It is heartbreaking to lose a family member due to another party’s negligence or wrongdoing. While no legal remedy can fully account for your loss, a wrongful death lawsuit could help you pursue the compensation you need for financial security during this painful time. Filing a wrongful death lawsuit is a way to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions and obtain a sense of justice.
One of the Best Wrongful Death Lawyers in Hartford
If you’re grieving the loss of a loved one killed due to someone’s negligence or wrongful actions, the wrongful death lawyers at Jainchill & Beckert, LLC can help you seek financial relief for your losses. Our Hartford, CT wrongful death attorneys have more than 55 years of combined legal experience and a proven record of successful outcomes. While you work through your grief, we can protect your rights and pursue fair compensation for your family. We will handle all the legal work so you can focus on what matters most — mourning and moving forward. Call or contact us for a free consultation.
How Is Wrongful Death Legally Defined in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, a wrongful death occurs when someone dies and another individual or entity is at fault. The state’s wrongful death statute allows the executor or administrator of a deceased person’s estate to take legal action against the responsible party and demand compensation for surviving family members. Survivors may be compensated for medical services, funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial contributions, and loss of consortium and companionship.
Various accidents and intentional acts of wrongdoing can cause wrongful death, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Defective products
- Construction accidents
- Criminal acts
Who Is Allowed to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Connecticut?
Under Connecticut law, only the administrator or executor of the deceased’s estate may file a wrongful death claim. Surviving family members cannot directly file a wrongful death claim unless the decedent named a family member to serve as their estate’s administrator. If the deceased person did not have a will or did not appoint an administrator or executor, the court may do so. Usually, appointees are the victim’s surviving spouse, children, or someone closely related to them. A Hartford wrongful death lawyer can help with this process.
What Damages Are Available Through a Connecticut Wrongful Death Claim?
A Hartford wrongful death lawyer can help you pursue compensation for various losses, including money for:
- The cost of reasonably necessary medical, hospital, and nursing services
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of future wages and benefits the decedent would have earned had they survived
- Medical expenses incurred due to the decedent’s fatal injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium, or loss of companionship, society, and affection
- Loss of enjoyment of life
When Are Double and Triple Damages Available?
In some circumstances, surviving family members can seek double or triple damages in a wrongful death suit. Connecticut law allows a judge or jury to award double or treble damages if the evidence shows the defendant deliberately or recklessly committed specific traffic offenses and their actions were a substantial factor in causing the fatal injuries.
How Is Compensation Distributed in a Connecticut Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Because the administrator or executor of the decedent’s estate files a wrongful death claim, any compensation awarded goes to the estate. The money is then disbursed to the decedent’s heirs according to the terms of their will or estate plan. Contact a Hartford wrongful death attorney if you have questions about your eligibility for wrongful death compensation.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Wrongful Death Case in Connecticut?
Connecticut’s wrongful death statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of death and no more than five years from the date of the act that eventually led to the death to file suit.
Lawsuits against government agencies may have shorter deadlines and notification procedures. Speak with Hartford wrongful death lawyers at Jainchill & Beckert immediately to learn how the statute of limitations applies to your case. Failure to file on time could prevent you from receiving any compensation for your loss.
Contact a Hartford Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
While nothing can erase the pain of losing a loved one, a wrongful death lawsuit could help you pursue compensation and a measure of closure. Our Hartford wrongful death lawyers combine compassionate client service with fierce advocacy to deliver results that count. Call the personal injury attorneys in Hartford at Jainchill & Beckert, LLC today or visit our contact page for a free consultation.
