New Canaan, CT
Wrongful Death Lawyer
Losing someone you love because of another person’s negligence is a grief unlike anything else. The shock and sorrow of that loss do not pause for legal deadlines, financial pressures, or the decisions that have to be made in the weeks and months that follow. Yet those burdens are real, and they come at the worst possible time. Families left behind often face mounting expenses, lost household income, and a legal system they have never had to navigate before, all while trying to grieve.
At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, we know what is at stake when a family comes to us after losing someone they depended on and loved. Our New Canaan, Connecticut personal injury lawyers have decades of experience advocating for grieving families throughout Fairfield County and New Jersey, helping them hold negligent parties accountable and pursue the financial stability their loved one would have wanted for them. Attorney Michael J. Jones serves clients across the New Canaan area with compassionate, experienced representation, combining deep knowledge of Connecticut law with a personal commitment to every family he represents.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in Connecticut?
A wrongful death claim is a civil legal action brought on behalf of a deceased person’s estate when that person’s death was caused by the negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct of another party. Connecticut’s wrongful death statute, codified under Connecticut General Statutes § 52-555, allows the executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate to file a claim seeking compensation for losses suffered by the estate and the surviving family members.
It is important to know that a wrongful death claim is separate from any criminal case that may arise from the same incident. A criminal prosecution, if any, is handled by the state. Your family’s civil claim is about securing compensation, and it can proceed regardless of whether criminal charges are filed or result in a conviction.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
Wrongful death cases arise from a wide range of circumstances involving negligence. Our attorneys handle claims stemming from many causes, including car, truck, and motorcycle accidents, pedestrian fatalities, premises liability incidents, construction accidents, medical malpractice, nursing home neglect, and defective products. Car accidents remain one of the most frequent causes of fatal injuries in Connecticut. According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, 289 people died from crash-related injuries in the state in 2023 alone. Behind each of those numbers is a family facing exactly the kind of loss our attorneys are here to help address.
Who Can File and What Can Be Recovered
Under Connecticut law, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the executor or administrator of the deceased person’s estate. If no executor has been named, a family member may petition the probate court to be appointed. Our attorneys can help guide families through this process and ensure the claim is filed correctly and on time.
What Damages Are Available
Connecticut’s wrongful death statute allows recovery for a range of losses, which can include the following:
- Medical expenses incurred prior to the deceased’s death
- Funeral and burial costs
- The present value of the deceased’s expected future earnings
- The value of lost services, guidance, and companionship to surviving family members
- Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased prior to death
- Punitive damages in cases involving especially egregious conduct
Calculating these losses, particularly future economic contributions, requires careful analysis and often the involvement of financial and vocational experts. Our attorneys work with the appropriate professionals to build a thorough and well-supported damages assessment on your family’s behalf.
The Statute of Limitations
Connecticut law imposes strict deadlines on wrongful death claims. Under Connecticut General Statutes § 52-555, a wrongful death action must generally be brought within two years of the date of death. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your family from pursuing compensation, which is why it is critical to consult with an attorney as early as possible after your loss.
How Our Attorneys Approach Wrongful Death Cases
We know that no legal outcome can undo your loss. What our attorneys can do is pursue justice on your family’s behalf with the seriousness and dedication your loved one deserves. We begin by conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the death, gathering evidence such as police and accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and, when appropriate, expert analysis. For cases involving catastrophic injuries that preceded a death, we also examine the full timeline of harm to ensure all recoverable losses are accounted for.
Our legal team handles all negotiations with insurance companies and defense attorneys so your family does not have to. We prepare every case with the detail and strategy needed to negotiate a fair resolution, and we are prepared to take your case to trial when that is what achieving justice requires.
Contact Mandelbaum Barrett PC: Your New Canaan, CT Wrongful Death Lawyers
Attorney Michael J. Jones brings decades of experience handling personal injury claims throughout Connecticut and is ready to guide your family through this process. Our team is committed to treating every family with the care and respect this kind of loss demands. Our team is Spanish-speaking and deeply committed to treating every family with the care and respect this kind of loss demands.
If your family has lost someone due to another party’s negligence in New Canaan or the surrounding area, we are here to help. Contact us today to speak with our team and learn how we can support your family through this process.
