In the worst-case scenario, the carelessness of another person or company can lead to the death of a loved one. Amidst the confusion and heartache of this loss, it can be difficult and frustrating to have to deal with legal issues as well.
At Welcome Law Firm, we understand that you simply want time to heal while also wanting to hold the at-fault party responsible for their negligent or careless actions. That’s where our Waterbury wrongful death lawyers come in. We have over 40 years of combined legal experience to apply to your claim.
Our skilled and experienced Waterbury personal injury lawyers can work to protect your rights and to pursue compensation on behalf of you and your loved ones. We are one of Connecticut’s largest trilingual personal injury law firms. You can trust us to skillfully advocate for you in court.
Do You Need a Waterbury Wrongful Death Lawyer?
You don’t have to handle the legal process alone as a plaintiff in a wrongful death lawsuit in Connecticut. Hiring a lawyer gives you the power to hold one or more parties accountable for the preventable death of a loved one without the stress of a lawsuit on your shoulders.
The right attorney can give your family what it needs when the worst happens. From answering your questions and easing your mind during the legal process to fighting relentlessly for justice, a Waterbury wrongful death attorney can help you in many ways during this difficult time.
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Requirements to Bring a Wrongful Death Claim in Waterbury
You may have a chance to file a wrongful death claim if:
- An incident resulted in the death of a loved one
- The incident was caused fully or partially by another person’s negligence
- The person owed your loved one a duty of care
- The death resulted in financial or personal losses for your family
The definition of wrongful death in Connecticut is a fatal injury caused by another party’s accidental or intentional actions.
In general, if your loved one would have had a personal injury case had they survived the accident, your family can file a wrongful death lawsuit. We offer case evaluations to determine if families like yours qualify to take this legal step.
What Are Common Causes of Fatal Accidents?
Deadly accidents are tragedies that can happen under many different circumstances. Any avoidable accident where one or more parties had the power to prevent the fatal injury but failed to do so may constitute grounds for a wrongful death claim.
Common types of incidents that cause deaths in Connecticut include:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Falls
- Dog attacks
- Swimming pool accidents
- Unsafe property conditions
- Workplace accidents
- Construction accidents
- Criminal activity
If you lost a beloved family member in any type of preventable incident in Waterbury or throughout Connecticut, your family may be entitled to financial compensation. Tell your loved one’s story to Attorney James A. Welcome to find out if your family has grounds for a legal case.
How Long Do You Have to Bring a Wrongful Death Claim?
In Connecticut, you have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a claim. This is known as a statute of limitations, a legal deadline for filing a civil claim meant to encourage a plaintiff to file a lawsuit promptly.
With only a few exceptions, if you fail to bring a case within two years of the date of death in Connecticut, the courts will refuse to hear the case even if you have evidence of a defendant’s fault. The sooner you speak with a Waterbury wrongful death lawyer, the better your chance of pursuing maximum compensation.
Who May File a Wrongful Death Claim in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, compensation recovered through a wrongful death lawsuit is distributed through the decedent’s estate to their legal heirs or named beneficiaries. Unlike many other states, only a personal representative of the decedent’s estate can file this type of claim in Connecticut.
Family members cannot file the lawsuit themselves. The personal representative is someone the decedent may have named in a will, or a family member appointed to this role by the probate court. The representative will file on behalf of the beneficiaries.
What Damages Are Available?
“Damages” is the legal term for financial compensation available in a civil lawsuit. Although money cannot make up for the loss of a loved one’s life, it can allow your family to have greater peace of mind and financial stability after a death in the family, especially the death of the main earner.
The financial compensation available during this type of claim in Connecticut can include:
- The victim’s pain and suffering before death
- Loss of the decedent’s earning capacity and employment benefits
- Lost inheritance
- Reasonable funeral and burial costs
- Medical expenses
A surviving spouse may also have the right to recover certain damages through a separate lawsuit. These damages include loss of companionship, love, support, and household services. Discuss the potential value of your case with an attorney today.
Maximizing your family’s financial recovery with help from a lawyer can allow you to pay your bills, afford a funeral service for your loved one, and look to the future with greater financial security.
What Are Punitive Damages?
In cases involving especially reckless or negligent actions by an individual or a company, the court may award punitive damages to you and your family. These are damages awarded against the at-fault party to deter similar future behavior.
Punitive damages are awarded in addition to compensatory damages and are awarded only in certain cases where a judge believes the defendant’s wrongful acts should be punished.
Fight for Compensation With Our Team
Our firm will work tirelessly on your behalf to make sure that you and your loved ones are cared for during this difficult time. Don’t simply accept the first settlement offer that is made to you; make sure that you are being awarded maximum compensation and that you and your family will be taken care of in the years to come.
Contact us to set up an appointment.
