Fairfield Wrongful Death Lawyer

Fairfield Wrongful Death Attorney

When a loved one passes away, the resulting grief can feel overwhelming. If their death was caused by the actions or inaction of another party, it’s normal to want justice. In Connecticut, you have a legal right to file a case against the responsible party. Working with a Fairfield wrongful death lawyer can help you hold the wrongdoer accountable.

Choose an Experienced Law Firm in Connecticut

It’s easy to feel hopeless after a wrongful death occurs. It’s difficult to find the strength needed to pursue a legal case. During this time, you need a strong legal advocate to fight on your behalf. At Sorrentino Legal – Injury & Accident Law, our lawyers approach new clients with the empathy they deserve. We have extensive experience representing Fairfield clients at the Bridgeport Judicial District Superior Court, located at 1061 Main Street in Bridgeport.

Our firm offers free consultations to those living in Fairfield and the surrounding Connecticut cities. If you’re unable to come into our Milton or Bridgeport office, we’re happy to travel to meet you.

Common Wrongful Death Cases We Handle

Wrongful deaths happen when a person passes away due to the negligence or intentional act of another party. This can cover a wide variety of situations, but commonly includes:

• Medical malpractice. The National Library of Medicine reported that 50% of all patient harm could be easily avoided. When a patient meets their healthcare provider, they need to feel like they can put their trust in their doctor’s hands. When that doctor fails at their duties and the patient passes away, families can open a legal case against anyone responsible. This can include the doctor or the entire medical team and hospital. Between 2019 and 2023, 2,387 medical malpractice claims were filed in Connecticut.
• Car accidents. Residents in Fairfield use I-95 and the Merritt Parkway for daily commuting. In 2024, there were 2,271 crashes in town. These incidents are commonly due to speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence.
• Premises liability. These cases happen when an owner or occupier of a property fails to safely maintain the premises, leading to visitors getting injured. This covers a range of incidents, such as slip-and-fall incidents, criminal activity due to improper security measures, and exposure to hazardous materials.
• Workplace incidents. In 2022, there were 34 workplace fatalities in Connecticut. Those working in manufacturing, construction, and the transportation of goods are at the highest risk of injury and death in the workplace.
• Violent acts. A wrongful death claim can be filed, even if your loved one died because of a criminal act, and a criminal case has been opened.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Connecticut

When a family wants to open a wrongful death claim, there are specific rules that need to be followed. Because of this, it’s key to hire a wrongful death lawyer to help you navigate your case. Connecticut courts only allow the executor of the deceased’s estate to file a wrongful death claim. This is a person who is named in the deceased’s will or assigned by the court, if there is no will.

Even though the executor files the case, any compensation earned will be paid back into the deceased’s estate. The money is then distributed to the beneficiaries named in the deceased’s will or according to state inheritance laws, if there is no will.

The Deadline for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Connecticut

Wrongful death cases generally must be filed within two years from the date of your loved one’s passing. No case can be filed more than five years after the original act that led to your loved one’s death. This means that if the incident happened in 2015, but your loved one didn’t pass away until 2023, you can’t file a wrongful death claim.

However, if the death was caused by someone who was later convicted of violent crimes or manslaughter, the time limit doesn’t apply.

FAQs

What Type of Evidence Do I Need to Gather for My Wrongful Death Case?

Gathering extensive and diverse evidence is key to a favorable outcome in your wrongful death case. This evidence can vary, but typically includes your loved one’s medical records, medical bills, a detailed timeline of events, professional and witness testimony, and any photos and videos of the incident and your loved one’s injuries. Your lawyer can help explain what’s needed and assist in collecting proof.

What Kinds of Damages Can Be Pursued in a Connecticut Wrongful Death Case?

When a wrongful death case is filed in Connecticut, the estate can recover a variety of damages, including compensation for the pain and suffering your loved one experienced before they passed away. Compensation can also be pursued for your loved one’s medical expenses, nursing care costs, and reasonable funeral and burial expenses. Courts work to provide compensation for both the financial and emotional losses suffered from the incident.

What Is a Loss of Consortium Claim?

A loss of consortium claim is a separate legal claim that can be filed alongside a wrongful death claim. This claim can be filed by the deceased’s surviving spouse and will be used to pursue compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, support, and care. It has the same filing deadlines as a wrongful death claim and can only be successful if the wrongful death case is successful, too.

What Are Double or Triple Damages in a Wrongful Death Case?

Connecticut law allows a court to award double or triple damages in a wrongful death case if another driver broke certain traffic laws on purpose or in a reckless way during the incident that led to your loved one’s passing. Your lawyer can help determine if these damages can be requested in your unique situation. To be awarded these damages, sufficient proof is needed. This can include dashcam, traffic camera, or security cameras that caught the incident.

Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer to Represent Your Legal Case

Reach out to the skilled team at Sorrentino Legal – Injury & Accident Law today to learn how we can help you. We offer free consultations to Connecticut residents to discuss the details of their case. No one should have to navigate their legal case alone. Let our attorneys take care of the legal side of things so you are able to prioritize your well-being during this difficult time.