After losing a loved one, dealing with insurance companies might be the last thing you want to think about. However, understanding how insurance affects your family’s wrongful death claim can make a crucial difference in getting fair compensation. Let’s break down what Salt Lake City families need to know about insurance in wrongful death cases.
Understanding Basic Insurance Coverage
Think of insurance coverage like layers of protection. In Salt Lake City and nearby communities like Murray, Sandy, or Holladay, most wrongful death cases involve multiple insurance policies. For example, if your loved one died in a car accident on I-15 or State Street, you might be dealing with several types of insurance.
The at-fault driver probably has auto insurance. Utah law requires all drivers to carry at least $25,000 in liability coverage for one death. However, this minimum coverage often falls far short of what families need after losing a loved one. Many drivers in our community carry additional coverage, sometimes up to $100,000 or more.
Your own family might have insurance that helps too. If your loved one had their own car insurance, it might provide additional coverage through what’s called “underinsured motorist protection.” This coverage helps when the person who caused the death doesn’t have enough insurance to fully compensate your family.
Workplace Death Insurance Coverage
If your family member died while working at one of Salt Lake City’s many businesses or construction sites, workers’ compensation insurance comes into play. For instance, if the death occurred at a construction site in downtown Salt Lake City or at a warehouse in West Valley City, workers’ compensation provides immediate benefits for funeral expenses and ongoing payments to dependent family members.
However, workers’ compensation isn’t always the only source of help. Sometimes other companies share responsibility for workplace deaths. For example, if faulty equipment caused the death, the equipment manufacturer’s insurance might provide additional compensation. This happens often in construction accidents around growing areas like Draper or Lehi.
Medical Malpractice Insurance
When deaths occur due to medical mistakes at local hospitals like the University of Utah Hospital or St. Mark’s Hospital, medical malpractice insurance becomes involved. Utah’s medical malpractice cases work differently than other wrongful death cases. Doctors and hospitals carry special insurance for these situations, but there are strict rules about how and when you can make claims.
These cases take longer to resolve because the insurance companies often investigate thoroughly. They might review every medical record from facilities across the Salt Lake Valley before considering settlement.
Homeowner’s Insurance in Wrongful Death
Sometimes wrongful deaths happen on someone’s property. Maybe it was a fall at a friend’s house in the Avenues or a drowning in a backyard pool in Cottonwood Heights. Homeowner’s insurance usually covers these deaths. Most local homeowners carry between $100,000 and $500,000 in liability coverage.
How Insurance Companies Handle Claims
When you file a wrongful death claim in Salt Lake City, insurance companies start their investigation immediately. They might send investigators to the accident scene, whether it’s on Foothill Drive or in a Murray shopping center. They’ll want to take statements and gather evidence.
It’s important to understand that insurance adjusters, even when they seem friendly, work for the insurance company, not your family. Their job is to minimize how much the company pays. They might offer a quick settlement that sounds good but doesn’t fully cover your family’s long-term needs.
Getting Fair Compensation
Insurance companies use specific formulas to calculate settlements. However, these formulas often undervalue the real impact of losing a family member. They might not consider things like:
The rising cost of living in Salt Lake City and how that affects your family’s future needs The emotional support your loved one provided that can never be replaced The lost income over many years, especially in Utah’s growing economy The cost of raising children without a parent’s financial support
Making the Right Decisions for Your Family
Remember that you don’t have to accept the insurance company’s first offer. Many Salt Lake City families don’t realize they can negotiate for better compensation. Sometimes, multiple insurance policies can be combined to provide fuller coverage for your loss.
We’re Here to Help
Dealing with insurance companies while grieving shouldn’t be your burden to bear alone. Our Salt Lake City wrongful death attorneys understand local insurance practices and how to get fair compensation for families throughout the valley.
Let Us Handle the Insurance Companies
We know how insurance companies operate in Utah. Our team will:
Talk to insurance adjusters so you don’t have to Find all available insurance coverage Handle complicated paperwork Fight unfair claim denials Negotiate maximum settlements Protect your family’s interests
Your Next Step
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Our caring team helps families throughout Salt Lake City and surrounding communities understand their rights and options. We offer:
Free, no-pressure consultations Home or hospital visits anywhere in the valley Clear explanations of your rights Straightforward advice about your case No fees unless we win your case
Call us today to learn how we can help your family through this difficult time. We’ll explain your options in plain language and help you make the best decisions for your family’s future.
Disclaimer: This information helps Salt Lake City families understand insurance in wrongful death cases but isn’t legal advice. Every family’s situation is different. Talk to a qualified attorney about your specific case.
