Losing a loved one due to someone else's careless or reckless actions is one of the most devastating experiences a family can face. In Colorado, when a person dies as a result of negligence, certain family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek financial compensation and hold the responsible party accountable. While no amount of money can truly replace a lost life, a wrongful death claim can provide some financial relief and a sense of justice.

Under Colorado law, wrongful death lawsuits are governed by specific statutes. Typically, the surviving spouse has the first right to bring a claim within the first year after death. After that, children or designated beneficiaries may pursue the case. The types of compensation available include loss of companionship, lost wages the deceased would have earned, funeral expenses, and emotional suffering. The process can be complex, especially when multiple parties are involved, which is why it’s crucial to understand which types of accidents most often give rise to these tragic claims.

1. Car Accidents

Car accidents are among the leading causes of accidental deaths in Colorado and one of the most common triggers for wrongful death lawsuits. Whether it’s a head-on collision caused by a distracted driver or a fatal crash due to someone running a red light, negligent behavior behind the wheel often has deadly consequences. The state's varied terrain, from busy city streets to rural mountain highways, contributes to the frequency and severity of these incidents.

Impaired driving is a major factor in many fatal crashes across the state. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, alcohol-related fatalities continue to be a serious issue. Families affected by these tragedies have legal grounds to pursue a wrongful death case against the driver and, in some cases, even against establishments that served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated individual.

If you’ve lost someone in a fatal crash, our car accident attorneys can assess the situation and help determine the best course of action. We'll work to uncover evidence, speak to witnesses, and help establish liability to strengthen your case.

2. Truck and Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Accidents involving commercial trucks and delivery vehicles tend to result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities due to their massive size and weight. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and when it collides with a smaller passenger vehicle, the results are often fatal. These cases differ from standard car accidents because they often involve multiple liable parties.

For example, a truck driver may be responsible for falling asleep at the wheel, but their employer could also be liable if they failed to enforce rest breaks or conducted inadequate training. In some situations, a third-party maintenance provider may be responsible for poor vehicle upkeep, or a parts manufacturer could be liable for defective components. Each of these factors needs to be investigated thoroughly in a wrongful death claim.

Because of the layers of potential liability and the aggressive legal teams representing commercial carriers, wrongful death cases involving trucks require immediate and detailed investigation. The longer you wait, the greater the risk that important evidence, such as logbooks, dash cam footage, or black box data, may be lost.

3. Workplace Accidents and Unsafe Job Conditions

Colorado’s economy includes many high-risk industries such as construction, oil and gas, and manufacturing. These sectors, while vital, expose workers to significant dangers on a daily basis. Falls from heights, equipment failures, and exposure to hazardous materials are just some of the scenarios that can result in fatal workplace injuries.

While workers’ compensation provides certain benefits to families after a fatal work accident, it doesn’t always hold all responsible parties accountable. In cases where third parties are involved, such as subcontractors, product manufacturers, or property owners, surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death claim in addition to receiving workers' comp benefits.

For instance, if a construction worker is killed due to faulty scaffolding made by a defective parts manufacturer, the family could file a wrongful death lawsuit against that manufacturer. These cases are legally complex and require careful coordination with experts to determine how the accident occurred and who bears responsibility.

Other Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Colorado

While motor vehicle and workplace accidents are among the most prevalent causes of wrongful death in Colorado, there are several other types of incidents that can also lead to these lawsuits. Below are a few additional scenarios where wrongful death claims are frequently pursued.

• Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists face a higher risk of death in collisions due to their lack of protection. Even a minor impact can be fatal. Many of these accidents are caused by other drivers failing to yield the right of way or not checking blind spots.
• Premises Liability Accidents: Property owners are legally required to keep their premises safe for visitors. Fatal accidents can result from unaddressed hazards like broken staircases, falling objects, or negligent security measures that allow for violent crimes to occur.
• Medical Malpractice: Doctors and healthcare providers are expected to deliver a certain standard of care. When that standard is breached through misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or medication mistakes, the result can sometimes be fatal. These cases are particularly difficult to prove and often require expert medical testimony.
• Pedestrian Accidents: In busy urban centers like Denver, pedestrian fatalities remain a concern. Drivers who fail to yield in crosswalks, speed through neighborhoods, or ignore traffic signals may be held liable in wrongful death claims involving pedestrians.

In each of these cases, determining fault and proving negligence are critical to building a strong claim. These lawsuits not only help support grieving families financially but also send a message that negligent behavior will not be tolerated.

Contact Bell & Pollock for Help With Your Wrongful Death Claim

If your family is facing the loss of a loved one due to another party’s actions, you're likely overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. We’re here to help you understand your rights and what legal steps you can take.

If you believe someone else’s negligence caused a fatal accident, contact us today. We’ll listen to your story, explain your legal options, and work with you to seek the justice your loved one deserves.