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Written By:
Christopher Nicolaysen
Christopher Nicolaysen

Member of the Colorado Bar Association since 2014. Attorney, Christopher M. Nicolaysen focuses primarily on helping those injured in Colorado car accidents, other auto accidents, and Colorado personal injury incidents.

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by the team of writers and attorneys at Springs Law Group and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney. If you would like to learn more about our owner and experienced Colorado personal injury lawyer, Christopher Nicolaysen, you can do so here.

Springs Law Group does everything possible to make sure the information in this article is up to date and accurate. If you need specific legal advice about your case, contact us. This article should not be taken as advice from an attorney.

Do You Need Help from an Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney in Colorado?

A Colorado wrongful death lawyer from Springs Law Group helps families pursue justice and compensation after the loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence.

Whether the death resulted from a car accident or another preventable event, we provide compassionate, knowledgeable legal support during this painful time.

This page outlines your rights under Colorado law and explains the legal process for filing a wrongful death lawsuit.

Meet Our Experienced Wrongful Death Lawyers

How to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Colorado and Understanding Who Qualifies

A wrongful death lawsuit allows family members to pursue justice and financial compensation when a loved one dies due to someone else’s negligence.

Under Colorado law, wrongful death cases may be filed when a person dies as a result of incidents such as car accidents, motorcycle accidents, or other preventable tragedies.

The Colorado wrongful death statute outlines who may file a wrongful death action and when, typically prioritizing the surviving spouse, surviving children, or a designated beneficiary.

These laws are designed to protect the rights of grieving families and provide a path forward after a devastating loss.

Funeral expenses, lost income, emotional suffering, and other damages may all be recoverable through a successful wrongful death claim.

In many cases, this legal action is the only way families can hold negligent parties accountable and address the financial toll of a loved one’s death.

Springs Law Group offers compassionate and skilled representation to help clients pursue full compensation.

If you’ve lost someone you love, our Colorado wrongful death lawyers are here to guide you through your options and fight for justice on your behalf.

Contact Springs Law Group today for a free consultation.

Use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify to file a wrongful death claim instantly.

Table of Contents

Meet Our Team of Colorado Wrongful Death Attorneys

When a family loses a loved one to someone else’s negligence, the grief can be overwhelming, and the path forward unclear.

At Springs Law Group, we help families across Colorado pursue justice through wrongful death claims with empathy, transparency, and steady legal guidance.

These cases are never just about financial compensation; they are about honoring someone’s life, addressing preventable loss, and helping loved ones regain some measure of peace.

We know that no two families experience loss in the same way, and we never treat wrongful death cases as routine.

Whether the loss resulted from a car accident, motorcycle accident, or another act of negligence, we listen closely and tailor our approach to your needs.

Our role is to ease the legal burden during an emotionally difficult time: answering your questions, helping you understand what to expect, and advocating for your rights with care and clarity.

Springs Law Group is committed to making this process less isolating and more manageable.

We provide real tools like case timelines and consistent updates, so you never feel left in the dark.

Our firm’s values are rooted in respect, support, and meaningful results.

Because when you’re grieving, you deserve more than just a lawyer.

You deserve a team that sees you, hears you, and fights for what your loved one’s life was worth.

Our team of Colorado wrongful death lawyers include:

Types of Wrongful Death Cases Springs Law Group Handles

Springs Law Group handles a wide range of wrongful death cases throughout Colorado, each involving a death caused by someone else’s careless or reckless behavior.

These claims often arise after fatal accidents where responsible parties failed to act safely or lawfully.

Whether your loved one died due to a wrongful act on the road, in the workplace, or on unsafe property, our team can help you seek compensation and accountability.

We take time to understand each case and fight for families affected by preventable loss.

Types of Wrongful Death Cases Springs Law Group Handles:

The Legal Process for a Colorado Wrongful Death Claim

Filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Colorado involves several structured steps designed to assess the circumstances of a loved one’s passing and hold the at-fault party accountable.

Like other personal injury cases, wrongful death claims require a thorough investigation into the defendant’s conduct and evidence of negligence or a wrongful act.

These cases are handled in civil court and follow procedures set forth under Colorado wrongful death law.

The process may feel overwhelming during a period of grief, but working with an experienced attorney can ease the burden and help your family focus on healing.

Springs Law Group guides clients through each phase with clarity and compassion.

Steps in the Legal Process for a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Colorado:

  1. Determine eligibility to file a wrongful death claim under Colorado law
  2. Conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of death and gather evidence
  3. Calculate damages, including funeral costs, lost income, and emotional loss
  4. File the wrongful death complaint in civil court
  5. Exchange evidence and information during the discovery process
  6. Attempt to reach a fair settlement with the defendant or their insurance company
  7. If necessary, take the case to trial to pursue compensation
  8. Resolve the case through a court verdict or final settlement

Gathering Evidence to Prove Wrongful Death

Gathering strong evidence is one of the most important aspects of proving a wrongful death case in Colorado.

The goal is to show that the victim’s death was caused by the defendant’s actions and that surviving family members have suffered real, measurable losses.

