Wrongful Death — Connecticut

Wrongful Death in Connecticut — Rights for Surviving Families

Losing a loved one due to another's negligence is devastating. Connecticut law provides specific rights and remedies for surviving families.

Statute of Limitations

Connecticut statute of limitations for wrongful death claims: 2 years from the date of death. Contact an attorney immediately.

Connecticut Wrongful Death Statute

Under C.G.S. § 52-555, the executor or administrator of the estate files the wrongful death action for the benefit of surviving beneficiaries. Connecticut allows recovery for destruction of earning capacity, conscious pain and suffering before death, loss of life's enjoyment, funeral expenses, and medical expenses. Connecticut is relatively generous in the range of damages available.

Connecticut-Specific Tip

Connecticut has a 2-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims (C.G.S. § 52-555). Connecticut courts apply comparative fault to wrongful death cases — if the deceased was partly at fault, the recovery is reduced proportionally.

📊 Connecticut allows both wrongful death claims and survival actions to be filed simultaneously — ask your attorney about both.

What To Do After a Wrongful Death in Connecticut

1

Contact a Connecticut wrongful death attorney immediately

2

Preserve all evidence related to the incident

3

Obtain the official death certificate

4

Document all expenses — medical, funeral, and burial

5

Do NOT accept any early settlement

6

Be aware of the 2-year statute of limitations running from the date of death

7

Ask your attorney about filing both a wrongful death claim AND a survival action

Frequently Asked Questions — Wrongful Death in Connecticut

How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Connecticut?

2 years from the date of death. Connecticut has a 2-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims (C.G.S. § 52-555). Connecticut courts apply comparative fault to wrongful death cases — if the deceased was partly at fault, the recovery is reduced proportionally.

What damages are available in a Connecticut wrongful death case?

Under C.G.S. § 52-555, the executor or administrator of the estate files the wrongful death action for the benefit of surviving beneficiaries. Connecticut allows recovery for destruction of earning capacity, conscious pain and suffering before death, loss of life's enjoyment, funeral expenses, and medical expenses. Connecticut is relatively generous in the range of damages available.

Who can file a wrongful death claim in Connecticut?

Under C.G.S. § 52-555, the executor or administrator of the estate files the wrongful death action for the benefit of surviving beneficiaries. Connecticut allows recovery for destruction of earning capacity, conscious pain and suffering before death, loss of life's enjoyment, funeral expenses, and medical expenses. Connecticut is relatively generous in the range of damages available. Contact a Connecticut wrongful death attorney to confirm who has standing in your specific situation.

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