In Connecticut, the average settlement for wrongful death lawsuits varies widely depending on the type and extent of damages suffered, household financial contributions, available evidence, liability determination, and legal counsel. Every case is unique and requires a personalized approach when creating a case strategy and damage assessment.
Our Connecticut wrongful death lawyers will discuss the different factors that can affect your wrongful death claim and what you can do to maximize your settlement value.
Recoverable Damages Determine a Significant Portion of Your Wrongful Death Settlement
Wrongful death damages are unique to each case. Since a wrongful death lawsuit aims to recover damages associated with your loved one’s death, the value of your settlement is largely determined by these damages.
Economic Damages for a Wrongful Death Claim
Economic losses for wrongful death address actual financial losses you sustained because of your loved one’s passing. These damages may include:
- Funeral expenses and costs for burial
- Medical bills from treatment before they passed
- Income contributions to your family or household
Non-Economic Damages in a Connecticut Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Non-economic losses in a wrongful death claim refer to the subjective effects of your loved one’s injuries and passing. You could recover financial compensation for these damages, which may include the pain and suffering your loved one experienced before they passed, as well as your own emotional and mental distress.
CT Gen Stat § 52-555a also allows the spouse of the deceased person to recover compensation for loss of consortium. Although this is a separate legal action from the wrongful death claim, CT Gen Stat § 52-555b states that the claim must be combined with wrongful death proceedings since both claims deal with the same facts and legal matters.
Loss of consortium claims seek compensation for the spouse’s loss of society, affection, moral support, household services, sexual relations, and companionship.
Dangerous Driving Damages for Wrongful Death Cases
Per CT Gen Stat § 14-295, wrongful death claims that arise due to reckless or deliberate dangerous driving can potentially be subject to double or triple damages. That means that if the deceased person passed away in a motor vehicle accident because of someone else’s negligent driving, victims can receive two to three times as much for compensatory damages.
Legal Eligibility Affects Your Recovery in a Wrongful Death Case
The amount you can recover for a wrongful death claim depends on your relationship with the deceased person and the disbursement of funds in accordance with their will. Connecticut laws are specific when it comes to who can file a wrongful death lawsuit. Unlike other states, the victim’s close relatives are not permitted to file a wrongful death claim. Instead, the deceased person’s executor or personal representative must file the lawsuit for compensation.
The deceased person’s will should name their executor, but if there is no will or other documentation designating a representative, the court will appoint one. Upon completion of the claim, the final settlement will go to the deceased person’s estate to be distributed to the victim’s heirs or beneficiaries.
Liability Laws Can Diminish the Value of Connecticut Wrongful Death Claims
According to CT Gen Stat § 52-572h, damages recovered for wrongful death may be diminished if the victim shared liability for the incident that led to their injuries and/or death. The share of the victim’s damages is based on the percentage of negligence shared.
Unfortunately, the liable parties could try to place unfair blame on the deceased in an attempt to prevent paying wrongful death damages or reduce what they owe the surviving family. Liability and negligence determination in Connecticut are complex, so you should consult with a wrongful death attorney to understand how these laws may affect your claim value.
Timely Legal Filing is Crucial for Securing Wrongful Death Damages
Connecticut’s statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is typically two years from the date of death, but some circumstances could change this limit. The time limit can vary depending on the details of the case, so you benefit from speaking with an attorney from our team right away. If you miss the deadline to file a wrongful death lawsuit, you could lose the chance to recover damages.
If you lost someone due to negligence, reach out to the attorneys at Trantolo & Trantolo as soon as possible to ensure you meet appropriate filing deadlines.
Legal Representation Can Work to Maximize the Value of a Wrongful Death Settlement
A wrongful death lawyer can help surviving family members by assessing the full extent of their loved one’s damages and seeking a settlement or verdict that accounts for all losses. A personal injury attorney with experience managing wrongful death claims in Connecticut can help you gather evidence to establish damages and liability so you don’t overlook critical information that supports your case.
Your case will also benefit from the resources available to an established wrongful death law firm. We have connections with local medical, economic, and other experts who can provide additional support for your claim. In addition, your legal team will know how the claim process works, so they can help you take important steps and meet critical deadlines.
A Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help On a Contingency Fee Basis
We understand how financially devastating the loss of a loved one can be. Our wrongful death attorneys offer free consultations to review your case and explain your legal options. That assistance comes at no upfront cost to you, so you don’t have to worry about retainers or litigation costs.
Our wrongful death attorneys also work on a contingency basis, which means they take payment from a final settlement or verdict in your favor. While you take the time you need to cope with your loss, your legal team handles all communication, evidence gathering, legal filings, and representation.
Consult With a Connecticut Attorney Today After the Wrongful Passing of a Loved One
If you lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC’s lawyers are here to help. Contact us today to get started with your wrongful death claim.
