Stonington Wrongful Death Lawyer
Stonington Wrongful Death Attorney
When someone close to you passes away due to another party’s negligent or harmful actions, it leaves you with more than just grief. Wrongful death can bring financial hardship and lasting pain and suffering. A Stonington wrongful death lawyer can help you pursue justice and compensation by filing a claim against the at-fault party.
Why Work With Suisman Shapiro?
With over 80 years of experience, the compassionate Stonington wrongful death attorneys at Suisman Shapiro are dedicated to helping those who have lost loved ones. We understand the wrongful death laws and legal procedures that must be followed, and can build a strong claim on your behalf. To help victims of wrongful death find stability and minimize financial struggles, we tirelessly pursue a full recovery for every client.
Examples of Stonington Wrongful Death Accidents
Accidents can happen anywhere, whether driving on I-95, receiving treatment at the Stonington Medical Center, or on a construction site. Traffic accidents are one of the most common fatal accidents, with 274 fatal crashes in 2024. Other examples of fatal accidents include:
- Car accidents caused by a negligent driver
- Medical malpractice when fatal errors are made by healthcare professionals
- Workplace fatalities due to unsafe conditions or faulty equipment
- Fatal accidents caused by a property owner’s negligence, such as slips and falls
- Accidents caused by defective consumer goods, such as medical devices or vehicle parts
- Criminal acts, such as homicide or assault
You should hire a lawyer to help you understand the legal process, as it can vary depending on your accident. For example, in workplace accidents, there are 2.9 workplace fatalities per 100,000 workers, and claims can be filed either through workers’ compensation or directly against the at-fault party.
Navigating Connecticut’s Legal Requirements for a Wrongful Death Claim
Connecticut has unique wrongful death laws compared to many other states. In Connecticut, wrongful death claims are filed by the executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate. If the deceased did not have an estate plan, the court can appoint an executor on their behalf, which is typically a surviving spouse or adult child. This differs from many other states, where close family members can file a claim regardless of whether they are the estate’s executor.
Once it is determined who is able to file the claim, a Stonington wrongful death attorney can identify who the claim can be filed against. This involves examining evidence to prove an at-fault party’s negligence or malicious behavior. In accidents involving negligence, such as car accidents, medical malpractice, or premises liability, four elements of negligence must be proven:
- Duty of care. This element is the at-fault party’s legal responsibility to act with care to avoid an accident. For example, a property owner has a duty of care to maintain a hazard-free property, or a driver has a duty of care to drive safely.
- Breach of duty. You must establish that the at-fault party failed to meet the duty of care, leading to dangerous behavior or a hazard. For example, if a driver was texting while driving, they failed to meet the duty of care, which could endanger others.
- Causation. This element involves proving that the hazard directly led to your accident, and without the at-fault party’s negligence, the accident would not have occurred.
- Damages. Finally, you have to prove what damages you have suffered from this loss. You may need to present financial records, bills, pay stubs, medical records, or witness testimony to support your claim.
Types of Damages in a Wrongful Death Case
Filing a claim can bring financial compensation for your losses. This is important to help you maintain financial security. A Stonington wrongful death lawyer can make sure your claim is comprehensive, including each of your damages.
Compensation can cover economic damages, such as lost wages, loss of financial support, and funeral and burial costs. It can also cover the non-economic losses such as pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and mental anguish. In certain cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party for extreme negligence, though they are not always available.
FAQs
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim?
You have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. There may be additional deadlines, such as a statute of repose from the date the negligent action occurred or a shorter statute of limitations against a government entity. A Stonington wrongful death lawyer can explain what deadlines apply and can work swiftly to build a claim and negotiate for a settlement before the deadline.
What Evidence Can You Use in a Wrongful Death Claim?
A variety of evidence can be used in a wrongful death claim in Stonington. A lawyer can use evidence to prove who is at fault for the death and what damages you have suffered. A lawyer can also help gather evidence from the accident. Valuable evidence may include police reports, incident reports, witness statements, surveillance camera footage, photos from the accident, medical records, financial records, and pay stubs.
Do All Wrongful Death Claims Go to Trial?
No, not all wrongful death claims go to trial. The majority of claims are resolved in negotiations by reaching a settlement. A settlement can provide you with compensation while avoiding the high legal costs and time involved in a trial. However, not all cases can be resolved through negotiation, in which case a trial may be the right option to pursue compensation. A lawyer can work for fair compensation regardless of whether it is in a negotiation or a trial.
Why Should You Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer?
A wrongful death lawyer can help you navigate the legal process while also building a strong claim that pursues a full recovery. Filing a claim may seem overwhelming, especially while you grieve your loss. A lawyer can make this process easier, managing the legal requirements, investigation, and negotiations on your behalf.
Contact Suisman Shapiro for Support After a Wrongful Death
Wrongful death is one of the most emotionally traumatic and financially devastating accidents. Contact Suisman Shapiro for a free consultation to learn how we can help you recover your damages after a tragic loss.
© 2026 Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law. All rights reserved.
Digital Marketing By: 