Wrongful Death Attorneys in the U.S. — Top Firms with Trial & Settlement Records

Last Updated: 30/05/2026

Wrongful death lawyers in the USA work under rules that change in every state. Who can sue and how long they have differ by state. Miss a state deadline and your claim may be barred. The firms below have the trial records to handle fatal accident claims nationwide.

To compile this list, we review Wrongful Death Lawyers based on public information, client feedback, and professional standing.

  • Bar standing and public disciplinary history review
  • Documented case results and courtroom trial experience
  • Peer recognition within the legal community
  • Client reviews, communication, and responsiveness
  • Consistency of public reviews across multiple platforms

Rankings are determined independently based on public information and editorial research.

Find Top Wrongful Death Attorneys Near Me

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Best-Rated U.S. Wrongful Death Lawyers for Fatal Accident and Negligence Claims

Screenshot of the FVF Law Firm - Injury & Wrongful Death Lawyers Website

FVF Law Firm is a personal injury and wrongful death practice in Austin, TX. Attorneys Josh Fogelman and Aaron Von Flatern founded it. The firm takes on serious matters like fatal accidents, brain injuries, and commercial truck crashes.

Results include a $20 million wrongful death verdict in 2025 and a $10.5 million Legionella case. Super Lawyers and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum have recognized the attorneys. The Better Business Bureau also gave the firm its Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.

FVF works on a contingency fee basis, so families pay nothing unless the firm wins. The team answers calls 24/7 and explains each family's rights under Texas negligence law.

Screenshot of the Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents – Fort Worth Office Website

Jason Stephens is a nationally recognized trial lawyer who leads Stephens Law Firm in Fort Worth, TX. For nearly three decades, he has handled catastrophic injury and fatal accident cases across the state.

His record includes the two largest truck accident settlements in Texas history, both in 2025. He also won the largest personal injury settlement in Tarrant County and the largest verdict in Grayson County. The firm holds an AV rating and reports more than $300 million recovered.

Stephens Law offers a free case review and charges no fees unless it wins. Families who have lost a loved one work directly with one of Fort Worth's leading wrongful death attorneys.

Screenshot of the Claggett, Sykes & Garza LLC Website
437 Naubuc Ave #105, Glastonbury, CT 06033, USA

With more than $1.5 billion recovered, Claggett, Sykes & Garza ranks among Connecticut's most accomplished trial firms. The attorneys handle catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, and fatal accident claims statewide.

The firm takes cases involving car and truck crashes, nursing home abuse, premises liability, and mass shootings.

Spanish-speaking staff is available. The practice serves clients from Hartford to New Haven and Bridgeport. Claggett, Sykes & Garza offers a free case evaluation and handles claims on a no-fee-unless-you-win basis.

Screenshot of the Sears Injury Law, PLLC - Puyallup's #1 Car Accident, Wrongful Death, and Brain Injury Lawyers Website

Founded by attorney Robert L. Sears, this Puyallup firm handles only personal injury and wrongful death matters in Washington and Oregon. Sears was named the top car accident attorney in both states for 2023 and 2024.

The practice has resolved more than 100 cases worth $100,000 or more. Robert Sears holds a Super Lawyers rating, and the office speaks Spanish. Most claims run on a no-win, no-fee arrangement.

Screenshot of the Sigman Janssen Law Firm Website

Sigman Janssen brings more than 90 years of combined experience to injury victims across Wisconsin. The Appleton team handles car crashes, truck wrecks, workers' compensation, and fatal accident claims.

Attorneys James Pitz, Anastasia Burkham, and Wesley Groot serve clients in Appleton, Green Bay, and Oshkosh. The firm has recovered millions in damages and charges no upfront fees. Families across Wisconsin can request a no-obligation consultation.

Screenshot of the Rosengard Law Group, Personal Injury Lawyers Website
496 Kings Hwy N, Suite 220B, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034, USA

Adam S. Rosengard built Rosengard Law Group into a personal injury firm serving all of New Jersey. The Cherry Hill practice represents people hurt by negligence in car crashes, construction accidents, and fatal incidents.

Rosengard works under a no-fee promise, so clients pay only if the firm recovers money. The team keeps clients updated at each stage and offers a 24/7 case evaluation.

Screenshot of the The Wrongful Death Krause Law Firm Website
150 E Ponce de Leon Ave Suite # 130, Decatur, GA 30030, USA

Roger Krause runs a practice devoted entirely to fatal accident cases in Decatur and Atlanta, GA. That narrow focus sets the firm apart from general injury offices.

Krause handles deaths caused by car and truck crashes, DUI drivers, medical errors, drownings, and jail negligence. The National Trial Lawyers named him to its Top 100 list. His office answers calls around the clock and reviews each case at no cost.

Screenshot of the Law Offices of Timothy Grabe Website
909 SW St Clair Ave suite 1c, Portland, OR, USA

With more than 35 years of trial experience, Portland attorney Timothy Grabe takes on cases other lawyers avoid. He focuses on catastrophic injury, logging and workplace deaths, and drunk driving crashes.

One result includes a $27 million recovery in a drunk driving case. Grabe also co-wrote an award-winning Oregon evidence guide. His firm offers complimentary consultations to injured Oregonians.

Screenshot of the Maine Personal Injury Lawyers Website

Shaheen & Gordon also serves Maine families from its Portland office. The attorneys have won millions for people harmed by negligence, including survivors of deadly collisions.

The firm reviews each Maine claim at no charge and works on a contingency basis.

Screenshot of the Keene Personal Injury Attorney Website

In Keene, NH, Shaheen & Gordon represents people injured by another party's negligence. The team handles car crashes, workplace injuries, and the loss of a family member.

