Wrongful Death Lawyers | Northglenn, CO
Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is an unimaginable tragedy. The pain of such a loss is profound, leaving families in grief while facing financial hardships and legal uncertainties. We recognize that no amount of compensation can replace the presence of the person you lost. However, seeking justice can provide a sense of closure and financial stability to help you move forward.
At Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C., we are committed to guiding you through this difficult time. Our Northglenn wrongful death lawyers offer compassionate, personalized legal representation to hold those responsible accountable and secure the financial support your family needs.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is a legal action pursued by the surviving family members of an individual who has died due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. These claims seek accountability and financial relief for those left behind. Compensation in a wrongful death claim can address various losses, including:
- Medical expenses—costs for hospital stays, emergency treatments, surgeries, and medications before passing;
- Funeral and burial costs—the financial burden associated with laying a loved one to rest;
- Loss of financial support—wages, benefits, and other earnings the deceased would have contributed;
- Pain and suffering—the emotional distress experienced by surviving family members; and
- Loss of companionship and guidance—the absence of a spouse, parent, or close relative and its emotional impact.
Our Northglenn wrongful death attorneys are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable while ensuring families receive the financial resources needed to rebuild their lives.
Why Choose Us
We have over 100 years of combined experience
We provide personalized attention
We offer free initial consultations
We hold insurance companies accountable
We have recovered over $230 Million for our clients
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Colorado?
Colorado law determines who may file a wrongful death lawsuit, with specific eligibility rules based on the relationship to the deceased and the timeframe after the death:
- First year after the death. The spouse of the deceased has the exclusive right to file. If there is no spouse, the deceased’s children may file.
- Second year after the death. The spouse, children, or designated beneficiary may file. If none exist, the deceased’s parents may be eligible.
- Survival action. The personal representative of the deceased’s estate can pursue claims for medical bills, lost wages, and financial losses.
Understanding these restrictions can be challenging. Our Northglenn wrongful death law firm provides steady guidance to navigate the legal process and protect your rights.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death Cases
Wrongful death often results from various types of negligence or misconduct. Common causes include:
- Car accidents—fatal crashes due to reckless, distracted, or impaired driving;
- Truck accidents—collisions involving large commercial trucks caused by driver fatigue, poor maintenance, or negligence;
- Medical malpractice—fatal errors such as misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, or medication errors;
- Workplace accidents—unsafe job conditions, faulty equipment, or lack of safety protocols leading to death.
- Premises liability incidents—slip and fall accidents, inadequate security, or unsafe property conditions resulting in fatal injuries; and
- Defective products—malfunctions in consumer goods, medical devices, or vehicles leading to death.
If you have lost a loved one due to any of these situations, a Northglenn wrongful death claim lawyer can explain your legal options and help you begin the process of seeking justice.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Colorado?
Colorado law imposes strict deadlines for filing a wrongful death claim. The statute of limitations allows only two years from the date of death to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline may mean forfeiting your right to seek compensation.
Certain exceptions exist, including cases involving homicide investigations or fraud. Because legal deadlines are complex, consulting with our Northglenn wrongful death lawyers as soon as possible ensures timely and effective action.
Compensation in a Wrongful Death Claim
Understanding the potential damages in a wrongful death claim is crucial for families pursuing justice and financial security. Compensation can help alleviate financial strain while providing stability for the future. Courts consider factors such as the deceased’s earnings, the impact of their loss on surviving family members, and the circumstances surrounding the death.
A successful wrongful death lawsuit may include:
- Economic damages. Economic damages are tangible financial losses such as medical bills incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, and lost income. If the deceased was a primary wage earner, compensation may include future lost earnings and benefits.
- Noneconomic damages. Noneconomic damages include emotional and psychological losses such as loss of companionship, parental guidance, emotional distress, and pain and suffering endured by surviving family members.
- Punitive damages. In cases involving extreme negligence or misconduct, additional damages may be available to punish the responsible party and deter similar actions in the future.
