Grand Junction, Colorado Wrongful Death Attorneys
Earl & Earl Attorneys At Law
Losing a loved one is devastating, and the grief of their absence is often compounded by the financial challenges 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 Grand Junction, Colorado 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 tirelessly 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 Grand Junction 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 serving Grand Junction and the Western Slope, we are ready to help families throughout Mesa County and beyond.
When Is a Death Considered ‘Wrongful’?
A death is considered “wrongful” in Grand Junction, Colorado when it occurs because of the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another person or entity. In many respects, a wrongful death claim functions much like the personal injury claim the deceased could have pursued if they had survived the accident, injury, or illness caused by someone else’s misconduct.
For example, a fatal crash on I-70, Highway 6 & 50, or a busy Grand Junction intersection caused by a distracted or impaired driver may qualify as a wrongful death. Medical malpractice at a hospital, urgent care center, or medical facility serving Mesa County residents—such as Community Hospital or St. Mary’s Medical Center—can also form the basis of a wrongful death claim. Likewise, a dangerous or defective condition on another person’s property—whether an unsafe business, apartment complex, or private residence in Grand Junction or the surrounding Western Slope—may give surviving family members legal grounds to seek justice under Colorado’s wrongful death laws.
WHO CAN FILE A WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM IN Grand Junction, COLORADO?
Under Colorado law, only certain family members are allowed to bring a wrongful death claim after the loss of a loved one. Families in Grand Junction must follow the state’s wrongful death statute, which strictly defines who may file and when legal action can begin. 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. Beginning in the second year, other eligible family members—such as surviving children or, if there are 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 pursue a related compensation claim called a survival action. This type of claim seeks damages for losses the decedent suffered before 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 Grand Junction, Colorado, and are unsure whether you qualify to file a wrongful death claim or a survival action, an experienced local attorney can guide you through the process. A knowledgeable Grand Junction wrongful death lawyer can explain your rights, evaluate your eligibility, and help you pursue the maximum compensation allowed 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 Grand Junction 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 Grand Junction 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 Grand Junction or the surrounding Mesa County 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 firms serving the Western Slope 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 Grand Junction, COLORADO?
In Grand Junction, Colorado, families considering a wrongful death claim must act quickly to protect their legal rights. Under Colorado law, you typically 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 person was married, only 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 strict deadlines can have serious consequences. If your family does not file within the statute of limitations, Mesa County courts can dismiss your case permanently, eliminating your right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and the emotional suffering caused by your loss.
Special rules apply if the claim involves a government entity, such as the City of Grand Junction, Mesa County, or another public agency. In these cases, 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 Grand Junction 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 Grand Junction CAN HELP YOU
When your family suffers the heartbreaking loss of a loved one because of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, the Grand Junction wrongful death attorneys at Earl & Earl, PLLC are here to help you seek justice and the financial recovery you deserve. Our team is committed to supporting families throughout Grand Junction and Mesa County by:
Offering 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 every legal option available.
Creating a tailored legal strategy focused on achieving the results your family needs—whether that means negotiating a fair 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 Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, and the wider Western Slope. 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 Grand Junction or nearby communities, 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.
