(719) 888-3720

Wrongful Death Lawyer

Wrongful Death Attorney Colorado Springs

Dealing with the traumatic death of a loved one is the most difficult event a family can endure. No one is ever prepared for the loss, the anguish, or the endless uncertainty. No amount of money can replace a life, or adequately compensate for the loss of a family member. These financial challenges can be even more overwhelming when dealing with catastrophic injuries before the wrongful death occurred, adding another layer of complexity to an already devastating situation. The emotional and financial toll can be immense, leaving families struggling to cope with the aftermath.

In cases involving motor vehicle accidents, defective products, or unsafe premises, determining liability can be complex. This complexity is particularly evident in situations where victims have suffered severe burn injuries, requiring detailed investigation to establish fault. Families often find themselves entangled in legal battles, trying to secure the justice their loved ones deserve. The dedication of experienced attorneys is crucial in navigating these challenges and building a strong case to hold responsible parties accountable.

Fair compensation is also critical in cases where victims have suffered broken bones and internal injuries before their untimely death. This is particularly important in slip and fall accidents where proving liability can be challenging. Securing just compensation can help ease the financial strain and provide a sense of justice, offering some measure of relief as families begin the long journey of healing and recovery.

At Pribila and Fields PC, our Colorado Springs wrongful death lawyers know seeking compensation is rarely an immediate priority for suffering families. Yet from a practical standpoint the economic consequences can be sudden, and severe. Medical and burial expenses and loss of family income can quickly re-victimize grieving families. Meanwhile, as a normal course of everyday business, insurance companies and their law firms are already moving to shield themselves from liability by limiting a family’s ability to collect compensation. 

Wrongful Death Lawyer at Pribila and Fields, PC

At Pribila and Fields PC, we believe every family dealing with such a tragedy deserves immediate access to experienced legal help. With more than 40 years of combined experience, and an exclusive focus of representing the rights of personal injury and wrongful death victims, we have the resources to pursue claims in even the most complex cases against the nation’s largest insurance companies and their law firms. 

We believe families should never be revictimized by financial stress during the most trying time of their lives. And we understand that, behind each case we accept the responsibility of representing, stands a family in need of support, answers and justice. 

Each lawyer at the firm has extensive communication with the clients that we are privileged to represent.  Clear and concise communication is our priority, and we pride ourselves on our dedication to keeping you informed – and not just through a representative or secretary, but you as the client have easy access to communicate with your lawyer personally. Our lawyers are dedicated to going the distance with each client to provide effective, personal representation.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits and Claims in Colorado Springs

Unlike personal injury claims, which seek to compensate an individual for losses and damages caused by a liable party, wrongful death claims seek to compensate families for the economic and non-economic damages caused by the sudden loss of a loved one. 

Under Colorado law, Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 13-21-201, 13-21-202, a wrongful death is defined as a death that is caused by "a wrongful act, neglect, or default of another" person or entity. A wrongful death claim can be brought in any situation where the person could have brought a personal injury claim had he or she survived.

Wrongful death claims are made by a person’s estate and allege that wrongdoing by one or more liable parties caused or contributed to death. Common examples of basis for wrongful death claims include negligence, medical malpractice or intentional acts (most often caused by crime).

During the first year, only the spouse of a married victim may file a wrongful death claim under Colorado law, although a spouse may allow a victim’s children to file a claim, or join the children in making a claim. If a victim was unmarried, a claim may be filed by the deceased’s children or designated beneficiary. 

During the second year, a claim may be brought by a surviving spouse, surviving children, both children and spouse, or children and designated beneficiary. Parents may bring a wrongful death action if the victim had no surviving spouse, children or designated beneficiary. 

Wrongful Death Damages

Damages sought in a wrongful death action are meant to compensate family members for current and future losses that resulted from a victim’s death. 

Economic damages may include: 

  • Wages and other compensation the deceased would likely have earned had he or she lived. 
  • Lost benefits.
  • Funeral and burial expenses.

Non-economic damages may include: 

  • Pain and suffering
  • Grief
  • Loss of companionship
  • Emotional distress

These are complex claims that should always be handled by an experienced Colorado Springs wrongful death law firm. For example, when considering future wages and compensation, inflation and the likelihood of future promotions or salary increases must be carefully considered by an expert with significant experience. Failure to do so may result in a significant reduction in compensation. 

