Losing a loved one in an accidental or untimely death is especially heartbreaking. While nothing can compensate you fully for the death of someone you love, you and your family can seek justice on behalf of your loved one who died through a wrongful death claim.
You might wonder what damages could be available when you lose a family member or close relative due to someone else’s negligent or wrongful act. In many wrongful death cases, family members are not prepared to cover the cost of their loved one’s burial or funeral and have to cover the medical expenses that the decedent incurred before their death.
The unexpected loss of a loved one can easily overwhelm grieving family members. Contact a skilled attorney today to learn more about available damages in Denver wrongful death cases.
A wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to the unlawful act of another. Such wrongful acts include negligent or intentionally harmful conduct like assault and battery. After a person dies due to someone else’s unlawful act, a lawsuit can be filed on behalf of the deceased to compensate the decedent’s family for their loss.
In Colorado, only specific individuals can file a wrongful death case for their loved ones. Within the first year after the person dies, their surviving spouse can file a wrongful death case. After the second year following their death, the deceased’s spouse, heirs, or designated beneficiary can pursue legal action on their behalf. It is also crucial to note that family members must file their wrongful death case within two years of the deceased’s death or risk losing their right to recovery. Contact a knowledgeable Denver attorney to discuss filing a wrongful death claim for damages.
In wrongful death cases, financial damages are available to the deceased’s family members. For example, a successful wrongful death claim could compensate the deceased’s loved ones for medical expenses related to the illness or injury that caused their death. Damages could also cover the cost of the deceased’s funeral and burial, loss of the deceased person’s income, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship. An experienced lawyer in Denver will review the circumstances of your relative’s wrongful death to build a strong claim for payments that will compensate you for your loss.
Colorado law limits how much a deceased person’s family can recover in a wrongful death case. For example, non-economic damages such as emotional trauma or pain and suffering are capped at $250,000. There is generally no cap for economic damages so long as the person seeking damages can support their claim. While this rule has some exceptions, it is always a good idea to consult a legal representative regarding the damages available in your wrongful death case.
Our Denver wrongful death attorneys at Roberts Markland LLP understand how overwhelming the legal process may feel after losing a family member or close relative. We aim to support our clients so they can obtain the financial damages they deserve and move forward with their lives after their loved one’s tragic death.
Surely no amount of money can ever truly compensate you for your devastating loss, but at a minimum, damages can cover the funeral costs, the deceased medical expenses, loss of income, and their family’s pain and suffering. When you lose a loved one, hire an attorney to discuss damages in Denver wrongful death cases.
