Larimer County Wrongful Death Lawyers

Attorneys for Families of Loved Ones Killed Due to Someone Else's Negligence in Ft. Collins, Greeley and Longmont Areas

It is always difficult to lose a loved one, especially if the death was unexpected or untimely. When a family member is killed due to the actions or negligence of another party, the situation may be even more unbearable. If your child, spouse, or any other members of your family suffered fatal injuries in any type of accident or incident, you may be overwhelmed and unsure of how to proceed. At Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., our team of compassionate attorneys has the knowledge and skill to help you understand your options and to determine if filing a wrongful death action is appropriate for your circumstances.

What Is a Wrongful Death Action?

Under Colorado law, a wrongful death claim may be filed by certain surviving family members of a victim who was killed by another party's wrongful act, recklessness, or negligence. A wrongful death action is a civil lawsuit that is separate from and independent of any criminal charges that may be filed in relation to the death. Unlike a criminal case, which is intended to punish criminal wrongdoing, a wrongful death action is meant to provide financial compensation for the victim's family.

The team at Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. realizes that money cannot replace your loved one and that you would trade virtually any amount to bring him or her back. It is impossible to place a dollar value on what a person means to his or her family. The compensation that might be available in a wrongful death claim, however, could help you and your family start to heal and put your own lives back together.

Colorado Wrongful Death Basics

Within the first year of the victim's death, only the surviving spouse is permitted to file a wrongful death action in Colorado. The heirs or would-be heirs of the decedent may join the spouse's suit with the spouse's permission, but during the second year, they can file their own claims. If there are no heirs or spouse, the decedent's parents maintain the right to file the claim.

A wrongful death claim could give you and your family the opportunity to collect compensation for:

• The decedent's lost wages.
• The decedent's lost services.
• Funeral costs and medical expenses.
• Pain and suffering.
• Emotional loss and loss of companionship.

Colorado law places limits on non-economic damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. The limits, however, depend on the specific circumstances of each case.

Building a Case in Boulder County and Weld County

At Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., we know that you and your family will not collect compensation for the wrongful death of your loved one unless we can prove that the party or parties in question were responsible for the death. We will conduct a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death, looking for any and all information that could be used in support of your claim. Our attorneys will work with you in building a case intended to hold the responsible individuals or entities liable for their actions and to help your family move forward.

With Us, It's Personal

If you have lost a loved one in any type of accident, contact our office. When you call us, you become part of our family. We are personally invested in every case we take on, including yours. Call 970-225-2190 or 1-800-664-3151 for a free consultation at any of our 5 northern Colorado locations. Our firm serves clients in Fort Collins, Greeley, Longmont, Loveland, Larimer County, Weld County, Boulder County, and the surrounding areas.