Losing a loved one is one of life’s most painful experiences, and when that loss occurs due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct, families are often left grappling with overwhelming grief and unexpected expenses. In such cases, we know that seeking justice and holding the responsible party accountable is not only a way to find closure but also a step toward securing financial stability for the future. At Boesen Law, our Lakewood personal injury lawyers are here to provide compassionate legal guidance, help families navigate the complexities of wrongful death claims, and pursue the justice and compensation they deserve.
Experienced Lakewood Wrongful Death Lawyers Ready to Help
When dealing with the devastating loss of a loved one, having an experienced wrongful death lawyer by your side can make all the difference. Wrongful death claims in Colorado are complex and governed by specific laws that require a nuanced understanding. Our legal team brings decades of experience in handling these sensitive cases, offering personalized strategies and unwavering support for grieving families.
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.
Compassionate Guidance for Grieving Families
We understand that families in these situations are not just looking for legal assistance—they need an advocate who truly cares. We provide empathetic support throughout the entire process, ensuring that you feel heard and understood at every step. Our team takes the time to explain your legal rights and guide you through this challenging journey with patience and respect.
Comprehensive Case Evaluation and Personalized Strategies
Every wrongful death case is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach is never sufficient. Our lawyers conduct a thorough case evaluation to identify all liable parties and determine the full extent of damages. From medical expenses and funeral costs to emotional suffering and loss of companionship, we tailor our strategies to secure the compensation your family needs.
Proven Track Record of Success
At Boesen Law, our history of successful wrongful death claims speaks to our commitment and expertise. We have helped families in Lakewood and throughout Colorado achieve justice, holding negligent parties accountable and recovering substantial compensation for their losses. You can explore some of our case results for examples of how we’ve helped clients rebuild their lives after tragedy.
Families should consult with a wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible to learn their rights, explore their legal options, and start building a strong case for justice and compensation.
What Types of Damages Are Available to Victims of Wrongful Death in Lakewood?
When a loved one dies due to negligence or misconduct, the emotional devastation is matched by the sudden financial pressure placed on surviving family members. Under Colorado law, eligible survivors to pursue damages that reflect both the tangible and intangible consequences of that loss.
At Boesen Law, an expert wrongful death lawyer is ready to hear your story, help you understand your options, and discuss potential compensation amounts to help your family heal.
These are the types of damages you may be eligible to receive:
Economic Damages
These damages compensate for the financial contributions the deceased would have provided.
- Medical expenses: Care costs incurred between the injury and the time of death.
- Funeral and burial costs: Including memorial services, caskets, cremation, and burial.
- Loss of income and future earnings: Calculated based on the deceased’s age, profession, and earning history.
- Loss of household services: Tasks like childcare, home maintenance, and caregiving hold economic value and may be compensated.
- Loss of employment benefits: Retirement savings, health insurance, and pension contributions that are no longer available to dependents.
These categories are particularly important in wrongful death cases involving primary earners or caregivers, where the long-term impact on dependents is severe.
Non-Economic Damages
These compensate for emotional and relational losses, including:
- Grief and mental anguish experienced by surviving family members.
- Loss of companionship, support, and parental guidance.
- Loss of consortium in cases involving surviving spouses.
Families may also opt for a solatium award, which allows for a fixed payout in place of proving non-economic damages. This can simplify litigation and avoid emotionally difficult testimony.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages may be awarded when the defendant’s actions go beyond ordinary negligence. These cases involve:
- Drunk or reckless driving
- Intentional harm
- Dangerous corporate conduct with willful disregard for safety
These damages are not meant to compensate but to punish and deter, and they require proof that the behavior was willful and wanton.
Survival Actions
In addition to the wrongful death claim brought by family members, the deceased’s estate can pursue a survival action. This allows recovery for:
- Medical costs incurred prior to death
- Lost income between injury and death
- Property damage directly tied to the incident
Survival actions are often filed alongside wrongful death claims, and Boesen Law ensures both are strategically coordinated to maximize total recovery.
How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit After a Fatal Accident in Lakewood?
Colorado has strict timelines for wrongful death lawsuits, and missing a deadline means permanently losing your right to compensation.
General Deadlines
- Two years from the date of death is the standard deadline under C.R.S. § 13-80-102.
- First year: Only the surviving spouse has the right to file.
- Second year: If the spouse does not file, the children or, if none exist, the parents may bring the claim.
Exceptions That Extend the Deadline
- Motor vehicle accidents: If the death was caused by a car, truck, or motorcycle crash, the deadline is extended to three years.
- Delayed discovery: If the cause of death wasn’t known at the time, the clock starts from when the family reasonably should have discovered it.
