A wrongful death case can sometimes settle in a matter of months; however, one to four years is more likely. The timeline for resolving your case depends on various factors. These include the complexity of the case, the willingness of parties to negotiate, and the court’s docket. While the insurance company may try to offer a fast settlement, the amount may be too low.
Understanding how much money you may be entitled to will allow you to maximize your compensation based on your priorities. An experienced wrongful death lawyer in Glastonbury will help you make informed decisions and keep other parties from taking advantage of you.
Contact us now for a free consultation, or keep reading to learn more about the timeline of a wrongful death case.
Should You Accept an Insurance Company’s First Offer?
If you and your family are struggling financially after the loss of a loved one, you may be thinking about accepting an offer from the insurance company. However, this may not be in your best interests.
Low Settlement Offers
The initial settlement offer from the insurance company may be significantly lower than what you rightfully deserve. Their primary aim is to expedite your case so they can settle for as little as possible and protect their bottom line.
When you’re still in shock from losing your loved one, you may be unaware of how much compensation you are entitled to and assume that an offer from the insurance company is fair.
It’s not uncommon for people to realize, after accepting a wrongful death settlement, that the amount falls short of compensating them for their losses. Unfortunately, once they sign the settlement agreement, they forfeit their right to pursue additional compensation.
Long-Term Consequences of Losing a Loved One
The insurance company’s offer may not cover the lost wages and the value of the services your loved one would have rendered had they lived. Additionally, you may be eligible for compensation for non-economic damages, which encompass the loss of support, affection, and companionship that you once had with your family member.
Anticipating how the loss of a spouse will affect you or the impact of a parent’s absence on your children’s lives can be nearly impossible, making it difficult to assign a monetary value to these losses. This is why the guidance of an experienced attorney is invaluable.
Probate
Probate, an essential step in wrongful death cases, can add to the timeline for resolution. It’s crucial to go through the probate process, which is the legal process of settling the deceased person’s estate, including addressing outstanding debts, before finalizing any settlement.
This legal step ensures that the estate’s assets and liabilities are appropriately managed, which may impact the distribution of wrongful death compensation. One of our attorneys can further explain the probate aspect of your case.
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Why does It Take So Long to Settle a Wrongful Death Case?
Your lawyer will gather evidence and demand a fair amount of compensation, but the insurance company may not agree to the requested sum. While a reasonable settlement is sometimes possible through insurance negotiations, your attorney may need to take your case to trial, which can extend the resolution timeline.
If the defendant denies liability, your attorney will need to gather evidence that supports your claim. This process could involve interviewing multiple witnesses, reviewing medical records, and examining accident reports.
After compiling the necessary information and initiating a lawsuit, your lawyer must navigate the legal system, further extending the timeline, which could span years.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims?
Statutes of limitations are time limits that a state imposes on certain legal actions. For example, in Connecticut, the statute of limitations on a wrongful death lawsuit is usually two years from the date of the deceased person’s death.
It’s important to find out your state’s statute of limitations, as waiting too long can result in losing your right to pursue financial compensation for the loss of your loved one. Unique circumstances can alter the deadline, making it crucial to consult with an attorney who can let you know how much time you have based on the facts of your case.
Even if you know you have a long time to file, we recommend contacting an attorney as soon as possible. Time is of the essence, as evidence could be lost or covered up, potentially weakening your case for financial compensation. Also, the sooner you get started, the sooner you can recover the settlement you need to rebuild your life.
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Contact a Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you recently lost a loved one due to someone’s negligence, we extend our deepest condolences. While nothing can undo what happened, recovering financial damages can help with expenses and provide a sense of justice and closure.
If you are in the state of Connecticut, our experienced wrongful death lawyers are here for you during this difficult time. Don’t let time slip away! Reach out to us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Call or fill out the online contact form to get started.
