Bridgeport, CT Wrongful Death Attorney

Losing a loved one in death is one of the most devastating experiences a person can endure. When that loss occurs due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct, the pain can be even more profound. 

After the death of a loved one, families may not only experience emotional suffering but may also face financial difficulties due to medical bills, funeral costs, and lost income. If you have lost a loved one due to another party’s negligence in Bridgeport, CT, you may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim.

At Cellino Law, we have over 65 years of experience in recovering compensation on behalf of accident victims and their families. Our compassionate wrongful death attorneys can help you file a wrongful death claim and seek justice for the death of your loved one. For more information or to schedule a free case review, call us at 888-888-8888. 

What Is a Bridgeport Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim is a legal action filed by the surviving family members or the estate of a deceased person against the party responsible for a loved one’s death. These claims are typically based on negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing. 

Wrongful death claims are similar to personal injury lawsuits, except the injured party is no longer alive to bring the case. The primary goal of a wrongful death claim is to provide compensation to surviving loved ones for the financial and emotional losses they have suffered. 

Common Causes of Wrongful Death Claims in Bridgeport, Connecticut

Wrongful death cases can arise from various types of accidents and situations. 

Car accidents

Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of wrongful death claims. In 2024, some 328 people died in traffic accidents in Connecticut. 

Negligent drivers cause fatal crashes due to speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, and other factors. 

Medical malpractice

Doctors, nurses, and healthcare facilities in Bridgeport may be held liable if mistakes they made resulted in the wrongful death of a patient. 

The following are some of the causes of medical malpractice deaths:

• Misdiagnosis
• Surgical errors
• Failure to diagnose
• Medication mistakes
• Failure to provide appropriate treatment

Defective products

Companies that make and distribute products have a legal obligation that they are safe for consumers. If a dangerous or faulty product causes a fatal injury, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer may be held responsible under product liability laws. 

Workplace accidents

Connecticut has enacted statutes in an effort to protect employees and ensure they have safe working environments. Unfortunately, some employers fail to follow these laws. 

Fatal workplace injuries often occur in construction, manufacturing, and industrial settings. 

Common causes of workplace fatalities include:

• Unsafe working conditions
• Lack of proper training
• Equipment failures
• Lack of safety protocols

Nursing home negligence

While nursing homes in Bridgeport typically provide a high standard of care to the elderly, this is not always the case. 

Elderly residents may suffer fatal injuries due to:

• Neglect 
• Abuse
• Medication errors
• Malnutrition or dehydration
• Inadequate medical care

Premises liability accidents

Property owners in Bridgeport have a legal duty to maintain safe premises. When they fail to do so, wrongful death claims may arise from:

• Slip-and-fall accidents: Hazardous conditions, such as wet floors or broken stairs, can lead to fatal falls
• Drowning incidents: Negligently maintained or unsecured swimming pools can result in fatal drownings, particularly for young children
• Fires and carbon monoxide poisoning: Faulty wiring, lack of smoke detectors, or gas leaks can cause deadly fires or poisoning

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Bridgeport, Connecticut?

Unlike some states that allow family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit directly, Connecticut law specifies that only the executor or administrator of the deceased person’s estate has the legal standing to file the claim. 

If the deceased did not appoint an executor in his or her will, the court will appoint an administrator—typically a close family member. The administrator then has the legal authority to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. 

Damages Recoverable in a Bridgeport Wrongful Death Claim

Recoverable damages in a wrongful death case are intended to compensate the surviving family for various losses. 

Economic damages (financial losses)

Economic damages compensate for the direct financial losses suffered as a result of the wrongful death.

This includes:

• Medical expenses: If your loved one incurred medical bills before passing away, you may recover compensation for hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and other related medical costs. 
• Funeral and burial costs: You can seek compensation for the cost of the funeral and burial expenses for your loved one. 
• Loss of earning capacity: The executor of the estate can seek compensation for the loss of the deceased’s expected future earnings. This includes salary, benefits, and other income he or she would have reasonably earned in his or her lifetime.
• Loss of services: If the deceased provided household services—such as childcare or maintenance—you could recover compensation for the financial value of these contributions. 

