Wrongful Death Lawyers in Hartford, CT
Losing a loved one is an unimaginable tragedy, especially when that loss was unpredictable and preventable. If you have lost a family member due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional wrongdoing of another, you are likely overwhelmed by grief. You may also be facing sudden financial instability due to medical bills, funeral arrangements, and the loss of income or services provided by your family member.
Since we opened our doors in 1985, our personal injury litigation attorneys at Polinsky Law Group have been advocating for injury victims and the families of those who have lost their lives due to the actions of others.
The difference between these two types of litigation is the degree of injury. Any accident scenario that would warrant a personal injury lawsuit also warrants a wrongful death claim if the injuries proved to be fatal.
We understand that no amount of money can replace a parent, spouse, or child. However, holding the responsible parties accountable is a vital step toward justice, closure, and the security of your family’s future. Our firm has stood by families in Hartford, Middlesex, New Haven counties, and other areas of Connecticut and Massachusetts during their darkest hours for over 40 years. We don’t just represent clients; we protect families.
Message us online or call (860) 431-7199 for a free initial office or virtual consultation with a Hartford wrongful death attorney. We serve clients in Spanish, Italian, Ukrainian, Polish, Russian, and Portuguese.
How Polinsky Law Group Can Help You Now
When you are grieving, the last thing you should have to worry about is an insurance adjuster or a legal deadline. Our firm takes on the entire legal burden so you can focus on your family.
We help by:
- Opening the estate. In Connecticut, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the executor or administrator of the deceased person’s estate. We can assist in navigating the probate requirements to get this process started.
- Conducting an independent investigation. Whether the death involved a truck or car accident, a fall, a drunk driver, a criminal assault due to negligent security, or a workplace incident, we gather evidence, from black box data to witness testimony, before it is lost.
- Identifying all liable parties. We look beyond the surface to find every party responsible, including commercial entities or manufacturers, to ensure maximum recovery.
- Providing a shield. We handle all communications with insurance companies, preventing them from pressuring you into a quick settlement or intrusive questioning during your time of mourning.
How a Wrongful Death Claim Works in Connecticut
Under Connecticut General Statutes § 52-555, a wrongful death is defined as a death caused by the "wrongful act, fault, or neglect" of another. Unlike some states where family members file individually, Connecticut law requires the executor or administrator of the estate to bring the action on behalf of the beneficiaries.
It is critical to act quickly. Connecticut generally has a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims. If the claim is not filed within this window from the date of death, your right to seek justice may be permanently lost.
Compensation Available to the Estate & Family
Our goal is to secure full and just compensation for the immense losses your family has suffered.
In Connecticut, damages in a wrongful death case can include:
- Medical and funeral costs - Compensation for all medical care linked to the final injury, as well as reasonable funeral and burial expenses.
- Lost earning capacity - The financial support the deceased would have provided to the family over their expected lifetime.
- Loss of enjoyment of life - Compensation for the deceased person's loss of the ability to enjoy life's activities and milestones.
- Pain and suffering - Compensation for the physical and emotional anguish the deceased suffered before their passing.
- Loss of consortium - A separate claim for a surviving spouse for the loss of companionship, affection, and support.
Why Experienced Legal Representation Is Necessary
Wrongful death cases are high-stakes and aggressively defended by insurance companies. They often attempt to shift blame onto the deceased or minimize the financial impact of the loss.
At Polinsky Law Group, we offer the sophisticated resources of a large firm with the personalized, family-first atmosphere of a boutique practice. We have spent over four decades fighting for the injured and bereaved in and around Hartford. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover money for your family.
You don't have to face your claim alone. Call us at (860) 431-7199 or reach us online for a free initial consultation with a Hartford wrongful death attorney. Let our family fight for yours.