Denver Wrongful Death Attorneys

Compassionate Legal Representation for Grieving Families

Free Consultation Call 24/7

720-209-1469

When Someone's Negligence Takes Your Loved One's Life

We Fight for Justice and Financial Security for Your Family

No one ever wants to experience the sudden death of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or willful and wanton conduct. The pain of loss is immeasurable, and no amount of compensation can bring back the person you loved. However, when someone’s negligence causes a preventable death, the law provides a path to hold them accountable and secure your family’s financial future.

At Beck Law Office, our commitment is to treat you with compassion and empathy while providing aggressive legal representation. We understand that you’re grieving while facing overwhelming financial concerns. With our 24+ years of experience and former prosecutorial background, we know how to build compelling wrongful death cases that deliver both justice and financial security for surviving families.

Important: Colorado’s statute of limitations for wrongful death cases is two (2) years from the date of death. Time is critical for preserving evidence and protecting your rights.

Your Rights Under Colorado Wrongful Death Law

Wrongful death occurs when another party’s negligent, reckless, or malicious conduct causes an individual’s life to end prematurely. Unlike other personal injury claims where the injured person brings the lawsuit, wrongful death actions are brought by the surviving family members on behalf of the deceased person’s estate.

The goal of a wrongful death lawsuit is to ensure that survivors are compensated for the financial losses they will experience because of their loved one’s untimely death. The damages recovered are meant not only to ease the unavoidable financial burden that arises after such a tragic death, but also to provide for the family in the coming years, especially if the victim was the household’s main source of income.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Colorado?

Colorado law specifies who has the legal right to file a wrongful death claim and when they can file it:

Legal Standing Requirements

The person filing must demonstrate they have suffered actual financial loss due to the death and had a legal relationship with the deceased that created financial dependency or expectation of support.

Within the First Year After Death:

Surviving spouse of the deceased
Children of the deceased (including adopted children)
Parents of the deceased (if no spouse or children survive)

Within the Second Year After Death:

Any other heirs under Colorado intestate succession laws
Designated beneficiaries in the deceased person’s will
Personal representative of the estate

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Denver

Determining who is responsible for your injuries starts with one critical question: what was the driver’s status at the time of the accident? This determines which insurance policy will cover your claim and how much compensation may be available.

The timing of your accident can mean the difference between minimal coverage and full compensation. We investigate immediately to determine the driver’s exact status.

Vehicle Accidents

Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes caused by negligent drivers
Pedestrian and bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles
Commercial vehicle accidents with inadequate safety measures
Rideshare accidents with complex liability issues

Medical Malpractice

Surgical errors and anesthesia mistakes
Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of serious conditions
Medication errors and prescription mistakes
Hospital negligence and inadequate care

Workplace Accidents

Construction site accidents and falls
Industrial accidents and equipment malfunctions
Exposure to toxic substances and hazardous materials
Inadequate safety training and equipment failures

Premises Liability

Negligent security leading to violent crimes
Slip and fall accidents with fatal injuries
Swimming pool drownings and water accidents
Building collapses and structural failures

Criminal Acts

Assault, murder, and violent crimes
Drunk driving and impaired driving incidents
Gun violence and weapons-related deaths
Domestic violence and abuse situations

Product Defects

Defective vehicles and automotive parts
Dangerous pharmaceuticals and medical devices
Faulty machinery and industrial equipment
Consumer products with design or manufacturing flaws

What You Must Prove in a Colorado Wrongful Death Case

To succeed in a wrongful death claim in Colorado, four key elements must be proven:

1. The Death Was Caused by Wrongful Conduct

We must prove the death resulted from another party’s:

Negligent acts – failure to exercise reasonable care
Reckless behavior – conscious disregard for safety
Intentional wrongdoing – deliberate harmful acts
Breach of legal duty – violation of safety standards or regulations

2. The Deceased Would Have Had a Valid Claim

If your loved one had survived their injuries, they would have been entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit for:

Medical expenses and pain and suffering
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Property damage and other losses
Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

3. There Are Surviving Beneficiaries

The lawsuit must be brought by qualifying family members who suffered actual losses, including:

Spouses who lost financial support and companionship
Children who lost parental support and guidance
Parents who lost support from adult children
Other dependents who relied on the deceased financially

4. Monetary Damages Resulted from the Death

We must demonstrate actual financial losses resulting from the death, such as:

Lost income and benefits the deceased would have provided
Medical and funeral expenses
Loss of household services and contributions
Reduced inheritance due to premature death

Types of Compensation Available in Wrongful Death Cases

Economic Damages

Lost Financial Support

Future earnings the deceased would have provided to family
Lost benefits including health insurance, retirement contributions, and pensions
Household services the deceased performed
Lost business income if the deceased was self-employed

Medical and Final Expenses

Medical bills related to the final injury or illness
Hospital, ambulance, and emergency care costs
Funeral, burial, and memorial service expenses
Estate administration costs and legal fees

Non-Economic Damages

Loss of Companionship

Loss of love, affection, and emotional support
Loss of guidance, advice, and moral support
Loss of companionship and consortium for spouses
Loss of parental guidance and support for children

Pain and Suffering (Survival Claims)

If the deceased lived for any period after the injury, we can also pursue a survival action for:

Pain and suffering experienced before death
Medical expenses incurred before death
Lost wages during the period of injury

Punitive Damages

Punish the wrongdoer for outrageous behavior
Deter similar conduct by others
Send a message that such conduct is unacceptable

⚖️ Colorado Damage Caps: Non-economic damages in wrongful death cases are capped at $2.125 million, with higher limits possible in cases involving extreme circumstances.

Attorney Lori Beck uses 20+ years of prosecutorial and defense experience to fight for clients in criminal defense and personal injury cases.

The Difference Between Wrongful Death and Survival Actions

Wrongful Death Claims

Purpose: Compensate family members for their losses
Beneficiaries: Surviving spouse, children, parents, or other heirs
Damages: Future financial support, companionship, and guidance
Focus: Impact on survivors’ lives and financial security

Survival Actions

Purpose: Recover damages the deceased could have claimed if they survived
Beneficiary: The deceased person’s estate
Damages: Pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages before death
Focus: The deceased person’s losses from injury to death

Important: Depending on the facts of your case, we often file both claims together to maximize compensation for all losses resulting from your loved one’s death.

— 24+ Years of Trial Experience —

Strategic Advantage, Why Clients Choose Beck Law Office

Former Prosecutor's Strategic Advantage

Attorney Lori Beck's experience as a Deputy District Attorney provides unique insight into building compelling cases that hold wrongdoers accountable. We know how to present evidence that convinces juries and insurance companies of the full extent of your losses.

No Fees Unless We Win Your Case

Wrongful death cases require extensive investigation, expert witnesses, and significant resources. We advance all costs and only get paid if we secure compensation for your family. This removes financial barriers during your time of grief.

Thorough Investigation Capabilities

We have the resources and experience to:

Reconstruct accidents and analyze all contributing factors
Work with medical experts to understand the cause of death
Calculate the true financial impact of your loss
Investigate all potential sources of compensation
Preserve evidence before it disappears

Trial-Ready Reputation That Gets Results

Insurance companies and defendants know we have extensive trial experience and aren't afraid to take cases to court. This reputation often leads to better settlement offers that truly reflect the value of your loss.

What is the statute of limitations for wrongful death cases in Colorado?

You have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Colorado. This deadline is strict, and waiting too long can permanently bar your claim. However, you should contact an attorney immediately because evidence disappears quickly and insurance claims have even shorter deadlines.

Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit within the first year?

Within the first year after death, only the closest family members can file: surviving spouse, children (including adopted children), and parents (if no spouse or children survive). The law prioritizes those with the strongest financial and emotional connections to the deceased.

Who can file within the second year after the decedent passes?

During the second year, the right to file expands to: any other heirs under Colorado intestate succession laws, designated beneficiaries in the deceased person’s will, and the personal representative of the estate.

What types of damages can be sought in a wrongful death case?

Colorado allows recovery of both economic and non-economic damages: lost financial support, medical and funeral expenses, loss of companionship and guidance, and in some cases punitive damages. The total depends on factors like the deceased’s age, income, health, and family relationships.

What is the difference between a wrongful death case and a survival case?

Wrongful death claims compensate family members for their losses, while survival actions recover damages the deceased could have claimed if they survived. We often file both to maximize compensation for all losses resulting from the death.

What damages can be recovered in a survival action?

Survival actions can recover: pain and suffering the deceased experienced between injury and death, medical expenses incurred before death, lost wages during the period of injury, and other damages the deceased could have claimed. Pain and suffering claims of surviving members of the family are not allowed.

How are wrongful death settlements calculated?

Settlement values depend on multiple factors: the deceased’s age, income, health, and life expectancy; the financial dependency of survivors; the circumstances of the death; and the degree of the defendant’s negligence. We work with economists and other experts to calculate fair compensation.

Does Colorado have a cap on wrongful death compensation?

Yes, Colorado caps non-economic damages at $2.125 million for wrongful death cases, though this can be higher in extreme circumstances. There are no caps on economic damages like lost income and medical expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Cases

Don't Let Them Escape Accountability for Taking Your Loved One

When someone’s negligence or wrongdoing takes a life, they must be held accountable. Your loved one’s death was preventable, and you deserve both justice and the financial security needed to move forward.

Insurance companies and defendants will try to minimize their responsibility and your family’s losses. Don’t let them get away with it.

Time is critical in wrongful death cases. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights have strict deadlines. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case becomes.

Call Us 24/7

(720) 209-1469

Get Your First Consultation FREE!

We Look At The Law Differently

What Our Personal Injury Clients Say

"I am fortunate to have had Lori Beck represent me for my car accident. Everything about my case was handled professionally and I am very happy with the outcome."

Melanie Scott ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I wish i could tell you my whole story. I was involved in 3 wrecks in less than 3 months in 2019. My attorney dropped me 2 months before trial. I called over a 110 attorneys and then Ms lori Beck. Called and said i will help you. She saved me. She took on my cases along with her regular load and did an amazing job."

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Serving Wrongful Death Families Throughout Colorado

Beck Law Office represents wrongful death families throughout the Denver Metro Area and Colorado:

Our local knowledge of Colorado wrongful death law, court procedures, and expert witnesses gives grieving families a distinct advantage.