Connecticut Wrongful Death Lawyer
Dealing with the death of a loved one is always painful, but it can be especially traumatic when the death was caused by another person’s actions. At Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C., we represent the surviving families of people killed in accidents of all kinds. Lawyers at our New Haven law firm serve clients throughout Connecticut, helping them hold negligent people accountable for the loss of their loved ones.
The sudden loss of a loved one because of someone else’s negligence or carelessness can permanently devastate a family emotionally and financially. No amount of money can make up for the loss of your loved one, but a wrongful death lawsuit can hold the responsible parties accountable, provide a sense of justice, and protect your family’s financial future. The experienced Connecticut wrongful death lawyers at Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C., can pursue the compensation your family deserves.
- When a loved one dies because of someone else’s careless or intentional misconduct, your family may be entitled to significant compensation for emotional and financial damages through a wrongful death lawsuit.
- The administrator or executor of your loved one’s estate must file the wrongful death lawsuit, but a surviving spouse and minor children can recover damages in a separate action or claim.
- You generally have two years from the date of the death to file a wrongful death claim, but you must file the claim no later than five years after the liable party committed the wrongdoing.
- Our Connecticut wrongful death lawyers handle all types of wrongful death claims, including motor vehicle accidents, boating accidents, defective products, slips and falls, medical malpractice, and workplace accidents.
- We have more than 35 years of experience securing significant compensation for clients, and there is no upfront cost to work with our award-winning attorneys.
Connecticut Wrongful Death Lawyers
Since 1988, Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C., has provided clients with compassionate legal representation that emphasizes integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to justice. Our past clients come back to us time and again because we care about their needs, maintain an open line of communication, and get outstanding results.
Our proven track record of handling complicated and high-exposure cases has won us the respect of our peers in the legal community. Our clients often come to us through referrals by other attorneys who know we get top results. Our attorneys have won the following honors only awarded to the top attorneys in the country:
- Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating for legal ability and ethics
- Martindale Hubbell AV Distinguished Rating
- Super Lawyers
- Best Lawyers in America
- America’s Top 100 Attorneys
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100
We provide effective, aggressive representation to every client with a personal touch and a meticulous approach to case preparation. When you choose KJSR, you get a dedicated team available to answer your questions and address your concerns at all hours of the day. Our team-focused approach ensures you benefit from the combined strengths and abilities of every attorney in our firm.
John Kennedy Jr.
Founding Partner
John J. Kennedy, Jr., is the founding partner of Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C. In 1988, John formed Kennedy & Johnson, along with David Johnson. John is an accomplished trial attorney, spending most of his more than 42 years practicing in Connecticut, representing injured clients before juries.
Areas We Serve
We are proud to help families from all walks of life in every community in Connecticut get justice against careless individuals responsible for the loss of their loved ones. We serve the following communities and the surrounding areas:
- Bridgeport
- Danbury
- Greenwich
- New Britain
- New Haven
- Norwalk
- Stamford
- Waterbury
- West Hartford
Millions Recovered for the Families of Connecticut Wrongful Death Victims
We are well-known throughout Connecticut for providing compassionate, personalized advocacy and securing significant financial compensation. Below are some of our notable wrongful death recoveries:
- $12.5 million recovered for the wrongful death of a patient in a medical malpractice case against Stamford Hospital
- $5.5 million recovered for the wrongful death of a 69-year-old man with mesenteric ischemia
- $4 million recovered for a medical malpractice wrongful death claim
- $2.7 million for the failure of an emergency dispatcher to follow applicable protocols, resulting in a death
- $2.5 million recovered for the family of a man who died from a heart attack weeks after two separate doctors misdiagnosed his heart condition
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Connecticut
No case is too large, small, or complicated for our knowledgeable Connecticut wrongful death attorneys. With over 35 years of experience, we have the skills and resources to go up against the largest corporations and insurance companies to recover just compensation. No matter what type of conduct caused your loved one’s death, we can help. We handle all types of wrongful death cases, including the following:
Act Now – Secure Your Rights and Get Legal Help Today
At Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C., our Connecticut wrongful death lawyers provide responsive and sympathetic legal representation in wrongful death claims of all sizes and types. If your loved one’s life was cut short because of someone else’s negligent or intentional misconduct, you can count on us to provide effective, aggressive representation with compassionate support. Protect your legal rights—contact our lawyers today.
