Thornton Wrongful Death Case Process

Sudden deaths of beloved family members can cause immense emotional pain and financial hardship to their surviving family members. An unexpected death does not give a family time to prepare. If the family depended upon their deceased loved one’s salary, they might be unable to pay for their bills, especially if they suddenly face enormous medical and funeral costs. Even if the deceased was not the primary breadwinner, the family might also suffer the loss of their loved one’s companionship and contribution to maintaining the house and raising their children.

In some cases, surviving family members might be able to recover some of their losses in a legal claim. An attorney with experience handling the Thornton wrongful death case process could advise families of their best legal options.

Investigating a Wrongful Death

Any deaths resulting from a defendant’s negligent, careless, reckless, or criminal conduct can be wrongful deaths. Most commonly, wrongful deaths occur in the following manners:

• Automobile collisions
• Use of defective products
• Medical malpractice
• Criminal misconduct
• Slip and falls
• Worksite accidents
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals or materials

Thornton attorneys have extensive experience handling a wide variety of wrongful death claims. If a family suspects that their loved one died due to another party’s negligence, an experienced attorney could help by performing a skillful investigation.

Lawyers understand where to look for potential sources of evidence. They could examine police reports, accident scene photographs, eyewitness statements, manufacturing records, medical reports, and coroner records. If relevant, the legal team could meet with industry experts, such as accident reconstruction experts, human factors engineers, and medical professionals. If the defendant is the subject of a criminal case surrounding the death, local attorneys could also use that criminal case as evidence for the civil claim.

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Thornton

If one person’s wrongdoing causes another person to die, the deceased person’s surviving family members might be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim against the wrongdoer. Wrongful death claims are civil suits that aim to hold the at-fault person legally responsible for the decedent’s loss of life. To win their case, surviving family members would need to prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the at-fault defendant caused their loved one’s death through negligence, carelessness, criminal misconduct, or recklessness.

The Importance of Taking Swift Legal Action

Claimants need to adhere to Colorado law. There are strict statutory requirements regarding which classes of people are eligible to file wrongful death suits, as well as binding statutes of limitations. Generally, the surviving spouse has the first choice to file a claim within the first year after the decedent’s death. If they elect not to file suit, the decedent’s children may sue. If there is no surviving spouse, the heirs or a designated beneficiary can bring a claim within that first year.

Before the second year after the decedent’s death, the surviving spouse, heirs, or a designated beneficiary can bring a claim. A seasoned local could explain how the Colorado wrongful death statute works and help surviving family members through the case process.

Reach out to a Thornton Attorney Who Understands the Wrongful Death Case Process

If you suspect that another person’s wrongdoing played a role in your loved one’s death, you might have cause to bring a legal claim. It is critical to work with a Thornton attorney who understands the local wrongful death case process. A knowledgeable lawyer could help you locate, examine, and secure the evidence necessary to prove your claim. Arrange an initial consultation with a member of our legal team today to get started.