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Anchorage Wrongful Death Lawyer
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Anchorage Wrongful Death Lawyer
Losing a loved one unexpectedly is a life changing event. The days ahead are trying to say the least. We are here for you in your time of need. Since 1994, Goldberg & Loren have handled thousands of wrongful death cases just like yours.
Our compassionate and experienced Anchorage wrongful death lawyers are here for you 24/7, and we will help you in this trying time.
We know the challenges you face in the wake of such a tragedy. For over 30+ years, we have helped aggrieved clients like you fight back against the people responsible for their loved one’s loss.
Together, our personal injury lawyers we will bring them to justice and pursue compensation for your loss. We work on a contingency basis which means you pay nothing unless you win. Let us begin today. Call (907) 560-0426 and book a free consultation with our local Anchorage wrongful death attorneys.
Goldberg & Loren Wrongful Death Lawyers
Fight for Maximum Compensation!
Pay Nothing, Unless We Win
Our Verdicts and Settlements
For the year of 2025, our Anchorage auto accident victims have received the following verdicts and settlements:
Settlement
Our client was severely injured when a truck hit her on the sidewalk causing serious injury
January 2025
Settlement
Our client slipped while entering a local business
June 2025
Our Wrongful Death Attorney John Periman
Personal injury attorney John Periman has handled many wrongful death claims and assisted clients in such challenging time. His years of experience in handling wrongful death claims and litigation skills gives him an edge in challenging cases.
Contact us now to make your personal injury claim and to discuss the details by phone call at (907) 560-0426 or request an online appointment.
Are Wrongful Death Lawsuits and a Survival Action the Same Thing?
No, wrongful deaths and survival actions are not the same thing. Wrongful death is usually filed by the family of the deceased. Meanwhile, survival action is usually fought by the city/state or the estate of the deceased.
The key differences between the two lawsuits are as follows:
Wrongful Death | Key Aspects | Survival Action |
Family or dependents | Who files it? | Estate, city, or state |
Survivors’ losses | Compensation | Deceased’s losses |
Lost, support, and companionship | Damage Coverage | Pain, suffering, and costs before death |
Surviving family | Damage Recipients | Deceased’s estate |
Loss of income, funeral and burial costs, and emotional distress | Compensation Focus | Medical bills, lost wages, and pre-death suffering |
While in essence, these cases can sound the same, they are vastly different. If you want to fight a wrongful death case, Goldberg & Loren personal injury lawyers are at your disposal. You can begin today with a consultation with our Anchorage wrongful death attorneys.
Common Causes of Wrongful Deaths in Anchorage
Various types of accidents or instances of neglect can result in injuries that lead to fatalities, which can lead to wrongful death cases. As mentioned before, varying types of accidents are usually responsible for wrongful death claims.
From 2013 until 2023, around eight pedestrians per year died due to fatal collisions with cars. [1]
The most common causes of those accidents include the following:
Auto Accidents: These are one of the leading causes of fatalities in Anchorage, as motor vehicle accidents can result in fatalities. Motor vehicle accidents can be of various types, such as rear-end, vehicle pile-ups, or accidents involving buses or trucks.
From 2007 until 2016, around 70 motor vehicle-related fatalities were recorded in Anchorage, making it second behind poisoning, which led to 190 fatalities during the same time. [2]
Defective Products: Use of defective products or malfunctioning equipment can be one of the leading reasons behind wrongful death claims. In such cases, defective products can range from household items to defective car parts.
Hazards and Exposures: Exposure to harmful chemicals can lead to various types of injuries. Such accidents can result in respiratory illnesses or organ damage, which can prove to be fatal.
From 2016 to 2017, around 24 such fatalities occurred, where hazardous exposure was responsible. [2]
Medical Malpractice: When medical professionals are negligent, they can lead to devastating consequences. Complications from botched surgeries, medications, or any other type of treatment can result in the death of the patient.
Premises Liability: When someone gets hurt due to slipping or falling, such accidents qualify as premises liability claims. Injuries sustained in such incidents can lead to fatalities.
Around 44% of hospitalizations for TBI in Alaska are due to falls. TBI leads to 1 in 4 deaths among people 30 and under in Alaska. [3]
Other than these, other common causes of wrongful death claims are as follows:
- Automobile accidents
- Aviation accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Boating accidents
- Catastrophic injury cases
- Defective products
- Dog bite/animal attack cases
- Drowning cases
- Electrocution
- Hit and Run
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Plant explosions
- Slip, trip, or fall cases
- Truck accidents
- Violent crimes
- Workplace accidents
While there are many other causes, such as hunting accidents, these are some of the most common reasons behind wrongful death claims.
If your loved one passed under similar circumstances, you might have a claim, and our Anchorage wrongful death lawyers can help you with it.
Who Is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Anchorage?
