Trusted by Idaho Families Since 1992
Compassionate
Wrongful Death Representation
for Idaho Families
When negligence causes the death of a loved one, Skaug Law fights to hold responsible parties accountable and secure compensation for your family's devastating loss under Idaho Code § 5-311.
Request a Call Back
33+ Years Experience
No Fee Unless We Win
4.9-Star Rated
Featured & Recognized By
Top 10 Workers' Comp Law Firm - Attorney & Practice Magazine
National Top 100 Trial Lawyers
Best Personal Injury Attorney 2021 - Expertise.com
BBB Accredited Business
Nampa Chamber of Commerce Member
Seeking Justice After an Unimaginable Loss
When someone's negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions result in a death, Idaho law allows surviving family members to pursue wrongful death claims for compensation and accountability.
Losing a loved one due to someone else's negligence is devastating. At Skaug Law, we understand that no amount of compensation can replace your family member, but holding responsible parties accountable can provide a sense of justice and financial stability during an impossibly difficult time.
Idaho's wrongful death statute (Idaho Code § 5-311) allows certain family members to pursue legal action when a death results from wrongful act, neglect, or default. These claims seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, medical expenses incurred before death, and the immeasurable loss of companionship, guidance, and love.
Our experienced wrongful death attorneys have successfully represented Idaho families in some of the state's most significant cases, including precedent-setting Idaho Supreme Court appeals. We provide compassionate, strategic representation while handling every legal detail so you can focus on healing and honoring your loved one's memory.
Comprehensive Wrongful Death
Representation Across Idaho
We represent families in all types of wrongful death claims, from vehicle accidents to medical malpractice,
workplace fatalities to defective products.
Vehicle Accident Deaths
Fatal car, truck, and motorcycle accidents caused by negligent drivers, drunk driving, distracted driving, or dangerous road conditions. We pursue maximum compensation from all liable parties and insurers.
Workplace Fatalities
Construction accidents, industrial incidents, farming deaths, and other work-related fatalities. We navigate Idaho workers' compensation and third-party liability claims to secure all available benefits for your family.
Medical Malpractice Deaths
Deaths resulting from surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication mistakes, birth injuries, or substandard care. We work with medical experts to prove negligence and hold healthcare providers accountable under Idaho law.
Premises Liability Deaths
Fatal injuries on another's property due to negligent security, dangerous conditions, inadequate maintenance, or failure to warn. Property owners have a duty to maintain safe premises under Idaho premises liability law.
Defective Product Deaths
Deaths caused by dangerous products, defective machinery, faulty equipment, or inadequate warnings. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can be held liable for products that cause fatal injuries.
Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect
Deaths resulting from elder abuse, neglect, malnutrition, bedsores, medication errors, or inadequate care in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. We hold facilities accountable for failing vulnerable residents.
Why Choose Skaug Law
Experienced Advocates
Fighting for Idaho Families
When you choose Skaug Law, you get dedicated attorneys with a proven track record in Idaho's most significant wrongful death cases.
Advantage 1: Landmark Idaho Cases
Our attorneys have won several of Idaho's largest wrongful death cases, including precedent-setting Idaho Supreme Court appeals that shaped state law. This experience translates into strategic advantages for your family's case.
Advantage 2: Compassionate Personal Service
You'll work directly with experienced attorneys who understand the emotional toll of losing a loved one. We provide hospital visits, home consultations, and same-day meetings to accommodate your family's needs during this difficult time.
Advantage 1: Landmark Idaho Cases
Our attorneys have won several of Idaho's largest wrongful death cases, including precedent-setting Idaho Supreme Court appeals that shaped state law. This experience translates into strategic advantages for your family's case.
Advantage 2: Compassionate Personal Service
You'll work directly with experienced attorneys who understand the emotional toll of losing a loved one. We provide hospital visits, home consultations, and same-day meetings to accommodate your family's needs during this difficult time.
Advantage 3: No Upfront Costs
We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win. This aligns our interests with yours and ensures financial concerns don't prevent your family from pursuing justice and the compensation you deserve.
Advantage 4: Thorough Case Preparation
We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, economists, and vocational specialists to build compelling cases. Our meticulous preparation strengthens negotiations and prepares us for trial if necessary.
