Average Wrongful Death Settlement in Colorado [2024 Updated]

If you have recently lost a family member due to the actions of another party, it is understandable to wonder how you can hold them accountable and what type of compensation you and your family might secure from a successful civil suit. If you are curious about the average wrongful death settlement in Colorado, it is important to understand that every case is unique, and there is no single benchmark you should use to estimate your claim’s potential value.

Cheney Galluzzi & Howard can provide comprehensive legal counsel for your impending wrongful death suit. While you may have concerns about the average wrongful death settlement in Colorado, we can explain the unique aspects of your case, help you uncover the various forms of compensation you may be able to recover from a defendant, and assist you in reaching a positive outcome to your claim as swiftly as possible.

Claiming Compensation for Wrongful Death in Colorado

The objective of a personal injury claim is to hold a defendant accountable for the harm they have done to a plaintiff and to recover compensation. The plaintiff needs to be as whole as possible again after suffering a personal injury. In a wrongful death suit, the plaintiff seeks compensation for the losses sustained by the estate of the deceased and their surviving family. It’s vital to have an attorney help calculate the total damages you can claim.

It’s possible for the plaintiff in a wrongful death suit to seek compensation for various economic damages, which may include all direct financial losses incurred because of the death. The average wrongful death settlement in Colorado will include economic damages such as funeral and burial expenses, property damage the defendant caused, the deceased’s final medical expenses, and lost financial support they can no longer provide to their family.

Non-economic damages are more subjective and include things such as the pain and suffering the deceased experienced prior to their death and the emotional losses suffered by the surviving family. Colorado law limits non-economic damages in wrongful death claims, so a plaintiff can only expect compensation up to this limit. The limit adjusts each year to account for inflation. Your attorney can help maximize this aspect of your case award.

Other damages that might come into play in a wrongful death claim include punitive damages or restitution. If the defendant caused the death through egregious negligence or a criminal act, the court may order them to pay punitive damages to the victim’s family in addition to the other damages they are required to repay. If the defendant is criminally charged, restitution to the victim may be one of the penalties assigned to them by the sentencing judge.

Ultimately, researching the average wrongful death settlement in Colorado will not provide any specific answers to any questions you may have about the compensation that could be available to you and your family in your case. Every wrongful death suit is unique, and while some rules apply to all cases, there is so much variance on a case-by-case basis that it is vital to have an attorney closely review the details of your unique situation to maximize your case award.

FAQs

Q: How Much Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Worth in Colorado?

A: To calculate the potential value of a wrongful death lawsuit in Colorado, you need to calculate the total economic damages you intend to claim from the defendant and understand how Colorado law limits compensation for pain and suffering and other non-economic damages in these claims. The average wrongful death settlement in Colorado will entail full repayment of economic damages and limited recovery for non-economic damages.

Q: What Damages Can Be Claimed in a Wrongful Death Suit in Colorado?

A: In Colorado, the damages that can be claimed in a wrongful death suit include funeral and burial expenses, lost financial support the deceased provided to their family, damages suffered by the estate of the deceased, and compensation for pain and suffering. It is possible for the plaintiff to claim compensation for the victim’s pain and suffering as well as the emotional loss experienced by the surviving family of the deceased.

Q: How Does Comparative Fault Work in a Wrongful Death Case?

A: Comparative fault may influence a wrongful death case if the victim is proven to have contributed to causing the fatal incident. Under Colorado’s modified comparative fault rule, as long as the victim is less than 50% at fault, they can still claim compensation from the defendant, but their case award is reduced by their percentage of fault. 50% or more of the fault will nullify the ability to claim compensation from any other liable party.

Q: Why Should I Hire a Colorado Wrongful Death Lawyer?

A: You should hire a Colorado wrongful death lawyer because you are more likely to succeed with your case and more likely to maximize your total case award if you have legal counsel on your side. Your attorney can help you meet the procedural requirements of your case and streamline your proceedings to reduce the time required to complete the case. They will also know how to maximize your family’s total compensation.

Q: What Are Attorneys’ Fees for a Colorado Wrongful Death Lawyer?

A: Attorneys’ fees for a Colorado wrongful death lawyer will depend on the attorney’s billing policy. Cheney Galluzzi & Howard offer contingency fee billing for all personal injury cases, including wrongful death claims. This means that your fee will be a percentage of whatever compensation we secure for you. You only pay this fee if we win your case, so there is no economic risk in choosing our firm to represent you.

The right attorney can help you understand your rights and what to expect in your impending wrongful death suit. While you may be concerned about the average wrongful death settlement in Colorado, the reality is that every claim is unique, and you need an attorney who can help maximize the results of your successful claim. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team and learn how we can assist you with your impending case.