New Haven Wrongful Death Lawyer

Top-Rated Wrongful Death Attorney in New Haven

Dealing with the death of a loved one is an extremely difficult time, especially when the death was the result of the negligence of someone else or even a defective product. You need the help of an experienced New Haven wrongful death lawyer who understands Connecticut’s wrongful death laws and how they apply to your circumstances.

Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer

The New Haven personal injury lawyers Balzano & Tropiano have a combined 50 years of experience handling wrongful death cases, and we can apply our skill and experience to help your family get fair compensation for your loss.

We understand how difficult this time can be, and are ready to do everything we can to help ease the pain that comes from losing a loved one. We have recovered large settlements and awards for our past clients, and we are committed to doing everything we can to do the same for you.

When you hire a wrongful death lawyer from Balzano & Tropiano, there is never any upfront fee for us to handle your case. In fact, you pay absolutely nothing unless you receive compensation for your claim. We truly go the extra mile for our clients, and we believe our experience, past results, and personal attention make us different from most other personal injury lawyers and wrongful death attorneys.

Wrongful Deaths in Connecticut

Many scenarios could lead to a wrongful death. Some of the most common include accidental injuries and vehicle crashes, but a situation may also lead to a wrongful death when someone else acts recklessly or carelessly.

According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, in 2023, there were 8,050 injuries treated in the emergency room per 100,000 population. Intentional injuries include incidents of homicide, suicide, assaults, domestic violence, and abuse. Unintentional injuries can result from drug overdoses, vehicle crashes, falls, drownings, poisonings, burns, and sport-related injuries. Of the injuries treated, a total of 2,732 resulted in a death.

Vehicle crashes are a leading cause of wrongful death claims because they often result in severe injuries or death and can affect multiple vehicles at once. When the at-fault driver behaves recklessly or carelessly, the probability of a death being ruled a wrongful death increases. In 2025, there were a total of 230 fatal crashes involving 364 vehicles and 695 people.

When filing a wrongful death claim in New Haven, the estate of the deceased has to first enter probate through the New Haven Probate Court before the claim can proceed. Wrongful death claims are handled in the civil division of the New Haven Judicial District Superior Court, located at 235 Church Street. A New Haven wrongful death attorney can help you start the claim and guide you through the process.

Wrongful Death Information

A wrongful death is a death that is caused by the negligence or misconduct of an individual or company.

The definition of a survivor of a wrongful death victim includes the surviving spouse, children, parents, and other dependents who relied on the deceased for financial support. Compensation may vary by jurisdiction, but in general, the law provides for the following:

• Expenses incurred by the death of the victim (funeral, medical, etc.)
• Loss of future earnings anticipated over the lifetime of the victim
• Benefits lost due to the victim’s death (medical insurance, pension, 401(k), etc.)
• Survivors pain, suffering and mental anguish caused by the victim’s death
• Companionship, care or protection lost to the survivors as a result of the death
• General and punitive damages

To file a wrongful death claim, you must be able to prove that you are likely to experience severe future emotional and financial hardship because of the loss caused by the negligent death. The required elements for a successful case for wrongful death include the following:

• That the death of the person was caused by the negligence of another
• That there are surviving family members who are monetarily suffering due to that death

In Connecticut, under Connecticut General Statutes section 52-555, only the executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate can initiate a wrongful death claim. However, the statute of limitations to file a claim is only two years from the date of death or five years from the initial act that caused the wrongful death.

Wrongful death cases are usually complicated and involve many other legal subjects. While a good Connecticut wrongful death attorney can cut through the legal jargon for you, it might be a good idea to read up on the following wrongful death-related issues.

Wrongful death cases can usually be the result of:

• A Personal injury
• Medical malpractice
• Defective products
• Car accident
• A Slip and fall injury
• Workplace
• A Catastrophic injury
• Aviation accident
• Nursing home abuse
• A Brain injury

If a loved one has been fatally injured as the result of an accident, contact the New Haven wrongful death attorneys at Balzano & Tropiano today to find out how we can help.

The Process for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim

If the deceased had a will, there should be an executor named; if not, the court appoints an executor during the probate process. Once the wrongful death claim has been initiated, there are a few steps to complete within the claims process, which include:

• Hiring a wrongful death attorney. Your attorney can keep track of strict deadlines, file necessary documents, and communicate with insurance companies on your behalf. Your case is also less likely to have procedural errors that could cause delays.
• Gather evidence. When filing a wrongful death claim, you have to show that the at-fault party was negligent or reckless in their actions leading to the death of the victim. You also have to show that you suffered damages as a result of the death.
• Notify the defendant. Once your claim has been filed, you are required to notify the defendant about the claim. Your attorney can help initiate this process so it meets the legal standards. Once the defendant has been notified, they have the right to respond to the claim.
• Discovery. During the discovery phase of the claim, both sides exchange evidence and have the opportunity to question witnesses. This phase is often one of the longer phases of the process, but is crucial for building your case.
• Negotiations. Also during the discovery phase, negotiations with the defendant or insurance agency can begin. Many cases can be resolved through negotiations without the need for a trial.
• Trial. If negotiations are unsuccessful, the case proceeds to trial, where a judge or jury hears the evidence from both sides.
• Award. If the trial ends with the judge or jury awarding a settlement, the award is distributed by the court system according to Connecticut law.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in New Haven?

There are no initial costs to hire a wrongful death lawyer in New Haven. Under Connecticut General Statutes section 52-251c, attorney fees for personal injury claims are set by the state. If you are awarded compensation, the attorney fee is 33.33% for the first $300,000, 25% for the next $300,000, 20% for the next $300,000, 15% for the next $300,000, and 10% for any amount over $1.25 million. There is no fee if you receive no compensation.

What Is the Average Payout for a Wrongful Death Claim?

There is no average payout amount for a wrongful death claim, as the specific circumstances of the claim influence any final payout amount. The final payout should include all of the economic and non-economic losses suffered by the victim’s surviving beneficiaries. Claims can be limited by insurance caps or by the responsible party’s limited means to settle the claim. Claims settled in court often receive higher payouts than those settled through negotiations.

Is It Worth It to Hire a Wrongful Death Attorney in Connecticut?

Yes, it is generally considered worth it to hire a wrongful death attorney in Connecticut. Wrongful death claims can be difficult to prove and may take years to settle. A wrongful death attorney understands the laws that affect your case and can negotiate on your behalf to settle the claim or represent you in court if a settlement agreement cannot be reached. With no upfront costs, it is a good investment to hire someone experienced in wrongful death claims.

When One Spouse Dies, What Is the Other Spouse Entitled to in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, when one spouse dies, what the other spouse is entitled to depends on whether the deceased had a will or not. With a will, the surviving spouse inherits based on the provisions of the will, but Connecticut does not allow a surviving spouse to be disinherited without a valid prenuptial agreement. Without a will, the surviving spouse is entitled to a majority share of the estate, with the actual amount dependent on the other surviving beneficiaries.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Wrongful Death Claim in Connecticut?

The time it takes to settle a wrongful death claim in Connecticut depends on the complexity of the case. Simple cases with clear liability could resolve in only a few months. More complex cases involving multiple parties or disputed liability could take several years to resolve. Cases that are resolved through negotiations often settle faster than cases that require court intervention.

Schedule A Free Consultation Today

It is understandably overwhelming to file a wrongful death claim after losing a loved one in an accident. You should not have to face this challenge at a time when you should be allowed to grieve. Our team can handle your claim on your behalf. We offer a free consultation, and there is no fee to handle your case unless we secure compensation. To schedule a meeting, call us today at 203-891-6336 or use our online contact form.