If the negligence or recklessness of another person caused you to lose a loved one, your family member’s estate may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim in Connecticut. Navigating this process alone is often overwhelming and emotionally exhausting. The state’s wrongful death procedures and requirements are complex, and successfully pursuing a claim is challenging without guidance from an experienced wrongful death attorney.
From determining the value of the damages to establishing fault, the attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, are valuable partners in Connecticut wrongful death trials. No matter what the outcome, your loss cannot be undone. Our goal is to lessen the financial strain that families face after an unexpected death and to bring our clients closure by pursuing justice for their deceased loved ones.
Legal action for negligence or wrongdoing that leads to death can be brought by an executor or administrator of the deceased victim’s estate. The estate’s representative can seek financial damages from the at-fault party for the costs associated with medical and nursing services leading up to death and funeral expenses, as well as pain and suffering prior to death and loss of enjoyment of life.
Connecticut’s wrongful death law requires that legal action be taken within two years after the date of death, but no more than five years from the date of the incident that caused the fatal injuries.
Compensatory damages may be awarded to the deceased individual’s estate in a wrongful death case, and the court or jury will determine what types of losses are appropriate and the value of the damages. They can include economic and non-economic damages, such as:
Double or treble damages may be awarded if the wrongful death was caused by a car accident if the at-fault driver violated certain traffic laws, including reckless driving or driving under the influence. The attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, can help you determine what damages may be pursued on behalf of your deceased loved one, as well as discuss the potential for claiming loss of consortium.
Because wrongful death claims must be brought by the executor or administrator of the deceased individual’s estate in Connecticut, the process starts with the appointment of an estate representative. If your family member did not name an executor in their will, the probate court can appoint an administrator. Once a representative is in place for the estate, a claim can be made for damages and funeral costs.
The estate’s wrongful death attorney will perform preliminary steps like gathering and preserving evidence, contacting witnesses, collecting medical records, and reviewing other evidence like video footage or photographs. It’s vital to a wrongful death claim that a strong argument of fault and liability can be established to show that the named defendant’s actions or negligence led to your loved one’s death.
The success of a wrongful death claim often rests on the skill and experience of the estate’s attorney. The legal team at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, has been representing grieving families and their loved ones’ estates for over 100 combined years. Our extensive experience and deep knowledge of Connecticut wrongful death trials make us an ideal option when you need an advocate you can trust. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
D’Amico & Pettinicchi proudly supports great causes throughout Connecticut. We are involved in our community and dedicated to making our community safer and healthier, and we carry that commitment through everything we do.
If you or someone you love has suffered an injury or illness, you need to take immediate action so we can start our investigation. It’s not just a legal matter; it’s about helping you rebuild your life.
We have a proven track record of success. Other lawyers refer their cases to us because we have the experience and resources to resolve these complex matters.
It’s important that you contact us right away, before evidence disappears and critical legal deadlines expire. Our office is centrally located in Watertown and we offer legal counsel to victims and their families throughout Connecticut. Contact us online or by phone to schedule a free remote or in-person consultation.
