Denver Wrongful Death Lawyer
The loss of a loved one is an immeasurable tragedy. When the negligence or wrongful actions of another causes that loss, navigating the complex legal system compounds the pain. Each Denver personal injury attorney at Zara Injury Law understands the depth of your grief. We are committed to providing compassionate and aggressive legal representation by a skilled Denver wrongful death lawyer to help you seek justice and compensation.
We provide compassionate advocacy for survivors
Zara Injury Law’s wrongful death attorneys in Denver have nearly twenty years of experience fighting to recover compensation for clients wronged by others’ negligence. We have recovered millions of dollars in damages for those injured in personal injury and wrongful death accidents. You are not just a number to us. We take the time to understand the unique circumstances of your loss and work tirelessly to build a strong case on your behalf.
We understand that the loss of a loved one is incredibly difficult. When another’s negligence or wrongful actions cause that loss, the emotional and financial burden can be overwhelming. A dedicated Denver wrongful death attorney will provide you and your family compassionate and aggressive legal representation. We are committed to seeking justice on behalf of your family and helping you recover the compensation you deserve.
Don’t just take our word for it – Here’s what our clients have to say
Our Denver wrongful death lawyers guide you with dedication and compassion
Each wrongful death attorney in Denver is committed to providing essential legal guidance throughout the wrongful death claim process. Our responsibilities include:
- Case evaluation: We assess the details of your case to determine its viability and the best course of action.
- Investigation: We conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence and build a strong case.
- Filing claims: We ensure all necessary paperwork is filed accurately and within the statute of limitations.
- Negotiation: We negotiate with insurance companies and opposing parties to secure a fair settlement.
- Trial representation: If we cannot settle, we represent you in court, presenting evidence and arguments to secure a favorable verdict.
At Zara Injury Law, we understand that no amount of compensation can bring back your loved one. However, we are committed to helping you seek justice and obtain the maximum compensation under Colorado law. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your loved one’s accident and your available legal remedies.
Zara Injury Law helps you understand your rights in a wrongful death claim
Wrongful death occurs when someone’s negligence or intentional misconduct causes a person’s death. Colorado law allows certain family parties to seek compensation for their losses. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys thoroughly understand the complexities of these cases and will work tirelessly to protect your rights.
Who can file a wrongful death claim?
Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) § 13-21-201 specifies who can file a wrongful death claim. The right to file a wrongful death claim is restricted to specific individuals and follows a particular order of priority:
- Surviving spouse: The deceased’s surviving spouse has the primary right to file a wrongful death claim. In the first year following the death, only the surviving spouse is allowed to file the claim. If they do not act within the first year, the right to file extends to other eligible parties in the second year.
- Deceased’s children: If the deceased has surviving children, they can file a wrongful death claim, but only after the first year has passed if the surviving spouse has not filed a claim. They may file the claim jointly or individually depending on their preferences and circumstances.
- Deceased’s parents: If the deceased was unmarried and had no children, their parents are next in line to file a wrongful death claim. They can also file jointly or individually.
- Designated beneficiary: In certain circumstances, a designated beneficiary may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. This typically applies if the deceased had formally designated someone as their beneficiary in a will or trust.
- Personal representative of the estate: The personal representative of the deceased’s estate can also file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the estate. This type of claim focuses on recovering damages related to the estate itself, such as medical expenses, funeral costs, and other financial losses incurred by the estate.
We have 19+ years of experience handling all types of wrongful death cases
Zara Injury Law’s wrongful death lawyers in Denver, CO, handle wrongful death cases that arise from a variety of circumstances, including:
- Medical malpractice: Medical malpractice occurs when healthcare professionals fail to provide the standard of care expected in their field, resulting in a patient’s death. An example of medical malpractice is birth injuries.
- Motor vehicle accidents: Motor vehicle collisions involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles are a leading cause of wrongful death in Denver, taking an average of 764 lives annually, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. These fatalities often result from distracted driving, driving under the influence, reckless driving, and defective vehicles.
- Workplace accidents: Workplace accidents can occur in various industries and may result from construction, transportation, and industrial accidents or a lack of safety measures.
