The unexpected death of a loved one changes your life in many ways. In addition to coping with grief, you may face significant financial challenges. You may be overwhelmed with handling end-of-life matters, but your family deserves compensation for this unjust burden caused by negligence.
Trantolo & Trantolo’s Hartford personal injury lawyers have helped injury victims and their families seek justice and compensation for more than 85 years. We are here to support you during this trying time. We strive to reduce your stress by handling insurance claims and legal matters on your behalf so you can focus on rebuilding your life. Learn how our Hartford wrongful death lawyers can help during a free, no-obligation legal consultation.
What Is a Wrongful Death Case?
A wrongful death lawsuit is a legal action filed against the responsible party after someone dies due to negligence, recklessness, or carelessness. Typically, if the victim could have brought a personal injury claim against the at-fault party had they survived, the executor can bring a wrongful death claim after their demise. Wrongful death and loss of consortium claims are usually combined in court to speed the legal process.
Types of Wrongful Death Claims We Handle
Wrongful death claims arise when the victim passes due to someone else’s negligent behavior. We have experience with a wide range of wrongful death actions, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Dog attacks
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Medical malpractice
- Slip and fall accidents
- Defective products
- Workplace accidents
We know that every case is unique and deeply personal, which is why we assign a specific team to handle each case. Your assigned legal team will manage all correspondence, case-building, and advocacy while you focus on rebuilding your life.
How Our Hartford Injury Attorneys Can Help
Our firm has been helping personal injury victims pursue justice and fair compensation for more than 85 years. In that time, we have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients.
We understand that you are facing significant emotional and financial challenges that may be new to you. To help you get your life in order during this chaotic time, we offer free wrongful death case reviews. Our Hartford personal injury lawyers will examine the available evidence and help you understand what your legal options are.
When you hire us, we will:
- Investigate the cause of your loved one’s passing
- Gather medical records, witness statements, testimony from medical professionals, and other evidence to prove fault
- Identify the responsible parties and file an insurance claim for fair compensation
- Negotiate with insurance companies and opposing counsel
- File a lawsuit and represent you in court, if necessary
Many claims are settled outside the courtroom, but we prepare your case for trial from the start. Our dedicated trial attorneys aggressively advocate for you and your loved ones inside and outside the courtroom.
We Work for a Contingency Fee – No Upfront Fees or Retainers Necessary
We don’t charge for our legal services upfront. Instead, our attorneys recover fees and costs related to your wrongful death litigation as part of the final settlement or award. That means there is no financial risk for you – if we don’t win, you pay nothing for our legal representation.
We know how to hold the at-fault party accountable for your loved one’s passing. Don’t fight solo – let us help you navigate the claim process and get justice for your loved one.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Connecticut?
Connecticut law only allows the victim’s executor to recover compensation for death due to negligent acts. Usually, the victim’s will and testament names the estate’s executor or administrator. If not, the probate court will name a representative to manage legal claims and distribute the proceeds.
A wrongful death suit is separate from a loss of consortium claim brought by the victim’s surviving spouse. While a wrongful death claim recovers damages on behalf of the deceased person, a loss of consortium claim is for specific losses suffered by the victim’s spouse.
Because these claims depend heavily on unique factors like the victim’s age, earning capacity, and the circumstances of the incident, there is no single average settlement for wrongful death lawsuits in Connecticut. So, proceeds from a wrongful death claim go to the decedent’s estate, while any award or settlement from a loss of consortium claim will go directly to the affected spouse.
Damages Available in a Hartford Wrongful Death Claim
A successful wrongful death claim can help relieve the financial burdens left behind after an unexpected loss. Our Hartford wrongful death attorneys can help your family recover losses such as:
- Medical expenses related to your loved one’s final injury or illness
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- The loss of household services and financial support
- The pain and suffering your loved one experienced before their passing
In Connecticut, compensation recovered through a wrongful death claim is paid to the deceased person’s estate and distributed according to the person’s will or Connecticut probate law. A surviving spouse may also have the right to pursue a separate loss of consortium claim for the loss of the love, companionship, and support the marriage provided.
Many families hesitate to pursue a wrongful death claim because no amount of money can make things right. We understand that. A claim is not about placing a value on your loved one’s life—it is about holding the responsible party accountable and helping ensure your family has the financial support it needs in the years ahead.
You Have a Limited Time to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim in Connecticut is typically two years from the date of death. This time frame can differ depending on the circumstances of your loved one’s passing, so don’t delay. If you miss this statute of limitations, you could lose your ability to seek damages.
Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Compassionate Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you lost someone you love because of another person’s negligence, our personal injury lawyers in Connecticut can help you seek justice. Contact Trantolo & Trantolo today to get a free case evaluation from a Hartford wrongful death attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I File a Wrongful Death Claim If Criminal Charges Were Never Filed?
Yes. A wrongful death claim is a civil case that is separate from any criminal investigation or prosecution. Even if no one is arrested or convicted, you may still pursue compensation if another party’s negligence caused your loved one’s death. Our Hartford wrongful death attorneys can investigate the circumstances, gather evidence, and determine whether you have a valid claim under Connecticut law.
How Long Does a Wrongful Death Case Take in Connecticut?
Every wrongful death case is different, so there is no set timeline. Some claims settle within several months, while others take longer if liability is disputed or the case proceeds to trial. Factors such as the complexity of the evidence, the number of parties involved, and negotiations with insurance companies can all affect how long the process takes. At Trantolo & Trantolo, we keep you informed at every stage and work efficiently while preparing every case as though it will go to trial if necessary.
What If My Loved One Was Partially at Fault?
Families often worry that they have no legal options if their loved one shared some responsibility for the accident. However, partial fault does not automatically prevent a wrongful death claim. Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning the facts of the case must be carefully evaluated before determining whether compensation may be available.
Unfortunately, insurance companies sometimes try to shift blame onto someone who is no longer here to tell their side of the story. Our attorneys know how to challenge unfair accusations by conducting a thorough investigation, preserving evidence, interviewing witnesses, and building a strong case based on the facts. If your loved one was partially at fault, we can explain how Connecticut law applies and help you understand your legal options.
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Trantolo & Trantolo
Office Info:Hartford, CT Office
Address: 21 Oak St Suite 605, Hartford, CT 06106, United States
Phone: 844-999-9999
Opening Hours: 24 Hours / 7 Days A Week
Location Info: Our Hartford office is located on Oak Street just off Capitol Avenue in the Capitol Place building. We are just west of the Museum of Connecticut History and walking distance from the Connecticut State Capitol. If you’re visiting us from outside the immediate area, both the Yankee Expressway (I-84) or I-91 put you near our office. We’re easy to find whether you’re in downtown Hartford or driving in.