Denver Wrongful Death Lawyer

In legal terms, wrongful death refers to a death caused by someone else’s negligence. In wrongful death cases, a person is seeking compensation from the wrongdoer to recover damages for a loved one’s death. However, pursuing these claims without the assistance of a personal injury attorney can feel overwhelming—especially when you are dealing with the grief of losing a loved one.

The deceased’s family is often left to struggle emotionally, financially, and legally in the aftermath of a wrongful death. A Denver wrongful death lawyer could help you pursue justice and secure compensation to ease the financial burden caused by your loss. Meet with a tenacious personal injury attorney from Arckey & Steele today to take the first step toward justice.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims

While all deaths may feel wrong, wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another party. Unlike criminal cases, which seek to punish the responsible party, wrongful death claims are civil lawsuits that aim to provide financial relief to surviving family members.

Colorado Revised Statutes §§ 13-21-202 to 13-21-203 governs these actions. Under the statute, certain parties could sue for compensation after a wrongful death, including:

  • Surviving spouse
  • Designated beneficiaries
  • Heirs-at-law, including children
  • Parents (if the deceased did not leave a surviving spouse, children, or designated beneficiary)

You could claim various damages, such as medical bills incurred by the deceased before their death, funeral and burial expenses, and loss of income. You could also claim damages for non-economic losses, such as grief, loss of companionship, and emotional stress.

It is important to note that there are limits on these claims. Only one civil action per person’s death is allowed, and the limitations on damages apply to each decedent, not each survivor. According to House Bill §24-1472, as of January 1, 2025, the damages cap is $2.125 million. However, if there is clear and convincing evidence that a higher amount is appropriate, the court can raise the limit.

A Denver attorney could help you determine the appropriate damage amount for your wrongful death claim.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death

Any accident could lead to death, but some are far more likely to be fatal. Some of the tragic incidents that could lead to death include:

The more reckless and dangerous the behavior, or the less safe the conditions, the greater the likelihood of death.

If you are uncertain whether you have a wrongful death claim, you should consult with a Denver lawyer. Legal counsel could investigate the circumstances and determine whether negligence caused or contributed to the death. They could then gather evidence to support your claim and advocate for maximum damages.

Talk to an Attorney in Denver About Wrongful Death Claims

The unexpected loss of a loved one is a horrific event that may seem impossible to survive. It can take months—even years—to recover after the loss. However, waiting too long to seek justice could leave you without any legal remedies.

If you have lost a loved one because of someone else’s wrongful actions, a Denver wrongful death lawyer may be able to help. Schedule a case evaluation with one of our lawyers at Arckey & Steele to discuss your case and potential legal action.