The loss of a loved one is devastating under any circumstances. But when that loss is caused by the negligence or misconduct of another person or company, the pain can feel unbearable. Families are left not only grieving but also facing financial strain, unanswered questions, and the difficult task of moving forward. At Bell & Pollock, our dedicated Denver wrongful death attorneys provide compassionate yet aggressive representation to families seeking justice.
We understand that no lawsuit can ever replace a life. However, pursuing a wrongful death claim can provide financial security, hold negligent parties accountable, and bring a sense of closure. If you are looking for experienced and trusted Denver wrongful death attorneys, our team is here to guide you through every step of the legal process.
What Is Considered Wrongful Death in Denver, Colorado?
In Denver, Colorado, a wrongful death occurs when someone’s life is taken due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another person or entity. In simple terms, if the victim could have filed a personal injury lawsuit had they survived, their family may instead bring a wrongful death claim.
Wrongful death is not about punishing someone through the criminal system; that is the role of prosecutors in cases involving DUI, assault, or criminal negligence. Instead, wrongful death lawsuits are civil actions. They are designed to provide compensation to surviving family members for the financial and emotional losses caused by a preventable death. Importantly, families may still win a wrongful death case in civil court even if the at-fault party is never convicted criminally.
Examples of wrongful death in Denver include:
- Fatal car accidents caused by reckless, distracted, or intoxicated drivers
- Unsafe workplaces where employers fail to follow safety protocols, resulting in deadly falls or machinery accidents
- Premises liability incidents, such as fatal slip and falls or negligent security cases
- Medical malpractice, including misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or medication mistakes that lead to death
- Recreational accidents, like boating, skiing, or outdoor mishaps that result from negligence
At Bell & Pollock, our Denver wrongful death attorneys take time to investigate each case, identify whether negligence was a factor, and determine the best path forward for families seeking accountability and financial support.
When Are Wrongful Death Claims Commonly Filed?
Wrongful death claims in Denver are tragically common and arise from a variety of circumstances. While every case is different, certain types of accidents are more likely to result in fatalities and legal claims:
- Car Accidents: Traffic fatalities remain one of the leading causes of wrongful death in Colorado. Drunk driving, distracted driving, speeding, and reckless behavior on Denver’s busy roadways frequently lead to fatal crashes.
- Truck Accidents: Semi-trucks and commercial vehicles cause devastating damage when involved in accidents. Negligence may rest with the truck driver, trucking company, or even a third party responsible for vehicle maintenance or loading.
- Motorcycle Accidents: With little protection from impact, motorcyclists are at high risk of fatal injuries when other drivers fail to yield, misjudge distances, or drive recklessly.
- Premises Liability: Property owners in Denver are legally required to maintain safe conditions. Fatal accidents can occur from falls, inadequate security, collapsing structures, or exposure to dangerous conditions.
- Workplace Accidents: Construction sites, warehouses, and other industrial settings often pose deadly hazards. Failure to provide safety equipment or follow regulations may lead to employer liability.
- Medical Malpractice: Fatal errors made by healthcare providers, including misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, or surgical mistakes, can lead to wrongful death claims. This remains a major source of claims across Colorado.
- Recreational Accidents: Colorado’s outdoor lifestyle brings risk. Negligence during boating, skiing, climbing, or other recreational activities can result in fatal accidents that may lead to wrongful death claims.
The common thread in each of these examples is negligence. Wrongful death occurs when someone fails to take reasonable care, and that failure leads directly to a preventable death. At Bell & Pollock, our attorneys work to uncover negligence, prove liability, and secure justice for families during their most difficult times.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Denver, Colorado?
Not everyone is eligible to bring a wrongful death lawsuit in Colorado. State law sets clear rules about who can file and when, and those rules apply equally in Denver wrongful death cases.
Eligible Family Members
- First Year After Death: During the first 12 months after a death, only the surviving spouse has the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If there is no spouse, the right to file passes to the children of the deceased.
- Second Year After Death: In the second year, both the spouse and children have the right to file. If the deceased left no spouse or children, the deceased’s parents may file a claim.
- Personal Representative (Executor): In addition to wrongful death claims, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate may bring a survival action to recover economic losses the deceased suffered before passing, such as medical bills or lost wages.
Family Members Who Cannot File
- Siblings: Brothers and sisters of the deceased are not permitted to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Colorado, even if they were very close to the victim.
- Grandparents, cousins, or other relatives: Extended family members also do not have the legal right to file unless they are the legal representatives of the estate.
Understanding these eligibility rules is critical because attempting to file outside of your legal rights can delay or even prevent recovery. Furthermore, Colorado’s statute of limitations gives families two years from the date of death to bring a claim (with very few exceptions). Missing this deadline may permanently bar your right to compensation.
