Facing the death of a loved one is a complicated situation – especially if it happened due to the negligence of another person. Grief, confusion, frustration, and not knowing what to do can worsen the circumstances for the victim’s family members.
Victims’ families can claim damages for wrongful death. After a lawsuit, they may be able to get monetary compensation. Financial support can help with debts and other issues caused by a loved one’s departure, even if it does not replace the deceased person or solve the emotional situation that a loss causes.
Who Can Pursue a Claim for Wrongful Death in Connecticut?
In most states, only the immediate family members can start a lawsuit. For example, a spouse, children, or even the victim’s parents can pursue a claim. But this is not the case in Connecticut. In this state, only the executor chosen by the victim before their death can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the victim’s family members.
If the victim died without naming an estate executor, the Connecticut court will assign one. The executor can then start a claim. In most cases, it chooses a family member or even an attorney.
The victim’s legal representative has two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit under Connecticut’s statute of limitations. The executor can request to extend the time limit in certain exceptions – for example, due to financial issues or by the discovery rule.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases
The victim’s side must prove that the accused committed negligent acts that caused the victim’s death. For example, they might assert that the accused was driving drunk or speeding. In a medical negligence case, they might argue that the medical professional lacks sufficient medical qualifications or acted unreasonably risky. For product liability cases, they can assert that the accused built a defective product.
Victims can present all sorts of wrongful death cases before Connecticut courts. Here are some examples:
- Car or airplane accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Product liability
- Exposure to toxic substances
No amount of money will ever be enough to replace the absence of a loved one. However, Connecticut law protects victims. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, do not miss the opportunity to pursue wrongful death compensation. Reach out to an experienced wrongful death attorney. A professional can help you resolve your concerns and get the proper attention.
