Colorado Wrongful Death Lawyer

Bringing You Closure After a Tragic Fatal Accident in Colorado

In an instant, a fatal accident caused by the negligence of another can not only end a life but also change the lives of everyone involved forever. Addressing the aftermath involves not only emotional healing but also understanding rights and seeking justice for the loved one who passed.

During the traumatic time after a loved one has passed away, you want answers. At Veritas Injury Lawyers, our wrongful death attorneys in Grand Junction can answer questions about your legal options for holding the negligent parties responsible—and provide closure and justice by pursuing a lawsuit against them. Our Colorado wrongful death lawyers represent people throughout the Western Slope and Eastern Utah, including the western Colorado cities of Grand Junction and Aspen, in all types of personal injury and wrongful death actions. We understand the complexities of Colorado's legal landscape and strive to guide you through the intricacies of wrongfully caused fatalities.

Contact us by calling (970) 292-7171 today to speak to our compassionate and comprehensive wrongful death attorneys in Colorado. We have convenient locations in Aspen, Glenwood Springs, Montrose, Telluride, and Grand Junction where we also extend our services to Eastern Utah.

What Constitutes Wrongful Death in Colorado?

In Colorado, wrongful death occurs when another party's negligent or malicious conduct causes an individual's life to end prematurely. This could involve car accidents, medical negligence, defective products, workplace accidents, or criminal behavior. Each of these scenarios can have distinct legal considerations, making it imperative to understand how state laws apply to different circumstances. Lawful action can help deter future negligence and support survivors financially and emotionally.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Suit in CO?

In Colorado, the individuals who are typically eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit include the decedent's surviving spouse, children, parents, or designated beneficiaries. Additionally, if none of these parties pursue a claim within the first year following the death, the representative of the decedent's estate may be allowed to bring forth a wrongful death action. It's essential to consult with a legal professional for specific guidance tailored to your situation, as family dynamics and relationships can influence eligibility. Our wrongful death lawyer in Grand Junction can clarify the process and ensure that those affected can take rightful action.

Comprehensive Representation for Fatal Accident Lawsuits in Colorado

A wrongful death lawsuit is different from other types of personal injury claims because the actual victim (the "decedent") is not bringing the claim. Rather, the claim is filed by surviving family members or the decedent's estate. Our representation includes a compassionate approach, respecting the emotional toll of such a loss, while also ensuring rigorous legal support.

A wrongful death claim is brought to recover damages for injuries that the surviving family and/or estate has suffered due to the death of the victim. The purpose of a wrongful death suit is to provide relief to family members who have been injured emotionally and financially as a result of the family member's death. This recovery can address hospital bills incurred before death, funeral costs, and any necessary adjustments to living arrangements due to lost income.

To file a wrongful death suit in Colorado, you must show that:

• The death was caused by a wrongful act, neglect, or default.
• The act, neglect, or default would have entitled the injured person to file an action to recover damages had the death not occurred.
• There are surviving beneficiaries, children, or dependents of the victim.
• Monetary damages have resulted from the decedent's death.

A surviving spouse has the exclusive right to bring a suit within the first year of the decedent's death. If the spouse does not bring an action or waives the right to bring suit, any surviving children of the decedent may bring an action after the first year. This strategic approach ensures that the family has time to grieve while preserving their legal rights.

If there are no surviving children or if the deceased was a minor, then the parents may bring an action for wrongful death. Siblings and other next of kin beyond parents may not file suit for wrongful death nor participate in the recovery of damages. Understanding these legal options early on can create a clearer pathway to justice and peace of mind.

What Types of Damages Can Be Sought in a Wrongful Death Case?

In a wrongful death case, various types of damages can be sought to compensate the surviving family members for their losses. These compensations are designed to support the family's future needs while acknowledging the emotional void that cannot be quantified monetarily.

Some common types of damages include:

• Economic Damages: These damages aim to compensate for financial losses incurred as a result of the death. This may include medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, loss of income, and loss of benefits. The court considers current and projected earnings, ensuring the family's future financial security.
• Non-Economic Damages: These damages are intended to compensate for intangible losses such as pain and suffering, loss of companionship, emotional distress, and mental anguish experienced by the surviving family members. These damages recognize the impact of lost relationships, altering the family's quality of life.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the defendant's actions were particularly reckless or intentional, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar conduct in the future. Such awards signal a strong societal stance against egregious negligence or misconduct.
• Loss of Consortium: This type of damages compensates for the loss of the relationship, love, and companionship that the surviving family members would have received from the deceased. It acknowledges how the loss of a loved one changes daily family interactions and emotional connections.
• Funeral and Burial Expenses: Reimbursement for the reasonable costs associated with the funeral and burial arrangements of the deceased. This aims to alleviate immediate financial burdens while families focus on mourning and honoring their loved one.

Grand Junction's Legal Landscape on Wrongful Death

The legal landscape in Grand Junction and the broader Colorado region has evolved to address the increasing awareness and need for appropriate handling of wrongful death claims. Over recent years, there has been a rise in advocacy around ensuring that families who endure unexpected losses receive adequate support and justice. This includes the implementation of laws that ensure claims are processed efficiently, allowing families timely access to compensation and support systems.

Given the unique aspects of Colorado law, residents of Grand Junction dealing with wrongful death cases often have questions about what differentiates state law from broader federal standards. Key considerations include the timelines associated with filing claims and how Colorado's comparative negligence rules may impact the outcome. Engaging with a wrongful death attorney in Grand Junction familiar with these nuances is critical. This ensures that families navigate the legal terrain confidently, adhering to all necessary protocols while minimizing stress during an already challenging time.