Finding out that a loved one has passed away is the worst news a person can receive. If you learn more details about the death and believe it was within someone else’s power to prevent it, you may struggle even more to come to terms with the loss. Filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Westport can give your family the answers, closure and financial compensation that you deserve. Our compassionate team of wrongful death attorneys fight to get Westport residents the closure they deserve.
While we know that nothing can right the terrible wrong of losing a loved one, a wrongful death lawsuit is a step in the right direction. Connolly Brennan Ralabate, PC, can give your loved one a voice in the civil justice system. We are a team of highly experienced and compassionate wrongful death lawyers in Westport who are committed to seeking justice on behalf of our clients. We bring over 30 years of experience to each case that we handle and limit our caseload so that we are always available to clients. Our lawyers will treat your case as if it were our own.
Connecticut’s definition of wrongful death is the loss of a life as a result of another person’s legal fault – such as through negligence, medical malpractice or an intentional act. Negligence is the failure to act with reasonable care, resulting in harm to others. Medical malpractice specifically refers to negligence by a health care professional. An intentional act means malicious intent to injure or kill a victim, such as an assault or homicide crime.
Hiring the right Westport wrongful death lawyer to represent your family can make an enormous difference to your case. The average person does not know the ins and outs of Connecticut’s wrongful death laws or how to successfully navigate them. This increases the odds of the claimant being taken advantage of by an insurance company. With a lawyer, however, an insurance company will have no choice but to handle a case correctly.
A wrongful death attorney in Westport can carefully investigate your loved one’s death, collect any available evidence of negligence or fault, identify the defendant(s), file claims paperwork on your behalf, and demand fair and full compensation from an insurer. Most wrongful death cases reach settlements, but if your case has to go to trial, an attorney can present the evidence supporting your lawsuit to a judge and jury. You can count on your lawyer to take care of the legal process for you while you try to heal.
If you believe someone else’s wrongful or careless acts took your loved one’s life, find out if you have grounds for a lawsuit by consulting with an attorney. If so, the executor or administrator of the deceased person’s estate must file the actual claim. This is the only party permitted to bring a wrongful death claim under state law in Connecticut. This individual may be named in the decedent’s will or appointed by the courts.
We know it’s difficult to think about something as complex as a wrongful death lawsuit while you are mourning the loss of a family member. It is important not to wait too long to take legal action, however. Connecticut has a law called the statute of limitations that enforces a strict two-year deadline on bringing a wrongful death cause of action. This type of lawsuit must be filed within two years of the decedent’s date of death – and no more than five years from the date of the act that caused the death.
The Westport wrongful death lawyers at Connolly Brennan Ralabate, PC are here for you and your family during this difficult time. We can talk you through your legal rights and recovery options after listening to your story. We are trusted and reputable attorneys in Connecticut with the resources that you need for an effective wrongful death claim. Contact us today to request your free case consultation.