When your family member dies as the result of an accident, the accompanying financial ramifications can be devastating and drain any savings you or your deceased family member might have. These include costs related to medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost wages. While accidents do happen, if a death occurs as a result of negligence by another person or party, then you may be able to hold them accountable by filing a wrongful death claim.

Under the Colorado Wrongful Death Act, wrongful death is defined as a death caused by neglect or a wrongful act. If a wrongful death occurs, then the person or party at fault may be held liable for both economic and non-economic damages suffered by the deceased person's family.

Losing someone you love is hard. Losing someone you love because of someone else’s misconduct or negligence can be even harder. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about wrongful death claims to help you begin to navigate this difficult situation.

#1 What is a Wrongful Death Claim?

Colorado law provides compensation for family members of anyone whose death was the result of “a wrongful act, neglect, or default of another.” Some examples of situations that may justify a wrongful death claim include:

• Death caused by a drunk, reckless, or careless driver
• Death caused by a slip and fall or other hazards on private property
• Death caused by a defective or mis-labeled product
• Death caused by medical malpractice
• Death caused by nursing home negligence or abuse
• Work related deaths
• Death caused by assault, battery, and other crimes

Of course, there is no amount of money that will make up for the loss of your loved one or the grief you are experiencing. The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to protect the interests of family members who, through no fault of their own, are suffering the emotional and financial burden of the loss of their loved one.