Norwalk Wrongful Death Lawyer
Finding out that you lost a loved one is devastating. If you suspect that someone else could have prevented your relative’s death, however, it can be even more difficult to accept. The Law Offices of James A. Welcome will fight for the compensation and justice you deserve. Speak with one of our Norwalk personal injury attorneys today by calling (203) 753-7300.
At the Law Offices of James A. Welcome, our Norwalk wrongful death attorneys have been representing family members and surviving loved ones throughout Connecticut for over 17 years. We can give your loved one a voice in the pursuit of civil justice and make sure your family has everything it needs during this difficult time.
What Is Wrongful Death?
Connecticut’s definition of wrongful death is the death of one person caused by the fault of another party, such as someone else’s carelessness, recklessness, accidental action or intentional wrongdoing. Another way to look at a wrongful death claim is if your loved one had survived the accident and been able to file a personal injury lawsuit, your family most likely has grounds for a wrongful death claim now.
To file a wrongful death claim in Connecticut, you or your attorney must show clear and convincing evidence that the following four elements are more likely to be true than not true:
- The at-fault party (defendant) owed your loved one a duty to exercise reasonable care.
- The defendant violated, breached or failed to meet his or her duty of care.
- The defendant’s action or omission was the proximate cause of your loved one’s fatal injury.
- Your family suffered compensable losses as a result of the death.
To find out if you have all the elements of a wrongful death lawsuit in Connecticut, consult with Attorney Welcome. We can help you navigate the complex aspects of a wrongful death lawsuit.
How Can a Norwalk Wrongful Death Lawyer Help?
If you do have grounds for a wrongful death action, hiring an attorney can make the legal process easier. While you focus on grieving and making funeral arrangements, your wrongful death lawyer can take care of complicated legal processes on your behalf.
Your lawyer will fight for maximum financial compensation to make sure your family has the money it needs to move forward, especially after the death of the breadwinner. Most importantly, an attorney can provide advice and counsel to ease your mind as much as possible after the terrible trauma of a death in the family.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Case in Connecticut?
State law says that a family member cannot file a wrongful death claim. Only an executor or administrator of the deceased person’s estate can file this type of legal action in Connecticut. If the decedent had a will or estate plan that named a representative, this person may file. Otherwise, the courts may appoint an executor or administrator. The administrator will seek financial compensation for all eligible beneficiaries.
What Is the Deadline to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Norwalk?
The deadline for a wrongful death lawsuit in Connecticut is two years from the date of the individual’s death. However, another law states that no claim may be brought more than five years from the date of the act or wrongdoing that caused the death. There is an exception if the person who caused the death was convicted of murder or another crime in connection to the death. This gives a plaintiff in Connecticut an unlimited amount of time to file.
Schedule a Free Case Review With a Norwalk Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
Losing a loved one is an unimaginable tragedy that no family should have to endure under traumatic or avoidable circumstances. If you believe someone else is to blame for your loved one’s recent passing, please do not wait to contact the Law Offices of James A. Welcome for assistance. Our Norwalk wrongful death lawyers can represent you and your family for the best possible case outcome.
We will fight for justice, accountability, closure and the compensation your family deserves for a preventable death. Find out how we can help you and your family today—contact us anytime to request a free initial consultation in Connecticut.