Advantage 3: No Upfront Costs
We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win. This aligns our interests with yours and ensures financial concerns don't prevent your family from pursuing justice and the compensation you deserve.
Advantage 4: Thorough Case Preparation
We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, economists, and vocational specialists to build compelling cases. Our meticulous preparation strengthens negotiations and prepares us for trial if necessary.
Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases
What Compensation Can Idaho Families Recover?
Idaho Code § 5-311 allows surviving family members to pursue multiple forms of compensation to address both economic and non-economic losses.
While no amount of money can replace your loved one, wrongful death compensation provides financial security and acknowledges the magnitude of your loss. Idaho law recognizes both economic damages (measurable financial losses) and non-economic damages (intangible losses like grief and loss of companionship).
Types of Compensation
Funeral and burial expenses
Medical expenses incurred before death
Lost wages and future earning capacity
Loss of benefits (health insurance, retirement, pension)
Loss of financial support and services
Loss of companionship, guidance, and love
Loss of consortium (for surviving spouses)
Pain and suffering endured before death
Punitive damages in cases of egregious conduct (Idaho Code § 6-1604)
Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases
What Compensation Can Idaho Families Recover?
Idaho Code § 5-311 allows surviving family members to pursue multiple forms of compensation to address both economic and non-economic losses.
While no amount of money can replace your loved one, wrongful death compensation provides financial security and acknowledges the magnitude of your loss. Idaho law recognizes both economic damages (measurable financial losses) and non-economic damages (intangible losses like grief and loss of companionship).
Types of Compensation
Funeral and burial expenses
Medical expenses incurred before death
Lost wages and future earning capacity
Loss of benefits (health insurance, retirement, pension)
Loss of financial support and services
Loss of companionship, guidance, and love
Loss of consortium (for surviving spouses)
Pain and suffering endured before death
Punitive damages in cases of egregious conduct (Idaho Code § 6-1604)
WHO CAN FILE A CLAIM
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Idaho?
Under Idaho Code § 5-311, only specific individuals have the legal right to file a wrongful death claim. The personal representative of the deceased person's estate—typically appointed through probate court—brings the action on behalf of the deceased's heirs and beneficiaries.
Eligible beneficiaries include the surviving spouse, children (including adopted children), parents, and sometimes siblings or more distant relatives if no immediate family members exist. The personal representative acts as the plaintiff, but any compensation awarded is distributed to eligible family members according to Idaho intestacy laws or the deceased's will.
We guide families through the legal process of appointing a personal representative and identifying all eligible beneficiaries to ensure everyone with a legal interest in the case is properly represented. Our attorneys handle the complex probate and wrongful death proceedings so your family can focus on healing.
WHO CAN FILE A CLAIM
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Idaho?
Under Idaho Code § 5-311, only specific individuals have the legal right to file a wrongful death claim. The personal representative of the deceased person's estate—typically appointed through probate court—brings the action on behalf of the deceased's heirs and beneficiaries.
Eligible beneficiaries include the surviving spouse, children (including adopted children), parents, and sometimes siblings or more distant relatives if no immediate family members exist. The personal representative acts as the plaintiff, but any compensation awarded is distributed to eligible family members according to Idaho intestacy laws or the deceased's will.
We guide families through the legal process of appointing a personal representative and identifying all eligible beneficiaries to ensure everyone with a legal interest in the case is properly represented. Our attorneys handle the complex probate and wrongful death proceedings so your family can focus on healing.
Our Compassionate Wrongful Death Process
We handle every legal aspect of your wrongful death claim while providing compassionate support throughout the process.
Our Compassionate Wrongful Death Process
We handle every legal aspect of your wrongful death claim while providing compassionate support throughout the process.
Step 1:
Free Consultation
We listen to your story with compassion, explain your legal rights under Idaho law, and outline potential compensation your family may recover.
Step 2:
Thorough Investigation
We gather evidence, consult experts, review records, interview witnesses, and build a comprehensive case proving negligence caused your loved one's death.
Step 3:
Aggressive Negotiation
We demand full compensation from insurance companies and liable parties, negotiating aggressively to secure a settlement that reflects your family's losses.
