Grand Junction Wrongful Death Attorneys

Bringing You Closure After a Tragic Fatal Accident in Colorado

In an instant, a fatal accident caused by the negligence of another can not only end a life but also change the lives of everyone involved forever.

During the traumatic time after a loved one has passed away, you want answers. At Veritas, we can answer questions about your legal options for holding the negligent parties responsible—and provide closure and justice by pursuing a case against them. Our Colorado wrongful death attorneys represent people throughout the Western Slope and eastern Utah, including the western Colorado cities of Grand Junction and Aspen, in all types of personal injury and wrongful death actions.

Contact us now to speak to our compassionate and comprehensive wrongful death attorneys in Colorado. We have convenient locations in Aspen, Glenwood Springs, Montrose, Telluride, and Grand Junction where we also extend our services to Eastern Utah.

What Constitutes Wrongful Death In Colorado?

In Colorado, wrongful death occurs when another party's negligent or malicious conduct causes an individual's life to end prematurely. This could involve car accidents, medical negligence, defective products, workplace accidents, or criminal behavior.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Suit in CO?

In Colorado, the individuals who are typically eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit include the decedent's surviving spouse, children, parents, or designated beneficiaries. Additionally, if none of these parties pursue a claim within the first year following the death, the representative of the decedent's estate may be allowed to bring forth a wrongful death action. It's essential to consult with a legal professional for specific guidance tailored to your situation.

Handling All Types of Fatal Accident Cases in Colorado

A wrongful death lawsuit is different from other types of personal injury claims because the actual victim (the "decedent") is not bringing the claim. Rather, the claim is filed by surviving family members or the decedent's estate.

A wrongful death claim is brought to recover damages for injuries that the surviving family and/or estate has suffered due to the death of the victim. The purpose of a wrongful death suit is to provide relief to family members who have been injured emotionally and financially as a result of the family member's death.

To file a wrongful death suit in Colorado, you must show that:

• The death was caused by a wrongful act, neglect, or default.
• The act, neglect, or default would have entitled the injured person to file an action to recover damages had the death not occurred.
• There are surviving beneficiaries, children, or dependents of the victim.
• Monetary damages have resulted from the decedent's death.

A surviving spouse has the exclusive right to bring a suit within the first year of the decedent's death. If the spouse does not bring an action or waives the right to bring suit, any surviving children of the decedent may bring an action after the first year.

If there are no surviving children or if the deceased was a minor, then the parents may bring an action for wrongful death. Siblings and other next of kin beyond parents may not file suit for wrongful death nor participate in the recovery of damages.

What Types of Damages Can Be Sought in a Wrongful Death Case?

In a wrongful death case, various types of damages can be sought to compensate the surviving family members for their losses. 

Some common types of damages include:

• Economic Damages: These damages aim to compensate for financial losses incurred as a result of the death. This may include medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, loss of income, and loss of benefits.
• Non-Economic Damages: These damages are intended to compensate for intangible losses such as pain and suffering, loss of companionship, emotional distress, and mental anguish experienced by the surviving family members.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the defendant's actions were particularly reckless or intentional, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar conduct in the future.
• Loss of Consortium: This type of damages compensates for the loss of the relationship, love, and companionship that the surviving family members would have received from the deceased.
• Funeral and Burial Expenses: Reimbursement for the reasonable costs associated with the funeral and burial arrangements of the deceased.

Is There A Time Limit For Filing A Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

In Colorado, you usually have two years from the date of the dead person's death to file a wrongful death claim. This implies that you are limited to two years to file a case against the accountable party. If you don't file during this time frame, you can forfeit your ability to pursue compensation altogether.

There are a few exceptions to this rule, but they are rare and typically involve specific circumstances such as fraud or concealment of the cause of death. However, these exceptions can be complex and challenging to prove, underscoring the importance of consulting with experienced wrongful death lawyers in Colorado as soon as possible.

The statute of limitations is intended to guarantee prompt and equitable legal proceedings. The pursuit of justice may become more difficult as time goes on because witnesses may forget, evidence may disappear, and memories can become fuzzy. Quick action improves your case and preserves important evidence.

It's critical to get in touch with a Grand Junction wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible if you think you may have a claim. Our firm is committed to providing compassionate and knowledgeable legal assistance. Please get in touch with us so we can talk about your matter as soon as possible.

Compassionate Legal Support for Wrongful Death Cases

It is a difficult experience to deal with the death of a loved one in a fatal accident. during Veritas, our team of qualified wrongful death lawyers is aware of the financial and emotional struggles you may be encountering during such a difficult time. Our commitment is to offer empathetic legal assistance and direction to assist you in pursuing justice and resolution for the unexpected death of your loved one.

Our Grand Junction wrongful death attorneys can assist you with:

• Investigating the circumstances of the fatal accident
• Filing a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased's estate
• Negotiating with insurance companies for fair compensation
• Representing you in court if a lawsuit is necessary

Let us help you navigate the legal process and fight for the justice your loved one deserves. Contact Veritas for a consultation.

Grand Junction Fatal Accident Attorney

Attorney Gary Doehling and our in-house claims manager spent decades working for insurance companies on the other side of wrongful death cases. This gives us a unique insider knowledge of the process and allows us to accurately determine the value of each case. This experience also allows us to protect our clients from accepting low offers from insurance providers.

If you are thinking of consulting a Colorado wrongful death lawyer, we encourage you to contact us today and schedule a free initial consultation. You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but a lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations expires. We want to advise you of your options and the time you have to file so you are not prevented from pursuing your legal rights later because you missed a deadline.

Call us toll-free at (970) 292-7171 or contact us online to arrange a free case evaluation with one of our Grand Junction wrongful death lawyers.