Colorado Springs Wrongful Death Lawyer
Put 40+ Years of Experience in Your Corner
At Gaddis, Herd, Craw & Adams, P.C., we represent families in Colorado Springs and throughout El Paso County in wrongful death claims arising from negligence and reckless conduct. Our attorneys understand how difficult this time can be, and we are here to provide guidance, answer your questions, and handle the legal process on your behalf.
Contact us now by calling (719) 625-3310 to request a free consultation with our team. We're ready to help you and your loved ones assess your legal options.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit that may be brought when a person dies because of another party’s negligent, reckless, or wrongful actions. These claims are intended to help surviving family members recover compensation for the financial and personal losses caused by their loved one’s death.
Wrongful death cases can arise from many types of fatal accidents, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Dangerous property conditions
- Defective products
A Colorado Springs wrongful death attorney can review the facts of the case, determine who may be liable, and explain what options may be available to your family.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
In the first year after the death, the surviving spouse generally has the right to bring the claim. In the second year, the surviving spouse and the deceased person’s children may be eligible to file. If there is no surviving spouse or child, the parents of the deceased may have the right to pursue a claim. Because these rules can depend on the family situation and other legal factors, it is important to speak with a Colorado Springs wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Colorado Springs?
What Compensation May Be Available in a Colorado Wrongful Death Case?
A wrongful death claim may allow certain surviving family members to recover compensation for losses related to the death.
Depending on the facts of the case, damages may include:
- Lost income and financial support
- Loss of benefits
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Final medical bills
- Loss of companionship, care, and guidance
- Emotional losses suffered by surviving family members
In some cases, additional damages may be available if the conduct that caused the death was especially serious. A Colorado Springs wrongful death attorney can evaluate the circumstances and explain what types of compensation may apply.
How a Colorado Springs Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help
Wrongful death claims are often complex. They may require a detailed investigation, collection of medical records and accident reports, communication with insurance companies, and proof of how the loss has affected surviving family members.
At Gaddis, Herd, Craw & Adams, P.C., we help families by:
- Investigating the cause of the fatal accident
- Identifying liable parties
- Preserving key evidence
- Working with records, reports, and witness statements
- Calculating damages
- Handling insurance and legal communications
- Preparing the case for negotiation or litigation
Our goal is to help your family pursue accountability and compensation while reducing the burden on you during a difficult time.
Why Hire a Colorado Springs Wrongful Death Lawyer?
After a fatal accident, families are often left trying to balance grief with financial and legal concerns. Insurance companies may move quickly to protect their own interests, and important legal deadlines can approach sooner than expected.
Working with a Colorado Springs wrongful death lawyer can help your family take informed action. An attorney can explain the law, protect your rights, gather the evidence needed to support the claim, and pursue fair compensation on your behalf. Having experienced legal representation can make a meaningful difference in how a wrongful death case is handled.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death Claims
Wrongful death claims can arise from many different situations involving negligence or misconduct.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Drunk driving crashes
- Distracted driving accidents
- Commercial truck collisions
- Fatal falls on unsafe property
- Construction and workplace accidents
- Medical errors
- Defective products and equipment
If your loved one died because another person, company, or institution failed to act with reasonable care, your family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Commonly Asked Questions
What should I do after losing a loved one in a fatal accident?
Try to preserve any documents or information related to the death, such as accident reports, medical records, insurance correspondence, and contact information for witnesses. It is also a good idea to avoid discussing settlement issues with insurers before speaking with an attorney.
What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a criminal case?
A wrongful death claim is a civil action brought by surviving family members for compensation. A criminal case is brought by the government and focuses on punishment. In some situations, both a civil claim and a criminal case may arise from the same incident.
How do you prove wrongful death?
To prove wrongful death, it is generally necessary to show that another party’s negligent, reckless, or wrongful conduct caused the death. Evidence may include accident reports, legal opinions, medical records, witness statements, and other documentation.
Do I need a lawyer for a wrongful death claim?
While you are not required to have a lawyer, these cases are often legally and emotionally difficult. A wrongful death attorney can help investigate the claim, explain your rights, and handle the legal process while your family focuses on healing.
Speak With a Colorado Springs Wrongful Death Attorney Today
If you lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligence, you do not have to face the legal process alone. A Colorado Springs wrongful death lawyer at Gaddis, Herd, Craw & Adams, P.C. can help your family understand its options and pursue the compensation available under Colorado law.
If you would like to speak with a wrongful death lawyer, contact us online or call (719) 625-3310 today. We offer free, no-obligation consultations so you have nothing to lose calling us today.
Providing Unparalleled Customer Service
Our past clients say it best! Hear what they have to say about working with our firm.
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- Paulette
Your staff and you were respectful and accommodating every time I called or visited the office.
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Among everything else that you did extremely well, I was impressed with how organized you were with all the paperwork. I liked the follow-up letter with reminders about what to do.- Susie
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I love the casual feeling of your office. It makes everyone feel comfortable and makes you more approachable to talk to.- Kathy
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“Derry Adams was kind, caring, and compassionate every step of the way. She ensured that she kept us informed of the process and any developments or issues.”- Anonymous
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“Tom Herd is sharp, has incredible insight, is an effective communicator, and you will feel like you have a very knowledgeable friend helping you and representing you full circle.”- Barb
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“I do not doubt that without Gary Craw's assistance I would still be embroiled in legal turmoil. I recommend him without reservation.”- Dienna
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You and your office are professional, yet friendly and easy-going. You all speak “English” vs “Lawyer-ese” and are clear and easy to understand. It’s a joy to work with you. Thanks so much!- Jan
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“Derry Adams, your belief in not over-planning is spot on. We enjoyed working with you.”- Mike