Losing a loved one is challenging and is even tougher when they suffer wrongful death due to someone else’s negligence. Our Aeton Law wrongful death attorneys in Connecticut have several years of experience handling wrongful death cases and successfully helping clients get favorable outcomes. We will help you file a wrongful death claim and receive damages for the death of your loved one. Call (860) 724-2160 today and let our Connecticut wrongful death attorney advise you on your legal rights and the best course of action to pursue.
What Is Wrongful Death In Connecticut?
Under the Connecticut Code Section 52-555, wrongful death is defined as a claim for injuries that result in death. Before you file for a wrongful death lawsuit, you must establish whether your deceased loved one would have had a solid personal injury case against the at-fault party had they survived.
You will need to prove that the negligent or wrongful actions of the at-fault party are what caused your loved one’s death. Our Aeton Law wrongful death lawyers can analyze your case and help you establish if your wrongful death claim is valid.
Here are the different potential legal grounds for filing a wrongful death claim in Connecticut:
- Medical malpractice
- An intentional act such as a crime
- Negligence-based acts, including car accident
Who Is Eligible To File A Wrongful Death Lawsuit In Connecticut?
Unlike in other states, a surviving family member cannot file a wrongful death claim in Connecticut. On the contrary, the decedent’s estate executor or a personal representative is responsible for filing the wrongful death claim. If your deceased’s estate plan does not name an executor or the named one cannot serve, the court will name an executor.
Types Of Compensation You Can Recover
In Connecticut, the damages recovered in a wrongful death claim are intended to compensate the deceased’s loss instead of the loss suffered by family members. Some of the damages you may recover include:
- Conscious pain and suffering before death
- Loss of income
- Loss of enjoyment of life activities
- Reasonable burial and funeral expenses
- Nursing services
- Necessary hospital and medical services
Can I File For Punitive Damages In A Wrongful Death?
You cannot file for punitive damages in wrongful death, but the estate’s executor can file for these damages on your behalf. Punitive damages are rarely awarded, and when awarded, they are not intended as compensation but rather to punish the negligent party and deter them and the public from committing a similar offense in the future. Punitive damages are only awarded in wrongful death if malicious intent or gross negligence contributed to your loved one’s death.
How To Prove Negligence In A Wrongful Death
You will need evidence that proves the at-fault party’s actions directly resulted in the wrongful death of your loved one. Our wrongful death attorneys have experience working on similar cases and will help you collect evidence that supports and justifies your wrongful death claim. The following four elements must be present to prove negligence in wrongful death:
Duty of care
You must prove that the defendant owed the decedent duty of care, such as driving carefully.
Breach of duty
You must prove that the defendant breached their duty of care. For instance, if the defendant was drunk driving when the accident happened, they can be held responsible for breaching their duty.
Causation
You must prove that the defendant’s breach of duty directly caused the death of your loved one.
Damages
You need to prove that your loved one’s death resulted from the defendant’s actions.
Steps For Filling A Wrongful Death Claim In Connecticut
If you have lost a loved one due to another person’s negligence, contact the Aeton Law wrongful death lawyers and let us review your case. We have several years of experience in successfully representing clients recover damages in wrongful death claims and can help you build a strong case. There are the basic steps for filling a wrongful death claim in Connecticut which include:
Meeting with an attorney
You can contact us and schedule a free consultation. We will review your case and help you establish whether or not your case qualifies for a lawsuit. Afterward, we will help you determine the best approach. You need to file before the statute of limitations runs out.
Provide us with evidence of death
You have to show us proof of the death of your loved one. A death certificate will suffice. We will go over the circumstances surrounding their death. It would also help to let us know whether your loved one was pursuing a personal injury.
Help you pursue justice
We know the law and the proper procedures for filing a wrongful death claim in Connecticut. We will educate you on these, your legal rights, and the statute of limitations and go over the process of filling your claim. Let us help you pursue justice for your loved one.
Schedule An Appointment With Aeton Law Connecticut Wrongful Death Attorney
Grieving over a loved one is hard, so the last thing you want to do is be involved in a wrongful death claim process with the insurance company. At Aeton Law, we understand that winning a wrongful death claim in Connecticut cannot bring back your loved one, but it can offer you financial relief to get over this challenging period. It is an opportunity to hold the negligent party accountable for their actions. Let us help relieve you from the burden of navigating this legal process.
The qualified attorneys at Aeton Law will fight the insurance company on your behalf so you can focus on caring for yourself and your family. We have over 50 years of combined experience in wrongful death, personal injury, and medical malpractice cases. Call us (860) 724-2160 and let us help you obtain justice for your loved one.