CALL (800) 863-5312 to speak with a Greeley wrongful death lawyer for free
A wrongful death can leave victims feeling blindsided, confused, and uncertain about what steps to take next. While no amount of money can replace a loved one, you may be left with extensive emotional and financial burdens. We understand that this may be a difficult time for you and your loved ones, and we want to help ease the burden surrounding your legal case.
At Zinda Law Group, our accident attorneys have experience helping victims’ families in Greeley seek the compensation they may be entitled to for a wrongful death. Call (800) 863-5312 for a free case evaluation with one of our experienced Greeley wrongful death attorneys today.
What is a wrongful death claim?
A wrongful death claim arises when someone died in an accident through the negligent or intentional act of another. Examples of the ways people can lose their lives in such instances include those in which someone else was drunk driving, behaving negligently in a workplace accident, or prescribing the wrong medicine for a treatment, which can be classified as medical malpractice.
Although it is impossible to put a price tag on the value of a human life, the closest that the justice system gets is allowing loved ones to recover for their loss is by filing a wrongful death lawsuit. These types of claims can help alleviate the financial and emotional strain on survivors from the sudden loss of love, support, and income an individual provided before their death.
John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationIndividuals who can file a wrongful death claim
In Colorado, only certain individuals can bring a wrongful death claim. The law also limits who may file these claims and the time periods they have to file. In general, Colorado law gives the spouse priority to file a claim.
In the first year after a victim’s death, only the victim’s spouse may file a wrongful death claim. The deceased’s children can join in the claim, but only if the spouse gives written permission. If there is no spouse, the surviving children or a designated beneficiary can file a claim.
During the second year after the deceased’s death, the surviving spouse, surviving children, or a designated beneficiary of the deceased person can file a claim. If the deceased person in Colorado left no surviving spouse and no surviving children, then the deceased person’s parents may file a wrongful death claim.
Neil Solomon
Partner
Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationDividing compensation among Multiple Surviving Individuals
When a victim dies, they may leave behind several surviving family members who relied on them for emotional and financial support. In some cases, a surviving spouse and children may choose to file a wrongful death case together. If the case goes to trial, the jury will decide the amount each family member should receive.
If the claim is settled without going to trial, an injury attorney can help divide the money fairly among the parties. There are several factors to take into consideration when splitting up the settlement amount, but when all parties can come to an agreement on how the money should be proportioned, the process is more straightforward. Unfortunately, this is not possible in every case, and when the parties cannot come to an agreement, they may need to hire a wrongful death lawyer to represent their interests and ensure they receive a fair amount.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
Standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to answer in your time of need.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationDetermining value in a wrongful death case
Determining the exact value of a wrongful death case will depend on several factors. It can be extremely complicated to determine the exact amount in a wrongful death suit. Experts, such as economists and actuaries, will often be used by a Greeley personal injury attorney to help determine the dollar amount the deceased individual contributed and would have continued to provide to their family if not for their death.
Survivors may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages from a wrongful death lawsuit. The differences between these two types of damages are further explained below.
