It is always heartbreaking when a loved one passes away. It is a pain we all must endure at some point. However, it is hard to understand the reason for it when a death happens due to the reckless, negligent, or illegal actions of another person.
We wish we could take away the sorrow, frustration, and anger you are feeling. One small way our Bridgeport wrongful death lawyers can help is by holding the responsible party accountable and helping you get the compensation you deserve for your family.
Our team at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers has recovered over $500 million for Connecticut injury and accident victims. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how a Bridgeport personal injury lawyer can help.
What Is a Wrongful Death?
Wrongful deaths are those that occur due to the reckless, negligent, or intentional act of another party. Most personal injury cases can become wrongful death cases if the victim dies due to their injuries.
Like personal injury cases, a successful wrongful death lawsuit must show liability on behalf of the defendant. If you are unsure if your case meets the criteria, contact an attorney for help. Some of the common causes of wrongful death include:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Slip and falls
- Pedestrian accidents
- Defective products
- Medical malpractice
- Motorcycle accidents
Violent acts can be wrongful death cases as well. Hopefully, the perpetrator will face criminal charges for their actions, but you may also bring a wrongful death lawsuit against them in civil court. A Bridgeport wrongful death attorney can help you understand your options.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Wrongful Death Claim?
While you are free to pursue a personal injury case on your own, in almost every circumstance it is smarter to hire a skilled attorney with experience. Some of the benefits of working with a lawyer on your wrongful death case include:
Legal Advice
We can help you understand options you may not have considered, and avoid many common mistakes that could limit your claim. We can manage important forms and paperwork, and make sure you don’t miss important deadlines that may nullify your case.
Identification of Liable Parties
We will thoroughly research the incident that led to your loved one’s death and determine who is liable. From there, we can better understand how to put together a case that will get you and your family the compensation you deserve.
Calculating Your Damages
An insurance company may try to settle your case for far less than you deserve. We can evaluate your damages and ensure any offer you accept is fair. Then, we can get to work fighting for the settlement or award you really need.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Some insurance companies do their best to find ways to get out of paying a claim. We know how they operate, and we aren’t going to let them take advantage of you. We will negotiate for a fair settlement. If that doesn’t work, we will take your fight to court.
Damages in a Wrongful Death Case
Depending on the specifics of your situation, an award in a wrongful death case can range into the hundreds of thousands and even millions of dollars. It isn’t possible to guess what your case may be worth without a thorough evaluation.
Some of the damages your family may be able to recover include:
- Lost financial support when the surviving family depended on the deceased’s income
- Lost income over the time between the accident and the victim’s passing
- Medical expenses from before the victim passed away
- Burial and funeral costs
- Loss of consortium for the surviving spouse
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
Sometimes, you can recover punitive damages in a civil suit. A court awards these to punish the defendant and to deter them from similar acts in the future. Punitive damages are rare, and your Bridgeport wrongful death attorney can advise you if they might apply to your case.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, the deceased’s legal representative or executor, as outlined in their will, can initiate a wrongful death case. If no will is present, the court can appoint an administrator.
The legal representative who brings the suit may or may not be eligible to receive compensation from a wrongful death case. Compensation for various damages may be distributed to:
- The estate of the deceased
- The spouse of the deceased
- The deceased’s minor children
Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations in Connecticut
A statute of limitations is a time limit during which you must bring legal action. The statute of limitations for wrongful death in Connecticut is two years from the date of death. There can be an exception to this in cases where the cause of death was not immediately discovered.
Another exception involves criminal cases. If a defendant is found guilty, civil charges may be brought after the verdict even if the two-year statute of limitations has passed. However, even when there are exceptions, legal action must commence within five years of death.
Failure to adhere to Connecticut’s rules governing the statute of limitations for wrongful death cases can mean forfeiting your ability to pursue damages. A wrongful death lawyer in Bridgeport can help you understand your rights.
Contact a Bridgeport Wrongful Death Lawyer
When someone passes away before their time due to the actions of another party, it doesn’t seem fair. Whether it happens due to an accident or at the hands of a medical professional you are supposed to trust, the loss of a loved one can leave a hole in your family.
An unexpected death will take an emotional toll, but there are financial issues as well, especially when the deceased was a trusted provider or family leader. Our Bridgeport wrongful death attorneys can help you get the compensation you need.
At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we have the experience and knowledge to advocate successfully for injured victims and their families. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and to tell us your story.
