Understanding Colorado Wrongful Death Claims

 Posted on August 21, 2024 in Wrongful Death

You have probably heard that you may be able to receive a settlement if you are injured in an accident by filing a personal injury claim. Unfortunately, almost any kind of accident has the potential to be fatal. If you have lost a loved one in an accident recently, you may have questions. Can you still get compensation if a loved one loses their life? What types of damages might you obtain?

A wrongful death claim allows eligible survivors of fatal accident victims to collect damages, but these cases have strict regulations in Colorado. If you think your situation qualifies, a free consultation with our knowledgeable Colorado personal injury lawyer from Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. can answer your questions.

What Are Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Claims?

Most personal injury claims rest on proving that someone’s negligence or intentional act directly caused injuries and associated damages. If the injured victim qualifies, he may receive a settlement that reimburses accident-related expenses and compensates for adverse impacts on his quality of life.

Whether the victim dies immediately or after unsuccessful medical treatment, his eligible survivors may be able to obtain damages through a wrongful death claim. As a general rule, if the victim qualified to file a personal injury claim had he lived, his survivors also qualify for a wrongful death action.

Wrongful death claims are civil matters and are independent of any criminal charges. These claims are subject to Colorado laws that determine who can file a claim, filing deadlines, and maximum compensation amounts. 

What Damages Are Available Through a CO Wrongful Death Action?

There are several damages that you may obtain after the death of a loved one. Your attorney from Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. will calculate applicable damages and work diligently to help you obtain them.

To determine damages in a wrongful death case, it is important to understand the full picture of the accident and the aftermath. The victim may have undergone medical treatments before his death, incurring healthcare bills. He might have lost wages during that period, and he could have needed specialized care. In addition to medical expenses, he may have experienced significant pain and suffering. After his passing, his family must pay funeral and burial expenses. Damages may be available for all of these losses, including property damage. 

The people who are eligible to file a wrongful death claim are usually immediate family members who depended on the deceased financially and emotionally. These survivors may receive compensation for various losses, which include:

• Loss of financial support

• Loss of companionship

• Loss of guidance

• Anxiety and depression

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional trauma

To get the total damages you deserve, you need evidence directly linking a defendant to the victim’s and your losses. Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. will investigate the death and gather evidence supporting your claim.

Speak With Our Compassionate Fort Collins, CO Wrongful Death Lawyer

No amount of money can truly make up for the loss of a loved one, but it may help you provide for your future. Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. will support you during this difficult time and work to hold the liable party accountable. Call us now at 970-225-2190 for your free consultation with our determined Larimer County, CO wrongful death attorney.