Wrongful Death Lawyers in Denver
The loss of a loved one can be emotionally devastating, especially when someone’s careless actions cause it. At Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C., our Denver, Colorado, wrongful death attorneys will ensure the responsible party is held accountable for the financial and emotional damage they have caused.
Seeking Justice and Financial Relief
When someone else's negligent conduct leads to the death of a family member, you have the right to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. While no lawsuit can fully replace the presence and companionship of your loved one, it can help alleviate the financial burden caused by their sudden loss.
To succeed in a wrongful death suit, you must establish that the other person's careless actions caused the accident resulting in your loved one's death. Additionally, specific rules govern who can initiate these lawsuits and the types of damages that can be sought.
Navigating these unique challenges and circumstances can be daunting, which is why enlisting the help of a Denver wrongful death lawyer can significantly enhance your chances of a successful case.
Damages
Damages in a wrongful death lawsuit are meant to address the costs and impact of a person’s sudden and unexpected death. These may include funeral expenses and any medical care your loved one received immediately prior to death.
If your loved one contributed to your family’s finances, you may also recover compensation to make up for the support and assistance you and your family might have expected from the deceased.
Finally, compensation may be available for non-economic losses, including pain and suffering and loss of comfort and companionship.
Compensation
For damages such as lost financial support, medical and funeral costs, you can recover compensation in the amount of the loss itself. Anticipated future expenses, such as the decedent's lost wages, would need to be proven with some degree of certainty before being awarded. However, compensation could still be given for the amount of the anticipated loss.
Compensation for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering is capped by Colorado law at a maximum of approximately $470,000.
Why Do Clients Choose Us for Legal Assistance?
- We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee – if we don’t win, you don’t pay!
- We have over 30 years of experience in wrongful death cases
- We get results for our clients–millions of dollars in compensation
- We deliver personalized service, give our clients the time and attention they need, and get them maximum compensation
- We love our clients!
To arrange a free initial consultation, call (303) 678-0560 at your earliest convenience.
No Upfront Costs & No Recovery, No Fee
At Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C., we accept personal injury cases like wrongful death, on a contingency fee basis; that means we don't get paid unless you do. We’re in this together! Our fee and the case costs we advance for you come out of the money we get for you and your family. No recovery, no fee. It’s that simple.
Wrongful Death FAQs
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Colorado?
The spouse or children of the deceased person are given the right to file a wrongful death claim in Colorado. If there is no surviving spouse or child of the deceased, then the parents of the deceased have the right to bring a wrongful death claim.
What needs to be proven in a wrongful death case?
To win a wrongful death case, it must be proven that the death was caused by the defendant's wrongful act, negligence, or intentional behavior. Damages resulting from the death must also be established.
What damages can be recovered in a wrongful death case?
While a wrongful death claim can help you find closure and a sense of justice, its underlying legal purpose is to get you and your family monetary compensation from the liable party and their insurers for the loss. Money can never replace a lost loved one, but it is the only measure of damages awarded by Colorado courts for wrongful death claims.
Some of the damages that you might be able to collect include:
- Grief
- Loss of the deceased’s companionship and guidance
- Impairment of the quality of life, inconvenience, pain and suffering, and emotional stress
- Income the deceased would have earned in life
- Employment benefits the deceased would have continued to earn
- Burial and funeral costs
- Reasonable value of daily care provided by the deceased to the claimants
Punitive damages might also become available in your wrongful death claim. A court can assign punitive damages to punish the defendant for egregious wrongdoing. Punitive damages are rare—they are most commonly used in cases involving intentional harm, like a murder case.
What is the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit?
The statute of limitations to file the claim is two years from the date the deceased passed away, which might not be the same day that they were fatally injured.
If the deceased has no spouse or children, their parents can file the claim. If there are no eligible spouses, children, or parents, then the administrator of the deceased’s estate can file a survival action for estate expenses.
Can I pursue a wrongful death claim if the deceased had pre-existing health conditions?
Yes. The key factor is whether the defendant's actions or negligence directly contributed to the death, regardless of the pre-existing conditions. Our personal injury attorneys can help assess the viability of your claim.
Personal Injury Specialties
Get more information about our personal injury representation
We’ve Helped Others Like You
Our Colorado Attorneys
Get The Help You Need
Get JBP Legal’s experience on your side. Contact us for questions or a consultation.