In Colorado, a death caused by someone else’s careless or unlawful behavior is considered a wrongful death. A wrongful death can happen in many contexts, including auto accidents, premises liability cases, ski accidents and other recreational injuries, dog attacks, medical malpractice, nursing home neglect or abuse, workplace injuries, injuries caused by defective products, and beyond. These situations are unique because you have lost a loved one who is also the key witness as to what happened. You and other family members may be in profound emotional shock while saddled with unexpected expenses.
If you have lost a loved one in an accident or through negligent medical care, it’s critical you understand your family’s rights. You may be entitled to recourse under Colorado wrongful death law. If you need a wrongful death lawyer in the Denver area, Chalat Hatten & Banker will help your family navigate every aspect of a sudden loss and will serve as powerful advocates every step of the way.
When you lose a loved one, you lose so much more than just the person. You could lose your source of financial support, childcare provider, and/or health insurance. While you cannot put a price on everything lost when a loved one is taken from you unjustly and unexpectedly, you may be entitled to legal compensation to help ease your loss. When filing a wrongful death claim in Colorado, you may be eligible for compensation for any or all of the following:
While wrongful death lawsuits do involve elements of conventional personal injury claims, understand there are also laws in Colorado that apply specifically to cases of wrongful death. In Colorado, the surviving spouse, next of kin, or personal representative may bring a wrongful death action on behalf of the deceased. The wrongful death claim is unique in that the victim – the one with first-hand knowledge of the event – cannot provide any insight into the accident. For many families, answers about what happened are only achieved through legal proceedings.
It is essential to act quickly when filing wrongful death claims in Colorado, as there is a statute of limitations. The surviving spouse or the parents or children of the deceased may file within the first two years of the person’s death. Individuals may recover compensation for economic losses they have suffered because of the death, besides non-economic damages such as the grief and sadness associated with losing someone you love. These financial considerations include immediate and future expenses. It is important for you and your family to know your future is financially stable.
The estate itself may recover for the pain and suffering that the deceased person experienced between the injury and the time of death, as well as expenses that the estate bears directly, such as burial and funeral costs.” [this is just wrong. There is no claim for pre-death pain and suffering in Colorado. The estate may sue for related pre-death medical expenses, and funeral expenses. The next of kin may sue for their grief, sadness, and loss of support, both financial and emotional.
Requesting an autopsy may seem unnecessarily intrusive, but often the results can answer questions left open by a coroner’s report. An autopsy may be the best method for demonstrating proof of negligent care, particularly in potential medical malpractice claims.
Begin your case review process
Start with a free, no-obligation conversation with one of our experienced attorneys. We’ll listen to the details of your accident, answer your questions, and provide initial guidance on your legal options.
If you decide to move forward, we’ll get to work gathering the evidence needed to support your claim. This may include reviewing incident reports, speaking with witnesses, and assessing any medical documentation.
Once we’ve reviewed your case, we’ll explain your rights and provide a clear, step-by-step plan tailored to your situation. You’ll always know what to expect next.
Whether it’s negotiating a settlement or going to court, we’ll be by your side every step of the way, working to secure the best possible outcome for you.
Begin your case review process
Start with a free, no-obligation conversation with one of our experienced attorneys. We’ll listen to the details of your accident, answer your questions, and provide initial guidance on your legal options.
If you decide to move forward, we’ll get to work gathering the evidence needed to support your claim. This may include reviewing incident reports, speaking with witnesses, and assessing any medical documentation.
Once we’ve reviewed your case, we’ll explain your rights and provide a clear, step-by-step plan tailored to your situation. You’ll always know what to expect next.
Whether it’s negotiating a settlement or going to court, we’ll be by your side every step of the way, working to secure the best possible outcome for you.
Contact our wrongful death lawyers in the Denver area to ensure your rights are protected every step of the legal process. We are here to help you determine if you have a wrongful death claim and how best to pursue it.