- Animal attacks: Animal owners are legally responsible for exercising reasonable care to prevent their pets from biting people. When an animal attack results in death, the surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Our Denver wrongful death lawyers fight for maximum compensation after the loss of your loved one
When you tragically lose a loved one due to another’s negligence, your family will likely face immense emotional and financial burdens. A wrongful death lawsuit seeks to hold the responsible party accountable and provide compensation for the losses suffered. We will help you recover all potential damages through a wrongful death claim.
Economic damages
Economic damages compensate for the financial losses resulting from your loved one’s death. These may include:
- Medical expenses: Costs of medical treatment and care provided to the deceased before their death
- Funeral and burial costs: Expenses related to the deceased’s funeral, burial, or cremation
- Lost income and benefits: Compensation for the income and benefits the deceased would have earned if they had lived
- Loss of inheritance: The value of the inheritance the deceased’s family members would have received
Non-economic damages
Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible losses experienced by your family after your loved one’s death. These may include:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering experienced by the deceased before their death
- Loss of companionship: Compensation for the loss of the deceased’s companionship, love, and emotional support
- Loss of consortium: Compensation for the loss of marital relations and the emotional and physical support provided by the deceased
Exemplary damages
Exemplary damages, commonly known as punitive damages, can be awarded in Denver wrongful death cases under specific circumstances. These damages are not meant to compensate for losses but to punish the defendant for their egregious behavior and deter future misconduct. CRS § 13-21-102 caps punitive damages at three times the actual economic and non-economic damages awarded.
To recover punitive damages, you must prove, by clear and convincing evidence, that the defendant acted with fraud, malice, or willful and wanton conduct. This is a high burden of proof, requiring substantial evidence of the defendant’s malicious intent or reckless disregard for your loved one’s safety.
Our experienced wrongful death attorneys at Zara Injury Law can help you understand the specific damages available in your case and work to maximize your recovery. We are skilled at identifying all potential sources of compensation and maximizing the damages awarded to you. We will thoroughly evaluate your case, gather compelling evidence, and present a sound argument to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve after the tragic loss of your loved one.
We’ll ensure your wrongful death claim is filed on time
The statute of limitations is critical to any wrongful death claim, as it determines the time frame within which you must file a claim. Understanding these limitations is essential for ensuring that the court considers your case.
Colorado’s wrongful death statute of limitations is defined under CRS § 13-80-102. Under this statute, you have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a claim. While the general statute of limitations is two years, there is an important vehicular homicide exception. If your loved one’s death resulted from a hit-and-run accident, the statute of limitations extends to four years.
The state’s statute of limitations also considers the priority of the eligible parties who can file a wrongful death claim. This prioritization affects who can file the claim and when they can file it within two years. Remember, the surviving spouse has the exclusive right to file a wrongful death claim during the first year following the death.
Given the complexities of wrongful death cases, it is essential to consult with an experienced wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible. We can help you understand the specific details of your case and ensure that you meet all deadlines.
We answer common questions about wrongful death claims in Denver
The time it takes to resolve a wrongful death claim can vary widely based on the complexity of your case, the parties’ willingness to negotiate, and the court’s schedule. Some cases may be resolved through settlement negotiations within a few months, while others may take several years if they proceed to trial.
While it is possible to file a wrongful death claim without a lawyer, it is highly advisable to seek legal representation. Wrongful death claims involve complex legal and procedural issues, and our experienced wrongful death lawyers can provide valuable guidance, handle the legal paperwork, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies and opposing parties to maximize your compensation.
Resources for family members of Denver wrongful death victims
Losing a loved one is a devastating experience, and navigating the legal system afterward can be overwhelming. Here are some resources that may be helpful:
- Colorado Department of Revenue: Offers information on death certificates and estate administration
- Social Security Administration: Guides benefits for surviving family members
- HeartLight Center: Provides grief support and education for individuals who have lost a loved one
- Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance: Provides resources and advocacy for victims of crime, including wrongful death
- WellPower: Provides mental health services, including therapy and counseling, for individuals and families coping with grief and loss
- Zara Injury Law
4700 S Syracuse Street, Suite #860 A
Denver, CO
Local number: (866) 823-8288
Secondary number: (720) 513-1127