Wrongful Death Attorneys in Connecticut
Our Team is Here to Support You During This Difficult Time
The loss of a loved one is always tragic and can be made even more devastating when that loss is sudden or unexpected. The term wrongful death applies if someone loses their life in an accident caused by the negligence or carelessness of another. Proving negligence or carelessness in a wrongful death claim can be a complicated process. The compassionate Connecticut wrongful death attorneys at Carter Mario Law Firm have the experience to provide you with representation in your time of need.
Elements of a Wrongful Death Claim
The 4 identifying elements of a wrongful death claim include:
- The accident causing the death was caused entirely or partially by another
- The death was a direct result of the negligent or careless actions of another
- As a result of the death, you and your family suffered significant losses
- The death has resulted in significant financial damages and tangible losses
Appointing a Personal Representative
Before you can pursue a claim, you must appoint a personal representative. This person acts as administrator if your loved one did not have a will. If your loved one had a will, this person acts as executor. This appointee acts on behalf of the estate making important decisions. To name this appointee, visit the probate court in the district where your loved one lived.
If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence or carelessness of others, trust Carter Mario Law Firm to help. Contact our team today at (203) 403-2341 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
Compensation for Your Loss
In a wrongful death case, a beneficiary such as a husband, wife, child, parent, heir, or next-of-kin may be entitled to damages or monetary compensation for the loss of a loved one. The damages you receive from the party responsible for your loved one’s death are not intended to punish the at-fault party for their negligent or careless actions.
They are intended to compensate you for your loved one’s injuries and losses. The Connecticut wrongful death attorneys at Carter Mario Law Firm can help you pursue the compensation to which you are entitled.
Types of Damages
In the state of Connecticut, statutes govern the types of damages to which you may be entitled in a wrongful death case.
These damages are grouped into 2 categories:
- Economic Damages: These cover actual expenses incurred as a result of the death, such as medical or funeral expenses
- Non-Economic Damages: These are costs that are not tangible, such as pain and suffering or diminished quality of life
Available Damages
Under Connecticut law, damages that may be available to you as the beneficiary of a wrongful death claim may include:
- Reasonable and Necessary Expenses: Damages for medical, funeral, and burial expenses
- Loss of Earning Capacity: Damages for the loss of your loved one’s income contribution
- Loss of Capacity to Enjoy Life: Damages for the decedent’s loss of quality of life
- Compensation for Death: Damages related to the actual loss of your loved one’s life
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for pain and suffering the decedent experienced before death
If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence or carelessness of others, trust Carter Mario Law Firm to help. Contact our team today at (203) 403-2341 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
Wrongful Death FAQ
What is Wrongful Death?
The term wrongful death applies if someone loses their life in an accident caused by the negligence or carelessness of another.
What is the Statute of Limitations?
Under Connecticut law, the administrator or executor of a deceased person’s estate has 2 years from the date of the decedent’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, there are certain exceptions for wrongful death suits that may be filed after the 2-year deadline has passed.
What is an Average Settlement?
Without first evaluating the details, it’s hard to know the value of the claim.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to recover damages which include:
- Reasonable/Necessary Expenses
- Loss of Earning Capacity
- Loss of Capacity to Enjoy Life
- Compensation for Death
- Pain and Suffering
What are Punitive Damages?
Punitive damages punish an at-fault party for their negligence or carelessness. These damages may be awarded by a jury. Compensatory damages cover the actual expenses you incurred — including medical expenses, loss of income, funeral expenses, and more.
Do I Have a Claim?
The 4 identifying elements of a wrongful death claim include:
- The accident causing the death was caused entirely or partially by another
- The death was a direct result of the negligent or careless actions of another
- As a result of the death, you and your family suffered significant losses
- The death has resulted in significant financial damages and tangible losses