Losing someone due to another party’s actions can permanently change the lives of their surviving family. However, families have the option to file a wrongful death claim with the state. To do so, it is ideal to hire a Branford wrongful death lawyer to manage the process. If the case involves other types of injuries as well, an expert personal injury lawyer in Branford may also be helpful in reviewing all legal options.
Jacobs & Jacobs offers initial consultations to families throughout Branford. Our firm can represent those who have lost a loved one due to another’s negligence or misconduct. We focus on taking the legal burden off a grieving family, allowing them to focus on their well-being. While wrongful death compensation cannot bring back your loved one, it can provide financial security and a path toward accountability.
Connecticut law allows a wrongful death claim when someone dies because of another person’s actions. This legal claim can only be filed by the executor or administrator of the person’s estate. This individual acts to help the people who have suffered from the loss, not just managing the estate as a whole. They can ask for compensation for medical bills, hospital and nursing care, funeral costs, and other losses related to the death.
Connecticut also allows a surviving spouse to file a separate claim if their partner’s death caused them to lose companionship, affection, support, or care. This is called a loss of consortium claim. Even though it’s a separate type of claim, it must be included in the same case as the wrongful death claim. It also follows the same deadlines and only applies if the wrongful death claim is successful.
Families seeking compensation should contact an experienced attorney to discuss their case. Acting quickly is essential, as Connecticut has strict deadlines for filing such a claim. Under Connecticut General Statutes Section 52-555, it must be filed within two years from the date of death. No case can be filed more than five years after the act that caused the death.
Therefore, even if the death occurred years after the original negligent act, the deadline is based on the earlier date. For example, if a medication defect caused an illness that led to one’s death three years later, the five-year limit would apply from the date the medication caused the harm. Failing to meet either of these limits typically results in case dismissal.
However, if the death was caused by someone who was later convicted of serious crimes, like murder or manslaughter, the time limit doesn’t apply.
An early investigation is crucial. Jacobs & Jacobs helps families in Branford, Connecticut by hearing their unique case details, determining what deadlines apply, gathering evidence quickly, and meeting all filing deadlines.
A wrongful death claim in Connecticut is a civil action filed when a person dies as a result of another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. These claims can be filed in the Connecticut Superior Court, including the New Haven Judicial District that serves Branford.
Some examples of wrongful deaths can include:
Although only the estate may file the case, surviving family members may ultimately benefit from any financial recovery. The damages are paid into the estate and distributed based on the will or, if no will exists, the state’s intestacy laws.
This law doesn’t create a brand-new type of case. Instead, it continues the legal rights the person would have had if they had lived.
The outcome depends on several factors, largely depending on the strength of your evidence. These include medical records, accident reports, witness testimonies, and professional opinions. Connecticut requires proof that it’s more than 50% likely that your loved one’s death resulted from someone’s negligence. Working with an experienced wrongful death lawyer at Jacobs & Jacobs can significantly increase your chances of winning your case and securing justice.
Under the wrongful death law, the estate can recover just damages, which may include:
Additionally, compensation covers any necessary medical and hospital expenses related to the injury, nursing care costs, and reasonable funeral and burial expenses. This aims to compensate for both the financial and emotional losses caused by your loved one’s passing.
Winning a wrongful death case relies heavily on proving that the other party’s conduct directly caused the death and that damages resulted from it. Evidence must show that the defendant’s behavior was negligent, reckless, or intentional. Professional opinions may be necessary to show how the actions caused the death. Timely filing and preservation of key documentation help strengthen the claim.
Yes. Connecticut law allows multiple defendants to be held liable in wrongful death cases. This would be for cases such as a multi-car fatal car accident or a medical malpractice death with multiple healthcare providers or hospitals involved. The court will assess each party’s degree of fault and allocate damages accordingly. Jacobs & Jacobs can carefully investigate all potential responsible parties to strengthen your case.
Jacobs & Jacobs handles wrongful death cases with professionalism and the empathy that grieving families deserve. During your initial consultation, we can clearly set expectations and explain each step of the filing process. Our firm regularly appears in local courts that serve Branford and has the resources to investigate, document, and present the facts of your case.
If your loved one’s death was caused by someone else’s actions, contact Jacobs & Jacobs today to discuss your options under Connecticut law. We serve Branford and the surrounding areas to secure the justice families deserve.