Nothing prepares you for the sudden loss of a loved one because of someone else’s carelessness. The days ahead can feel overwhelming with grief, unanswered questions, and hard decisions piling up while you’re at your lowest. At Ridder Law, our Denver personal injury attorney treats your family with the care and strength you deserve through every step of your case. We know this is about more than just money; it’s about justice and accountability. Let us handle the legal details, so you can focus on your family.
Give us a call today at (720) 812-1047 or contact us online to talk with a knowledgeable Denver wrongful death lawyer to learn how our firm can help you fight for justice.
Why Choose Ridder Law for Your Denver Wrongful Death Case
After the tragic loss of a loved one, your family deserves reliable legal support from attorneys who genuinely care. At Ridder Law, our mission is to guide victims’ families through the most challenging time in life with dignity and constant communication. Denver families choose Ridder Law to handle wrongful death claims because we offer:
- Over 13 years of experience fighting for justice for the person who lost their life and their family
- Millions recovered for Colorado families over the years
- Recognition for legal excellence by prestigious publications like Super Lawyers
- Attention and advice from your actual lawyer – You can always call, text, or meet in person
Insurance companies and negligent corporations prioritize their own interests; we make sure your loved one’s voice is heard and respected every single day. Call today to schedule a free consultation.
“After a long journey post car accident, Ted got our family a great settlement!”
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How a Denver Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Support Your Family
Going through a wrongful death case can feel impossible to handle as you’re dealing with grief and major life changes. When you work with an attorney, they will explain all of your legal options and handle the logistics of your claim so you can focus on grieving and taking care of yourself and your family. Here’s how a lawyer can assist:
- Thorough investigations to gather essential evidence
- Strong representation and negotiation with insurance adjusters
- Calculating your actual losses, including compensation for emotional pain, lost income, and future needs
You never have to handle this difficult time on your own. Your lawyer will handle the complicated legal issues for you and your family.
What is a Wrongful Death Claim in Colorado?
A wrongful death claim in Colorado is a type of lawsuit you can file when someone dies because of another person’s or company’s wrongful act, neglect, or failure to act. The law recognizes that, if the victim had survived, they would have been able to file a personal injury lawsuit and recover damages for what happened. Because the victim passed away, the law allows certain surviving family members or representatives to step in and bring that case instead.
When the death of a person is caused by a wrongful act, neglect, or default of another, and the act, neglect, or default is such as would, if death had not ensued, have entitled the party injured to maintain an action and recover damages in respect thereof, then, and in every such case, the person who or the corporation which would have been liable, if death had not ensued, shall be liable in an action for damages notwithstanding the death of the party injured.
This claim is meant to compensate the surviving family for losses such as funeral expenses, lost income of the deceased, loss of companionship, and sometimes emotional pain.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Colorado?
The state decides who can bring these claims and when based on their relationship to the person who passed away and the timeline following the death.
First Year After Death
During the first year after the person’s death, the law states that the following individuals can file a lawsuit:
- The surviving spouse has the first opportunity to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The spouse may also allow the deceased’s children or other direct descendants to join the case or start their own, but this must be done with written permission.
- If there is no surviving spouse, the right to file shifts to any surviving children or other direct family line descendants, or to someone legally named as the “designated beneficiary.”
Second Year After Death
During the second year, any of the following can file:
- The surviving spouse,
- One or more of the heirs (such as children or grandchildren)
- The designated beneficiary
- Any combination of those parties joining together
Starting in 2025, the law also allows siblings (and their heirs) to file a claim in the second year, but only if there is no spouse, heirs, designated beneficiary, or parents left to sue.
If you’re unsure where you stand after a tragic loss, an attorney can help figure out your right to file and make the next steps clearer.
Contact Our Denver Wrongful Death Attorney Today for a Free Consult
Panicking over deadlines or fighting big insurers should never be your responsibility when you’re grieving. Ridder Law is here to honor your loved one’s story and demand answers from those at fault. We take every step with compassion and determination, and you’ll always have direct contact with your attorney. If you need help after a devastating loss, schedule a free consultation with us today and speak with an experienced Denver wrongful death attorney at (303) 625-6643.