, failure to monitor, and dangerous medication interactions can cause respiratory suppression, hypoxic brain injury, and death. We investigate whether opioids were administered safely and pursue accountability when negligence contributed to the fatality.
Achieving Justice for
Casualties of Auto Accidents
Fatal auto accidents often involve negligent actions such as distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence. Whether the case involves a car, truck, motorcycle, boating, or pedestrian collision, we can help your family pursue compensation for funeral costs, financial losses, and the profound emotional impact of losing a loved one.
"He is a compassionate lawyer, who genuinely wanted to help bring justice and peace to us. He has good communication skills, with the ability to listen and respect our desires while still giving us the needed advice. He's also full of good judgment and managed to, with his many skills and perseverance, get us a fair and good settlement that gave us the sense of closure we were looking for, besides the fact that we felt at peace by knowing someone else (John Macfarlane and other members of their staff) also agree about the wrong that was done to our son and our family. I hereby recommend Yonker|Hide|Macfarlane without reservations.
—Donna, 5-Star Review
There Is No Cap on Noneconomic Damages In a
Utah Wrongful
Death Case
There are various types of lawsuits that have a maximum limit of compensation that can be obtained. Some families decide not to pursue a wrongful death case because they feel the possible compensation is not worth the potential pain of litigation.
You should know that the Utah Supreme Court decided that there is no cap on non-economic damages in a wrongful death case. This means the amount of compensation you and your family could make a tremendous difference in your quality of life. Call or write to our attorneys so we can assess your case.
Autopsies Can Serve as Crucial Evidence in Your Case
An autopsy provides an independent medical evaluation of the cause of death and can be essential in proving negligence.
You may obtain an autopsy through:
Common Accidents
Resulting in Wrongful Death
We represent families after deaths caused by:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Boating accidents
- Workplace and construction accidents
- Unsafe premises
- Medical negligence
- Defective products or drugs
- Acts of violence
- Sports injuries
If negligence played any role, we are ready to help your family pursue justice.
Trial Is Not Always Necessary
Many wrongful death claims resolve through strong pre-litigation negotiation. Our preparation, expert partnerships, and statewide relationships often allow us to secure substantial settlements without filing a single document. When trial is necessary, we stand ready.
