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Wrongful Death
Experienced Greenwich Wrongful Death Attorneys Seek Justice and Compensation for Clients
Compassionate Connecticut lawyers hold negligent parties accountable after fatal accidents
The loss of a loved one is always difficult to handle, but when a death comes as the result of someone else’s reckless or negligent act, the situation is even more heartbreaking. At DePanfilis & Vallerie, LLC, now Mandelbaum Barrett PC, in Greenwich, we pursue wrongful death claims stemming from deaths caused by car accidents, medical malpractice, defective products and other incidents. With more than 120 years of combined experience, our attorneys are committed to treating clients in Fairfield County and statewide with compassion while aggressively pursuing justice and compensation. We are well versed in Connecticut’s unique wrongful death law and will explain how it applies in your situation when you meet with us.
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Connecticut?
Connecticut law differs from the laws of many states when it comes to who has the right to file a wrongful death claim. In most states, certain surviving relatives, such as a spouse or child, can do so. In Connecticut, these lawsuits can only be filed by the executor or administrator of the deceased person’s estate. Unfortunately, because many people die without going through the estate planning process, the deceased person may not have named an executor or administrator. In these situations, a court appoints an administrator, who then has the right to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. In Connecticut, these claims must be filed within two years of the date of death, so it’s important to act promptly to seek justice and compensation. We can assist estates in filing suit within the state’s statute of limitations.
What types of damages are available, and how does payment work?
In a wrongful death claim, the victim’s estate may seek financial compensation for several types of loss. It is important to understand that damages are measured according to what the deceased person lost rather than the loss experienced by surviving loved ones. As a result, no compensation can be awarded for emotional or sentimental loss suffered by family members.
The following damages may be recovered through a wrongful death lawsuit in Connecticut:
- The loss of life itself
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- The loss of the decedent’s income
- Pre-death physical pain and suffering endured by the deceased person
- Medical expenses incurred in attempting to treat the deceased person before he or she passed away
- Funeral expenses
Any compensation recovered through a wrongful death action goes to the deceased person’s estate. From there, the funds are distributed according to the terms of the person’s will. If the person had no will, the funds are distributed under Connecticut’s intestacy laws, which dictate how someone’s property is distributed if they die without a will or trust. Our personal injury attorneys will assist clients seeking fair compensation in a wrongful death action.
Dedicated counselors advise on the possibility of spousal suits
In Connecticut, surviving spouses have the right to file a separate claim under a different law. If successful, the spouse may be awarded compensation for the loss of the deceased’s spouse’s financial support and companionship as well as damages for emotional loss. If you seek help for the loss of your husband or wife under negligent circumstances, our firm can advise you of your options.
Contact our caring Connecticut wrongful death lawyers to schedule a meeting
The wrongful death attorneys of DePanfilis & Vallerie, LLC, now Mandelbaum Barrett PC, in Norwalk, are passionate advocates for families who have lost loved ones because of the careless, reckless or negligent acts of others. Let us be your guides through the legal process as we fight for the compensation you and your family deserve. To speak with an attorney at our firm, please call 203-846-9585 or contact our office online.
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DePanfilis & Vallerie, LLC, now Mandelbaum Barrett PC, assists Connecticut clients with numerous types of legal matters, including Landlord/Tenant, Probate Matters, criminal defense cases, estate planning programs, real estate issues, family law concerns, landlord/tenant and probate matters. Please call 203-862-7712 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with one of our accomplished attorneys at our Greenwich office.