The Boesen Law attorneys bring over three decades of experience handling wrongful death cases in Colorado, including significant recoveries for families in Greeley. Your attorney will evaluate your case, determine eligibility, and handle the legal process from start to finish.
With over a decade of experience serving clients from our Greeley office, we focus on building strong claims reflecting your family’s losses and legal rights.
Reach out to our law firm for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation today. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Colorado at (303) 999-9999 or contact us online.
Why Families Choose Boesen Law as Their Greeley Wrongful Death Attorneys
Families choose Boesen Law because we understand the legal, procedural, and financial complexities that follow a wrongful death. These cases demand familiarity with Colorado’s statutes, filing deadlines, and damage caps, as well as the ability to work efficiently with insurance carriers and expert witnesses. We offer this focused experience.
From our Greeley office, we provide direct access to a legal team that understands the specific challenges families face after a preventable death. Our team has tried cases before Weld County judges and is familiar with how local juries evaluate wrongful death damages, helping families understand their best options. We develop each case around the facts, the losses, and the legal standards that apply, presenting claims that withstand scrutiny and are positioned for full and fair compensation.
What Qualifies as a Wrongful Death in Colorado?
Under C.R.S. § 13-21-202, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to another party’s wrongful act, negligence, or failure to act. If the person could’ve filed a personal injury lawsuit had they survived, their family can pursue a wrongful death claim.
These claims are civil actions and are separate from any criminal charges. While the state may prosecute the offender, the civil claim allows surviving family members to recover financial damages related to the loss.
Examples of wrongful deaths include fatal truck, motorcycle, or car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, and injuries resulting from unsafe property conditions. Boesen Law has handled numerous wrongful death claims arising from vehicle crashes and various tragic accidents. In these situations, surviving spouses, children, or other eligible parties may be entitled to recover damages under Colorado law.
Who Has the Right to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Greeley, CO?
Regarding who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Colorado, state law sets strict rules based on the relationship to the deceased:
- The surviving spouse has exclusive rights the first year after the death.
- In the second year, the spouse, children, or any designated beneficiary named by the deceased can file.
- If there’s no spouse or children, parents may file.
- If no spouse, children, or parents exist, a designated beneficiary may bring the wrongful death lawsuit.
Wrongful death claims compensate surviving individuals for their financial and emotional losses. Separately, the personal representative of the estate may file a survival action, addressing damages the deceased incurred before death, such as medical costs or lost wages. Both actions may proceed concurrently if applicable.
In Weld County, local courts require proper documentation of family relationships and any designated beneficiaries. Boesen Law helps clients in Greeley gather birth records, marriage certificates, and beneficiary designations to prove eligibility and avoid court challenges that could delay the case.
Colorado’s Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations
In Colorado, most wrongful death claims must be filed within two years from the date of death, as outlined in C.R.S. § 13-80-102. If the death resulted from a motor vehicle accident, the statute of limitations typically extends to three years under C.R.S. § 13-80-101. In Greeley, courts enforce these deadlines strictly. Boesen Law wrongful death lawyers advises families not to wait, because even a few days’ delay past the filing deadline can permanently block the right to compensation, regardless of how strong the evidence is.
What Types of Compensation Are Available in a Wrongful Death Case?
In Colorado, families may recover compensation for both tangible and intangible losses following a wrongful death:
Economic damages
- Funeral and burial costs: All expenses related to laying the deceased to rest.
- Medical bills prior to death: Treatment costs incurred between the injury and passing.
- Lost income and benefits: Wages, insurance, retirement contributions, and other support the deceased would’ve provided over time.
Non-economic damages
- Grief and emotional pain: Emotional distress caused by the loss. These are capped under state law.
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and care: The impact of losing a spouse, parent, or child’s presence, affection, and support in daily life.
Additionally, survival actions allow recovery for losses the deceased suffered before passing—such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Any compensation recovered goes to the estate and may later be distributed to heirs. Your wrongful death lawyer at Boesen Law will work with economists familiar with Greeley’s cost-of-living factors, local wage data, and Weld County industry averages to ensure damage calculations reflect the deceased’s true earning potential.
How a Greeley Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Make a Difference
We can provide step-by-step legal guidance, starting with your initial consultation. Our lawyers will assess your eligibility, explain your legal options, and help you understand what to expect from the legal process.
- Gather and preserve critical evidence: We’ll collect essential documentation to build a strong case that connects the cause of death to the defendant’s actions. This includes police or incident reports, medical records, autopsy findings, and witness statements. In Greeley, we often secure records from the Greeley Police Department or work with local investigators to locate key witnesses.
- Coordinate expert analysis to value your claim: Boesen Law works with medical professionals, vocational experts, and economists to determine the loss’ full value. We focus on presenting evidence tailored to Weld County jury expectations, which can differ from Denver, particularly regarding non-economic damages.
- Negotiate with insurers or proceed to trial if necessary: We manage all communications and negotiations with insurers to pursue a fair settlement. If they refuse to offer appropriate compensation, we can present your case in court. Our attorneys have conducted trials in Weld County District Court and are familiar with local procedures and jury pools.
- Handle legal filings and procedural requirements: Wrongful death claims must meet specific legal requirements and deadlines. Our team ensures all court filings, forms, and supporting documents are submitted accurately and on time.
Attorney Jon Boesen notes: “Families in Greeley sometimes assume they have plenty of time to decide whether to sue. But wrongful death deadlines come fast, and gathering evidence like police reports and wage records from local employers takes time. We recommend calling us as soon as possible for a free consultation—even if you’re not sure yet about filing a claim.”
Justice Starts with a Call – Contact Our Wrongful Death Law Firm in Greeley, CO
With over three decades of experience and local offices throughout Colorado—including the Greeley location—our skilled attorneys know how to build strong claims, negotiate with insurers, and represent clients in court when necessary.
If someone else’s negligence caused your loved one’s death, contact Boesen Law today for a free, confidential consultation in Greeley. We’ll help you understand your rights under Colorado law and work to secure compensation that honors your loved one’s memory and protects your family’s future.
Greeley Wrongful Death FAQs
How do I file a wrongful death lawsuit in Greeley, Colorado?
To file a wrongful death claim in Greeley, you typically start by contacting a local attorney at Boesen Law who understands Weld County court procedures. The case is filed in Weld County District Court, which requires a formal complaint, service of documents on the defendant, and evidence linking the death to negligence. Boesen Law helps families prepare filings, gather Greeley police reports, and navigate local court timelines.
Do I need a wrongful death lawyer in Greeley CO?
Yes. While you technically can file a claim yourself, wrongful death cases involve complex deadlines, damage caps, and procedural rules specific to Weld County. Attorney Jon Boesen advises families not to go it alone because local practices—like mediation rules and jury tendencies—can significantly impact your result.
Is it harder to win a wrongful death case in Greeley than in Denver?
Not necessarily. Each case turns on facts and evidence. Weld County juries might be more cautious with damage amounts, but strong preparation and local knowledge can overcome that. Boesen Law tailors presentations for local jurors and has tried wrongful death cases in Greeley.
Reach out to our law firm for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation today. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Colorado at (303) 999-9999 or contact us online.
Content Reviewed By
Wrongful Death Articles