Step 4:
Trial-Ready Advocacy
If negotiations fail, we're prepared to take your case to trial. Our experienced trial attorneys fight for maximum compensation before Idaho juries.
33+ Years
Serving
Idaho
60+ Years
Combined
Experience
Top 10
Workers' Comp
Firm
BBB
Accredited
Business
Bilingual
Spanish
Support
33+ Years
Serving
Idaho
60+ Years
Combined
Experience
Top 10
Workers' Comp
Firm
BBB
Accredited
Business
Bilingual
Spanish
Support
Families Trust Skaug Law
During Their Darkest Hours
Read what families say about our compassionate representation and dedication to achieving justice.
"After losing my husband in a workplace accident, I felt lost and overwhelmed. Skaug Law handled everything with such compassion and professionalism. They fought tirelessly for our family and secured compensation that provided financial stability for my children's future. I cannot thank them enough."
"The attorneys at Skaug Law are exceptional. When our mother died due to nursing home neglect, they investigated thoroughly, held the facility accountable, and won a significant settlement. They treated our family with dignity and respect throughout the entire process. Highly recommended."
"We were devastated when a drunk driver killed our daughter. Skaug Law pursued every avenue for justice, including a successful appeal to the Idaho Supreme Court. Their dedication, expertise, and genuine care for our family made an unbearable situation slightly more bearable. We're forever grateful."
Wrongful Death Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Idaho?
Idaho's statute of limitations for wrongful death is two years from the date of death under Idaho Code 5-219. However, exceptions exist, so contact us immediately to protect your rights.
What makes a death 'wrongful' under Idaho law?
A death is wrongful when it results from someone's wrongful act, neglect, or default that would have entitled the deceased to sue for damages if they survived. Negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm can all support wrongful death claims.
Can I file a wrongful death claim if my loved one died in a car accident?
Yes. If another driver's negligence caused the fatal accident, you can pursue a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver and their insurance company for compensation.
How much does it cost to hire Skaug Law for a wrongful death case?
Nothing upfront. We handle wrongful death cases on contingency—you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation. Free consultations are always available.
Who receives the compensation in a wrongful death case?
Compensation is distributed to eligible heirs and beneficiaries according to Idaho intestacy laws or the deceased's will. This typically includes surviving spouses, children, parents, and sometimes siblings.
What if my loved one was partially at fault for their own death?
Idaho follows comparative negligence rules. If your loved one was partially at fault, compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault. You can still recover damages unless they were 50% or more at fault.
How long does a wrongful death case take?
Cases vary. Some settle in months; others require litigation and can take 1-3 years. We work efficiently while ensuring thorough preparation to maximize your family's compensation.
Can I sue for wrongful death if there's an ongoing criminal case?
Yes. Wrongful death is a civil claim separate from criminal prosecution. You can pursue compensation regardless of criminal proceedings, and the burden of proof is lower in civil court.
Visit Our Nampa Office
1226 E Karcher Rd, Nampa, ID 83687
(208) 466-0030
Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Walk-ins Welcome
Directions:
Located on East Karcher Road, easily accessible from I-84.
Wheelchair accessible with gender-neutral restrooms.
Service Area:
Boise, Nampa, Meridian, Caldwell, Eagle,
Kuna, Star, Mountain Home, Weiser, Middleton, Payette,
Get the Justice Your Family Deserves
Contact Skaug Law today for a free, confidential consultation. We're available for same-day appointments, hospital visits, and home consultations. No fees unless we win your case.
Company Description
Skaug Law Idaho's Injury Lawyers has served Idaho families since 1992, providing expert representation in personal injury and workers' compensation cases throughout Nampa, Boise, and the Treasure Valley.
Resources
Sitemap
Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Terms & Conditions
Connect
Services
Auto Accidents
Truck Accidents
Workers' Compensation
Wrongful Death
Motorcycle & ATV Accidents
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Quick Links
Home
About Us
Our Attorneys
Reviews
Contact
Blog
FAQ
Contact Us
Skaug Law Idaho's Injury Lawyers
1226 E Karcher Rd, Nampa Idaho 83687
(208) 410-4736
Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM