Wrongful Death in Connecticut
Rules about wrongful death in Connecticut
If you have experienced the loss of a loved one due to a wrongful death in Connecticut, the last thing you want to think about is how your legal rights are affected. Yet, the law surrounding wrongful death allows legal action to be taken only for a limited period of time. When this period has elapsed, you will no longer have the option of filing a lawsuit.
Connecticut wrongful death law - Statute of Limitations
In Connecticut, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is set forth in Section 52-555 of the General Statutes. Here, the limitations period requires that any wrongful death claim be brought within two years of the date of death.
In some circumstances, a suit must be brought even sooner than two years after the date of death. Some claims, including, but not limited to, certain claims against the State of Connecticut, municipalities, and other defendants, and certain statutory causes of action, can have shorter limitations or notice periods. A Connecticut wrongful death attorney at Silver Golub & Teitell can answer your questions about how much time you have to take action.
Persons who can file a wrongful death case
According to the wrongful death law in Connecticut, the probate court approves the appointment of a fiduciary, a personal representative of the estate who retains a wrongful death lawyer in Connecticut. The fiduciary is designated by the decedent in a will. If there is no will, a surviving spouse can file a wrongful death suit, or if there is no surviving spouse, the children can file suit. If there is neither a surviving spouse nor surviving children, the parents of the decedent can pursue the wrongful death claim. If none exist, a fiduciary is selected and appointed by the probate court in order to file a lawsuit on behalf of the estate.
Monetary compensation for your loss
In Connecticut, the deceased's estate is entitled to compensation for the economic loss suffered because of a wrongful death. Damages for the pain and suffering of the decedent are also recoverable. Moreover, the surviving spouse is entitled to pursue a claim for loss of companionship, known in the law as loss of consortium. In addition, if the death was witnessed by a close family member, a claim for bystander emotional distress may be possible as well.
Talk to our lawyers about wrongful death law in Connecticut
Grieving families rely on the skill and professionalism of the Connecticut wrongful death law firm of Silver Golub & Teitell. If you would like to discuss your situation with an experienced and qualified accidential death or wrongful death attorney in Connecticut to determine whether you have a legitimate claim, please contact us online to find out how we can help. We take wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis.
