Bridgeport Wrongful Death Attorney
Losing someone you love because of someone else’s actions can be extremely traumatic. It’s natural for those grieving to seek legal help to find out what can be done in the aftermath. Under Connecticut law, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to help recover financial compensation. Contacting a Bridgeport wrongful death lawyer can help inform you of the options in your unique case.
Wrongful Death in Bridgeport
Here at Sorrentino Legal, our experienced Bridgeport wrongful death lawyers approach each wrongful death case with the empathy and compassion it deserves. Having to navigate grief along with the state’s complex legal system is too much for one family to go through. We offer free initial consultations to go over the details of your case and explore what options are available to you.
Our firm is dedicated to supporting families and representing them and their wishes through all legal proceedings. Nothing can ever compensate for the loss of your loved one, but you deserve to be able to hold the responsible party accountable. Contact Sorrentino Legal today for trusted legal help.
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Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Bridgeport
In America, car accidents are a leading cause of death. This is no different in Bridgeport, where traffic collisions often occur. In 2022, 24 people were involved in a fatal car accident in Bridgeport. Areas like Madison Avenue and Route 127 are frequent locations for collisions and are consistently among the most dangerous roads in the city.
In rare cases, such as drunk driving or reckless disregard for human life, punitive damages may also be awarded. Punitive damages, while not automatic, can be awarded to punish the person responsible and deter them from any similar actions in the future.
While auto accidents remain a leading cause, wrongful deaths can also result from:
- Violent crimes. Fights that result in death, assault, or domestic violence can qualify for civil compensation.
- Medical malpractice, such as surgical errors, misdiagnosis, and negligent hospital care, can cause fatalities that can lead to a wrongful death case. The National Library of Medicine found that 50% of all patient harm could be easily avoided.
- Workplace accidents. While aerospace manufacturing and America’s largest fuel cell power plant reside in Bridgeport, making the risk of accidents higher, workplace accidents caused by negligence can happen in any industry. Connecticut had 33 workplace fatalities in 2023.
- Deaths that result from defective products, such as manufacturing defects in cars, appliances, or medications, are also cause for filing a wrongful death claim.
Sometimes, these cases can also include criminal charges, but wrongful death claims are civil. Civil cases tend to require a lower amount of proof than a criminal case, but it still has to be proven that the other party’s actions, more likely than not, directly caused your loved one’s death.
In every case, our firm investigates the circumstances, compiles evidence, consults with experts, and identifies all legally responsible parties to help strengthen your case and take the legal burden off of you and your family. Contact Sorrentino Legal today for trusted, compassionate legal assistance when you need it most.
Recoverable Damages in a Wrongful Death Case
Recovering finances from a wrongful death case can help cover a wide range of losses tied to the deceased’s life and your family’s emotional pain. Connecticut law recognizes how traumatic an unexpected death is for the loved ones left behind, both emotionally and financially.
The financial compensation awarded is considered an asset of the deceased’s estate and is measured by the loss suffered. There is no exact way to calculate damages during a wrongful death case, and it’s imperative to have your lawyer discuss expectations with you and your family. Recoverable damages may include:
- Medical expenses related to your loved one’s care before their death, including any hospitalizations, emergency response, and treatment
- Expenses related to your loved one’s funeral and burial costs
- Employment wages the deceased would have earned over their expected lifetime, which can be especially helpful for any spouses or children left behind
- Financial compensation for the pain and suffering your loved one experienced before their passing
- Loss of companionship, affection, and support that the deceased’s spouse or close family member is experiencing.
If your case is successful, the financial compensation awarded is paid to the deceased’s estate. This means that the money will be awarded according to your loved one’s will. If they didn’t have a will, state laws of intestacy would decide who receives the money. In most cases, the money will go to the family and loved ones of the deceased.
FAQs
A: The chances of winning your wrongful death case can rely on multiple factors. The experience and thoroughness of your lawyer, the strength of the evidence you have to support your claim, and the timeliness of filing the claim can all factor into the final results. If liability is disputed, it can cause the case to become even more complex.
A: Yes. In Connecticut, more than one person or entity may share liability in a wrongful death case. This often occurs in car accidents with multiple vehicles involved, medical negligence where the hospital and the care team are at fault, or defective product claims. During your case, each party’s degree of fault will be assessed, and if the case is won, damages will be allocated accordingly.
A: Proving wrongful death in Connecticut requires showing that the defendant’s negligence or misconduct directly caused the death. Evidence may include accident reports, medical records, witness statements, video footage, and expert testimony. Having a strong amount of evidence is always vital to any case, and preserving evidence as early as possible can help embolden your claim.
A: In Connecticut, damages for pain and suffering are based on the physical and emotional distress the deceased experienced before death. Jurors may consider medical evidence, professional analysis, and witness testimony. Sorrentino Legal works with various experts and witnesses to demonstrate the extent of suffering and argue for appropriate compensation.
Speak With an Experienced Bridgeport Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
If your family is coping with the loss of a loved one caused by another’s actions, legal support can ease the burden. Sorrentino Legal provides skilled, compassionate representation to help you seek justice. Contact our firm today to schedule a free, confidential consultation and learn your next steps under Connecticut law.
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