Denver Wrongful Death Lawyer

Denver Wrongful Death Attorney Serving Colorado

When the negligence of others results in the death of a loved one, the surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. There are a wide variety of situations where wrongful deaths can occur, including car accidents, truck accidents, aviation accidents, defective products, workplace accidents, or medical malpractice. Generally, whenever a person is killed because of someone else's negligence, the person or parties who were responsible for the death may be held liable. Survivors may be entitled to compensation for their losses, and multiple types of damages may be available.

When accidents occur resulting in the death of a loved one, it is important for family members to work with an experienced attorney to determine their options. At The Gold Law Firm, we are dedicated to defending the legal rights of family members who are left behind after a wrongful death. We can perform a timely investigation of the circumstances surrounding the death, and we can ensure that crucial evidence will be preserved. By determining how and why the incident occurred and identifying the persons legally responsible, we can work to ensure that a family will be fully compensated for the loss of their loved one.

Financial Compensation for Wrongful Deaths

Pursuing a wrongful death action will not bring back a lost loved one, but it will help alleviate some of the financial burden associated with their unexpected death. It is important to address these issues within the applicable time limits. In Colorado, the statute of limitations for wrongful death actions is two years. A deceased person's spouse may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit within the first year after the death. In the second year after the death, the deceased person's children or a designated beneficiary may also be able to pursue a lawsuit.

Multiple types of damages may be available in wrongful death cases. These may include both economic damages that address the financial losses a family has experienced and non-economic damages that address how family members have been personally affected. Available damages may include:

• Medical expenses - The deceased person may have received emergency medical treatment or other forms of care before their death, and family members may be fully compensated for these costs.
• Loss of income, benefits, and services - Survivors may be compensated for the income the deceased person would have earned and used to provide for a family's needs. Other benefits may also be addressed, such as medical benefits or retirement savings. Family members may also receive compensation for the services their loved one would have provided to them, such as providing child care or performing work around the home.
• Funeral and burial - The costs of disposing of the deceased person's remains through burial in a cemetery or cremation may be addressed, as well as expenses related to memorial services.
• Loss of consortium or companionship - A family may be compensated for the loss of a loving relationship with their loved one, as well as the loss of emotional support and instruction that a parent would have provided to children.
• Grief and sorrow - Compensation may address the emotional trauma that family members have experienced due to a loved one's death. This may include compensation for the costs of psychological treatment, as well as other issues that affect family members' quality of life as they work to recover from their tragic loss.
• Exemplary damages - In some cases, family members may be awarded additional damages because a person was killed intentionally or through "willful and wanton conduct," such as drunk driving or other situations where a person disregarded the safety of others or acted in a way that they knew was likely to cause harm. These damages are meant to serve as a punishment for the person who was responsible for the death.

A family may be fully compensated for all of the economic damages they have experienced. However, Colorado law places a cap on non-economic damages. This amount is regularly updated to account for inflation. For wrongful death claims made before January 1, 2024, the limit for non-economic damages is $598,350. However, this limit does not apply in situations involving a "felonious killing" in which a person committed murder or manslaughter.

Contact Our Denver Wrongful Death Lawyers

Wrongful death lawsuits in Colorado can be complicated matters. They are highly emotional cases that require compassionate representation from a dedicated attorney. If someone you love was killed in an accident or as a result of someone else's negligence, The Gold Law Firm can help you take the correct steps to pursue a wrongful death claim and receive compensation that will allow your family to move forward. Contact us for a free consultation at 303-694-4653.