Losing a loved one due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party is heart-wrenching and can leave you angry and confused. Depending on your relationship to the deceased, you may have the right to file a wrongful death action to recover damages.
No amount of money can truly compensate for your loss. However, pursuing a claim against the at-fault party can help relieve your sense of helplessness. Additionally, financial compensation can help ease some of the burdens caused by your loved one’s death. Contact our Denver wrongful death attorneys to discuss your legal options today. Call us at (303) 770-5551 to schedule your free consultation today.
What is Wrongful Death in Colorado?
Wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the negligent or wrongful action or inaction of another party. A wrongful death action refers to the civil lawsuit that the survivors of the deceased may file to recover compensation for their damages.
A wrongful death action is entirely separate from any criminal charges that may be filed against the at-fault party.
Colorado’s Wrongful Death Act outlines who may bring a wrongful death action, based on their relationship to the decedent.
The Top Causes of Denver Wrongful Deaths
While wrongful death can be caused in many ways, the most common causes of Denver wrongful deaths include:
- Motor vehicle accidents, including commercial truck, passenger car, and motorcycle accidents. Such accidents claimed the lives of 764 Coloradans in one recent year. Car accidents often result from speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, aggressive driving, defective or negligently maintained parts and equipment, and dangerous roadways.
- Medical malpractice claims far too many lives each year. These deaths often occur from birth injuries, surgical errors, pharmaceutical errors, incorrect diagnoses, and improper treatment.
- Workplace accidents are also a top cause of Denver wrongful deaths. Construction workers face numerous job hazards, as do barge, tugboat, and railroad workers. Some workplace wrongful deaths occur from falls, being crushed between heavy equipment, electrocution, burns, and exposure to hazardous chemicals.
- Defective and dangerous products contribute to wrongful death accidents. Some types of faulty products that cause wrongful deaths include defective vehicles and vehicle parts, prescription drugs, unsafe toys and recreational equipment, and toxic foods.
- Violence, including domestic abuse. Sadly, some wrongful deaths occur from acts of violence. While violent acts that cause death usually result in criminal charges, the survivors of the deceased person may also bring a wrongful death action, which is a civil lawsuit. Any criminal charges are separate and distinct from the wrongful death claim.
- Elder and nursing home abuse or neglect. Unfortunately, elderly and disabled persons can be victimized by the very people who are supposed to be caring for them. Abuse and neglect of the elderly or infirm can be the basis for a wrongful death action.
Determining causation and liability is vital to the success of your wrongful death claim.
Sometimes, the cause of a wrongful death is not immediately apparent. Our wrongful death attorneys carefully investigate every accident or incident to help identify all possible causes and all potentially liable parties.
Contact a Denver Wrongful Death Attorney
If you have lost a loved one due to negligence or wrongdoing by another party, you may have the right to recover compensation for your damages. While financial compensation will not bring back your loved one, it can help alleviate some of the stress and burdens caused by their death.
At Dan Caplis Law, our compassionate Denver wrongful death attorneys have the experience and skills to help you recover maximum compensation for your damages.
Call (303) 770-5551 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation. We will listen to you, answer your questions, and explain your rights. If you have the right to bring a wrongful death action, we will work tirelessly to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.