Every state has its own laws that apply to wrongful death lawsuits, and Colorado is no exception. If you have lost a loved one because of the actions of another in the Denver area, you need an experienced wrongful death lawyer to help you navigate the complex area of law so you can focus on your family and your recovery.
Colorado Wrongful Death Claims
Colorado wrongful death law is designed to establish the liability of one person or company in the death of another. In order to file a successful wrongful death civil lawsuit, you must show that the death of your loved one resulted from negligence, recklessness, or intentional behavior on the part of the person or entity in question. Wrongful death can overlap with other areas of the law, including negligent security, auto accidents, and slip and fall accidents.
There is a strict statute of limitations in wrongful death lawsuits in Colorado, and that is made more complex by stipulating exactly who can file the lawsuit at what time. All wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of the death.
The only person who can file a wrongful death claim in the first year following the death is the surviving spouse under Colorado law. Surviving children or parents of the deceased can also file a claim, but only in the second year following the death. If no surviving spouse or children exist, the parents of the deceased may file suit at any time in the two year period. In some cases the estate of the deceased may also be able to seek damages.
Because of the complex nature of wrongful death litigation, the best way to determine if you can file a suit is to get the advice of an experienced Denver, Colorado wrongful death lawyer.
If you’re looking for a Denver wrongful death lawyer, call Shafner Law today at (303) 796-0555 for your free consultation with an experienced and compassionate attorney. We serve clients throughout the Denver area and the entire state of Colorado.