Connecticut Wrongful Death Lawyer FAQs
What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
A wrongful death lawsuit is a claim to recover damages on behalf of the estate of someone who has died because of someone else’s wrongful acts, omissions, negligence, or default. Surviving families can recover damages for financial and emotional losses, including loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses. A wrongful death claim should not be confused with a survival lawsuit, which is a claim for losses the deceased experienced for which they could have filed a claim had they survived.
Who Gets the Money in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Settlement?
Wrongful death damages are generally awarded to the estate of the deceased. However, Connecticut law provides the following exceptions for a surviving spouse and surviving children:
- If you are the surviving spouse, you are entitled to recover damages through a separate claim for loss of consortium, which includes loss of society, affection, moral support, services, sexual relations, and companionship.
- Children who were minors at the time of the death may recover damages for loss of parental care, guidance, love, and companionship.
Other family members are entitled to request damages for their emotional and financial losses, but the law requires these damages to be awarded to the estate. After the probate process is completed, the executor or administrator will distribute the damages to the remaining family members along with any other assets in the estate.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Connecticut?
The wrongful death statute of limitations in Connecticut is generally two years from the date of the death. However, the lawsuit must be filed no later than five years from the date of the conduct that led to the death.
While two years may seem like a long time, you should not wait to contact an experienced wrongful death attorney in Connecticut. The key to achieving a successful result that truly covers your damages is thorough preparation and readiness for trial. This process takes time, and your attorney will need access to the evidence as soon as possible before it fades or disappears.
How Long Does a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Take?
If the responsible parties and their insurance companies agree to a fair and reasonable settlement, we may be able to resolve your wrongful death lawsuit within a few months. If your case goes to trial, it could take a year or longer.
Once your attorney collects damages from a settlement or verdict, the proceeds must remain with the estate until the probate process is completed. However, if you are a surviving spouse or minor child, your proceeds will not have to go through probate.
What Is the Average Payout in a Wrongful Death Suit?
The average payout for a Connecticut wrongful death lawsuit is $______. However, each case is unique and the amount you and your family recover will vary widely depending on the type of incident that led to the death and the unique facts of your case, such as the number of family members affected, whether there is a surviving spouse and minor children, and the financial impact of the death on the family.
We have won as much as $12.5 million in compensation for wrongful death in Connecticut.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
The executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate must file the wrongful death lawsuit. However, a surviving spouse may bring a separate claim for loss of consortium, and a loss of parental consortium claim may be brought on behalf of a minor child.
How Do You Prove Wrongful Death?
To prove wrongful death, you must show by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant intentionally harmed your loved one or engaged in negligent conduct that caused or contributed to the death. Negligence occurs when the following elements are present:
- The other party owed your loved one a duty of care.
- The other party breached the duty of care.
- Your loved one died as a direct and proximate result of the breach of duty.
- Your loved one would not have died were it not for the breach.
Free Case Evaluation
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Office Locations
15 N. Main Street #100 Suite 217
West Hartford, CT 06107
Client Testimonials
Handled my case with amazing expertise from start to finish. I took their advice at every turn and the end result was nothing less than exceptional. Very professional, nice office space and their Long Wharf location validates parking.
Nate H.
Remarkable law firm! Attorney John Kennedy and his staff were professional and welcoming. If you need a lawyer, stop looking, you’ve found one of the best! He never stopped fighting for me as though it was personal to him too! He’s straight forward with everything and definitely didn’t disappoint me with an outcome greater than I expected! If I were an attorney in need of a lawyer, this is the man I’d want in my corner time and time again, without a doubt!
Sophie A.
The attorneys Kennedy Johnson And Isabelle Koch, are helpful and work hard to settle our case.The clerk Maurea Black is great. I have used their service twice and I would highly recommend these attorneys. Also I recall when my husband passed away over 20 yrs ago they called me about his case.I wasn’t sure what was going on with his case it was very new before he died. They kept me in the loop, and were still fighting for his case. You can’t go wrong with these attorneys, you will be in good hands. Also these attorneys are good for calling you back when you call them. It doesn’t take them forever to return calls. You will always have someone to speak with. Thank you.
Monaye B.
Our Results
$7.9 million
Trucking Accident resulting in Serious Injury
Medical Malpractice
$2.4 million
Settlement for Claim resulting in Leg Amputation
Medical Malpractice
$2.1 million
Medical Malpractice
$2 million
Motor vehicle accident wrongful death claim
Medical Malpractice
$1.9 million
Medical Malpractice
$1.85 million
Medical Malpractice