What Damages Can a Family Receive in a Connecticut Wrongful Death Case?

 Posted on July 09, 2021 in Car Accidents

The loss of a loved one can be difficult in any circumstances, but these situations can be especially hard when a person was killed due to someone else’s actions. In these cases, a family will not only experience emotional trauma because of their loss, but they will most likely encounter financial problems related to issues such as medical bills and an unexpected loss of the income the deceased person would have earned. To address these and other losses, family members may pursue a wrongful death claim against the person or company responsible for their loved one’s death.

Connecticut Wrongful Death Cases

Under Connecticut law, a party who was legally responsible for a person’s death may be held liable for damages caused to the person’s family members. A legally responsible party may include a driver who caused a car accident in which a person was killed, a driver or company that was liable for a fatal truck accident, or a person who committed homicide or inflicted fatal injuries in an assault. A liable party may be required to compensate a family for medical expenses related to their loved one’s treatment, including the costs of hospitalization and nursing, as well as funeral expenses and other “just damages.” Recoverable damages will include:

• Loss of income - A family may have relied on the income earned by their loved one to pay ongoing expenses and provide for other needs. Along with compensation for the income they would have been expected to earn throughout the rest of their working career, compensation may include certain other benefits they would have provided for family members, such as medical and dental insurance coverage or retirement savings.

• Loss of consortium - A spouse may receive compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, intimacy, and household services that would have been provided by a deceased spouse. These damages may also address the loss of enjoyment of life by the deceased.

• Pain and suffering - The party responsible for a wrongful death may be required to pay damages related to the physical pain and emotional trauma experienced by the victim before their death.

Connecticut has a two-year statute of limitations in wrongful death cases. A claim must be filed within two years after the person’s death, but it cannot be filed more than five years after the initial injury that led to the death.

Contact Our Greenwich Wrongful Death Attorney

If your loved one has been killed because someone else acted negligently or intentionally caused them harm, Ivey, Barnum & O'Mara, LLC can help you understand your options for pursuing compensation through a wrongful death claim. We will gather the necessary evidence to show that a person or company was responsible for the death, and we will make sure you will be fully compensated for all of the damages your family has suffered. Contact our Connecticut wrongful death lawyers by calling 203-661-6000 to schedule your free consultation.

Source:

https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_925.htm