Littleton Wrongful Death Attorneys

Fierce Advocates for Grieving Families Throughout Englewood & Surrounding Cities

The death of a loved one takes a toll on every member of the family. When the death is caused by the actions, recklessness, or negligence of another, it creates an added layer of grief and pain, as well as a significant economic impact on the surviving family members.

At Curtis | Walton Law, our Littleton wrongful death attorneys understand that there is nothing anyone can do to take away the pain and grief. However, we will work tirelessly to hold the responsible party accountable, so you can focus on your family and healing.

Get in touch with us today at (720) 815-4402 for a free consultation to discuss your loss with a wrongful death attorney in Littleton.

Colorado Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Wrongful death cases arise when an individual is killed as a result of the:

• Misconduct
• Reckless behavior
• Or negligence of another person

The law allows surviving family members of the estate of the deceased to collect money from the responsible party. Wrongful death lawsuits can be filed, whether there is a criminal trial or not, and regardless of the outcome of any criminal trial.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Wrongful Death?

Some of the common reasons for wrongful death claims include:

• Car accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Criminal behavior, such as murder
• Death that occurs during a supervised activity
• Medical malpractice that results in the patient’s death
• Occupational exposure to hazardous substances or conditions

A wrongful death lawsuit may be filed by the deceased’s next of kin or the estate may file a lawsuit on behalf of the deceased. This is a civil action that can be filed even if criminal charges or not filed or the defendant is found not guilty in a criminal case.

When the death is the result of a work-related accident, family members or the estate can file a workers’ compensation claim. Our Littleton wrongful death lawyers can evaluate your situation to determine liability and sources of compensation for your loss.

What Damages Are Available for Surviving Family Members?

The main measure of damages in wrongful death claims is pecuniary, or financial injury. The court has interpreted these injuries to include loss of support, services, inheritance, medical expenses, and funeral expenses that arise from the death of the victim.

We have helped families recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses prior to death
• Funeral expenses
• Loss of income for the life expectancy of the deceased, had he or she survived
• Non-economic damages, such as loss of companionship and affection
• Loss of medical and retirement benefits
• Loss of household and child rearing support

Colorado Wrongful Death Damage Caps

In some situations, the state of Colorado may limit on how much compensation you can be awarded for certain damages.

When it comes to wrongful death cases, there are the following damage caps:

• Pain and Suffering - $250,000, unless there is "clear and convincing evidence" which permits the cap to be increased to $500,000

However, don't be discouraged from speaking with a professional wrongful death lawyer to determine whether or not your case may be an exception to this statute. Contact our firm today to discuss your claim!

Who Has the Right to Sue for Wrongful Death?

According to Colorado law, a surviving spouse or children may file for wrongful death, however they may not be able to file within the same timeframe. If the deceased was not married and did not have children, surviving parents may take legal action in filing for wrongful death.

What Is the Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations in Colorado?

In Colorado, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is two years from the date of your loved one’s death.

While grief has no time limit, the law does set a limit for filing a wrongful death claim. Although there are limited exceptions to this rule, it is important to keep the deadline in mind when deciding whether to pursue a claim.

Seeking Justice for Your Family

We intentionally keep our caseload small, so we can focus on your case and be available and responsive to our clients. We are available for free consultations in our office, by telephone, or we can come to you. For your convenience, our attorneys are able to schedule appointments after hours and on weekends.

If you would like to explore your legal options in a free consultation, please call (720) 815-4402 for an appointment or contact us online. We proudly serve Littleton, Englewood, and the surrounding cities.