West Hartford, Connecticut Wrongful Death Lawyers

The loss of a loved one can be devastating. When that loss is due to someone’s negligence or misconduct, survivors may sue for wrongful death.

Contact a Connecticut wrongful death lawyer to ensure you don’t navigate a complicated wrongful death lawsuit alone.

Please don’t hesitate to reach us at (860) 561-0651 or send an online message today for a no-obligation consultation to learn how we can help you.

What Is Wrongful Death?

A wrongful death attorney in Connecticut helps survivors bring a lawsuit on behalf of the deceased person’s family. A Connecticut wrongful death attorney files a claim under the Connecticut wrongful death statute or General Statute 52-555. This statute permits parties to recover damages for the death of their loved one. 

Who Can File for Wrongful Death?

Under Connecticut general statute 52-555, a wrongful death claim seeks damages based on the value of the deceased’s life. Additionally, estate claims seek monetary damages and may also request pain and suffering.

Connecticut does not permit surviving family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The executor or administrator of the decedent’s estate must file the wrongful death lawsuit on their behalf.

A Connecticut wrongful death attorney can help recover compensation for the following individuals:

• Immediate family members of the deceased, including spouses, children, and adopted children;
• Life partners or financial dependents of the deceased, including domestic partners; and
• Distant family members, including siblings and grandparents financially dependent on the deceased.

If the deceased party did not name an executor or administrator of their estate, then the court names one. 

Recoverable Damages 

Damages filed in wrongful death lawsuits in Connecticut determine losses solely from the standpoint of the decedent.

A West Hartford wrongful death lawyer helps clients recover damages amounting to the loss of the decedent’s life enjoyments and earning capacity of the decedent. Additionally, parties filing a wrongful death lawsuit may recover pain and suffering damages the decedent experienced before their death. 

Economic Damages 

Economic damages are quantifiable damages seeking to make family members financially whole. Monetary damages include the following:

• Medical costs associated with the death; 
• Loss of the deceased’s earnings in their lifetime; 
• Funeral expenses;
• Loss of benefits such as pension plans or medical coverage;
• Loss of inheritance caused by the untimely death; and
• The value of services that the deceased would have provided.

Economic damages may be supported by the preservation of receipts, documentation, and other proof of expenses. 

Non-Economic Damages 

Non-economic damages define those losses that are less definable. These may include the following: 

• Pain and suffering,
• Loss of companionship of the deceased, and
• Loss of consortium of the deceased spouse. 

Due to their subjective nature, it is difficult to assign monetary values to non-economic damages. Therefore, retaining a CT wrongful death lawyer to assist in your wrongful death lawsuit assures the court receives necessary evidence. 

Punitive Damages 

In the event malicious or egregious conduct resulted in the decedent’s death, a CT wrongful death attorney may request punitive damages. The purpose of punitive damages is to deter future similar behavior.

Punitive damages serve solely to punish the individual and, when awarded, may be substantially larger than compensatory damages. 

Contact Us 

If you have lost a loved one and suspect negligence or misconduct is to blame, consult with an experienced Connecticut wrongful death attorney. The attorneys at StangerLaw LLC dedicate their practice to preserving the legal rights and financial interests of survivors of wrongful death lawsuits.

As qualified West Hartford, Connecticut wrongful death lawyers, we possess the legal knowledge enabling you to hold the negligent party responsible for their actions, so your wrongful death lawsuit proceeds with the recovery of the financial compensation you deserve.

Our dedicated legal team believes in providing our clients with the highest level of legal services. We value our client relationships and focus on establishing trust, open communication, and loyalty. Contact our office today to discuss your potential claim with West Hartford, Connecticut wrongful death lawyers.