Practice Areas

Wrongful Death Representation in West Hartford, Connecticut

The lawyers at Jackson O'Keefe, in West Hartford, represent individuals and families in accidental or wrongful death claims. Contact the firm to schedule a confidential, free consultation.

When a loved one dies, the enormity of the emotional loss can make it difficult to keep sight of the financial loss. If the loved one was the family's provider, the situation can quickly become critical. The attorneys at Jackson O'Keefe have extensive experience handling wrongful death claims. They know that extended litigation with extensive discovery can be hard on survivors, constantly reminding them of all that they have lost. The firm works hard to build a strong case from the outset, often obtaining early settlements that minimize suffering and help family members move forward.

If you have lost a loved one as the result of someone else's negligence, it is important that you act promptly to retain legal counsel and file a wrongful death claim. West Hartford Connecticut has a two-year statute of limitations on wrongful death actions. You must file your lawsuit within two years of the death of your loved one or you will lose your right to recover.

Accidental or wrongful death claims are handled by Jackson O'Keefe on a contingent fee basis. Attorney's fees are incurred only in the event that the firm recovers compensation for the loss.

The attorneys at Jackson O'Keefe are committed to providing professional representation as effectively and efficiently as possible. The firm manages wrongful death cases carefully to minimize expense and protect the interests of its clients. The firm has represented individuals throughout West Hartford Connecticut for over 50 years. Contact the firm to learn your options.

West Hartford Connecticut's Wrongful Death Statute

West Hartford Connecticut's Wrongful Death Statute, General Statutes § 52-555, provides for the recovery of "just damages," medical expenses and funeral expenses by the executor or administrator of an estate for injuries resulting in death. The statute also requires that the executor or administrator bring the suit within two years of the date of death and five years of the date of the injury. The statute states in part:"

"(a) In any action surviving to or brought by an executor or administrator for injuries resulting in death, whether instantaneous or otherwise, such executor or administrator may recover from the party legally at fault for such injuries just damages together with the cost of reasonably necessary medical, hospital and nursing services, and including funeral expenses, provided no action shall be brought to recover such damages and disbursements but within two years from the date of death, and except that no such action may be brought more than five years from the date of the act or omission complained of."

The West Hartford Connecticut Survival of Civil Actions Statute, § 52-599, provides in part: "(a) A cause or right of action shall not be lost or destroyed by the death of any person, but shall survive in favor of or against the executor or administrator of the deceased person."

The Wrongful Death Statute permits recovery for the tortiously caused death of any person "whether instantaneous or otherwise." Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-555 specifies damages recoverable for a wrongful death. This includes expenses the decedent and the estate suffered as a result of the wrongful act. The estate may recover the cost of reasonably necessary medical, hospital and nursing services, and funeral expenses. The statute additionally allows recovery of "just damages." These often are the greater part of the wrongful death recovery and include pain and suffering, the value of the lost life and the enjoyment of life's activities. The rule is that insofar as money can do it, the plaintiff may be awarded fair, just and reasonable compensation for the loss of life. As in the other categories of damages, there is no precise mathematical formula for a jury to apply.

Jackson O'Keefe has been handling wrongful death actions in West Hartford Connecticut since the 1950s, and has tried many of these types of cases to successful jury verdicts. Jackson O'Keefe has the experience and knowledge to help your family successfully navigate these difficult issues.

Jackson O'Keefe
Southington CT Wrongful Death Attorneys

Jackson O’Keefe handles wrongful death matters throughout the State of Connecticut, including clients in West Hartford, Farmington, Avon, Simsbury, Old Lyme, Ellington, Tolland, North Haven, Wallingford, Wethersfield, Rocky Hill, Cromwell, Bethlehem, Moodus, East Haddam, Hadlyme, Madison, Middletown, Hartford, Southington, Plantsville, Hartford County, New Haven County, Middlesex County, New London County and Litchfield County.

Hartford Office
36 Russ Street
Hartford, CT 06106-1571
Phone 860.278.4040
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Southington Office
97 North Main Street
Southington, CT 06489
Phone 860.276.8100
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Fax 860.527.2500
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