If someone you love died because of someone else’s negligence, you may want to consider filing a claim. According to the United States Courts, civil cases regarding personal injury like wrongful death rose more than 10 percent between 2012 and 2013. In Connecticut, the executor or administrator of the decedent’s estate is the only person who is able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
In order to obtain damages, you must be able to demonstrate that negligence resulted in the death of your loved one. Those damages may include the following:
The funeral and burial expenses
The medical bills related to the deceased’s final condition
The amount of wages attributed to a lost earning capacity
The pain and suffered that the deceased endured
The loss of the capacity to enjoy life’s activities
There are some cases, such as in a motor vehicle accident, in which judges may increase the damages if they believe the negligent party was acting recklessly.
According to Connecticut law, you must file a lawsuit for damages within two years of the date of the person’s death. However, there are some exceptions that may extend that timeframe, though no suit may be filed after five years of your loved one’s passing.
Prior to filing a lawsuit, it is a good idea to gather as much information as possible such as a timeline of events, police reports and medical bills. This will help an attorney build a strong case for your claim.
While this information may be useful, it should not be taken as legal advice.
