Losing a loved one unexpectedly is a tragic experience, especially when it resulted from the negligence, recklessness, and misconduct of another. The unimaginable hardships you are going through may seem impossible to overcome at first. You may be dealing with medical bills, funeral arrangements, and unbearable emotional pain, and filing a lawsuit may be the last thing on your mind.
In Colorado, you have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. As such, our Colorado Springs wrongful death attorney can do the heavy lifting in your case while you focus on grieving and processing your devastating loss. We understand that nothing will ever make this tragedy okay, but you owe it to yourself and your family to hold the responsible party accountable for their wrongdoings. With the help of our lawyer, you can rest assured that we will go the extra mile to help recover the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation online or at (719) 264-9858. We are available 24/7 to help you through thick and thin.
Common Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Wrongful deaths can result from various incidents. Among the most common types of cases include, but are not limited to:
- Car accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Defective products
- Commercial vehicle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Aviation accidents
Calculating Wrongful Death Settlements
Placing a dollar value on a person’s life is difficult and extremely sensitive. For this reason, judges are tasked with examining various factors that help determine how much a wrongful death settlement is worth. Those elements include the victim’s age, life expectancy, medical expenses, and past, current, and future earnings, as well as pain and suffering for surviving family members.
These losses, or damages, are categorized as economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. All of these account for different types of losses for both the victim and their surviving family members. Our Colorado Springs wrongful death lawyer can work with financial, medical, and economic experts to come up with the most precise and accurate value for your losses.
Economic Damages
Economic damages span a range of financial losses that the surviving family suffered due to the wrongful death of their loved one. These types of damages are generally easier to calculate because they provide tangible proof of what a victim could have provided financially but for wrongful death. As such, economic damages include:
- Medical bills and related medical expenses
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of future income
- Loss of benefits
- Loss of future inheritance
- Loss of goods or services that otherwise would have been provided if the victim had not passed away
Non-Economic Damages
It can be challenging to put a price on non-economic damages, as they generally cover emotional losses and others that are hard to quantify. These are non-monetary losses that an experienced lawyer can help surviving family members evaluate. With this in mind, examples of non-economic damages include:
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of parental guidance (for minor children)
- Loss of care and protection
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages, or exemplary damages, are awarded in some cases where the defendant is particularly harmful and disturbing. For example, if a defendant’s conduct was malicious, fraudulent, or willful and it leads to your loved one’s death beyond a reasonable doubt, you may be awarded as a result. These damages are intended to punish the defendant and act as a deterrent against similar conduct in the future. Remember, punitive damages are rarely awarded.
We Will Not Settle for Less Than What You Deserve
Our Colorado Springs wrongful death attorney will fight for you as if we were in your shoes. Although nothing could ever justify your loved one’s wrongful death, we are committed to fighting for the highest and fairest settlement possible to help make your burdens a little easier to bear.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us online or at (719) 264-9858 today. You are not alone.