Non-economic damages (intangible losses)

Non-economic damages are more subjective but aim to compensate the family for the emotional and psychological suffering caused by the loss. 

These include:

• Pain and suffering of the deceased: If your dead loved one endured pain and suffering before dying, you could receive damages for his or her pre-death physical and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life: This is awarded to reflect the diminished quality of life of surviving family members due to the deceased’s absence
• Loss of consortium: The surviving spouse may claim damages for the loss of companionship, affection, and emotional support due to his or her partner’s death

How a Bridgeport, CT Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help

After the death of your loved one, you may be unsure of how to file a wrongful death claim or if you’re eligible for compensation. Navigating a wrongful death claim can be challenging, especially while grieving your loss. 

A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can take on the legal burden, allowing you to focus on your family’s emotional recovery. Consider some ways in which a Bridgeport wrongful death attorney can assist you.

1. Investigating the circumstances of her death 

A wrongful death lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of death. 

This process may include:

• Gathering police reports, medical records, and accident reports
• Interviewing witnesses who saw the incident 
• Working with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and forensic specialists
• Reviewing surveillance footage, if available

By collecting strong evidence, an attorney can build a compelling case to prove liability. 

2. Identifying liable parties

Depending on the case, multiple pirates may be responsible for a wrongful death, including:

• Negligent drivers or employers
• Hospitals, doctors, and medical professionals
• Product manufacturers or distributors
• Property owners who failed to maintain safe premises

Your attorney will determine who is legally responsible and pursue compensation from all liable parties. 

3. Handling insurance companies

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. 

An experienced Bridgeport wrongful death lawyer will:

• Negotiate aggressively with insurers to secure a fair settlement
• Prevent you from accepting a lowball offer
• Handle all communication with the insurance adjusters to protect your rights

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will be prepared to take the wrongful death case to court.

4. Calculating damages and seeking compensation

Your wrongful death lawyer will help you to calculate the full extent of your losses accurately. This includes both economic and non-economic damages. In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded by the court. 

Your lawyer will work to ensure that your family receives a full and fair financial recovery. 

5. Filing a wrongful death lawsuit within the legal deadline

The statute of limitations on wrongful death claims in Connecticut is 2 years from the date of death. This means that if you do not file a claim within 2 years, you will lose your right to compensation. 

However, there are some exceptions to this time limit. In some situations, an act of negligence is not known right away, or a person may not die immediately after the incident. For this reason, the Connecticut wrongful death statute also says that no claim can be brought more than 5 years from the negligent act that caused the death. 

Benefits of Choosing a Local Bridgeport Wrongful Death Lawyer

At Cellino Law, we know you have many options to consider when selecting a personal injury law firm. 

Consider some advantages of choosing a local wrongful death attorney:

• Knowledge of Connecticut laws: A lawyer familiar with state wrongful death statutes can more effectively handle your case
• Experience with local courts: A wrongful death lawyer who practices in Bridgeport understands court procedures, judges, and opposing lawyers
• Community connections: Local attorneys often have relationships with expert witnesses, investigators, and medical professionals who can strengthen your case

Contact a Bridgeport Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

Losing a loved one due to negligence or wrongdoing is an incredibly painful experience. While no legal action can bring that person back, a Bridgeport wrongful death lawyer can help you hold the responsible party accountable and secure the financial support your family needs. 

A successful wrongful death lawsuit can provide compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering. Cellino Law has recovered over $2 billion in compensation for our clients. Let us help you seek justice for the death of your family member.

If you believe your loved one’s death was wrongful, don’t navigate this legal battle alone. Schedule a free case review today. Call our Bridgeport office at 888-888-8888 or complete the contact form to schedule an appointment.

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