Wrongful Death Claims in Alaska – Losing a loved one because of another person’s negligence is one of the most devastating experiences a family can endure. In addition to emotional grief, surviving family members are often left facing financial uncertainty, funeral expenses, and unanswered questions about what happened.

At Johnson Law, P.C., we help Alaska families pursue wrongful death claims and seek justice after preventable tragedies.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim arises when a person dies because of another party’s negligent, reckless, or wrongful conduct.

For instance, wrongful death cases may result from:

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle crashes
• Aviation accidents
• Maritime injuries
• Defective products
• Workplace accidents
• Drunk driving crashes
• Unsafe property conditions

Under Alaska law, certain surviving family members or estate representatives may pursue compensation for losses resulting from the death.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Alaska?

Alaska wrongful death laws contain specific rules regarding who may bring a claim on behalf of surviving family members and the estate.

Depending on the circumstances, compensation may benefit:

• Spouses
• Children
• Dependents
• Other qualifying family members
• The deceased person’s estate

Wrongful death claims are legally complex, making experienced legal guidance extremely important.

Compensation Available in Alaska Wrongful Death Cases

A wrongful death claim may seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, including:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses before death
• Lost financial support
• Loss of future income
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of guidance and support
• Emotional suffering
• Loss of household services

The amount recoverable depends on factors such as the deceased person’s age, earning capacity, family relationships, and the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Alaska

Fatal Car and Truck Accidents

High-speed collisions, impaired driving, distracted driving, and dangerous road conditions frequently contribute to fatal accidents across Alaska.

Commercial truck accidents are especially dangerous because of the size and weight of large vehicles.

Drunk Driving Fatalities

Drunk driving continues to cause preventable deaths throughout Alaska every year. Drivers who choose to operate vehicles while impaired can be held accountable for the devastating consequences of their actions.

Aviation Accidents

Because Alaska relies heavily on air travel, fatal aviation accidents can occur involving private planes, charter operators, or commercial aircraft.

These cases often require extensive investigation and expert analysis.

Maritime and Commercial Fishing Fatalities

Similarly, commercial fishing and maritime work present some of the most hazardous occupational risks in Alaska. Fatal accidents at sea may result from unsafe vessels, defective equipment, inadequate training, poor safety protocols, or employer negligence, leaving families to face devastating and unexpected losses.

Federal maritime laws may apply in these cases.

Why Families Should Contact a Wrongful Death Attorney Quickly

Furthermore, taking prompt legal action after a wrongful death is critical to preserving evidence and protecting a family’s legal rights. An immediate investigation can help secure accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and other key evidence before it is lost, altered, or destroyed. Delays may significantly hinder the ability to establish liability and pursue the full compensation available under the law.

Insurance companies may also attempt to minimize compensation or dispute liability after a fatal accident.

An experienced Alaska wrongful death attorney can help families:

• Investigate the cause of death
• Identify liable parties
• Preserve evidence
• Handle insurance communications
• Calculate long-term financial losses
• Pursue settlement negotiations or litigation

How Johnson Law, P.C. Supports Alaska Families

Johnson Law, P.C. has represented wrongful death clients across Alaska since 1995. We understand that no legal claim can undo the loss of a loved one, but pursuing justice can help provide financial stability and accountability.

Our firm works closely with families while aggressively pursuing compensation from negligent individuals, corporations, and insurance companies.

We travel throughout Alaska and represent clients in both urban and remote communities statewide.

Speak With an Alaska Wrongful Death Attorney

If you lost a loved one because of another person’s negligence or wrongful conduct, you may have legal options under Alaska law.

If you have lost a loved one due to another party’s negligence, Johnson Law, P.C. is here to help. We offer free consultations for wrongful death claims throughout Alaska and are dedicated to helping families seek justice, hold negligent parties accountable, and pursue the full compensation they deserve. Our experienced legal team provides compassionate guidance and aggressive advocacy during this difficult time.

Call Johnson Law today to discuss your Wrongful Death in Alaska Claim: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form to get started.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

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Filing A Wrongful Death Claim

To file a wrongful death claim or lawsuit, one must first prove that the responsible party’s acts or omissions are what caused your loved one’s injuries and ultimate death. Cases in which negligence or wrongful conduct can be proven to cause a death may have multiple claims. They should be investigated and asserted as early as possible to avoid being barred by the statute of limitations.

The wrongful death lawyers at Johnson Law, P.C. have more than three decades combined legal experience in personal injury law. We are also aware of the importance of pursuing justice and financial recovery for the losses you have suffered. We know Alaska, Alaskan Law and the legal processes involved in filing a wrongful death case. Johnson Law’s experience establishing facts and proving negligence in a wrongful death claims is critical to your case. We work tirelessly on your behalf. Johnson Law fights for the best possible outcome after a tragic loss. We help families begin to rebuild their lives.

Contact Johnson Law

If you lose a loved one due to a negligent act, contact Johnson Law and schedule to meet with our Alaskan personal injury lawyer. From the moment you contact us, we do everything possible to help you through a difficult time.

Johnson Law knows Alaska and Alaska Wrongful Death Claim Law. Find out how we can help. Call Johnson Law at  (907)277-3090 or use our Contact Form to discuss your motor vehicle crash injury case. We are here to serve you.

Johnson Law has been serving families in wrongful death claims for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Image Source: Legacy Funeral Home, Anchorage, Alaska

Wrongful Death Cases – when a death occurs, it is important to consider how the person died. If someone dies because of another person’s negligence or unlawful behavior, the family of the deceased person may need to file a wrongful death claim.

In some wrongful death cases, there may be a criminal law case relating to a death. If someone dies due to another’s unlawful behavior, the state may pursue criminal charges. Meanwhile, the wrongful death claim falls under civil law. It is important to understand the difference between criminal and civil law in wrongful death cases.

Criminal Cases

The government (either county, state, or federal), and criminal prosecuting attorneys file criminal court cases. The party accused of breaking the law is the defendant in these types of cases. In the case of a murder, for example, the accused party will be put on trial and if found guilty, will receive a criminal punishment. In criminal cases, victims do not receive financial compensation relating to the wrongful death claims in criminal cases.

Civil Wrongful Death Cases

Civil courts do not sentence defendants to criminal punishment. Instead, civil courts strive to make plaintiffs whole through financial compensation. As a result, the defendant is ordered to pay the plaintiff for their loss if the plaintiff prevails in a lawsuit. Civil lawsuits, including wrongful death cases, generally seek monetary compensation reflective of the harm done to the plaintiff by the defendant’s negligence or wrongdoing. In the case of a death, the surviving family files a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the deceased party.

Not all civil lawsuits have a related criminal suit. Evidence from the criminal case may be used in the civil case, if prosecutors obtain a conviction. The evidence will support claims for damages relating to the criminal act at issue against the at-fault party. If you have lost a loved one due to negligence by another person, you may need to speak to an experienced wrongful death attorney regarding your case.

Wrongful death claims are particularly sensitive cases. They deserve equally sensitive representation. Please call Johnson Law to discuss your loss: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Image Source: Devlin Funeral Home

Understanding Negligence In Fatal Car Accidents

Sadly, driver negligence causes many fatal car accidents. Negligence includes drug and alcohol use behind the wheel. Authorities estimate nearly half of fatal car accidents involve drugs or alcohol. Unsafe or excessive speed contributed to at least 37 percent of fatal car accidents. Alcohol or drug impairment combined with unsafe speeds are linked to at least 66 percent of fatal accidents. Common examples of driver negligence include:

• Drug-impaired or alcohol-impaired driving
• Excessive or Unsafe speed for the road or weather conditions
• Texting while driving
• Falling asleep at the wheel

The first step in determining whether a civil claim should be brought after a fatal car accident involves determining whether a driver was negligent. Under Alaskan law, a person who drives a motor vehicle in a manner that creates an unjustifiable risk of harm to a person or to property and who, as a result, actually endangers a person or property is guilty of negligent driving.