Colorado law uses an adjustable scale to limit compensation for non-economic damages. In 2022, that limit was just under $600,000. Proper calculation of all economic losses is therefore critical to making a comprehensive claim for damages. 

Pribila and Fields PC, represents clients in personal injury and wrongful death litigation in Colorado Springs, El Paso County and the surrounding areas, including, Security-Widefield, City of Fountain, Cimarron Hills, Fort Carson, Black Forest, Woodmoor, City of Woodland Park, Stratmoor, Air Force Academy, Gleneagle, Town of Monument, City of Manitou Springs, Town of Palmer Lake, Cascade-Chipita Park, City of Cripple Creek, and Ellicott.

If you are dealing with a wrongful death,  contact the Colorado Springs injury lawyers at Pribila and Fields PC for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Call (719) 888-3720.

Frequently Asked Questions

A wrongful death lawyer in Colorado Springs, like those at Pribila and Fields, P.C., helps families pursue compensation following the death of a loved one due to negligence or misconduct. These attorneys guide families through the legal process, ensuring they understand their rights under Colorado law and assisting with filing claims for both economic and non-economic damages. This support is crucial in addressing financial concerns and ensuring justice, which can provide some solace during a profoundly difficult time. We handle all aspects of the case, including investigating the incident, gathering evidence, filing the lawsuit, and representing the family in court to seek compensation for their loss.
A wrongful death attorney can support your family by managing the legal complexities involved in filing a wrongful death claim, ensuring that all potential sources of compensation are pursued. We can help in gathering necessary evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if needed, representing your interests in court. This legal support can significantly alleviate the burden during a distressing time, allowing your family to focus on healing while the attorney works to secure financial compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, funeral costs, and loss of companionship.
In Colorado Springs, the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit is primarily granted to the deceased's surviving spouse in the first year after death. In the second year, both the spouse and the deceased’s children can file, or the children alone if there is no spouse. If there are no surviving spouse or children, the deceased’s parents may have the right to file. Designated beneficiaries may also have rights under certain conditions. Our wrongful death attorney can help you understand who is eligible to file the claim and guide you through the legal process to ensure your case is handled correctly.
If you suspect that your loved one's death was wrongful, it is crucial to gather all relevant information and seek legal advice immediately. Contacting a wrongful death attorney at Pribila & Fields, P.C. can help you evaluate the circumstances surrounding the death and determine the best course of action. Our experienced attorneys are here to support you during this difficult time. Please feel free to reach out to us for a consultation.

Additional Information in Colorado Springs

Medical News Today - What is Medical Malpractice?: Provides information on types of medical errors and malpractice, which could be highly relevant in cases of wrongful death caused by medical negligence. This information can help individuals understand common medical errors, recognize potential negligence, and provide insight into how healthcare professionals might deviate from accepted standards of care. Understanding these aspects can strengthen a wrongful death lawsuit by helping to establish the cause of death and any potential breaches in the duty of care owed by medical personnel.
Colorado State Patrol - Accident Prevention: Focuses on initiatives to reduce accidents involving hazardous materials transportation. It outlines rigorous standards and procedures for drivers, including regular inspections and compliance audits, and highlights systems for monitoring weather and road conditions to avoid hazards. The page also discusses a real-time tracking and communication system for shipments, enhancing safety and oversight. In a wrongful death case, this site provides crucial insights into state-regulated safety protocols and preventive measures that could help determine liability and demonstrate negligence, particularly in accidents involving hazardous materials.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission - Recalls: Comprehensive database of products that have been recalled due to safety concerns, including details about the nature of the hazards and instructions for consumers on how to proceed if they have the recalled product. In a wrongful death case, this resource can be instrumental if the death was caused by a defective product. By offering access to detailed recall information, it enables attorneys and families to identify whether a specific product involved in the incident had been recognized as hazardous and subject to recall, which can be a critical element in proving negligence in court.
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Pribila and Fields, P.C. has successfully handled thousands of personal injury cases and tried scores of cases where an insurance carrier refused to pay fair compensation for injuries, losses or damages.

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18 E. Monument Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
reception@pribila.com

Phone: (719) 888-3720
Fax: (719) 473-2542

The information provided on this website is offered purely for informational purposes. It is not intended to create or promote an attorney-client relationship and does not constitute and should not be relied upon as legal advice. It is not intended to seek professional employment in any state where lawyers in the firm are not admitted to practice, or in any state where this website would not comply with applicable requirements concerning advertisements and solicitations.

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