Castle Rock Wrongful Death Attorneys
Earl & Earl Attorneys At Law
Losing a loved one is heartbreaking, and the grief of their absence is often compounded by the financial realities that follow. When that loss is caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions, the pain can feel even more overwhelming—especially knowing the tragedy could have been prevented. Our team is here to help families in Castle Rock seek the justice and accountability they deserve.
If your family has suffered the loss of a loved one because of another party’s recklessness or legal fault, you have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. We work diligently to secure fair compensation and hold those responsible accountable, while providing compassionate guidance tailored to your family’s unique needs.
When you work with us, you are never treated as just another case number. We treat our Castle Rock clients like family, offering personalized service and clear, prompt communication throughout the process.
To learn more, contact us today for a free case review. You can speak directly with a Colorado wrongful death attorney and discover your options for pursuing justice and financial recovery. With a dedicated office in Castle Rock and additional locations across Colorado, we are ready to serve families throughout Douglas County and beyond.
When Is a Death Considered ‘Wrongful’?
A death is considered “wrongful” in Castle Rock, Colorado, when a person’s passing is caused by the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another party. In essence, a wrongful death claim is similar to a personal injury claim that the deceased could have pursued had they survived the accident, injury, or illness caused by someone else’s misconduct.
For example, a fatal car crash on I-25 or a local Castle Rock roadway caused by a distracted or reckless driver may constitute a wrongful death. Medical malpractice at a hospital or clinic serving the Castle Rock area can also lead to a wrongful death claim. Likewise, a dangerous or defective condition on another person’s property—such as an unsafe business or private residence in Douglas County—may give surviving family members grounds to seek justice through Colorado’s wrongful death laws.
WHO CAN FILE A WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM IN COLORADO?
Under Colorado law, only certain family members have the right to bring a wrongful death claim after the loss of a loved one. Castle Rock families must follow the state’s wrongful death statute, which limits who can file and when they can take legal action. Those who may be eligible include:
Surviving spouse
Surviving children
Surviving parents (only if the decedent left no surviving spouse or children)
For the first year after a person’s death, only the surviving spouse is permitted to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Starting in the second year, other eligible family members—such as surviving children or, if none, the decedent’s parents—may also bring the claim. If there is no surviving spouse, the decedent’s children (or if none, the parents) may file during the first year.
In addition to a wrongful death claim, the deceased person’s estate may also pursue a related compensation claim known as a “survival action.” This type of claim seeks damages for losses the decedent suffered before death or financial harm to the estate after their passing. A survival action is typically filed by the personal representative of the estate, such as an executor or administrator.
If you have lost a loved one in Castle Rock and are unsure whether you qualify to file a wrongful death or survival action, an experienced attorney can guide you through the process. A knowledgeable Castle Rock wrongful death lawyer can explain your rights, evaluate your eligibility, and help you pursue the maximum compensation available under Colorado law.
WHAT ARE THE WAYS YOUR FAMILY CAN BE COMPENSATED FOR A WRONGFUL DEATH?
No amount of money can ever replace the life of a loved one. Yet when a family in Castle Rock loses someone because of another party’s negligence or wrongful actions, Colorado law allows surviving family members to seek compensation for the financial and emotional losses caused by the death. A wrongful death claim in Castle Rock may include damages such as:
Lost income and wages your loved one would have earned and contributed to your household over their lifetime
Lost benefits, including health insurance, life insurance, or retirement pensions
Value of services your loved one provided to the home, from childcare to daily household support
Loss of companionship and guidance, including the care, protection, love, and society your loved one offered
In addition, the deceased person’s estate may also recover compensation for losses suffered before and after death, which may include:
Medical expenses related to the final illness or injury
Conscious pain and suffering your loved one experienced before passing
Funeral and burial costs
If your family is facing the heartbreaking reality of a wrongful death in Castle Rock or the surrounding Douglas County area, compassionate legal guidance can make a difference. An experienced Colorado wrongful death attorney can explain your rights, calculate potential damages, and help you pursue justice on behalf of your loved one. Many firms offer a free consultation to discuss your case and focus on your family’s unique needs and goals during this difficult time.
HOW LONG DO YOU HAVE TO FILE A WRONGFUL DEATH LAWSUIT IN Castle Rock, COLORADO?
In Castle Rock, Colorado, families pursuing a wrongful death claim must act quickly to protect their rights. Under Colorado law, you generally have two years from the date of your loved one’s passing to file a wrongful death lawsuit. During the first year, if the deceased person was married, only the surviving spouse has the legal right to bring the claim. After that first year, additional eligible family members—such as children or parents—may also have standing to file.
Failing to meet these strict deadlines can have serious consequences. If your family does not file within the statute of limitations, the Douglas County courts can dismiss your case permanently, eliminating your right to seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost income, and emotional suffering.
Special rules apply when the claim involves a government entity, such as the Town of Castle Rock, Douglas County, or another public agency. Colorado law requires families to provide the appropriate government office with formal written notice within 182 days of the death. This notice is separate from the two-year statute of limitations. Missing this 182-day deadline can completely bar your family from pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit against a government agency.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON CAUSES OF WRONGFUL DEATH?
A wrongful death can arise in any accident or incident caused by the negligence, recklessness, willfulness, or other legal fault of another party. The Castle Rock wrongful death lawyers of Earl & Earl, PLLC can help you if your family has had a loved one wrongfully killed in accidents or incidents such as:
If someone else’s actions or decisions caused your loved one’s death, our wrongful death attorneys may be able to help your family to seek accountability and recovery.
HOW OUR WRONGFUL DEATH LAWYER IN Castle Rock CAN HELP YOU
When your family suffers the heartbreaking loss of a loved one because of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, the Castle Rock wrongful death attorneys at Earl & Earl, PLLC are here to help you seek justice and financial recovery. Our team is committed to supporting families throughout Castle Rock and Douglas County by:
Providing a free, no-obligation consultation where we sit down with you and your family to explain your rights, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options.
Creating a tailored legal strategy focused on achieving the results your family needs—whether that means negotiating a settlement or taking your case to trial.
Investigating every detail of the incident to identify the person or organization responsible for your loved one’s passing.
Working with respected experts to clearly demonstrate the at-fault party’s responsibility and strengthen your claim.
Calculating your financial losses by documenting medical bills, lost income, and the full impact of your loved one’s absence with the help of financial and vocational professionals.
Handling all insurance and legal communications so you can focus on healing while we manage claims, filings, and deadlines.
Pursuing your case in court if needed, ensuring your family’s voice is heard and accountability is achieved.
We understand the devastating toll a wrongful death takes on families in Castle Rock. You should not have to shoulder financial stress while seeking justice. That’s why our firm works on a contingency fee basis—you pay no upfront fees, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for your family.
If your loved one’s death was caused by a negligent, reckless, or intentional act in Castle Rock or the surrounding Douglas County area, contact Earl & Earl, PLLC today. Our experienced Colorado wrongful death lawyers will handle every aspect of your claim while you and your family have the time and space to grieve.
With decades of combined experience and a proven track record of securing meaningful settlements and verdicts, we will fight for the accountability and financial recovery your family deserves. While nothing can undo your loss, we are dedicated to helping you move forward and rebuild after this tragic event.
