Connecticut Wrongful Death Lawyer

Connecticut Wrongful Death Attorney

It’s never easy to lose someone close to you. If the loss comes from someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you deserve compensation. No amount of money can make up for losing a family member to wrongful death, but it can help you hold the perpetrator responsible. A Connecticut wrongful death lawyer can help you pursue damages following the death of your family member, letting you focus on grieving while they manage your case.

Causes of Wrongful Deaths in Connecticut

One of the worst parts of a wrongful death is knowing that it was preventable. These accidents can happen thanks to the negligence of someone else. These cases happen when personal injuries take a wrong turn. Knowing how they occur can keep you and your family safe.

The common causes of wrongful deaths in Connecticut include motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, slip-and-falls, workplace accidents, faulty products, and assault. In 2024, the state recorded 270 fatal car accidents. What’s more, 29.1% of medical malpractice claims with indemnity payments involved wrongful deaths.

Many of these deaths are accidental. In 2025, a Glastonbury woman died at Glastonbury Hills Country Club by driving her golf cart into the water and drowning. However, some deaths could have been prevented by those responsible for managing the property or keeping others safe.

Damages You Can Recover in a Wrongful Death Case

Following a wrongful death incident, the executor of their estate can pursue economic and non-economic damages for the loss. Economic damages include the cost of medical care before death, the price of any property damage caused by the accident, and funeral and burial costs. Non-economic damages can include the victim’s pain and suffering and the family’s loss of consortium.

If the case proceeds to trial, a judge can award punitive damages. These are to punish the defendant if they acted in an especially dangerous way. They exist to deter others from repeating their actions. These damages are not part of settlement agreements, so don’t expect to see them as part of an offer from an insurance company.

Proving Negligence

Like all personal injury cases, you need to prove negligence to win a wrongful death claim. To do so, you must show that the negligent party owed the victim a duty of care, that they breached that duty, that the breach led to the accident, and that the accident, in turn, caused the death.

Consider this example. If the victim was driving down Merritt Parkway, all other motorists on the road owe each other a duty of care to drive safely. If another driver is texting on their phone, they’re breaching that duty. If that distraction ends up causing a serious accident that leads to your family member’s death, that negligent driver may be liable for compensating you.

Proving negligence is no easy feat. You need concrete evidence and knowledge of the state’s wrongful death laws to create a compelling case. While you’re grieving, this can be especially difficult. That’s why it’s wise to work with a wrongful death attorney.

Hire a Connecticut Wrongful Death Lawyer

The last thing you want to do while processing the sudden death of a family member is fight with insurance agents to get your family compensated. Turn to a Connecticut wrongful death attorney for the support you need to pursue damages you’re entitled to. A lawyer can help you investigate the cause of the accident, identify liable parties, and lead you every step of the way.

The team at Miller, Rosnick, D’Amico, August & Butler has over four centuries of combined experience fighting for the families of those lost to wrongful death. We know what it takes to stand up to insurance companies, and we don’t shy away from a fight in the courtroom.

We’re dedicated to helping our clients get the compensation they deserve for others’ negligence. With over $500 million recovered for clients, we’re your ally throughout the legal process.

FAQs

What Are Wrongful Death Claims?

Wrongful death claims are civil cases filed by family members when someone is killed by another party’s negligence. Even if the perpetrator avoids criminal charges, a wrongful death claim is one way to hold them accountable. These cases help families seek compensation for funeral costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.

How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Connecticut?

How long you have to file a wrongful death claim in Connecticut for wrongful death cases varies. First, you generally have two years after the victim died to file a claim. Additionally, you have five years from the initial act that led to the death. Sometimes, the deadline is shorter depending on the defendant listed. It’s important to contact a lawyer right away to ensure you don’t miss the cutoff date.

Who Is Allowed to Create a Wrongful Death Claim in Connecticut?

Who is allowed to create a wrongful death claim in Connecticut is unlike many other states. Immediate family members might not be able to file a wrongful death claim. Only the executor of the deceased’s estate can initiate a case. If there is no will, a judge can name an executor or administrator to oversee the estate. They have the power to file a claim.

What Is the Negligence Rule in Connecticut?

Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that you can get compensation for your injuries so long as you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your share of fault. If you are more than 50% at-fault, you will be barred from recovering any damages. The negligence rule also applies to wrongful death cases.

Call the Team at Miller, Rosnick, D’Amico, August & Butler

The sudden loss of a family member is a terrible tragedy, especially when their death was caused by someone else’s negligence. They should be held accountable, and we can help. Hire a wrongful death lawyer from Miller, Rosnick, D’Amico, August & Butler today to begin the process of fighting for compensation. Contact our office to schedule a consultation.

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