Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is an unimaginable tragedy. When a wrongful death occurs, surviving family members may face emotional and financial hardships, from medical bills and funeral expenses to lost income and companionship.
If your loved one’s death was caused by another party’s reckless or negligent actions, a Waterbury wrongful death lawyer can help you seek justice and compensation. A wrongful death claim can be overwhelming, especially while grieving, but the attorneys at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers have over 30 years of combined experience helping clients who’ve lost loved ones.
Connecticut law allows certain family members to pursue financial recovery, but proving liability and securing fair compensation requires legal experience.
A Waterbury personal injury lawyer can help gather evidence, file claims, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure your family receives the support it deserves.
What Qualifies as a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. In Connecticut, wrongful death claims can arise from various situations, including:
- Car accidents: Fatal crashes caused by reckless driving, speeding, distracted driving, or impaired motorists
- Motorcycle accidents: Deadly motorcycle crashes caused by negligent drivers who fail to yield, check blind spots, or obey traffic laws
- Medical malpractice: Errors such as misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, or medication errors that lead to a fatal outcome
- Workplace accidents: Dangerous conditions, lack of safety protocols, or defective equipment that result in fatal injuries
- Defective products: Faulty machinery, vehicle defects, or hazardous consumer products that cause fatal injuries
- Premises liability: Unsafe property conditions, such as inadequate security or hazardous walkways, leading to fatal accidents
A wrongful death attorney in Waterbury can investigate the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s passing and determine if you have a valid claim.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Connecticut?
Connecticut law specifies who can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased. Unlike some states where family members can file directly, Connecticut requires that the claim be brought by the executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate. If the deceased did not have an appointed executor, the court may assign one.
While the claim is filed by the estate’s representative, compensation can be awarded to surviving family members, including:
- Spouses: Compensation for loss of companionship and financial support
- Children: Financial support for minors who depended on the deceased
- Parents: Recovery for the loss of a child, depending on the circumstances
A Waterbury wrongful death law firm can help families understand their rights and ensure that legal action is taken correctly.
What Damages Can Be Recovered?
Wrongful death claims seek to provide financial relief for the damages suffered by the deceased and their surviving family members. Compensation may include:
- Medical expenses: Coverage for medical bills incurred before death
- Funeral and burial costs: Reimbursement for end-of-life expenses
- Lost income: Compensation for the wages the deceased would have earned
- Pain and suffering: Damages for the deceased’s pain before passing
- Loss of companionship: Compensation for emotional loss suffered by spouses and family members
Connecticut law also allows for survival actions, which compensate for damages the deceased suffered before death, including conscious pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney in Waterbury can assess your case and determine the full extent of recoverable damages.
How a Waterbury Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help
Pursuing a wrongful death claim requires gathering strong evidence and proving liability. A wrongful death lawyer in Waterbury can assist by:
- Investigating the cause of death: Collecting accident reports, medical records, and witness statements
- Identifying responsible parties: Determining whether an individual, business, or entity is liable
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Ensuring families receive fair compensation without being pressured into low settlements
- Litigating in court if necessary: Taking the case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached
Having experienced legal representation can help families focus on healing while their attorney handles the legal complexities.
Steps to Take After a Wrongful Death
Taking the right steps after a wrongful death can help protect your family’s legal rights. If you believe your loved one’s death was caused by negligence, consider:
- Obtain a death certificate: This document is necessary for any legal proceedings.
- Collect relevant records: Gather medical records, accident reports, and any documents related to the incident.
- Avoid speaking with insurers: Insurance companies may try to minimize payouts—do not accept a settlement without legal counsel.
- Consult a wrongful death lawyer: An attorney can evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
Acting quickly is important, as Connecticut has a statute of limitations for wrongful death claims, typically two years from the date of death.
Get Legal Help for a Wrongful Death Claim
Losing a loved one is devastating, and while no amount of money can replace them, financial compensation can help ease the burden of medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost income. A wrongful death lawyer in Waterbury can guide you through the legal process and fight for the justice your family deserves.
If you have lost a loved one due to negligence, consider reaching out to an attorney from Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers to discuss your legal options. Taking action can help hold the responsible party accountable and provide financial security for your family’s future.
We work on contingency fees, meaning we don’t get paid unless you win. Schedule a free consultation today.
