When you suddenly lose a loved one in a tragic accident, you may feel shock and the need to take action against the negligent party who caused your loved one’s death. If your family member died because of the negligent behavior of another person, you should speak with a compassionate Norwalk, Bridgeport, & Stamford wrongful death lawyer.
Although legal action may not ease your grief, it can remove some of your financial burdens and allow you to focus on your family. A personal injury attorney could assist your grieving family as they go through the closure process and seek compensation. En Español.
Various accidents attributable to the negligence of others can lead to someone’s untimely death. Common types of accidents that result in wrongful death claims include:
Depending on the nature of the accident and resulting injuries, some victims may pass away instantaneously, or they may live for some time before succumbing to their injuries. In either situation, surviving family members of the deceased could bring a wrongful death claim for damages if the negligence of others caused their loved one’s death. A Norwalk, Bridgeport, & Stamford wrongful death attorney could review a representative’s claim and determine if the cause of their family member’s death may result in a valid lawsuit.
Many damages may be available in wrongful death claims to compensate the surviving family members of the deceased. These damages may include compensation for:
Punitive damages also may be available in some wrongful death claims. A judge may award punitive damages when particularly egregious behavior led to the victim’s death.
Although every wrongful death claim differs, each plaintiff must prove that the negligence of one or more parties directly caused their family member’s death. A party may be liable if they acted negligently, wrongfully, or recklessly, making them fully or partially responsible for the death that occurred. The death also must cause loss to immediate family members or other beneficiaries, both emotionally and financially.
Connecticut General Statute §52-555 authorizes the executor or administrator of the estate of a deceased person to bring a wrongful death action against those legally at fault for the death. Under the state wrongful death statute, the legal representative of the deceased must bring their wrongful death claim within two years of the death. Failing to meet this statute of limitations can result in an inability to pursue any claims related to the death in question. A lawyer who is familiar with wrongful death claims could work to ensure that a plaintiff meets all the statutory deadlines.
When a loved one dies in a tragic accident, you may need experienced and even-handed legal representation. A wrongful death lawyer can handle the case with the utmost respect and dignity while ensuring that the responsible party is held accountable for their reckless actions. To get started on your case, contact an attorney today.