Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Connecticut
A wrongful death claim is a type of legal action that seeks compensation from a person, company, or government entity whose wrongdoing causes someone’s death. In Connecticut, the estate’s executor or administrator files the wrongful death action, and any recovery is distributed through the estate; close relatives may also have separate, derivative claims (e.g., spousal loss of consortium) to recover financial support for the damages they’ve suffered as a result of the death.
It’s important to understand that a wrongful death case is a civil claim, not a criminal case. The at-fault party may face separate criminal charges, but a wrongful death claim focuses only on the financial and emotional impact of the loss.
What Qualifies as Wrongful Death?
A death is wrongful when it results from another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act. Examples of incidents that may qualify for a wrongful death claim include:
- A fatal car accident caused by a negligent driver
- Medical malpractice resulting in a patient’s death
- A fatal workplace accident due to unsafe conditions
- A defective product that causes fatal injuries
- A fatal slip and fall caused by a property owner’s failure to address a known hazard
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Only the deceased’s estate executor or administrator may file a wrongful death claim in Connecticut. This person will either be named in the victim’s will or appointed by the court. Their job is to file the claim on behalf of the deceased’s estate or close surviving family members, including their spouse, children, and parents.
Why Should I Hire an Experienced Lawyer for My Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Proving that someone else is liable for your loved one’s death can be challenging, especially when the victim is no longer around to tell what happened. Insurance coverage might be available to cover your family’s losses, but insurers are known to push families to accept less than they deserve.
Our attorneys can help you navigate these challenges. We’re here to handle every aspect of the legal process while you focus on grieving, healing, and moving forward:
- Evaluating your case
- Determining the filing deadline
- Collecting and analyzing evidence
- Identifying potentially liable parties
- Calculating damages
- Pursuing fair compensation in settlement negotiations or court
- Taking the legal burden off your shoulders
A Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Navigate Connecticut Laws
Wrongful death cases involve complex state laws about who may file, what damages families may recover, and how long they have to take legal action. Our personal injury lawyers understand these requirements and can make sure your claim meets every legal standard. With our help, you can reduce the risk of missing critical deadlines or missing out on compensation to which you might be entitled.
A Wrongful Death Attorney Can Build a Strong Case With Evidence
Because the victim cannot share their version of events, the burden of proof can be quite high in wrongful death claims. To recover fair compensation, you must prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that another party’s conduct caused your loved one’s death.
Building this case requires a thorough investigation, expert testimony, and strong documentation—such as medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and financial records. Our Connecticut wrongful death lawyers know how to gather these elements and bring them together to present a strong case on your family’s behalf.
A Wrongful Death Law Firm Can Maximize Compensation for Families
A loved one’s untimely death can create enormous financial strain and emotional suffering. When you turn to our lawyers, we’ll pursue the full range of damages available for wrongful death in Connecticut under state law, including:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the fatal injury
- Lost wages and future earning potential
- Conscious pain and suffering
Why Choose Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C. for Your Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Our firm has guided Connecticut families through wrongful death claims for more than 35 years, combining compassion with the experience needed to maximize compensation. We understand the weight of your loss and are ready to shoulder the legal burden so you don’t have to face it alone.
Many families return to us for help with their most serious legal matters, and other attorneys often refer cases to us because they know we’ll fight for the best possible result.
From our offices in Norwalk, West Hartford, and New Haven, we take a team approach to every wrongful death case. When you choose us to represent you, our attorneys will pool their unique knowledge, resources, and experience to seek the results you deserve.
Proven Track Record of Results
Experienced wrongful death attorneys in Connecticut often have a history of satisfied clients and successful results—and that’s exactly what you’ll find at our firm. Grieving families trust us because we take an aggressive approach to pursuing fair compensation while centering the real people behind the case. Our client testimonials reflect that careful balance.
We’ve recovered numerous high-value settlements and verdicts for families facing the aftermath of a loved one’s tragic death, including these:
$12.5M
Wrongful death/medical malpractice case against Stamford Hospital.
Medical Malpractice
$7.3M
Death of a 69-Year-Old Man with Mesenteric Ischemia
Medical Malpractice
$2.7M
Failure of emergency dispatcher to follow applicable protocols resulting in death.
Wrongful Death
$2.25M
Failure to Diagnose and Treat Ongoing Heart Attack Resulting in Death
Medical Malpractice
Contact Our Connecticut Wrongful Death Attorneys Today at Kennedy Johnson
Hiring an experienced lawyer for a wrongful death case in Connecticut can bring clarity and direction in a time of deep grief. We know that no amount of money can replace what you’ve lost, but the right legal support can provide financial stability and a sense of accountability during this painful time.
When you’re ready to explore your legal options, our team will be waiting to guide you on a path forward. Our consultations are always free; you pay nothing out of pocket if you hire us. Call us at 203-865-8430 or complete our online contact form to get started.