Meriden Wrongful Death Attorney

Sadly, tens of thousands of people in the U.S. are killed each year from unintentional injuries. Losing someone you love is one of the hardest things to cope with. When a loved is taken away as a result of someone else’s negligent or wrongful act, your family will likely confront overwhelming emotional and financial challenges. When that is the case, family members of the deceased may be entitled to compensation for their loss.

If you have prematurely lost a loved one because of negligent conduct, contact Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C. We will go over your legal options, and help you find the closure you need during this difficult time.

Why Our Firm is Right for Your Family for Meriden Wrongful Death Claims

With our more than 100 years of combined experience, we will guide you in your pursuit of justice and compensation.
We listen to and take our clients’ needs to heart, prior to making any major decision or formulating a legal strategy.
We will advocate for you without any upfront fees, and will only accept payment once we successfully obtain compensation for you and your family.

What is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A Meriden wrongful death claim is filed by an executor or administrator of a wrongly deceased person’s estate, on behalf of the surviving family seeking to recover damages. These claims typically arise when a party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions cause the death of another.

Common Causes of Wrongful Deaths

Some of the most common wrongful death cases involve:

Car Accidents
Truck Accidents
Motorcycle Accidents
Pedestrian
Medical Malpractice
Nursing home abuse or neglect
Workplace accidents, such as falls at construction sites
Product Liability (defective products)
Criminal acts

The settings and circumstances can vary in each wrongful death case. However, how the person was killed isn’t usually as important as why it happened. When a death occurs because of another person’s negligence or failure to act, etc., is when legal action is warranted. Although a victim’s family has the right to pursue damages, oftentimes the at-fault party will have an insurance company and lawyer on their side who are committed to preventing full and fair compensation.

Types of Damages Available for Surviving Family Members

On behalf of family members, the executor of a deceased’s estate can pursue the following damages in a Meriden wrongful death claim:

Hospital bills and medical expenses related to the deceased’s final injury or illness.
Funeral and burial costs.

Lost earning capacity (expected earnings, lost benefits, loss of inheritance)

Mental anguish, distress, pain and suffering endured by the deceased before passing and the surviving family members.
Loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive damages (in some cases).

An attorney that specializes in wrongful death claims can protect the legal rights of the deceased’s estate. Compensation can be obtained through an out-of-court settlement or an award at trial, and a skilled Meriden personal injury lawyer can handle the entire process.

Connecticut Law Provides Specific Rules

Wrongful death laws in Connecticut are unlike many other states, in that only an estate’s executor or administrator can file suit, rather than surviving family members. Any damages recovered by the estate in the lawsuit are distributed according to the terms of the decedent’s will. However, if the victim did not have a will naming an executor, the court will appoint one. Additionally, without a will, damages will be distributed according to the state’s intestacy laws.

Connecticut also sets a deadline for a deceased’s executor to file a wrongful death claim, known as the statute of limitations. Legal action must be pursued within two years from the date of the victim’s passing. There are certain exceptions, but all rights to compensation are barred after five years.

We Can Help

Our experienced Meriden wrongful death attorneys are dedicated to helping grieving families recover compensation after the loss of a loved one. Reach our office by calling (203) 265-2035 and schedule a free consultation today.