Wrongful death claims compensate family members when a loved one is killed in an accident. These are difficult, time-consuming cases to bring. As you grieve the loss of a spouse, child or parent, the last thing on your mind might be bringing a lawsuit. Nevertheless, wrongful death claims are necessary for families so that they do not suffer steep financial losses following a loved one’s death.
Never try to negotiate a settlement alone. Our Mesa wrongful death lawyers can handle all negotiations with insurers or defendants so that you receive the compensation you are rightfully entitled to. Contact us today to learn more.
Fatal Accidents & Wrongful Death Cases
We can represent grieving family members who have lost a loved one in any type of accident, such as:
- Car wrecks
- Truck accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Motorcycle collisions
- Slip and falls
- Premises liability claims
- Medical malpractice
The legal question in these cases is whether the defendant injured your loved one negligently, recklessly, or intentionally. If so, you probably have a claim if your loved one ultimately dies from injuries sustained in the accident.
Compensation in a Colorado Wrongful Death Claim
If successful, the defendant should pay compensation to the decedent’s loved ones and/or the estate. Compensation will be in the form of money damages for:
- Financial contributions made by the deceased, including projected future earnings had they lived.
- Other benefits provided by the deceased, such as health insurance.
- Loss of guidance, emotional support, or companionship.
- If the death was intentional, then punitive damages to punish the defendant’s wrongdoing.
Estimating the amount of damages available is complex. Some losses—such as future financial contributions—can be estimated with a reasonable degree of certainty. For example, we will look at your loved one’s age, job, salary, and education at the time of death. Other losses, such as loss of love, are subjective and harder to estimate.
The estate might also receive compensation for medical expenses and funeral/burial expenses. These damages get distributed according to the terms of the will.
Filing a Claim in Colorado Courts
Colorado law limits who can file a wrongful death lawsuit. Within the first year of death, a victim’s surviving spouse has the sole right to file. After the first year, any surviving adult children or parents can also file. However, parents can only file if there was no spouse or child living at the time of death.
Colorado also sets strict time limits—basically, two years from the date of death. Because time is of the essence, speak with a Mesa wrongful death attorney today to protect your rights. Delay will only work against you.
Hire a Seasoned Mesa Wrongful Death Attorney
During this difficult time, family members need a powerful advocate in their corner. Negotiating a settlement for a personal injury is never easy, and insurers are vigorous when defending against wrongful death claims. The more experience your attorney has in this area, the better.
Contact Cimarron Ridge Legal Group today by calling (970) 644-5194. We offer free consultations at a convenient time and location.