Cole Gumm
Attorney
We are here to ensure you won’t have to face this difficult time alone.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationEconomic Damages
Economic damages include the tangible financial contributions the deceased would have provided to the survivors if they had not died. The calculation may be based, in part, on the deceased’s age, health prior to death, and earning capacity. The age of the deceased’s children and the type of assistance that would have been provided can also be factors to determine the value; these may include:
- Loss of expected earnings, including the amount the deceased would have earned over their career
- Loss of benefits, such as health insurance, dental coverage, and pension plans
- Loss of inheritance, including the inability to accumulate money to provide an inheritance to beneficiaries
- Medical and funeral expenses, including medical care from the accident that resulted in the death of the victim
- Value of the goods and services that the deceased provided for survivors
Non-economic Damages
Although non-economic damages may be harder to calculate, they can oftentimes have more value than economic damages. Non-economic damages can be used to help with the devastating loss of a loved one and the nurturing and supportive role they played in the lives of their survivors. These damages could include:
- Pain and suffering for the deceased’s survivors
- Loss of consortium of a spouse
- Loss of companionship, including support, care, and guidance from the deceased
In some cases, proving that the survivors have experienced pain and suffering may be a difficult task, especially for a relationship that may have been strained or limited. Colorado law allows the party bringing the action to file a “solatium” claim instead of proving that they suffered from emotional anguish. In these cases, recovery is capped at $50,000 with adjustments for inflation, but claimants will not need to prove their non-economic losses.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages, also called exemplary damages in Colorado, may be awarded in cases where a defendant acts in a seriously reckless or malicious manner, and those actions resulted in the deceased’s death. Punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant and discourage similar behavior in the future. In Colorado, a trial court must first review the evidence before a plaintiff can claim punitive damages; once hired, an experienced wrongful death lawyer will be able to assist in determining whether punitive damages are applicable in your situation.
CASE RESULTS
faqs
How Can an Attorney Help?
Our wrongful death injury lawyers are here to handle your case through every part of the process. This may include helping to file your claim and determining the potential damages you may be able to receive. Our wrongful death lawyers have extensive experience investigating, negotiating, settling, and going to court for wrongful death claims.
We recognize that this may be one of the most difficult times of your life. Let us handle your legal case and provide the knowledge and support to move your case forward. We will fight to make sure you and your loved ones receive the compensation you may deserve.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim?
If you want to file a wrongful death lawsuit, you need to be aware of the time limits, or statutes of limitations, that are in place. In Colorado, you have two years from the victim’s death to file a wrongful death claim. However, it is best to contact a Greeley as soon as possible to help you navigate the filing timeline and seek the compensation you may deserve.
Can I File a Wrongful Death Claim If There Is an Ongoing Criminal Case?
Yes, a wrongful death claim may be filed even if a criminal case is proceeding based on the same facts. This is because a wrongful death claim is a civil case, and must be brought by the spouse, children, parents, or representative. If a defendant is found at fault in a civil case, they will have to pay money damages; in contrast, a criminal case is brought by the state or prosecutor, and if the defendant is found to be at fault, they may face time in prison, probation, or other penalties.
Will My Case Go to Trial?
The majority of cases are settled without going to trial because both parties can come to an agreement on a fair compensation value for a wrongful death claim. If you go to trial, you may risk losing your case, receiving delayed compensation, or fighting an appeal. All of these possibilities mean that your case will take longer, and you will not receive compensation as quickly as if you had settled.
However, sometimes going to trial is necessary. Our experienced lawyers near you in Greeley, CO, understand a fair wrongful death lawsuit compensation value. If a settlement offer isn’t fair, our attorneys may take the case to trial and continue to fight for you. Our Greeley personal injury lawyers are skilled in evaluating your options and whether a settlement or trial will be best for your case.
Contact a wrongful death attorney
Zinda Law Group wrongful death lawyers have helped many survivors get the compensation they deserved after losing a loved one in a tragic accident caused by another party’s negligence or intentional actions. We understand that no amount of money can replace your loved one, but we want to help ensure you receive the financial and emotional support you deserve.
People who have lost loved ones due in wrongful death situations should never have to worry about being able to afford legal representation. That is why we offer 100% free consultations, and why you pay nothing unless we win your case. That’s our No Win, No Fee Guarantee.
If another party is responsible for the death of your family member, call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 to receive your free consultation with one of our experienced Greeley wrongful death attorneys.
Meetings with attorneys are available by appointment only.
Our Awards
AWARDED TO JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA BY THE NATIONAL TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION (2016-2020)
AWARDED TO JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA (2009, 2011-2012, 2014-2021), & NEIL SOLOMON (2020-2021)
AWARDED TO JACK ZINDA (2016-2020)
LIFETIME MEMBERS JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
We have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation
