Fatal tragedies caused by another person’s negligence or recklessness require fierce legal advocacy so you can get the justice you’re owed. If you’re looking for a Waterbury wrongful death lawyer, you’re likely dealing with one of the most painful periods of your life.
At Jacobs & Jacobs, we understand the heavy emotional toll of losing a loved one, and we’re here to guide you through the process with both clarity and compassion.
A wrongful death claim happens when one person dies because of another person’s negligence, carelessness, or recklessness. These deaths are senseless, which means wrongful death claims mean more than getting money to cover expenses. They’re about telling the truth of what happened and creating a more accountable world.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unintentional injuries are the third leading cause of death in the United States. In 2022 alone, over 227,000 people died from unintentional injuries, many of which were preventable and resulted in wrongful death claims.
In Connecticut, data from the Department of Public Health shows that 90% of unintentional deaths in 2022 came from falls, motor vehicle accidents, and accidental poisoning, resulting in over $28 billion paid out in claims.
For families pursuing a wrongful death claim, these statistics aren’t just background noise. They show just how widespread these preventable deaths are. Additionally, they support the idea that holding someone legally responsible isn’t just possible; it’s necessary. In some cases, more than one party might be at fault, and Connecticut’s comparative negligence rules determine how compensation is divided when responsibility is shared.
Waterbury, historically known for its brass-making industry, has its share of modern challenges. From traffic collisions on I-84 to dangerous falls in nursing homes or construction sites, these challenges reflect the real risks families face every day.
Some of the most common causes of wrongful death include:
If your family is dealing with the aftermath of a wrongful death, the team at Jacobs & Jacobs is ready to take on the legal burden, stand up to insurance companies, and demand accountability.
Unlike other states, Connecticut law requires the executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the family. The executor then works on the family’s behalf to recover compensation for the deceased’s next of kin.
If the deceased left no will, the Waterbury Probate Court can appoint an administrator to handle the estate, often a family member or close relative. The key thing to remember is that you have the legal right to pursue a wrongful death claim in Connecticut. The team at Jacobs & Jacobs can help guide you through this challenging process, and it’s important to understand who is legally allowed to bring the claim forward.
Losing a loved one is a painful and life-altering experience, and when that loss is the result of another person’s misconduct, the emotional toll can be so much worse. One of the most important aspects of these cases is understanding the damages that could be available to help cover the financial and emotional impact of such a tragic loss.
While no amount of money can ever truly replace a loved one, the compensation awarded in a wrongful death claim can provide some measure of financial relief during this incredibly difficult time. Some of these damages could include:
Many of the same financial and emotional losses covered in personal injury cases also apply in wrongful death claims, especially when it comes to recovering damages tied to emotional support and future income. Each case is unique, and the damages you could pursue depend on the circumstances surrounding the death and the hardship forced on the family. At Jacobs & Jacobs, we’re committed to helping families navigate the complexities of wrongful death claims to make sure they receive the compensation they deserve.
You can still file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault person’s estate. For example, if a fatal car crash was caused by a negligent driver who also passed away in the accident, the claim can be brought against the estate’s assets, which could include insurance policies and other holdings.
Yes, you can file a wrongful claim even if the deceased had no income. Children, retirees, and stay-at-home parents all contribute to the family, and Connecticut law recognizes that. The damages you could recover include loss of companionship, guidance, and support. Courts understand that economic value isn’t just tied to a paycheck.
While the estate’s representative files the claim on behalf of the family, the distribution of any compensation typically follows Connecticut’s laws of inheritance or the instructions in the deceased person’s will. If there’s no will, the damages go first to the spouse. If there’s no spouse, compensation goes to the children, and so on.
Yes, you can file a claim against a government agency for wrongful death in Connecticut. However, the process can be very complicated. If a municipal (bad road maintenance) or a state entity (police misconduct) caused the death, you may need to file a notice of claim before pursuing any damages. Government claims also have shorter deadlines and stricter procedures.
At Jacobs & Jacobs, we’ve spent years standing beside families who have lost someone too soon. Our approach is thorough, intentional, and tailored to the needs of each client. We take the time to investigate every detail by reviewing accident reports, analyzing medical records, consulting with forensic experts, and interviewing witnesses.
We’re based right here in Connecticut, so we understand the local court systems, including the Waterbury Superior Court and surrounding jurisdictions. Our familiarity with the court is invaluable, as we are acquainted with procedural nuances, the preferences of local judges, and how to tailor our arguments to align with the expectations of the court.
This local knowledge helps us build robust strategies that strengthen your case and give us an edge when it comes to advocating for your rights.