Anchorage Wrongful Death Lawyers

Serving Anchorage families and all of Southcentral Alaska · Free consultation · Contingency fee — no fee unless we recover

Reviewed by Mark Choate, J.D. · Last updated July 2026

Quick answer

Choate Law Firm is an Alaska wrongful death trial firm that represents Anchorage families who have lost a loved one because of someone else's negligence — in traffic crashes, medical malpractice, workplace and maritime accidents, and more. Under Alaska law, a wrongful death claim is filed by the personal representative of the deceased person's estate (AS 09.55.580), generally within two years of the date of death. Damages are recovered for the surviving spouse, children, and dependents — including lost financial support, loss of companionship, and funeral costs. Anchorage wrongful death cases are filed in the Third Judicial District at the Nesbett Courthouse. We have tried serious injury and death cases to Alaska juries since 1980, and we handle every case on a contingency fee: no fee unless we recover for your family. Call (907) 586-4490 for a free consultation.

Who can file a wrongful death claim in Alaska?

The personal representative of the estate files the claim — not the family members directly — under AS 09.55.580. The personal representative is usually named in the will, or appointed by the court if there is no will. Any recovery is then held for the surviving spouse, children, and other dependents. When the deceased left no spouse, child, or dependent, the recovery is limited to the estate's financial losses. We help families get a personal representative appointed quickly so the claim can move forward.

How long do we have to file?

Two years from the date of death, under AS 09.55.580 — and the deadline is strict. Some circumstances can change the calculation, but a missed deadline usually ends the claim permanently. Evidence also degrades fast: crash scenes change, witnesses move, records get purged. Talking to a lawyer early costs nothing and preserves your options. See our Alaska statute of limitations guide.

What compensation can Anchorage families recover?

Alaska law allows recovery of both financial and non-financial losses, awarded on what is "fair and just" for the survivors. That typically includes:

Loss of the financial support your loved one would have provided
Loss of companionship, guidance, and household help
Medical bills between the injury and the death
Funeral and burial expenses

According to AS 09.17.010, non-economic damages in Alaska are generally capped at the greater of $400,000 or $8,000 per year of the deceased's remaining life expectancy. Punitive damages (AS 09.17.020) may be available for outrageous or reckless conduct. If your loved one was partly at fault, Alaska's pure comparative fault rule (AS 09.17.060) reduces the recovery by that share — it does not eliminate it.

Where Anchorage wrongful death cases are handled

Cases arising in Anchorage are filed in Alaska's Third Judicial District at the Nesbett Courthouse, 825 West 4th Avenue. Fatal-injury victims are typically treated at Providence Alaska Medical Center or Alaska Native Medical Center — the state's two Level II trauma centers — and those records become central evidence in the claim. Common causes we see in Anchorage include crashes on the Glenn and Seward Highways and winter road conditions, pedestrian collisions on busy arterials, medical negligence, and workplace and aviation accidents.

What does a wrongful death lawyer cost?

Nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee — we are paid a percentage only if we recover for your family, and we advance the case costs. The consultation is free, and there is no obligation.

How to choose a wrongful death lawyer in Anchorage

Jury trial experience in Alaska courts — insurers pay more when the firm can credibly try the case.
Focus on serious injury and death cases, not a general practice.
Direct access to the attorneys handling your case.
Resources to retain economists, medical experts, and accident reconstruction.
A clear contingency fee — no recovery, no fee.

Why Choate Law Firm

Choate Law Firm has represented injured Alaskans and grieving families statewide since 1980. Founder Mark Choate (J.D., Seattle University School of Law, 1980; graduate of the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College) has tried hundreds of cases to Alaska juries. Partner Jon Choate (J.D., Harvard Law School, 2010; former Manhattan Assistant District Attorney) adds deep trial experience. We take a small number of serious cases and prepare each one for trial. Call (907) 586-4490.

Frequently asked questions

Do you handle Anchorage cases from Juneau? Yes. We represent families throughout Alaska, appear in the Third Judicial District, and meet by phone, video, or in person.

Who receives the money in an Alaska wrongful death case? The surviving spouse, children, and dependents, through the estate's personal representative (AS 09.55.580).

What if my loved one was partly at fault? Recovery is reduced by their share of fault, not barred (AS 09.17.060).

Is a wrongful death case different from a criminal case? Yes — it is a civil claim for compensation, separate from any prosecution, with a lower burden of proof. You can win the civil case even without a criminal conviction.

What if the death was on a fishing vessel or at sea? Maritime deaths may fall under federal law — the Jones Act or Death on the High Seas Act. See our maritime & Jones Act page.

Sources

AS 09.55.580 (wrongful death): <https: data-preserve-html-node="true"//law.justia.com/codes/alaska/title-9/chapter-09-55/article-05/section-09-55-580/>
AS 09.17.010 (damages caps): <https: data-preserve-html-node="true"//law.justia.com/codes/alaska/title-9/chapter-09-17/section-09-17-010/>
AS 09.17.060 (comparative fault): <https: data-preserve-html-node="true"//law.justia.com/codes/alaska/title-9/chapter-09-17/section-09-17-060/>
Alaska Court System — Nesbett Courthouse / Third Judicial District: <https: data-preserve-html-node="true"//courts.alaska.gov/courtdir/3an.htm>

Disclaimer

This page is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case depends on its specific facts, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorneys at Choate Law Firm LLC are licensed in Alaska, California, Hawaii, New York, and Washington (specific jurisdiction varies by attorney).