Clients across New Hampshire get a free consultation and owe no fees unless the firm wins.

Screenshot of the Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. Website

Shaheen & Gordon is a full-service firm with a strong personal injury team in Lebanon, NH. Its lawyers help families pursue fatal accident claims throughout New Hampshire.

The firm brings more than 40 years of experience and holds Best Lawyers recognition. Beyond injury work, it handles criminal defense, family law, and estate matters. Lebanon clients pay nothing unless the firm recovers compensation.

Screenshot of the Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC Website

Minner Vines Injury Lawyers has recovered more than $1 billion for accident victims across Kentucky. The Lexington firm holds recognition from Super Lawyers, Best Attorneys of America, and the National Law Journal.

Its attorneys handle car and truck crashes, nursing home abuse, and fatal injury claims. One verdict topped $40 million. The team is available 24/7 for a no-obligation case review.

Screenshot of the Killian, Davis & Richter, P.C. Website

Killian, Davis & Richter serves injured people throughout Western Colorado from Grand Junction. The firm has won large results in fatal cases, including a $2.4 million settlement for a propane explosion that killed three people.

Spanish-speaking staff are available, and there are no fees unless the firm recovers money.

Screenshot of the The Schiller Kessler Group Website
4640 S University Dr, Davie, FL 33328, USA

The Schiller Kessler Group is a statewide personal injury firm based in Davie, FL. Founders Marc Schiller and Andrew Kessler lead a team that has handled more than 10,000 cases, including deadly accident claims.

The office stays open 24/7, and the firm gets paid only when clients do.

Screenshot of the Ruhmann Law Firm Website
5915 Silver Springs Dr #1, El Paso, TX 79912

Charles Ruhmann represents injury and wrongful death clients across Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona from his El Paso office. He holds a Super Lawyers rating and handles cases from car crashes to oilfield deaths.

Se habla español, and consultations are free.

Screenshot of the Davis & Snyder Injury Attorneys Website
5 Hawthorne Park Ct, Greenville, SC 29615, USA

Davis & Snyder Injury Attorneys are trial lawyers serving Greenville and Upstate South Carolina. The team brings more than 100 years of combined experience to car crashes, catastrophic injuries, and fatal crash claims.

The attorneys litigate when needed and offer a complimentary first meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do wrongful death lawyers charge?

Usually nothing upfront. Most firms work on contingency. They take a percentage of the recovery, often 33% to 40%. You pay no fee if the case does not win.

Who can file a wrongful death claim?

It depends on the state. A spouse, child, or parent can often file. Some states require the estate's personal representative to bring the claim. Check your state's wrongful death statute or ask a lawyer.

How long do you have to file a wrongful death lawsuit?

Often one to three years. Each state's statute of limitations sets the deadline. It usually starts on the date of death. Miss it and your claim may be barred for good.

What if the person who died was partly at fault?

You may still recover. Most states use comparative negligence. Your award drops by the share of fault assigned to the deceased. A few states block recovery if that share is too high.

What damages can a wrongful death claim recover?

Economic and non-economic losses. These include lost income, funeral costs, and lost support. Families may also recover for lost companionship. Some states allow punitive damages when the conduct was reckless.

How is a wrongful death claim different from a criminal case?

One seeks money, not jail. A wrongful death claim is a civil case for compensation. A criminal case is brought by the state to punish. A person can face both over the same death.

How long does a wrongful death case take?

A few months to a few years. Simple claims may settle quickly. Disputed liability or large damages can mean litigation. A trial can push the timeline past two years.

Types of Wrongful Death Cases in the U.S.

Car and Truck Accidents. Fatal crashes are the most common wrongful death claims. Trucking cases often involve the carrier and its insurer. These claims can turn on driver logs and black box data.

Medical Malpractice. Deaths from surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or medication mistakes fall here. These cases need medical experts to prove negligence. Many states cap non-economic damages in malpractice claims.

Workplace and Construction Deaths. Falls, equipment failures, and electrocutions kill workers each year. Some claims reach beyond workers' compensation to third parties. Site owners and equipment makers can share liability.

Defective Products. A faulty vehicle part, drug, or machine can cause a fatal injury. These product liability claims target makers and sellers. Strict liability rules can apply without proof of negligence.

Nursing Home Neglect. Falls, bedsores, and untreated infections can lead to a resident's death. Families can sue the facility for negligent care. State elder abuse laws may add claims.

DUI and Drunk Driving Deaths. A drunk driver who kills someone faces civil liability too. The family can sue for the loss separately from any criminal charge. Some states also allow claims against a bar that overserved.

Premises Liability. A death from negligent security or an unsafe property falls here. Owners must keep their premises reasonably safe. Poor lighting or ignored hazards can support a claim.

How to Choose a Wrongful Death Lawyer in the U.S.

Check their trial record. Insurers offer less when a firm rarely tries cases. Ask how many wrongful death cases the lawyer has taken to verdict.

Confirm they know your state's law. Wrongful death rules differ in every state. Pick a lawyer licensed and active where the death occurred.

Ask about case resources. Strong claims need experts, investigators, and funding. Smaller firms sometimes lack the budget for a long fight.

Review the fee agreement. Get the contingency percentage in writing. Ask how case costs are handled if the claim does not win.

Look at past fatal accident results. Past recoveries do not guarantee an outcome. But a record in similar cases shows real experience.

Wrongful Death Settlement Factors in the U.S.

Settlement values vary widely from case to case. The age, income, and dependents of the person who died all matter. Clear liability and large insurance policies raise the range. Shared-fault and state-damage caps can lower it. An experienced lawyer can review the facts and give a realistic estimate.