Fighting for Justice After a Loss in Hartford

The grief that comes from losing a loved one can be overwhelming, and dealing with the added financial burden makes this time even more difficult. A wrongful death claim can help your family obtain compensation to cover medical bills, lost income, funeral costs, and emotional distress—while also holding the responsible party accountable.

At Goff Law Group, our wrongful death attorneys in Hartford understand how painful this time is and are committed to helping families in Hartford who have suffered due to wrongful deaths. Let us provide the support and legal expertise your family needs to pursue justice.

In Connecticut, wrongful death is legally defined as a death caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another party that would have entitled the deceased to file a personal injury claim had they survived. Under Connecticut law, the right to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit lies with the executor or administrator of the deceased person’s estate. At Goff Law Group, we help families seek justice and compensation for the emotional and financial losses that result from a preventable death.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death

Wrongful death can occur in many situations where negligence or misconduct leads to a fatal outcome. These tragic incidents often stem from avoidable accidents or reckless behavior. At Goff Law Group, our wrongful death lawyers in Hartford help families pursue justice when someone else’s actions caused a loved one’s death.

Common causes of wrongful death include:

  • Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
  • Workplace accidents
  • Pedestrian or bicycle accidents
  • Premises liability incidents (such as slip and falls)

What Injuries Can Lead to a Wrongful Death?

Certain injuries can be so severe that they ultimately result in a wrongful death, particularly when caused by negligence or left untreated. These injuries often occur in serious accidents, unsafe conditions, or due to reckless behavior. Recognizing the types of injuries that can lead to a fatal outcome is an important step in understanding your legal options.

Injuries that can lead to wrongful death include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Severe burns
  • Internal bleeding or organ damage
  • Crush injuries
  • Complications from medical malpractice
  • Multiple fractures or blunt force trauma
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Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Hartford?

In Connecticut, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the executor or administrator of the deceased person’s estate. If your loved one did not designate an executor, or if the appointed person is unable to serve, the court may appoint someone to handle the estate.

Those who can potentially receive compensation in a wrongful death claim include:

  • The surviving spouse or children of the deceased
  • Dependents, including life partners, stepchildren, or others financially reliant on the deceased
  • Parents, siblings, or other relatives, in certain cases

Our Hartford wrongful death attorneys will work with the executor or administrator of the estate to help determine who is entitled to file the claim and pursue compensation.

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How Do Wrongful Death Claims Work in Connecticut?

Wrongful death claims in Connecticut are treated as personal injury claims, but because the victim cannot bring the case themselves, the estate executor or administrator steps in. The responsible party must have been negligent or reckless, and this failure in duty of care must have directly caused the death.

For instance, in cases involving car accidents, trucking accidents, workplace accidents, or medical malpractice, the at-fault party's negligence may be grounds for a wrongful death claim.

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How Do You Prove Negligence in a Wrongful Death Case?

Proving negligence in a wrongful death case involves demonstrating that another party’s careless or reckless actions led to your loved one’s death. At Goff Law Group, our experienced wrongful death attorneys in Hartford thoroughly investigate each case to hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue justice on your behalf.

To prove negligence, the following elements must be established:

  • Duty of Care: The defendant had a legal obligation to act with reasonable care toward the deceased.
  • Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to meet that obligation through action or inaction.
  • Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the fatal incident.
  • Damages: The death resulted in measurable losses, such as emotional suffering, financial hardship, and funeral costs.

Compensation for Wrongful Death in Hartford

While no amount of money can replace the loss of a loved one, compensation from a wrongful death lawsuit can help ease the financial burden caused by their passing. If you file a wrongful death claim in Hartford, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical bills and long-term care expenses incurred before death
  • Lost wages and future income the deceased would have earned
  • Funeral or burial expenses
  • Ongoing pain and emotional distress caused by the loss
  • Loss of companionship and quality of life

Additionally, Connecticut law allows for the possibility of double or triple damages if the responsible party’s actions were grossly negligent, such as in cases of serious traffic violations or willful misconduct.

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Why Choose Goff Law Group for Your Wrongful Death Case in Hartford, CT?

When a family loses a loved one because of someone else’s negligence, having compassionate and determined legal representation can make a meaningful difference. At Goff Law Group, we take a client-centered approach to wrongful death cases, led by trial attorney Brooke A. Goff. We understand the emotional and financial challenges families face after an unexpected loss, and we work tirelessly to protect their interests and pursue accountability. With a 99% success rate and a record of six- and seven-figure recoveries, our team approaches every case with care, determination, and a commitment to securing the compensation our clients deserve.

Brooke has earned recognition for her dedication to clients and strong advocacy, including:

  • Super Lawyers Rising Stars, eight consecutive years
  • Top 40 Under 40, Connecticut Magazine
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyer, National Trial Lawyers Association

Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the added burden of navigating a legal claim. Contact Goff Law Group today to schedule a consultation and learn how our wrongful death lawyers in Hartford can help your family pursue justice and financial recovery.

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Wrongful Death FAQs

How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, you generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. However, no claim can be filed more than five years after the act or omission that caused the death. It's important to act promptly to preserve your legal rights.

How long will it take to resolve my wrongful death claim?

The timeline for resolving a wrongful death claim can vary widely. Some cases may settle in a matter of months, while others, especially those involving complex liability or significant damages, can take a year or more. Factors like investigations, negotiations, and court schedules all play a role.

Can I seek double or triple damages?

Yes, Connecticut law allows for double or triple damages in wrongful death cases when the death was caused by a motor vehicle violation committed with reckless disregard for safety, such as street racing or driving under the influence. These enhanced damages are meant to punish particularly egregious behavior.

How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death lawyer?

Most wrongful death lawyers in Connecticut work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any upfront costs. At Goff Law Group, we only collect a fee if we recover compensation on your behalf, usually a percentage of the settlement or award.

Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Contact the wrongful death lawyers in Hartford at Goff Law Group for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, provide the legal advice you need, and fight relentlessly for your rights. Call us at 203-399-0000 or reach out online to get started today.

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