Denver, Colorado Wrongful Death Attorneys
Earl & Earl Attorneys At Law
Losing a loved one is one of life’s most painful experiences, and the weight of grief is often made heavier by the financial strain that follows. When that loss results from another person’s negligence or wrongful actions, the heartbreak can feel even more unbearable—especially knowing it could have been avoided. Our team is here to help families in Denver, Colorado seek the justice and accountability they deserve.
If your family has lost a loved one due to another party’s reckless or negligent behavior, you may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim. We are committed to helping you pursue fair compensation while holding the responsible parties accountable. Throughout the process, we provide compassionate, personalized guidance tailored to your family’s situation.
When you choose to work with us, you are never just another case. We treat every Denver client with care and respect, offering consistent communication, transparency, and support at every stage of your claim.
To learn more, contact us today for a free consultation. You can speak directly with a Colorado wrongful death attorney to understand your options for justice and financial recovery. With a dedicated team serving Denver and the surrounding Front Range communities, we’re ready to help your family move forward with strength and support.
When Is a Death Considered ‘Wrongful’?
A death is considered “wrongful” in Denver, Colorado when it results from another person’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions. In essence, a wrongful death claim serves as the legal action the deceased could have pursued as a personal injury case if they had survived the incident caused by someone else’s misconduct.
For example, a fatal collision on I-25, I-70, Colfax Avenue, or another busy Denver roadway caused by a distracted or impaired driver may qualify as a wrongful death. Similarly, medical malpractice at a Denver-area hospital or healthcare facility—such as Denver Health, UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, or Rose Medical Center—can serve as the foundation for a wrongful death claim. Dangerous or defective property conditions at a business, apartment complex, or private residence in Denver or nearby communities like Aurora or Lakewood may also give surviving family members grounds to pursue justice under Colorado’s wrongful death laws.
WHO CAN FILE A WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM IN Denver, COLORADO?
Under Colorado law, only specific family members are permitted to file a wrongful death claim after losing a loved one. Families in Denver must adhere to the state’s wrongful death statute, which outlines who can file a claim and when legal action may begin. Eligible parties include:
Surviving spouse
Surviving children
Surviving parents (if the deceased left no surviving spouse or children)
During the first year following a person’s death, only the surviving spouse has the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Starting in the second year, additional eligible family members—such as surviving children or, if there are none, the deceased’s parents—may bring the claim. If there is no surviving spouse, the children (or if none, the parents) may file within the first year.
Alongside a wrongful death claim, the deceased person’s estate may also pursue a related compensation claim known as a survival action. This claim seeks damages for the losses the deceased suffered prior to death or for 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 Denver, Colorado, and are unsure whether you qualify to file a wrongful death claim or a survival action, a skilled local attorney can help you understand your rights. An experienced Denver wrongful death lawyer can determine your eligibility, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the full compensation you deserve 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 Denver 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 Denver 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 household services your loved one provided, from childcare to daily home maintenance
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 can 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 Denver or the surrounding Front Range area, compassionate legal guidance can make a meaningful 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 law firms serving the Denver metro area 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 Denver, COLORADO?
In Denver, Colorado, families considering a wrongful death claim must act quickly to protect their legal 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 after the death, if the deceased was married, the surviving spouse has the exclusive right to bring the claim. After that first year, other eligible family members—such as children or parents—may also have the legal standing to file.
Failing to meet these deadlines can have serious consequences. If your family does not file within the statute of limitations, Denver courts may dismiss your case permanently, eliminating your ability to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and the emotional suffering caused by your loss.
Additional rules apply if the claim involves a government entity, such as the City and County of Denver or another public agency. In these cases, Colorado law requires families to provide formal written notice to the appropriate government office within 182 days of the death. This notice is separate from the two-year statute of limitations, and missing the 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 occur in any situation where someone’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct leads to the loss of another person’s life. The Denver wrongful death attorneys at Earl & Earl, PLLC are here to support families who have lost a loved one due to another’s carelessness or wrongdoing. These cases often involve incidents such as:
Car accidents
Medical malpractice
Motorcycle crashes
Nursing home abuse or neglect
Pedestrian accidents
Premises liability incidents
Truck accidents
Workplace accidents
Dog bites and attacks
If your loved one’s death was caused by another person’s actions or failure to act, our Denver wrongful death lawyers can help your family pursue justice and financial recovery.
HOW OUR WRONGFUL DEATH LAWYER IN Denver CAN HELP YOU
When your family experiences the devastating loss of a loved one due to another’s negligence or wrongful actions, the Denver wrongful death attorneys at Earl & Earl, PLLC are here to help you pursue justice and the compensation your family deserves. Our team proudly supports families throughout Denver and the surrounding Front Range communities by:
Providing a free, no-obligation consultation where we take the time to meet with you, explain your rights, answer your questions, and guide you through every legal option available.
Developing a personalized legal strategy designed to achieve the best possible results for your family—whether that involves negotiating a fair settlement or taking your case to trial.
Thoroughly investigating every aspect of the incident to determine who was responsible for your loved one’s passing and holding them accountable.
Collaborating with trusted experts to clearly demonstrate liability and strengthen your claim with compelling evidence.
Assessing the full financial impact of your loss, including medical expenses, lost income, and the long-term emotional and economic toll on your family, with the help of financial and vocational professionals.
Managing all communication with insurance companies and opposing parties so you can focus on healing while we handle claims, filings, and deadlines.
Taking your case to court if necessary to ensure your loved one’s story is heard and justice is served.
We understand the immense emotional and financial strain that a wrongful death can place on families across Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, and nearby Colorado communities. You shouldn’t have to face this process alone—or worry about legal costs while seeking justice. That’s why our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees and we only get paid if we recover compensation on your behalf.
If your loved one’s death was caused by negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct in Denver or the surrounding area, contact Earl & Earl, PLLC today. Our experienced Colorado wrongful death lawyers will handle every step of your case so you and your family can focus on grieving and healing.
With decades of combined experience and a strong record of securing meaningful verdicts and settlements, our attorneys are committed to fighting for the justice and financial recovery your family needs to begin rebuilding after such a profound loss.
