At Dulin McQuinn Young, we work closely with people who have lost loved ones due to the carelessness of others. While we can never fully grasp the profound impact that a premature and completely preventable death can have on a family, we do have extensive experience fighting to protect their legacies. We have successfully recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Contact our Arvada personal injury law firm today to find out more about how we can help.
What You Must Prove to Win a Wrongful Death Claim
Most wrongful death cases are based on the legal theory of negligence. To win your case, we must be able to prove the following:
- The defendant owed your loved one a duty of care.
- The defendant breached the duty of care by doing something or failing to do something they were required to do.
- Their breach of duty caused your loved one’s death.
- Your loved one’s death caused you or other eligible parties to suffer losses.
Our experienced personal injury lawyers can gather compelling evidence to prove your legal claim, such as:
- Accident reports
- Medical records
- Autopsy reports
- CCTV footage
- Witness statements
- Accident scene photos
- Accident reconstruction expert reports
- Receipts and invoices
- Employment records demonstrating earnings records
Our legal team also handles specific accident claims; if your loved one was lost in a fatal collision, we can help build your case using tailored evidence for Arvada car accidents, truck accidents, or motorcycle accidents.
Compensable Losses in Wrongful Death Lawsuits
By filing a wrongful death claim, you can seek compensation for the economic and non-economic losses you and your family sustain as a result of your loved one’s death, including:
- Funeral expenses and burial costs
- Your loved one’s final medical bills, if applicable
- Loss of the financial support and benefits your loved one provided prior to their death
- Emotional anguish, depression, and grief
- Loss of emotional support and guidance
- Loss of companionship and affection
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of parental guidance
Time Limits for Filing Wrongful Death Cases
Rev. Stat. § 13-80-102 sets a time limit for filing a wrongful death lawsuit, giving loved ones just two years from their loved one’s death. However, exceptions can apply, such as when the death is the result of a hit-and-run accident, so it’s best to talk to an experienced lawyer to determine the statute of limitations that applies to your case and to take legal action in a timely manner.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Case in Colorado?
In Colorado, the surviving spouse can file a wrongful death case within the first year of the death. After that, the surviving children, parents (if the decedent was unmarried and had no children), or a designated beneficiary can file a wrongful death case. Contact our wrongful death lawyers today to find out if you are eligible to file this type of legal claim.
Contact Our Arvada Wrongful Death Attorneys for a Free Case Review
The legal team at Dulin McQuinn Young provides compassionate legal support to individuals who have lost loved ones due to the actions of others. We can guide you through every step of the process, protecting your rights and your loved one’s legacy. Contact us today for a free consultation.