Hartford Wrongful Death Attorney

When a fatal accident is caused by negligence, families in Hartford may have legal options through a wrongful death claim. Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers helps by managing the legal process, protecting families’ rights, and seeking financial accountability for their loss, so loved ones can focus on personal matters while the case is handled professionally.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Connecticut

Under Connecticut law, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies because of someone else’s careless, reckless, or intentional actions. If the death could have been prevented, the law allows certain parties to take legal action.

Wrongful death cases often involve:

• Accidents caused by negligence
• Medical errors
• Dangerous or intentional conduct

A wrongful death claim is a civil case, not a criminal one. This means it is handled in civil court and focuses on legal responsibility rather than criminal punishment.

Important things families should know:

• A wrongful death claim is separate from any criminal case
• A civil claim can move forward even if no criminal charges are filed
• The claim must follow specific rules under Connecticut law
• Only certain people are allowed to file the claim

Our Hartford wrongful death attorneys can explain how Connecticut’s wrongful death laws apply to your situation and help you understand the steps involved.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Hartford?

In Connecticut, only the personal representative of a deceased person’s estate may file a wrongful death claim. This individual handles legal matters for the estate, including pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit.

The personal representative may be:

• Named as the executor in the deceased person’s will
• Appointed by the probate court if no executor was designated

Family members who may benefit from a wrongful death claim include:

• A surviving spouse
• Children, including biological and adopted children
• Parents, if there is no surviving spouse or children
• Siblings, if there is no surviving spouse, children, or parents

Important considerations under Connecticut law:

• The wrongful death claim is filed through the estate, not directly by individual family members
• Beneficiaries are typically determined by the deceased person’s will or Connecticut’s intestacy laws
• If no executor was named, the probate court appoints a personal representative
• The court may limit who is permitted to pursue compensation on behalf of the estate

Our Hartford wrongful death attorneys can help clarify who has the legal authority to file a claim and guide families through both the probate and wrongful death processes.

What Damages Our Legal Team May Pursue in a Wrongful Death Claim in Hartford

When a wrongful death claim is successful, compensation may be available to address the losses suffered by surviving family members. These damages are intended to reflect both the financial and personal impact of losing a loved one.

Depending on the circumstances, a wrongful death claim may include the following types of damages:

Economic Damages

Economic damages address the measurable financial losses caused by the death, which may include:

• Medical expenses related to the final injury
• Funeral and burial costs
• Lost income and future earning capacity
• Loss of financial support that the deceased would have provided

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages recognize the emotional and personal losses suffered by surviving family members, including:

• Loss of companionship or guidance
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Punitive Damages

In limited cases involving particularly reckless or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be available. These damages are intended to punish wrongful conduct and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Our Hartford wrongful death lawyers carefully evaluate each case to determine which damages may apply and work to pursue compensation that reflects the full impact of your loss.

Connecticut Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims

Connecticut law places strict time limits on when a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed. In most cases, a wrongful death claim in Hartford must be filed within two years of the date of death. If the claim is not filed within this timeframe, the right to pursue compensation is generally lost.

Exceptions to the Wrongful Death Filing Deadline

Connecticut recognizes limited exceptions to the two-year statute of limitations in cases involving grave criminal conduct. A wrongful death claim may still be allowed beyond the standard deadline if the death resulted from:

• Murder
• Murder with special circumstances
• Arson
• Manslaughter in the first degree
• Manslaughter in the first degree involving a firearm
• Another form of felony murder

Significant limitations to these exceptions:

• The civil court will only extend the deadline if a criminal court convicts the responsible party
• The defendant is found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect

Without one of these criminal findings, the statute of limitations generally remains in effect.

Because these exceptions are narrow and fact-specific, it is essential to speak with a Hartford wrongful death attorney as soon as possible to understand how the statute of limitations applies to your situation.

Why Clients Trust Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers

For more than 30 years, our legal team has supported families facing wrongful death with experienced and compassionate representation. Founded by Jonathan Perkins, the firm is widely respected throughout Connecticut for holding negligent parties accountable. We proudly serve Hartford families with care, clear communication, and steady guidance from the start. Put the Power of Perkins to work for your family.

A Proven Legal Team Jonathan Perkins leads a legal team with decades of combined experience and a strong track record in both Connecticut state and federal courts. We understand how to manage complex cases effectively, allowing you to focus on healing while we handle the legal work.	No Upfront Fees Pursuing justice should not depend on your financial situation. There are no upfront costs to work with our firm; you only pay a fee if we secure compensation for you. Unlike firms that require ongoing expenses, we keep the focus on your recovery, not your finances.
Experienced Trial Lawyers We prepare every case with the expectation that it may go to court. When litigation is necessary, our trial lawyers are ready to advocate for you using careful preparation, sound judgment, and determined representation aimed at achieving the strongest possible outcome.	Client-Centered Advocacy Your case matters to us. Our client care team is committed to keeping you informed, answering your questions, and making sure you feel supported and respected throughout the entire process.

Over $500 Million Recovered for Our Clients

Proven results define the work of Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, with over $500 million recovered for clients throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts. Our personal injury attorneys represent victims in auto accidents, premises liability cases, defective products, and medical negligence matters.

Review our case results to learn how we have supported clients across New Haven, Bridgeport, Waterbury, New London, Springfield, and beyond.

Real Clients. Real Justice

Meet the people we’ve been honored to serve and get their unique perspective on our capabilities. We share these stories to help potential clients make an informed decision about choosing our legal firm to represent them.

Get Help From Our Hartford Injury Lawyers

If you have lost a loved one due to negligence, you do not have to face the legal process alone. Our legal team will review your situation, explain your options, and guide you through each step of a wrongful death claim.

Taking the first step is simple: contact us for a free consultation. We will listen to your story, review the circumstances, and outline a clear path forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Families in Hartford often have questions about wrongful death claims. Our FAQ section provides clear answers to help you understand what to expect.