At Boesen Law, we preserve your rights by taking immediate steps to protect admissible evidence, initiate claims, and avoid delays that can weaken your case. Timing is especially critical when pursuing both wrongful death and survival claims together.
What Are the Chances of Winning a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
The success of a wrongful death lawsuit depends on several critical factors. Understanding these elements can provide clarity and help families approach the process with realistic expectations.
Availability of Compelling Evidence
Compelling evidence is the foundation of any successful wrongful death case. This includes medical records, police reports, eyewitness testimony, and expert opinions. The stronger the evidence that establishes fault, the higher the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Our team ensures that no stone is left unturned in gathering and presenting the necessary evidence.
Demonstrating Negligence or Misconduct
To win a wrongful death lawsuit, it is essential to prove that the death resulted from another party’s negligence or misconduct. This requires demonstrating:
- A duty of care owed to the deceased
- A breach of that duty
- A direct link between the breach and the fatal outcome
Under C.R.S. § 13-21-202, wrongful death claims allow eligible family members to seek damages for losses resulting from the death, provided that negligence or misconduct is clearly established. Your wrongful death lawyer in Lakewood can help you by building strong arguments using evidence and legal precedent to hold responsible parties accountable and secure justice for your family.
The Experience and Expertise of Your Legal Representation
When it comes to a wrongful death claim, the attorney you choose can make all the difference. These cases are deeply personal, emotionally charged, and legally complex—navigating Colorado’s wrongful death laws isn’t something you should face alone. At Boesen Law, we’re not just experienced wrongful death attorneys; we’re your advocates, your partners, and your support system during one of the most difficult times of your life.
With decades of experience handling wrongful death cases in Colorado, we know what it takes to hold negligent parties accountable, whether it’s through strategic negotiations with insurance companies or taking the fight to court. But it’s not just about our legal skills, it’s about the human connection we bring to every case. We take the time to listen to your story, understand your loss, and create a legal strategy tailored to your family’s needs.
How Do I File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Lakewood?
Filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Colorado involves several critical steps, each requiring careful attention to detail. Our lawyers simplify this complex process for families, ensuring their case is handled efficiently and effectively.
Step 1: Establishing Eligibility
Colorado law limits the individuals who can file a wrongful death lawsuit. In the first year after the death, only the deceased’s spouse has the right to file. If no spouse exists, children may file. In the second year, both the spouse and children may file, and in cases where neither exists, the deceased’s parents can bring the claim.
Step 2: Gathering Evidence
A strong case depends on comprehensive evidence. This includes:
- Medical records and autopsy reports
- Police and accident reports
- Witness statements
- Expert opinions, such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals
Hiring a personal injury lawyer is a crucial step in ensuring that your wrongful death case is handled thoroughly and effectively. Your wrongful death lawyer in Lakewood will take charge of all aspects of evidence collection, from gathering medical records and police reports to consulting with experts. With professional legal guidance, you can build a compelling case and focus on your family during this difficult time.
Step 3: Filing the Lawsuit
After gathering evidence, the next step is filing the lawsuit within Colorado’s statute of limitations, which is two years from the date of death. This involves preparing and submitting detailed legal documents to the court, outlining the claim and evidence. Our lawyers ensure all paperwork is completed accurately and on time.
What Evidence Should Be Admitted in a Wrongful Death Suit?
Evidence is the cornerstone of a successful wrongful death claim. The more compelling and relevant the evidence, the stronger your case.
- Medical records and autopsy reports: These documents provide critical details about the cause of death and link it to the alleged negligence or misconduct.
- Police and accident reports: Official reports are essential for documenting circumstances and assigning fault.
- Eyewitness testimonies: Firsthand accounts can provide powerful evidence of negligence or misconduct.
- Expert analysis: Accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, financial analysts, or vocational experts can provide invaluable insights to support your claim, particularly when calculating damages like lost wages.
Common Examples of Wrongful Death Claims
Wrongful death claims arise in a variety of situations where negligence or misconduct leads to fatal consequences. Common examples include:
- Fatal car accidents: Negligence, such as distracted or impaired driving, often results in catastrophic injuries that lead to wrongful death claims.
- Medical malpractice: Cases where medical professionals fail to meet the standard of care, leading to death.
- Workplace accidents: Unsafe working conditions or employer negligence can result in fatal injuries.
- Defective products: Manufacturers can be held accountable when faulty products cause fatal injuries.
Contact a Lakewood Wrongful Death Lawyer Today – 24/7 Available for Our Clients
At Boesen Law, we are committed to helping families navigate wrongful death claims with compassion and expertise. Our team is dedicated to maximizing compensation and holding negligent parties accountable. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you through this difficult time.
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.
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