Casper Wrongful Death Lawyers

Metier Law Firm: Wrongful Death Attorneys Serving Casper Families

When a wrongful death case reaches the Natrona County District Court, the quality of the legal team matters. Founding Partner T. Thomas Metier is board-certified in civil trial law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, holds an AV Martindale-Hubbell peer review rating, and has been recognized by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America every year since 2006. Managing Partner Mike Chaloupka is licensed in Wyoming, holds a Class A Commercial Driver's License, and brings that hands-on knowledge directly into truck accident wrongful death cases.

Our case results in wrongful death and catastrophic injury litigation demonstrate what we pursue for families:

• Wrongful Death Claim, $6,000,000+: Over $6 million settlement for a wrongful death claim.
• Wrongful Death Claim, $1,700,000+: Over $1.7 million settlement for a wrongful death claim.
• Wrongful Death Claim, $1,450,000: Over $1.45 million settlement for a wrongful death claim.
• Wrongful Death Claim, $500,000+: Over $500,000 settlement for a wrongful death claim.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case depends on its own facts, evidence, and circumstances.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in Wyoming?

Wyoming law permits surviving family members to pursue civil damages when a person dies due to another party's negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct. Under W.S. 1-38-101, a wrongful death claim may be filed whenever the deceased would have had the right to sue for personal injury had they survived. The action is brought by the decedent's wrongful death representative on behalf of qualifying beneficiaries.

Beneficiaries who may recover under a Wyoming wrongful death claim include:

• Spouse: A surviving husband or wife may pursue damages for loss of companionship, support, and comfort.
• Children: Minor and adult children may recover for the loss of parental guidance and financial support.
• Parents: A surviving parent may bring a claim when a child's death results from another's negligence.
• Other dependents: Additional family members who suffered measurable economic losses may qualify.

Wyoming applies a modified comparative fault standard under W.S. 1-1-109. If the decedent is found partially at fault, damages are reduced proportionally, provided their share of fault does not exceed 50%.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Casper

Casper sits along I-25 and several high-traffic state routes where serious and fatal crashes occur regularly. According to the Wyoming Department of Transportation 2024 Report on Traffic Crashes, Natrona County consistently ranks among Wyoming's highest counties for crash frequency and injury severity. Fatal incidents in the Casper area arise from a range of negligent conduct:

• Commercial truck accidents: Overloaded cargo, fatigued drivers, and federal safety violations on Wyoming freight corridors contribute to fatal outcomes.
• Car and motor vehicle crashes: Distracted driving, impaired driving, and failure to yield on state routes surrounding Casper cause preventable deaths each year.
• Medical malpractice: Surgical errors, misdiagnosis, and failure to treat conditions at Casper-area facilities can give rise to wrongful death claims.
• Workplace and industrial accidents: Oil field operations and industrial worksites in Natrona County present a significant fatal risk when safety protocols are ignored.
• Premises liability: Hazardous conditions on commercial or private property, including inadequate security, may produce fatal injuries that support a wrongful death claim.

Compensation Available in Casper Wrongful Death Claims

Wyoming's wrongful death statute allows the court or jury to award damages that are fair and just, given the circumstances of each case. Both pecuniary and exemplary damages are available under W.S. 1-38-102. Compensation in a Casper wrongful death claim may include:

• Medical expenses: Costs incurred for treatment of the fatal injury prior to the decedent's death.
• Funeral and burial costs: Reasonable expenses directly tied to the death and disposition of remains.
• Lost income and financial support: The projected earnings the deceased would have contributed to surviving family members.
• Loss of companionship, society, and comfort: Wyoming statute expressly recognizes these non-economic losses as recoverable damages.
• Exemplary damages: In cases involving reckless or egregious conduct, punitive damages may be pursued.

Wyoming Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations

Under W.S. 1-38-102(d), a wrongful death action in Wyoming must be filed within two years of the date of the decedent's death. Missing that deadline means the Natrona County District Court will dismiss the claim regardless of how strong the evidence is.

Evidence degrades rapidly after a fatal incident. Surveillance footage is overwritten, witness memories fade, and opportunities for accident reconstruction narrow within weeks. Our attorneys move quickly to preserve physical evidence, secure crash reports from Wyoming law enforcement, obtain electronic data from commercial vehicles, and interview witnesses while accounts remain fresh.

Contact a Casper Wrongful Death Lawyer at Metier Law Firm Today

Natrona County families who have lost a loved one to negligence deserve attorneys willing to go to trial. Metier Law Firm has the credentials, the case results, and the trial experience to pursue full accountability on your family's behalf. 

To speak with a Casper wrongful death lawyer at our firm, call (866) 377-3800 for a free consultation. The time to act is now.