Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things a family can go through. When that loss happens because of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, the pain is made even harder to bear. No amount of money can bring your loved one back. But Alaska law gives families the right to hold the responsible party accountable and to seek the compensation they deserve.

We Have Collected Millions for Families Who Have Lost Loved Ones

Our office has handled dozens of wrongful death cases over more than 35 years. We have helped husbands and wives who lost their spouse. We have helped parents who lost their children. We have helped siblings who lost their brothers and sisters. We have collected millions for families who lost loved ones. See Case Results and Testimonials.

What Compensation May Be Available

Families may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills before death
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of income and financial support the deceased would have provided
• Loss of care, comfort, and companionship
• Loss of inheritance
• Pain and suffering experienced by surviving family members

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim for an Estate in Alaska?

In Alaska, a wrongful death claim is filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. The compensation recovered is generally paid to the surviving spouse, children, or other dependents of the person who died. We will help guide your family through this process, including helping to establish a personal representative if one has not already been appointed.

Medical Questions in Wrongful Death Cases — An In-House Physician on Your Side

In some wrongful death cases, the cause of death is not immediately clear. When a person suffers serious injuries and dies weeks or months later, questions about whether the injuries contributed to the cause of death can become important to your case. There may also be questions about the pain and suffering the deceased experienced before death — which requires a careful review of the medical records. At Schlehofer Law Offices, we have that medical knowledge in-house. Frank Michael Schlehofer is both an attorney and a licensed physician. In wrongful death cases, insurance companies have doctors and lawyers working to minimize what they pay your family. Now you have both on your side. Frank Michael can read the medical records the way a doctor does, speak the same language as their experts, and challenge their opinions — because he is a licensed physician himself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is our case worth?

Every case is different. The value depends on many factors, including the circumstances of the death, the financial support your loved one provided, and the impact of this loss on your family. Call us. There is no charge to talk to us.

Is there a charge to talk to you, and how does your attorney fee work?

There is no charge to talk to us. We do not charge by the hour. We only get paid if you get paid. Our attorney fee is a contingency fee, which is a percentage of the total amount we recover for you, plus reimbursement of our out-of-pocket costs, such as the cost of ordering your medical records. Usually, our attorney fee is 1/3 of the total recovery. Since our fee is a percentage of what we get for you, we are both on the same team trying to get as much as we reasonably can. If we do not get anything for you, then our attorney fee is zero.

Do I have to go to court?

Most cases settle before trial. When the insurance company knows you hired an experienced attorney, they are more likely to settle because it will cost them money to go to court. The decision to settle or go to trial is yours. We are always prepared to go to trial to get you the money you deserve.

How long do we have to file a wrongful death claim in Alaska?

In Alaska, the personal representative generally has two years from the date of the accident to file a wrongful death lawsuit in court against the responsible parties. There may be limited exceptions, including special rules that can give minor children additional time to file. These rules are complex, so it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

What if our loved one did not have a spouse or children?

Other dependents, including parents, may still be able to recover compensation. Every family’s situation is different. Call us and we will review the details of your case.