A wrongful death claim is usually pursued by the immediate family or estate of the deceased. In most cases, the spouse or children pursue legal action according to Alaska law. However, when such parties are absent, an estate can pursue legal action.
Usually, these parties include the following:
- Children (including adopted children)
- Dependents of the deceased
- Father or mother (parents) of the deceased
- Other close relatives or heirs are entitled to inherit
- Personal representative or executor of the deceased’s estate
- Surviving spouse
If you fall under a similar category, you can pursue legal action for your loved one. Let our Anchorage wrongful death attorneys review your case and help you through this trying time.
Types of Compensation Available for Wrongful Death
The compensation for a wrongful death claim can depend on a few things. In such cases, the “value of life” of the deceased is determined. This estimates the financial and non-financial damages the family/relatives suffered when the deceased passed away.
This might entitle you to the following compensation the types:
Economic Damages:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost financial support (lost earnings and benefits the deceased would have provided)
- Medical expenses prior to death
- Property damage (if applicable)
Non-Economic Damages:
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
Determining fair compensation and fighting for it can be two of the most challenging things in a wrongful death claim.
However, do not worry, as our experienced Anchorage wrongful death lawyers will fight for fair compensation for you.
Table of Contents
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Anchorage Wrongful Death Lawyer
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Our Wrongful Death Attorney John Periman
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Are Wrongful Death Lawsuits and a Survival Action the Same Thing?
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Common Causes of Wrongful Deaths in Anchorage
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Who Is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Anchorage?
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Types of Compensation Available for Wrongful Death
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Who Is Liable in Anchorage Wrongful Death Cases?
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How to Prove a Wrongful Death Claim in Anchorage
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What to Do if a Loved One Has Suffered a Wrongful Death?
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Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death In Alaska
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Get a Free Consultation From Our Anchorage Wrongful Death Lawyers
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FAQs
Anchorage Practice Areas
Who Is Liable in Anchorage Wrongful Death Cases?
The liability of a wrongful death claim can fall upon various parties. Usually, the party directly responsible for causing the incident that led to the death is responsible. Other than that, parties indirectly involved in the accident can also be liable.
In most cases, liable parties include but are not limited to the following:
Assailants: In cases involving assault or violence, the party responsible for the assault or violence can be liable. This usually applies to cases involving gun fire accidents, robberies, or other types of ill-intended acts of violence.
Drivers: When motor vehicle accidents lead to fatalities, the driver at fault is usually the liable party. This includes drivers who were under the influence, were reckless, or violated traffic laws in any way, and caused an accident.
Manufacturers (Product Manufacturers): If any sort of defective product results in a wrongful death, then the manufacturer of that product can be liable. This applies to all types of defective products that lead to injuries or fatalities.
Medical Professionals: When medical malpractice leads to fatalities, the responsible medical professional is the party liable. This can include doctors, nurses, hospital owners or management, or various other types of staff.
Property Owners: In cases involving negligent conditions on a property, the main responsible party is the property owner. This applies to cases where injuries occur due to a lack of safety railings, uneven or wet floors, fall hazards, etc.
Other Responsible Parties: Depending on the accident or fault, various other parties can be liable in such cases, which are not listed above. For instance, if a minor driver causes an accident, the parent of the minor will be the primary liable party in such cases.
Determining the party liable in a wrongful death claim can be challenging. Rest assured that our Anchorage wrongful death attorneys will thoroughly review the evidence and conduct an additional investigation. Once we establish the responsible party, we will be relentless in the legal action against them.
How to Prove a Wrongful Death Claim in Anchorage
Proving a wrongful death claim requires proof of wrongdoing or neglect. This includes photos and videos, medical records, accident reports, and witness statements. Some cases may also require testimonies from experts, such as medical professionals or accident reconstruction specialists.
Once we have the necessary proof, the following is how our Anchorage wrongful death lawyers will prove negligence:
Duty of Care: We will demonstrate the duty of care owed by the liable party. This depends on the particular accident that caused the death. For example, if the death occurred in a car accident, then we will have to show the driver’s responsibility to drive safely and abide by the traffic laws.
Breach of Duty: We will demonstrate that the breach of duty occurred, which was the reason behind the accident. This requires showing that the negligent party’s actions were directly or indirectly responsible for the accident.
Cause of Death: This requires connecting the death to the accident. Through the medical examiner’s report, medical records, and police/accident report, we will show that the cause of death was the accident caused by the negligent party.
Damages: Once the link between death and accident is established, we will show that the wrongful death resulted in numerous losses for you and your family. This includes the aforementioned economic and non-economic losses.
What to Do if a Loved One Has Suffered a Wrongful Death?
If you have been unfortunate enough to go through the loss of a loved one, we know the challenges you must be facing.
However, you and your loved one deserve justice, and for that, you must take immediate action.
