When a loved one has been killed due to the negligence of another, emotions run high. It can be very difficult for families to deal with all of the legalities and specifics that go into a wrongful death lawsuit.
Today we’d like to answer some of the most asked questions about filing a wrongful death lawsuit so you can determine whether doing so is the right move for you.
Why file a wrongful death lawsuit, it won’t bring my loved one back?
Of course nothing will bring back your loved one and no amount of money will take their place, but that doesn’t mean that the person or company who caused the death should not be held responsible.
When held accountable for their negligent actions, the harmed parties get a certain amount of closure and the party or parties will have to pay in some way for their mistake.
Holding negligent parties accountable will also force compensation in some form, usually financial. This may be necessary if the party lost was the sole financial provider for their family, when medical and burial expenses are needed, and when children are involved, among many other reasons.
It’s also the responsibility of the harmed party to keep public safety in mind. Calling out the negligence caused by the person or company accountable is a step in ensuring these actions don’t happen again.
When do I hire a wrongful death attorney?
Hull & Zimmerman understand that after the death of a loved one there are many emotions and family dynamics that take place. One of the last things anyone wants to think about is hiring a personal injury lawyer or dealing with court and legal matters.
That being said, as soon as you can hire an attorney to help your case, the better. You’ll need step-by-step guidance when it comes to holding negligent parties accountable.
We appreciate that there needs to be some time for grief and we don’t want to stand in the way of that process, however, getting an investigation going as soon as possible is key to a speedy and successful wrongful death suit.
How much compensation should I expect?
This is a great question and tells you whether pursuing a wrongful death case is worth the trouble, time, and heartache.
Generally, you can expect to receive economic damages, these can be:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Financial and/or inheritance losses
You can also expect non-economic damages, which may consist of the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional loss
- Inconvenience
- Any loss that doesn’t have a quantifiable number attached to it
While every case differs greatly depending on several variables, at the very least you can expect to get back all of your economic damages, as well as some non-economic damages. Colorado has a non-economic cap on its payout of $468,010, but upon compelling evidence, a judge may raise that cap up to $936,030.
How long will my wrongful death lawsuit take?
Unfortunately, there’s not one go-to answer for this. There are many factors that play a role in this machine. Some of them include:
- Court and attorney scheduling
- Case complications and disputes
- Witness availability
- And, many other variables
The short answer is that we just don’t know. Once you meet with us and we can determine the ins and outs of your specific case, we’ll be able to give you more insight into the process length.
The takeaway
As personal injury attorneys, our team at Hull & Zimmerman wants to provide as much peace as possible to those suffering from the loss of a loved one. We represent those who have been victim to the negligence of others and will gladly answer any questions you may have regarding filing a wrongful death case.
Call us today for your consultation. Proudly serving North Denver, Northglenn, Westminster, Thornton, Commerce City, Arvada, and Broomfield.
Contact Our Experienced Northglenn, CO Personal Injury Lawyers
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident in Arvada, Westminster, Thornton, or anywhere in Northern Colorado, you may be able to file a claim against the negligent party. It is important to contact our experienced Northglenn personal injury attorneys immediately to discuss your legal options. At Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., our committed personal injury lawyers are dedicated to the belief that everyone deserves justice. Contact us at (303) 423-1770 or (866) 385-3505.
Our personal injury lawyers have extensive experience representing injured accident victims in Broomfield, Arvada, Superior, Lafayette, Louisville, Erie, Brighton, Commerce City, Northglenn, Westminster, Thornton, Longmont, and throughout Colorado.