Connecticut Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations

The death of a family member is never an easy experience, but when their death was the result of negligence or illegal misconduct, it is natural to be frustrated and distressed when you learn that a specific party is responsible for causing their death. You may have grounds to file a wrongful death suit in this situation, and if so, you must understand the Connecticut wrongful death statute of limitations to ensure your case is filed on time.

Building a Wrongful Death Case in Connecticut

A wrongful death occurs when the victim of a personal injury does not survive. If the victim would have had grounds to file a personal injury case had they survived, their death likely qualifies as grounds for a wrongful death suit. Wrongful deaths happen in Connecticut in many ways, and it is vital for the surviving family of a victim to know their legal options in this difficult situation.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2022, there were more than 227,000 deaths nationwide from unintentional injuries. One of the most commonly cited causes of accidental deaths in the United States each year is motor vehicle accidents, which accounted for more than 44,000 deaths in 2022. Motor vehicle crashes, work accidents, and medical malpractice are leading causes of accidental deaths in Connecticut each year.

If you believe another party is responsible for causing a family member’s death, it is important to consult an experienced Connecticut wrongful death lawyer at your first opportunity. Under the Connecticut wrongful death statute of limitations, you have two years from the date of the victim’s death to file a claim, and while this may seem like enough time, the reality is it may take longer than you expect to build the foundation of your case.

Connecticut law requires that the executor of the deceased’s estate or their personal representative act as plaintiff in the wrongful death case. If the deceased did not have an estate plan, the court may appoint someone to act as the plaintiff. Unlike most other states where wrongful death cases are filed on behalf of victims’ families, a wrongful death case in Connecticut is filed on behalf of the deceased victim.

Success with a wrongful death case in Connecticut will require proving how the defendant caused the fatal injury and then proving the full extent of the damages the defendant caused. The proceeds of a successful wrongful death suit are then distributed to the victim’s beneficiaries according to their estate plan or according to Connecticut’s intestate succession laws if they had no estate plan.

Depending on the nature of the incident that caused your family member’s death, you may need various forms of evidence to prove liability. It may take time to gather the evidence needed to prove fault, so it is crucial to start building your case as quickly as possible. Working with an experienced wrongful death attorney can not only ensure you meet the Connecticut wrongful death statute of limitations but also increase your chance of winning your case.

FAQs

How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Suit in Connecticut?

The Connecticut wrongful death statute of limitations dictates how long you have to file a wrongful death suit in Connecticut. The statute of limitations is usually two years from the date of the death, but it is possible for the claim to be filed within five years of the action that actually caused the death. In some cases, the exact cause of death can’t be immediately determined. Your attorney can explain the time limit that applies to your case.

How Do You Win a Wrongful Death Case in Connecticut?

To win a wrongful death case in Connecticut, you must identify the party responsible for causing the death, prove how they caused it, and then show the full extent of the damages the defendant caused with their actions. Your Connecticut wrongful death lawyer can gather the evidence you need to prove liability, and they can accurately calculate all of the damages you can include in your claim.

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

The amount of compensation you can claim in a wrongful death case will depend on several factors. Connecticut wrongful death law requires that the plaintiff filing the claim seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages on behalf of the victim. The case may yield compensation for economic damages to the deceased’s estate, repayment of their final medical bills, and compensation for the pain and suffering the victim experienced prior to their death.

Why Should I Hire a Connecticut Wrongful Death Lawyer?

You should hire a Connecticut wrongful death lawyer to increase your chance of success with your case. Even if fault for the death seems clear, the reality is that your case may be more difficult to resolve than you initially expected, and the emotional stress of the situation can be severe when you do not have the guidance and support of a seasoned attorney. It is always worth securing legal counsel you trust for a wrongful death case in Connecticut.

What Does It Cost to Hire a Connecticut Wrongful Death Lawyer?

The cost to hire a Connecticut wrongful death lawyer will be determined by the total value of your case when you choose Bartlett & Grippe to represent you. Our firm accepts these cases on contingency, meaning we only charge our client a fee if and when we win their case. Because the fee is a percentage of the total case award or settlement, there is no risk of paying more for legal representation than you win in compensation for your damages.

The Connecticut wrongful death statute of limitations is just one of the many legal challenges you face when attempting to ensure accountability for a family member’s death. The attorneys at Bartlett & Grippe understand how difficult these cases can be and want to provide compassionate, results-driven legal counsel through all stages of your case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help.