What Is the Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations?

A wrongful death occurs when a loved one dies because someone with a duty of care failed to fulfill that responsibility due to negligence or misconduct. In Fairfield, Connecticut, the wrongful death statute of limitations is two years from the date of the death.

When dealing with a wrongful death, having a knowledgeable attorney in Fairfield can provide a sense of support and guidance. They will allow you to focus on healing while they navigate the legal complexities and pursue maximum compensation.

2. What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim in Fairfield is a legal action that holds the responsible party accountable for their actions. It’s filed when someone dies due to another person’s negligence or harmful actions.

A family member or loved one of the deceased can file on their behalf to seek compensation for their loss, such as funeral costs, lost income, and emotional pain. This legal process ensures that the responsible party is held accountable for causing the death.

Some examples of wrongful death are:

• Car accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Work accidents
• Nursing home neglect
• Law enforcement misconduct

When it comes to filing a wrongful death claim, having an experienced attorney by your side can provide reassurance and confidence. They will guide you through the process, ensuring you work quickly to file the claim and stay within the statute of limitations to keep the case valid.

What Is the Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations in Connecticut?

A statute of limitations is the period of time that you can file a personal injury claim after the accident occurs. If too much time has passed, you are beyond the statute of limitations and can no longer seek compensation for your personal injury case.

A wrongful death statute of limitations is necessary to ensure all details remain fresh and evidence still applies during the case proceedings. This helps ensure fairness in the legal process and prevents delays that could make it harder to prove what happened. Without a deadline, you may lose important information over time, making it difficult to achieve a just outcome.

In Connecticut, the wrongful death statute of limitations is two years after the death occurred. This means that after two years have passed, you can no longer pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.

Are There Any Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations?

In Connecticut, the general statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is two years from the date of the person’s death. However, there are exceptions to this rule. One key exception occurs if new details or evidence emerge after the death, revealing that negligence or misconduct was a contributing factor. This is known as the discovery rule.

Under the discovery rule, if you find out later that someone’s negligence or wrongdoing played a role in your loved one’s death—details that were not apparent at the time of death—you may have additional time to file a lawsuit. In such cases, the statute of limitations may start from the date when the new information is discovered rather than the date of death.

What Are the Consequences of Missing the Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations?

The most common outcome of missing the wrongful death statute of limitations is that the court will dismiss your case, meaning you will lose the opportunity to seek compensation for your loss.

This highlights the importance of acting quickly when filing a wrongful death claim. Delaying can lead to missing the deadline, leaving you without recourse. Additionally, gathering evidence and securing witness testimonies is often more effective soon after the incident.

How Do I File a Wrongful Death Claim in Fairfield, CT?

The first step to filing a wrongful death claim within the statute of limitations is contacting a trusted lawyer. Your Fairfield wrongful death lawyer will know what steps you need to take to fight for justice.

First, your lawyer will gather evidence to build a strong case. Then, they will file a claim with the responsible party’s insurance. Your attorney will prepare your case for court if the insurance does not offer a fair settlement.

Be ready with your loved one’s death certificate, medical records, Fairfield police report, and anything else you may need to build the case. Writing down your experiences through the accident and beyond will help you get the timeline right when it comes time to file the claim.

Hiring a lawyer with extensive knowledge of wrongful death will ensure maximized compensation. Your attorney will know how to communicate with the insurance company and present the evidence that shows surveillance footage, witness accounts, and third-party expert perspectives.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to File a Wrongful Death Claim

Now that you know all about Connecticut’s wrongful death statute of limitations, it’s important to take action. Losing your loved one is painful. However, you are responsible for fighting for justice in your loved one’s case. You can stop the responsible party from making such a mistake again.

Brill Law Group can help you get started on your wrongful death claim to make sure you file within the statute of limitations. Are you ready to find answers after the death of a loved one? We are here to help with compassion and expertise. Set up a free consultation to discuss the details of your case.