When to Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Connecticut? 2025

Losing a family member unexpectedly is a difficult experience, but the situation can be even more challenging when their death was the result of another party’s actions. You need to know when to hire a wrongful death lawyer in Connecticut. If someone is responsible for causing a family member’s death, you have a limited time to hold them accountable.

When you hire a skilled wrongful death lawyer, you have a dedicated legal advocate ready to assist you with every stage of your case. From gathering evidence to prove liability to helping you uncover the full extent of the damages you are eligible to claim, you’re more likely to reach a positive outcome in your case with a wrongful death attorney on your side.

Building Your Wrongful Death Case in Connecticut

A wrongful death claim is a personal injury case filed on behalf of the fatally injured victim, usually by the administrator or executor of their estate. In Connecticut, the plaintiff filing the wrongful death claim seeks compensation for the damages the victim could have sought with a personal injury case had they survived.

Success with your wrongful death case in Connecticut hinges on your ability to prove fault for the death. You need to identify the party responsible for causing the fatal injury and prove how they caused it to hold them accountable. You have a time limit for filing your case; the statute of limitations for wrongful death cases in Connecticut is two years, starting on the date of the death in question.

According to the Connecticut wrongful death statute of limitations, you only have two years from the date of death to take legal action. This time limit underscores the importance of acting promptly after a tragic loss.

Two years may sound like there is plenty of time to file your case, but the reality is that it could take longer to build the foundation of your case than you expect. It is vital to hire a wrongful death lawyer at your first opportunity so they can start gathering evidence on your behalf. Some of the evidence you may need may not be obtainable for very long, and witness statements are most reliable when they are obtained as soon as possible after an incident.

The standard of proof for holding a defendant accountable in a civil action is a preponderance of the evidence. This means that the plaintiff’s evidence must be convincing enough to prove the defendant is more likely than not responsible for causing the damages in question.

After establishing fault, the plaintiff in a wrongful death case must then prove the full extent of the damages the defendant caused. This can be difficult as the case is likely to entail both economic and non-economic damages. However, the right attorney can assist their client in accurately calculating the full scope of the damages they are eligible to claim from the defendant.

Why You Need to Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer

Even if the cause of your family member’s death seems obvious to you, do not assume that you can handle a wrongful death case on your own. You face various procedural requirements, and it’s possible to encounter a variety of unexpected challenges as your case unfolds. You need to hire a wrongful death lawyer to have the greatest possible chance of proving fault for the death in question.

Additionally, you are more likely to maximize your compensation when you hire a wrongful death lawyer. You may have some idea of the damages you can claim, but the right attorney can maximize your compensation as much as Connecticut law allows. Bartlett & Grippe can help you with your wrongful death case, so reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn how we can help.

In some situations, understanding how to file a wrongful death lawsuit can help you better prepare for what lies ahead. With strong evidence and legal strategy, you may be able to recover meaningful compensation.

FAQs

What Are the Most Common Causes of Wrongful Deaths in Connecticut?

A few of the most common causes of wrongful deaths in Connecticut include motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, and workplace injuries. Connecticut car accident statistics and studies on medical errors highlight how often these incidents result in loss of life. The Connecticut Crash Data Repository reported 261 fatal accidents throughout the state in 2024, and a study from Johns Hopkins University concluded that medical malpractice could be responsible for more than 250,000 deaths nationwide each year.

Will the Defendant Go to Jail for Causing a Wrongful Death?

It’s possible for the defendant to go to jail for causing a wrongful death based on the manner in which they caused it. They face civil liability for the wrongful death and may owe compensation to the victim’s family, but if they broke the law when they caused the fatal accident in question, the state is likely to pursue criminal charges. Penalties for breaking the law can increase dramatically when a defendant has caused fatal harm.

How Much Compensation Can You Claim in a Wrongful Death Case?

The compensation you can claim in a wrongful death case can include any damages incurred by the deceased’s estate, the cost of their final medical expenses, lost future income they can no longer earn, funeral and burial expenses, and compensation for the pain and suffering they experienced prior to their death. What damages can be sought in a wrongful death claim depends on the specifics of each case.

Why Should I Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer?

You should hire a wrongful death lawyer to maximize your chances of success with this difficult type of case. Even if fault for the death in question seems obvious to you, these cases are more challenging to resolve than many people realize. Your attorney can gather the evidence needed to prove fault and help you maximize the compensation you receive if you win your case. Avoiding common legal missteps is also important; working with an attorney may help you avoid costly mistakes after getting injured, even in fatal accident cases.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Wrongful Death Claim in Connecticut?

The time required to settle a wrongful death claim in Connecticut will vary from case to case. When pretrial settlement is possible, a good attorney may be able to negotiate a settlement on your behalf within a few weeks to a few months. In the event litigation is necessary, it is likely to take much longer. Hire a wrongful death lawyer at your first opportunity so they can determine the most efficient way to resolve your case. If you’re unsure about taking legal action or how to begin, reviewing wrongful death law by state may also offer clarity on your rights.

If you are unsure when to hire a wrongful death lawyer in Connecticut, it is generally ideal to speak with an attorney at your first opportunity. You could face many unpredictable challenges as your case unfolds, and legal counsel you trust will be a valuable asset through all of these proceedings. Contact Bartlett & Grippe today to schedule a free consultation with a Connecticut wrongful death lawyer and learn how our firm can assist you with your case.