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Experienced wrongful death representation for Tempe families, serving all of Maricopa County with free consultations.
No legal fees unless we win · Serving all of Maricopa County
Wrongful death cases in Tempe arise when someone dies because of another party's negligent or wrongful conduct — on the road, at a worksite, or in another setting where a duty of care existed. Under Arizona law (ARS § 12-611), if the deceased would have had a valid personal injury claim had they survived, their surviving family members may have grounds for a wrongful death action. These cases often involve complex questions about liability, multiple responsible parties, and significant insurance coverage disputes. Understanding how Arizona's wrongful death statutes apply to your specific situation is one of the most important early steps a family can take.
Tempe's road network creates conditions that appear repeatedly in fatal crash cases. Interstate 10 carries heavy commercial truck traffic through the city, and Loop 101 and Loop 202 see high-speed collisions that can be fatal. US-60 and Rural Road generate serious intersection fatalities, and Mill Avenue — with its pedestrian activity near ASU and the Mill Avenue District — is associated with pedestrian fatalities, including incidents involving impaired drivers. Fatal highway crashes, drunk driving deaths, and commercial truck fatalities are among the most common wrongful death scenarios that lead families to pursue legal action in Maricopa County. Each of these case types involves distinct liability theories and, frequently, multiple potentially responsible parties.
Arizona's wrongful death statute of limitations gives surviving family members two years from the date of death — not the date of the accident — to file a lawsuit (ARS § 12-542). If a government entity or public employee may share responsibility, the deadline is significantly shorter: a formal notice of claim must be filed within 180 days of the death under ARS § 12-821.01, and the overall lawsuit must be brought within one year under ARS § 12-821. Both deadlines apply and missing either can bar the claim entirely. Wrongful death lawsuits in Tempe are filed in Maricopa County Superior Court. If a family member was transported to Banner University Medical Center Phoenix — the nearest Level I trauma center, roughly 15 minutes from central Tempe — preserving those medical records early is important for documenting the severity of the incident.
Henry has practiced personal injury law in Arizona for 15 years and regularly represents families throughout Maricopa County, including Tempe, in wrongful death cases. He offers free consultations and charges no legal fees unless he recovers compensation for you. If you have questions about a potential wrongful death claim in Tempe, call (480) 899-9019 to speak with him directly.
If a Government Entity Was Involved — Shorter Deadlines Apply
When the at-fault party may be a government entity — a city or county, a public school, a state agency, ADOT, a police or sheriff department, a public hospital, or a government-owned road or vehicle — Arizona imposes two deadlines that are much shorter than the general two-year period:
Missing the 180-day notice typically bars the claim entirely, regardless of how strong the case is. Early legal review helps identify whether a government defendant applies and protects both deadlines.
The full guide to wrongful death cases in Arizona
Statewide overview — claims, injuries, compensation, and what to expect.
Henry is here to listen. There is no pressure and no cost for the first conversation — just a chance to understand your options for your family.
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