What is Wrongful Death?

Bringing Peace of Mind to Waterbury

In Connecticut, a wrongful death claim is one "for injuries resulting in death." It is essentially a personal injury claim filed against another party whose negligent, reckless, or intentional behavior resulted in another's death. Since the deceased party, known as the decedent, cannot press their own claim, another party, usually family members, step in to bring the claim to court.

A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit, meaning it must be filed by the executor or administrator of the decedent's estate directly. Damages in a wrongful death case are paid to the estate of the decedent if it succeeds in court. The judge or jury will determine the amount of damages to be paid.

Compensation can be paid for any of the following:

• Necessary medical, hospital, and nursing expenses connected with the fatal injury
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Damages for lost future income
• Compensation for pain and suffering

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Additionally, if the fatality resulted from a car accident, and if the driver responsible showed a "reckless disregard" for traffic laws which was a major factor in the fatality, the wronged party may be entitled to double or triple damages.

To bring a claim to court, you must file within the statute of limitations for wrongful death, which in Connecticut is two years from the incident.