East HartfordWrongful Death Lawyers

The death of a loved one leaves you and your family wondering how you will go on with your lives. When they die as the result of negligence from a person or entity, you need more than comfort. You need answers and potential compensation for your losses. A skilled East Hartford personal injury attorney can guide you through an insurance claim or lawsuit to secure justice.

At Tehrani Law Group, we are dedicated to serving the needs of grieving families with compassion and integrity. Our team will manage the legal complexities of your claim while you focus on recovering from your loss. Contact us to schedule a free initial consultation with our East Hartford wrongful death lawyers today. 

Our Wrongful Death Attorneys Shoulder the Legal Burden for You

Managing the aftermath of someone’s death can be overwhelming. You must meet with many individuals to make final arrangements, coordinate the will and estate procedures, and deal with your own emotions at the same time. The thought of pursuing a claim or lawsuit against those responsible for the death may seem like too much to bear.

A wrongful death claim is a form of personal injury action, and Connecticut’s laws are famously complicated. Your family will need to deal with actions such as:

• Investigating the details of the death
• Gathering evidence to demonstrate what happened and who is to blame
• Preparing insurance claim paperwork
• Negotiating with insurance adjusters for a fair settlement
• Verifying who can legally bring a wrongful death claim
• Filing a lawsuit correctly and on time to seek justice in the courts
• Litigating the case effectively against the defendant’s attorneys

Our wrongful death lawyers at Tehrani Law Group are ready to take these worries off your mind. We begin with a free consultation and offer a contingency fee payment structure to ease your concerns about cost. Our team understands Connecticut’s personal injury and wrongful death claim processes, so you can trust us to handle the details.

Under Connecticut General Statutes § 52-555, those wishing to file a wrongful death claim must present evidence demonstrating a direct link between the actions of those believed responsible and the person’s death. The law applies whether the person died immediately or later on as a result of the defendant’s actions. 

In some instances, the death may seem to have been expected, such as after an illness, but it later turns out to be the result of negligence. If you have any suspicions about your loved one’s passing in East Hartford, CT, it may be helpful to speak with a wrongful death attorney. They can assess your case and advise you whether an investigation is warranted. 

Suing for Loss of Consortium in Connecticut

A wrongful death claim is filed on behalf of the deceased and can only recover losses that the person suffered before they died. For example, the lawsuit can demand compensation for medical bills, property damage, and emotional distress—all things the deceased could have requested in a personal injury claim. The lawsuit does not include any losses to family members.

Spouses must file a separate lawsuit for their own losses under Connecticut’s loss of consortium statute. This allows the spouse to request financial relief for loss of companionship and intimacy, loss of financial support, and other damages related to the death of their loved one. Recently, the Connecticut Supreme Court ruled that minor children also have the right to file a loss of consortium suit.
Lawsuits from the spouse and minor children are usually joined into one legal action. Other circumstances may result in the wrongful death suit joining with the survivors’ claims, and your wrongful death lawyer at Tehrani Law Group can assess whether these situations apply to your case.

Unfortunately, things can go wrong in nearly any setting, leading to the unexpected loss of a loved one. Depending on the circumstances, different laws may apply to your case, such as in medical malpractice claims or those involving government employees. Some of the most common instances involving wrongful death claims include:

• Pedestrian accidents
• Truck accidents
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Dog or animal attacks
• Amusement park deaths
• Drowning in swimming pools or other bodies of water
• Slip-and-fall accidents
• Defective or malfunctioning products

In our experience, personal injury and wrongful death claims are rarely simple. It takes a thorough investigation to uncover the truth about what happened and hold wrongdoers accountable. Our East Hartford wrongful death attorneys will not rest until we build the strongest case possible against those whose actions brought you grief.

Potentially Responsible Parties in a Wrongful Death Case

There may be more than one individual or entity at fault for your loved one’s death. Other drivers in a car accident may be held liable, but the repair shop that failed to make their vehicles safe to drive could also be at fault. Product manufacturers, distributors, and vendors could be liable when a device meant for charging an electric vehicle burns down your family member’s home.

A successful wrongful death claim relies on presenting a substantial amount of high-quality evidence showing the defendant’s negligence. Your attorney will need to have documentation supporting the following elements:

• Duty: The defendant owed your loved one a duty of care to avoid causing them harm by acting the way a reasonable person would in similar circumstances.
• Breach: The defendant failed in that duty (breached).
• Causation: The breach directly caused or significantly contributed to the death of your loved one.
• Damages: There are damages related to the injury and death that must be compensated.

Your attorney may attempt to reduce the time and expenses of your claim by negotiating an out-of-court settlement with the defendant’s lawyers. These discussions can continue throughout a lawsuit until the jury receives the case for deliberation. With a powerfully constructed case, your legal team fights to ensure you receive justice for the death of your loved one. 

Recoverable Losses in an East Hartford, CT, Wrongful Death Claim

Wrongful death lawsuits attempt to secure financial compensation for the expenses a loved one incurred prior to their death. Because the deceased’s estate administrator files the claim, the damages can also include costs for the final arrangements. Settlements are paid to the estate, and the executor then pays any remaining bills.

Although every claim will be unique, here is a list of common damages your wrongful death lawyer may recommend:

• Costs for transporting remains, cremation, burial, and the funeral
• Medical expenses prior to death
• Emergency transport, ICU, and ER treatment
• Prescription medications
• Pain and suffering

The details of the death will influence how a claim proceeds. For example, if your loved one died after a car accident, they may have lingered for weeks before passing away. If they were killed instantly during an assault, you may need to wait for a criminal trial to finish before seeking compensation. Your lawyer will explain what to expect so you can make informed decisions about your case. 

Connecticut’s Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims

A statute of limitations is a law establishing how long victims have to bring a lawsuit against any party they believe is at fault for their losses. It is intended to protect individuals and companies from being sued many years after an event. It also encourages victims to seek compensation while evidence is still available. 

In Connecticut, you have two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The clock starts ticking on the day the person dies, rather than when they were injured or became ill. An investigation can take weeks or months, so it is important to speak with a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to seek compensation through the court system. 

How to Decide Which Wrongful Death Attorney Is Best for Your Claim

As you deal with your grief, you will have plenty of practical concerns you must address, such as the will and burial arrangements. However, if your loved one died as a result of someone else’s negligence or intentional harm, you must also face the burden of finding the right lawyer to manage your wrongful death claim. There are critical factors you must consider so you can trust them to ease your burden.

Many people begin by searching the internet or asking their friends and family for suggestions. Once you identify your candidates, schedule meetings with them to assess their skills, experience, and overall approach. Most importantly, you are trying to determine whether they are a “good fit” with your needs and personal concerns.

We recommend the following tips to find the best attorney for your wrongful death case:

• Ask about their background in the field: Some lawyers will take any personal injury case that comes their way, but handling wrongful death cases involves additional legal concerns. Your attorney should have a solid background that includes how your loved one passed away, such as by car accident or premises liability. 
• Listen to your instincts: If the lawyer you are considering makes you feel self-conscious or talks down to you, this is likely not a good fit. In a time of trauma and loss, you need someone who is caring and compassionate. You should feel comfortable discussing your private concerns and trust they will protect your interests throughout the case. 
• Discuss their communication style: After a family member’s death, you will likely be overwhelmed with many details. If your lawyer does not keep you updated, you may lose track of your case’s progress. Ask how often they typically communicate with clients and whether they can accommodate your preferred method, such as text, calls, or emails.
• Ask who will handle your case: Sometimes, you may meet with a senior partner at the law firm, who ultimately does not manage your claim. While working with an associate attorney can bring satisfying results, you may have hired the firm based on the person you spoke with. When you suddenly have to establish a relationship with someone you have never met, it can add more stress and worry you do not need after a loss. 
• Take your time: While you probably want to check “Find a lawyer” off your to-do list, it is worthwhile to conduct multiple interviews and consider the choice carefully. Ultimately, the decision of which law firm to use for your wrongful death claim can be the crucial factor in whether your case is successful. If possible, ask a trusted family member to go with you to consultations for a second opinion. 

At Tehrani Law Group, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional and caring service to every client, especially when they are dealing with the legalities of a wrongful death claim. Your attorney will collaborate with outside experts and other members of our team to develop the most robust case possible. We will not rest until we have pursued the compensation and justice your lost loved one deserves.

It is devastating enough to face your future without a loved one after their death. Doing so after realizing someone else is at fault for the loss is an extra hardship no one deserves. It is vital to your family’s stability and future to work with experienced legal advocates who are focused on your interests.

Attorney Payman Tehrani has tried and settled hundreds of cases, championing the rights and needs of those who have been hurt by others. From motor vehicle accidents to work-related injuries from negligent employers, his team has creatively addressed legal concerns for clients just like you. Our professionals get to work right away to develop the strongest case possible based on your circumstances.

We are waiting to listen to your story and help you through this difficult time. Do not wait to take action, as time is running out from the moment your loved one passes away. Contact us to schedule your free initial consultation with an East Hartford wrongful death attorney today.