At Bell & Pollock, our Denver wrongful death attorneys walk families through this process, ensuring the correct party files the claim and that it is done within the legal timeframe. We also explain the difference between wrongful death damages (which benefit surviving family members) and survival actions (which benefit the estate).
How Can Bell & Pollock Help With Your Denver Wrongful Death Claim?
Losing a loved one unexpectedly is one of the hardest challenges a family can endure. During this time of grief, the last thing you should have to worry about is navigating complex legal procedures, battling insurance companies, or gathering evidence on your own. That’s where the team at Bell & Pollock steps in. Our experienced Denver wrongful death attorneys are committed to carrying the legal burden so you can focus on your family and the healing process.
Building Your Case
A successful wrongful death case in Denver requires more than filing paperwork; it requires a strategic, evidence-driven approach that anticipates the defenses the at-fault party and their insurance company may use. At Bell & Pollock, we:
- Investigate accident reports, witness statements, and medical records to create a complete and accurate picture of what happened.
- Consult with experts, including accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and economists, to establish negligence, causation, and the full financial impact of the loss.
- Identify every liable party, whether it’s an individual driver, an employer, a trucking company, a property owner, or even a government agency responsible for unsafe roads.
- Handle all communication and negotiations with insurance companies, so families are never pressured into unfair settlements or misled about their rights.
By managing these critical tasks, our Denver attorneys ensure that your case is built on a strong foundation of facts, expert testimony, and legal strategy. This allows you to focus on what matters most: honoring your loved one’s memory and supporting your family.
What Compensation Is Available in a Wrongful Death Claim?
While no financial recovery can ever make up for the loss of a loved one, compensation in a wrongful death case can help ease the heavy financial and emotional burdens left behind. A successful claim in Denver may provide:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for medical care the deceased received before passing, such as emergency services, surgeries, or hospital stays.
- Funeral and Burial Costs: Assistance with the often-substantial costs of memorial services, burial, or cremation.
- Loss of Financial Support: Compensation for the income, benefits, and financial contributions the deceased would have provided to their family over a lifetime.
- Loss of Companionship and Guidance: Recognition of the emotional void left behind; the love, mentorship, and support the deceased offered to their spouse, children, or other dependents.
- Pain and Suffering of Surviving Family: Damages for the profound grief, mental anguish, and emotional trauma endured by family members.
Insurance companies frequently attempt to minimize wrongful death payouts. They may dispute who is at fault, argue that the deceased contributed to the accident, or undervalue the financial and emotional losses suffered by the family. At Bell & Pollock, our Denver attorneys know these tactics and fight aggressively to counter them. We are committed to ensuring that families receive the full compensation they are entitled to under Colorado law.
Why Choose Bell & Pollock?
Choosing the right attorney after a wrongful death in Denver is one of the most important decisions a family can make. You deserve legal advocates who not only understand the law but also treat your case with the compassion and respect it deserves. At Bell & Pollock, we have built a reputation as trusted allies for families in Denver facing life’s most difficult challenges.
Proven Results
Our Denver firm has secured significant verdicts and settlements for victims of motor vehicle accidents and other serious injury cases. While no two cases are ever the same, our history of success shows that we have the skills, resources, and determination to succeed even in the most complex and high-stakes claims. Insurance companies know we are willing to take cases to trial if necessary, which strengthens our negotiating position on behalf of our clients.
Personalized Service
We pride ourselves on treating every client as more than just a file number. From your very first consultation, you will notice the difference in how we listen to your story, answer your questions, and build a strategy tailored to your family’s unique circumstances. We provide:
- Clear explanations of your rights and options
- Regular updates on the progress of your case
- Direct access to your attorney whenever you need guidance
- Compassionate support, recognizing that wrongful death cases involve more than legal issues; they involve people and families who are grieving
Local Knowledge and Experience
As long-standing Denver wrongful death attorneys, we know how Colorado law applies to these cases, how local courts operate, and how insurance defense lawyers build their arguments. This local knowledge allows us to anticipate challenges and develop strategies designed to give families the strongest chance at success.
For these reasons, families throughout Denver and across Colorado choose Bell & Pollock as their advocates in the fight for justice.
Additional Legal Services
At Bell & Pollock, we know that families may need help in many different circumstances beyond wrongful death claims. Our Denver firm is dedicated to providing strong legal representation across a wide range of personal injury cases. If you or someone you love has been injured by negligence in another way, our attorneys are ready to help.
We also handle cases involving:
Each of these practice areas requires careful investigation, a detailed understanding of Colorado law, and a strong commitment to client advocacy. No matter the type of case, our goal is always the same: to protect victims’ rights, hold negligent parties accountable, and secure the compensation our clients deserve.
