Danbury Wrongful Death Attorney
The loss of a loved one is devastating under any circumstances, but it is especially overwhelming when the death is unexpected and could have been prevented. If you believe one or more parties had the power to prevent your loved one’s death, your family could be eligible for financial compensation. Speak with a Danbury wrongful death attorney today by calling (203) 753-7300.
At the Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we know that no settlement or verdict can make up for the loss of your loved one’s life. However, we believe in the healing power of holding a wrongdoer accountable and obtaining justice. We also know how important a settlement can be for your family’s financial future.
Request your free case review to speak to one of our experienced and compassionate Danbury wrongful death attorneys today.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit brought against one or more parties for causing or contributing to a deceased person’s fatal injury. In Connecticut, you may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim if someone else’s carelessness, recklessness or malicious intent to harm took your loved one’s life. A successful settlement can hold a wrongdoer accountable by making him or her pay for related losses.
Is Wrongful Death a Crime?
No, wrongful death is not a crime. It is a civil tort, or wrongdoing, that can result in civil liability for surviving family members’ losses. However, someone facing a lawsuit for wrongful death may also face criminal charges connected to the fatal incident if he or she allegedly committed a crime, such as homicide, murder, assault or arson. Although a guilty verdict in a criminal case against the same defendant may be used as evidence in a wrongful death claim, it does not make civil liability automatic.
How a Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help
Recovering compensation through a wrongful death claim takes successfully navigating the civil process in Connecticut. An attorney can help you with the legal process while you focus on grieving and healing. Your attorney can collect evidence, build a strong case, negotiate with insurance companies and prepare for a trial, if necessary. Most importantly, working with an attorney can give your family peace of mind during this devastating time by answering your legal questions and supporting you throughout the claim.
Wrongful Death Laws to Know
One of the many things an attorney can do for you is help you navigate Connecticut’s confusing wrongful death laws. Three of the most important laws to know are:
- Who has the right to file? Connecticut law states that only an executor or administrator of the deceased person’s estate may file a wrongful death lawsuit. This person may be named in a will or assigned by the courts.
- What is the statute of limitations? The statute of limitations, or deadline for filing, is two years from the date of the victim’s death in Connecticut. Your timeline can vary according to the specifics of your case, however, making it important to contact a lawyer right away.
- What damages are available? Damages is the legal term for financial compensation in a civil lawsuit. The damages available to your family may include funeral and burial costs, the decedent’s pain and suffering, lost earning capacity, your mental anguish, loss of consortium, and related medical expenses.
Our Danbury wrongful death lawyers can give you tailored answers to your specific questions during a free consultation. We are dedicated to helping families like yours throughout Connecticut seek justice.
Contact Our Danbury Wrongful Death Lawyers Now
If you recently lost a loved one in a car accident, workplace disaster or another incident and believe the death possibly could have been prevented, don’t hesitate to contact the Law Offices of James A. Welcome for a case review. We can help your family understand and exercise your legal rights. Our Danbury personal injury lawyers will be here for your family every step of the way, ensuring you have what you need to move forward.
Call (203) 753-7300 now or submit our contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.