Additionally, compensation varies depending on factors such as the deceased’s household contributions, childcare responsibilities, and future financial needs. Accurately calculating damages requires financial analysis, expert testimony, and consideration of future support requirements.
Our Northglenn wrongful death law firm is committed to maximizing compensation so families can focus on healing and rebuilding their lives.
What’s the Difference Between a Wrongful Death Suit and Criminal Prosecution?
A person can be criminally prosecuted and sued in civil court for damages for the same act or failure to act that caused a death. A criminal prosecution is separate from a civil lawsuit, and both actions can proceed at the same time.
An example of this would be the infamous O.J. Simpson trial, in which the defendant was found not guilty of murder in the criminal trial, but in the civil lawsuit brought by the family of Ron Goldman, the defendant was found liable for substantial money damages.
Criminal Prosecution
The State of Colorado prosecutes people accused of committing a crime. Criminal homicide charges range from manslaughter to murder and are punishable by fines and imprisonment.. Criminal conviction requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Civil Lawsuit
Even if a person is acquitted of criminal charges, you can file a wrongful death suit. A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil action, which seeks money for surviving family members.
A civil lawsuit also brings a lower burden of proof, meaning it is easier to find someone liable for wrongful death than to find them criminally guilty of homicide. A wrongful death lawsuit requires proof by only a preponderance of the evidence, meaning that it is more likely than not that the defendant was responsible for the death.
3 Reasons Why You Need a Northglenn Wrongful Death Lawyers
While you may feel confident in your ability to handle your case without professional help, you’ll soon realize that presenting an injury claim requires a lot of hard work and legal expertise.
When you should be working your way back from painful disabilities, you’ll have to comply with insurance adjuster requests. Before you see a single dime of settlement money, there is a long list of procedures and issues to follow through. It will be your job to contact doctors for bills and reports.
Taking care of a serious injury case on your own involves focus on investigation, evaluation, and negotiation. Instead of taking on these new challenges, you should be working on your personal recovery.
When you are seriously injured, your financial future depends on obtaining adequate compensation for your injuries. You have a lot at stake. That’s why it’s important to seek help from a Northglenn Wrongful Death Lawyers before you make a critical mistake. Here are 3 additional reasons to consider.
1. Liability Issues
Accidents often involve liability issues that can be difficult to resolve. Colorado’s comparative negligence statute plays a key role in liability assessments. You must determine whether or not you contributed to the circumstances which caused the accident and how it may affect the compensation you receive for your injuries.
2. Dealing with Insurance Companies and Adjusters
When you have a serious injury claim, the other driver’s insurance company adjuster will call and may want to visit your home. It’s an adjuster’s job to clear up any liability issues, so they must record your statement.
3. Calculating Damages
When you’re injured, you know the pain, disabilities, and scarring you are forced to endure, but do you know their economic value? Injury claims don’t have one-size-fits-all evaluations. If two different people sustain the same injury, the settlement value will be different due to a wide range of factors. Attorneys research your injuries to understand how they affect you.
Why Choose Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C.?
Selecting the right legal representation for a wrongful death claim is a critical decision and can affect the outcome of the lawsuit. Our firm provides:
- Extensive experience—over 100 years of combined legal practice handling wrongful death cases;
- Proven results—more than $230 million recovered in settlements and verdicts for clients;
- Client-focused advocacy—personalized attention and tailored legal strategies;
- Statewide representation—assisting clients throughout Colorado, including Northglenn, Boulder, and Denver;
- Integrity and transparency—honest, ethical legal practices with clear communication; and
- Free consultations—no-obligation case evaluations to help clients understand their legal options.
Beyond legal experience and financial recoveries, we foster strong client relationships based on trust and transparency. Our team is ready to answer questions, address concerns, and guide you through every phase of the legal process.
Speak with a Northglenn Wrongful Death Attorney Today
Losing a loved one due to negligence is a deeply painful experience. You should not have to face legal challenges alone. Our Northglenn wrongful death lawyers offer compassionate legal representation to pursue justice and financial recovery. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will listen to your concerns, outline your legal options, and provide dedicated support throughout the legal process.