See: AK Stat § 28.35.410 (2024)

Negligent conduct normally arises in two ways:

• When another driver acts unreasonably under the circumstances; or
• When another driver violates the “Rules of the Road” found in 13 AAC 02.

Alaska Statutes

13 AAC 02.085 requires drivers to stay in their own lane until they “first ascertained that the movement can be made with safety.” 13 AAC 02.125 requires all drivers turning left to “yield the right-of-way to a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.” Finally, 13 AAC 02.130 requires drivers to stop at Stop Signs, entering a roadway only when safe. Meaning when there are no other vehicles close enough “to constitute an immediate hazard.”

After A Fatal Car Accident

The best way to determine if your loved one’s fatal car accident was caused by negligence is to consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney. The attorney’s job is to first determine whether any party was negligent. This normally requires a candid assessment of the Rules of the Road. The attorney will investigate how each driver conducted himself or herself behind the wheel.The reason it makes sense to investigate negligence is because holding people accountable is good for society. It’s not about punishing … it’s about accountability. If negligent drivers are not held accountable for fatal car accidents, there is no incentive for people to drive more safely. This is simple human nature. Depending on the circumstances of your case, your family may be eligible to receive monetary compensation to cover:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills incurred as a result of the accident
• Wages and benefits your loved one would have earned
• Child and/or spousal support
• Loss of consortium between relatives
• Pre-death pain and suffering

Accountability for these claims is paid to the surviving spouse, children, and/or other dependents of the deceased person through the loved one’s estate.

Statute of Limitations

It is important to remember that Alaska has a two year Statute of Limitations for death claims after a fatal car accident. (See: AS 09.10.070 and AS 09.55.580.) Thus, the family must either settle related claims – or file a lawsuit – within two years of the wreck. Delay will cause the loss of valuable rights. This includes the right to compensation. This is HUGE. Please pay close attention to the Statute of Limitations found in AS 09.10.070 and AS 09.55.580.

Wrongful death after fatal car accidents are particularly sensitive cases. They deserve equally sensitive representation. Please call Johnson Law to discuss your loss: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: Wise Voter; Justia; Alaska Administrative Code; Alaska Statutes

Image Source: I Stock Photos

Dealing With Grief

During the time of bereavement and throughout the grief process, a grieving person needs a lot of emotional support. Finding support may be the key to a person’s recovery and acceptance of the loss. Hence, seeking out family members, friends, support groups, community organizations, or mental health professionals (therapists or counselors) can all help.

If your grief gets worse over time instead of better or interferes with your ability to function in daily life, consult a grief counselor or other mental health provider. Unresolved or complicated grief can lead to depression, other mental health problems and other medical conditions. Above all, with professional help, you can re-establish a sense of control and direction in your life. This helps move you toward the path of healing.

Wrongful Death Claims

Wrongful death claims may arise from a crime, an act of medical malpractice, an automobile accident, a plane crash or an accident at work. These claims help families suffering financially after losing a loved one because of another person’s negligence. 

First, it is not necessary for there to be a criminal case. A civil law suit may be filed without a criminal case. A civil wrongful death claim may also proceed if a criminal case fails. Furthermore, a wrongful death claim or lawsuit helps with medical and funeral expenses arising from the loss. It can help families pay bills and keep food on the table.

Getting Help After An Automobile Accident

After losing a loved one because someone was negligent and caused an automobile accident, the victim’s family needs help. Wrongful death claims are often very difficult. They must cover all aspects of the loss to help grieving families.

Losses in a Wrongful Death Claim include:

• the age and health of the person lost;
• the number people who depended on this person; and
• the income of the lost loved one

Wrongful death claims are particularly sensitive cases and deserve equally sensitive representation. Please call Johnson Law to discuss your loss: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: American Cancer Society; Findlaw

Image Source: Bagoy’s Florist