Stratford Wrongful Death Lawyer

The passing of a loved one due to the negligence of another is an unimaginable tragedy. When you are ready to discuss your wrongful death case, one of our Stratford wrongful death attorneys at Connolly Brennan Ralabate, PC will consult with you for free, and determine how we can pursue full compensation on you and your families’ behalf.

Although we cannot make up for this type of loss, we can offer the legal support and guidance your family needs at this time. Call (203) 493-0093 to get in touch with our Stratford office today.

Why Choose Our Law Firm?

• A wrongful death lawyer from our law firm will work with you one on one and stay in constant contact to help you, and your family with all legal matters related to the loss of your loved one.
• We have a proven record of success, by having obtained millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for clients.
• We care about our clients and offer quality legal representation without any costs upfront, and will only be paid when you are.

Connecticut’s Definition of Wrongful Death

Under Connecticut Code Section 52-555, a wrongful death claim is an action, “for injuries resulting in death,” allowing for damages to be recovered from the “party legally at fault for such injuries.”

A simple way to determine if the family of a deceased loved one has the grounds for a wrongful death claim is to establish if the deceased individual could have filed a personal injury lawsuit had they survived. If the at-fault party’s actions were negligent, reckless, or intentional, then your loved one would have been able to pursue a lawsuit.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, a wrongful death lawsuit can only be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate. That would be an individual who is designated as an executor or administrator in the decedent’s will or estate plan unless someone is not named or there is no will or estate plan at all. Then an executor will be appointed by the court.

The decedent’s spouse, children, financial dependents, and other surviving family members may receive benefits from the claim.

How Do You Prove Wrongful Death?

In order to claim compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit, you must prove:

• The at-fault party owed the deceased a duty of care.
• The at-fault party breached that duty, by failing to act with the same level of care a reasonable person would provide in the same or a similar situation.
• The breach of that duty of care led to the individual’s death.
• The surviving plaintiff suffered damages as a result of the wrongful death.

A Stratford wrongful death lawyer will help you gather the necessary evidence to use as grounds for filing the claim, and as proof of liability.

Recoverable Damages

Generally, the damages available in a wrongful death lawsuit are those incurred by the survivors, which can include:

• Medical bills for the deceased’s treatment
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support and benefits
• Loss of household services
• Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages in exceptional situations where the defendant was reckless, willful, or malicious in causing the death.

Speak to a Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

Following the loss of a loved one, it is best to act quickly. In Connecticut, you generally have two years from the date of the death to bring a wrongful death claim against a negligent party. We offer free consultations at our law firm in Stratford and online. Reach us at (203) 493-0093, or by filling out our online case evaluation form.