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If you’re here because you and your family have suffered a wrongful death or fatal injury in New Haven, the personal injury firm of Weber & Rubano wants to offer you our deep condolences. This is a time we hope that no one has to go through – and we want you to know you’re not alone.
If you and your loved ones are experiencing these tragic circumstances, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Our wrongful death law firm has been a pillar of the New Haven community for over 60 years. Our experienced New Haven wrongful death lawyers are ready and willing to do what it takes to fight for the maximum financial compensation in your wrongful death case.
If you are ready to start, you can request a free, no-obligation review on your wrongful death case today.
According to the Cornell Legal Information Institute, the legal definition of wrongful death is “a civil cause of action brought by family members and dependents against individuals who knowingly or negligently cause the death of another person.”
A rule of thumb is if a personal injury caused the victim to pass, then the executors of that individual’s estate may bring a wrongful death suit against the negligent third party.
Examples of situations potentially resulting in wrongful death include:
When the careless, reckless, or purposefully wrongful actions of another cause an injury, the injury victim can file a personal injury claim against the party at fault, but if the injury victim dies from their injury, the family they leave behind may file a claim to recover the damages they’ve suffered due to the loss. While gaining financial compensation does not bring the loved one back, it can help to give the surviving close family members the financial resources that their loved one would have provided for them had they not died a preventable death.
In many states, the deceased’s family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, for residents of Connecticut, wrongful death suits can only be brought by an administrator or executor of the deceased’s estate – with some exceptions. If the deceased’s estate was not determined before their death, the court might appoint someone to serve as an executor or administrator.
There are a couple of caveats to this rule. A spouse or civil partner is eligible to bring a claim for wrongful death based on loss of consortium. Additionally, minor-aged children may file a claim for the wrongful death of a parent.
There’s a lot to consider during the emotional aftermath of a loved one’s sudden death. The very first step to take after a wrongful death is to take some time to pull your family through the shock of the tragedy and mourn the loss of the loved one. Soon after the death; however, once it’s clear that the death was entirely preventable if it hadn’t been for the negligence, recklessness, or wrongdoing of another, taking specific steps can benefit your family’s wrongful death claim later.
An experienced and compassionate wrongful death lawyer will help you to become the voice for your lost loved one.
Once you have a seasoned wrongful death attorney working on your claim, you may expect the following steps in the Connecticut wrongful death process:
When someone else’s actions directly cause the death of a family member, the family can recover damages through a wrongful death claim only after their attorney gathers evidence to prove liability on the part of the person or business at fault. Proving liability requires successfully demonstrating the following legal points:
Once your New Haven wrongful death attorney successfully demonstrates liability, they’ll craft a compelling case for compensation from the appropriate insurance company of the party at fault, such as their auto insurance or property insurance. Only in the relatively rare event that the insurance company fails to offer a substantial settlement does the case proceed to a lawsuit in court. Your attorney will ensure that your claim becomes a lawsuit within the time limit allowed through the state’s statute of limitations should court litigation become necessary.
The statute of limitations in Connecticut starts two years from the date of death, but you have five years from the act that triggered that person’s death to file a suit. If you fail to file within this time frame, the court may refuse to hear your case. There are exceptions, so it is best to speak with a New Haven wrongful death attorney about the details of your case.
Connecticut Code Section 45a-5448(b) states that individuals can seek economic or non-economic damages to offset the monetary loss to the estate associated with a wrongful death.
These damages can be as follows:
The untimely wrongful death of a loved one is emotionally and financially devasting. A successful claim can relieve financial stress so you and your family can focus on healing and moving forward from your grief and loss.
For over 60 years, we have been helping the New Haven community receive the financial compensation and justice you seek. While we know that a favorable judgment or settlement cannot fully satisfy the pain and hurt of your loss, we will fight on your behalf to win you the most favorable outcome possible.
Call our New Haven personal injury attorneys today. We’re so confident in our ability to get the settlement or verdict you seek that we won’t ask for payment unless we win your case.
Getting started is easy. Request your free, no-obligation wrongful death case review today.