Here is what you should do if a loved one has suffered a wrongful death:
- Report to the Authorities: You should immediately call the local police and report the loss of your loved one. This particularly applies if the death of the person was caused by a car accident or any incident due to someone’s neglect.
- Gather & Preserve Evidence: If you can, gather key evidence of the wrongful death. This includes surveillance footage of the accident, photos of the accident scene, and witness information and statements.
- Document the Case: Begin documenting your case right away. This includes gathering accident reports from the police, medical records, medical examiner’s report, and coroner’s report, if available.
- Notify Insurer: Notify the insurance provider of the deceased person or the family insurer. Keep in mind that the insurer will offer a low settlement initially. DO not accept it, and do not speak to an insurance agent without talking to an attorney first.
- Consult Our Wrongful Death Lawyers: Consult our Anchorage wrongful death attorneys as soon as you can. We will gather key evidence for you, build your case, and handle all communication related to the case.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death In Alaska
The Statute of Limitations is the time limit you have to file a legal claim after an injury or wrongful death. For wrongful death claims, the family of the deceased will have two years from the person’s passing in Alaska to file an action. Alaska Stat. § 09.55.580
The same laws apply to medical malpractice claims as well. If someone has passed away due to neglect of medical professionals, then the loved ones of the deceased can file a wrongful death claim within two years from the day of the death. Alaska Stat. § 09.55.580 (c) (1)
Get a Free Consultation From Our Anchorage Wrongful Death Lawyers
We know this is a difficult time for you and your family. You are grieving, saddened, and devastated by the loss of your loved one. That is why Goldberg & Loren provide all the support you need in a time like this. Our Anchorage wrongful death attorneys are open now and ready to help you.
Here is what we will do for you:
Case Assessment: We will assess your case, weigh all the possibilities, and guide you through the legal essentials. We know it can be complicated, but do not worry. Our wrongful death law firm will be with you all the way through.
Investigation and Evidence Review: Our experienced wrongful death lawyers will gather evidence and investigate your case further. Once we have proof, we will review it and explore the possibilities that we can pursue.
Negotiation and Litigation: We will negotiate with insurance companies or the liable parties to ensure fair compensation. If the negotiations do not work, we will litigate relentlessly until justice is served.
Pursuing Maximum Compensation: While financial compensation may not make up for the loss of your loved one, we know how important it can be. That is why we will pursue maximum compensation throughout the case.
Support Throughout the Legal Process: We understand how you must be feeling and how challenging all this can be. Therefore, you can expect thorough support and compassionate counsel throughout the case.
You and your loved one deserve justice, and Goldberg & Loren will help you get there. Call our Anchorage wrongful death lawyers at (907) 560-0426 and book a free wrongful death consultation today.
Goldberg & Loren
Address: 4300 B St #215b, Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: (907) 560-0426
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Forensic experts can provide valuable insights into the case by analyzing evidence or the accident scene. They can establish facts about the accident and how the death occurred, while connecting injuries/death with the incident.
Digital evidence can prove neglect, such as a social media post outlining potential dangers before the accident. They can also provide insights into wrongful intent or the timeline of the events. That is why preserving any digital evidence is key in ensuring it does not get tampered with.
You should request medical records as soon as possible, as hospitals have policies and time limits for record retention. Other than that, you can also request any medical records before the death, if the deceased was hospitalized.
You should secure relevant police reports, medical records, insurance policies, and communication with any involved parties. If possible, also gather the doctor’s notes or witness information, so your lawyer can review and interview them.
Wrongful death lawyers can use legal tools like subpoenas and depositions to compel the exchange of key documents. A court can grant this request and compel the opposing party to provide key evidence to reveal all the facts.
Sources:
[1] Boots, M. T. (2024, September 27). ‘Fatally flawed’: What this year’s 13 pedestrian deaths tell us about Anchorage’s roads. Anchorage Daily News. https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/anchorage/2024/09/26/fatally-flawed-what-this-years-12-pedestrian-deaths-tell-us-about-anchorages-roads/#:~:text=an%20average%20of-,eight%20pedestrians,-died%20annually%20between
[2] Alaska Trauma Registry. (2016). ALASKA NATIVE INJURY ATLAS. In ALASKA NATIVE INJURY ATLAS [Report]. http://anthctoday.org/epicenter/publications/InjuryAtlas2020/5_AlaskaNative_InjuryAtlas_RegionalInjuryProfiles.pdf
[2] Berman, A. (2023, May 14). Alaska has the nation’s highest rate of deaths by traumatic brain injury. Anchorage Daily News. https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/2023/05/14/alaska-has-the-nations-highest-rate-of-deaths-by-traumatic-brain-injury/
Our wrongful death lawyers want to support you as you move forward following the loss of your loved one. Call us today or fill out our free consultation form on our website. We're waiting to hear from you.
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