Just like in a personal injury claim, documentation is critical – especially when establishing negligence, damages, and the value of compensation.

A wrongful death lawyer from Springs Law Group can help you collect, retain, organize, and present evidence to build a compelling case.

This support is crucial for families already coping with grief and emotional strain.

Types of evidence used to prove wrongful death may include:

  • Medical records documenting the victim’s injuries and treatment
  • Death certificates and autopsy reports
  • Police reports or incident documentation
  • Eyewitness statements or expert testimony
  • Documentation of the defendant’s actions, such as video footage or internal reports
  • Proof of financial losses and emotional impact on surviving family members

Common Damages Awarded in Wrongful Death Cases

In wrongful death cases, the damages awarded are meant to provide financial recovery for the losses surviving family members have suffered due to a person’s death.

These damages may include both economic and noneconomic damages, depending on the specific facts of the case.

Courts often assess how the deceased contributed to their household financially and emotionally, including lost wages and ongoing monetary support.

In cases involving particularly reckless or harmful conduct, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the defendant and deter similar actions.

A successful wrongful death claim can help families cover outstanding medical bills and funeral and burial expenses, among other critical costs.

Common economic damages and non-economic damages awarded in wrongful death cases include:

  • Lost wages and future earnings
  • Loss of monetary support and household contributions
  • Medical expenses and medical bills prior to death
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Compensation for emotional distress, pain and suffering
  • Loss of companionship or consortium
  • Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or intentional harm

A Brief Overview of the Colorado Wrongful Death Act

The Colorado Wrongful Death Act provides a civil legal framework for surviving family members to recover damages when a loved one dies due to someone else’s wrongful actions.

Whether the death resulted from a car crash, motorcycle accident, medical malpractice, or another form of negligence, the statute allows survivors to file a wrongful death lawsuit in civil court regardless of whether criminal charges are pursued.

This separation from the criminal justice system means a defendant can be held financially liable even if they are not convicted of a crime.

Wrongful death claims under Colorado law are intended to compensate survivors for tangible and intangible losses stemming from the death, such as lost financial support, emotional suffering, and funeral expenses.

These claims are not focused on punishing the defendant but rather on making surviving loved ones whole to the extent possible.

In some cases, exemplary or punitive damages may be available if the defendant’s conduct was especially egregious.

It is important to note that the Colorado Wrongful Death Act includes a statute of limitations, typically giving survivors two years from the date of the decedent’s death to bring a lawsuit.

Failing to act within this timeframe can result in the permanent loss of the right to recover damages.

Because wrongful death law in Colorado has specific procedural rules, working with a knowledgeable attorney can help families pursue the justice and financial support they are entitled to.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Under Colorado Law?

Under Colorado law, specific individuals have the legal standing to file a wrongful death lawsuit following a decedent’s death.

The right to bring a claim is limited to those who have suffered damages and are most closely related to the deceased.

These parties are typically the ones most affected emotionally and financially and play a central role in seeking justice and pursuing the right to receive fair compensation.

The law outlines a strict order of priority for who may file and when.

Eligible parties to file a wrongful death claim in Colorado include:

  • Surviving spouse (has exclusive rights to file during the first year after death)
  • Surviving children (may file during the second year if no claim is filed by the spouse)
  • Designated beneficiary (if there is no surviving spouse or children)
  • Surviving parents (if the decedent was unmarried and had no children)
  • Executor or representative of the estate (may file a survival action for specific losses suffered by the estate)

Springs Law Group: Hire an Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney Today

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is devastating—and the legal complexities that follow can quickly become overwhelming.

At Springs Law Group, a dedicated Colorado Springs or Denver wrongful death attorney can help you file a claim with confidence, clarity, and compassion.

We understand the emotional and financial strain families face after a tragic loss, and we’re here to provide the experienced legal support you need during this time.

Whether your case involves a fatal accident or another wrongful act, we’ll work tirelessly to seek justice on your behalf.

Contact Springs Law Group today to speak with a wrongful death attorney who truly listens and is prepared to fight for your family’s right to compensation.

Your consultation is free, and you’ll never pay unless we win your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    In Colorado, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is generally two years from the date the decedent died.

    This deadline is crucial: if the claim is not filed within this period, surviving family members may lose the right to seek compensation.

    There are limited exceptions, such as cases involving a hit-and-run or criminal charges, which may extend the timeline.

    It’s important to consult with a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and build a strong case.

    Acting quickly also helps preserve evidence and witness testimony that could be critical to your claim.

  • Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Colorado and when?

    In Colorado, the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit depends on the relationship to the deceased and the timing of the claim.

    The Colorado Wrongful Death Act outlines a specific timeline and priority order for who may initiate legal action.

    The law divides eligibility between the first and second year following the death.

    Understanding this timeline is essential for any surviving loved one seeking justice.

    Who can file and when:

    • First Year After Death: Only the surviving spouse has the exclusive right to file.
    • Second Year After Death: The surviving spouse, surviving children (if any), or a designated beneficiary may file.
    • If No Spouse or Children Exist: The surviving parents may bring the claim.
    • Personal Representative of the Estate: May bring a survival action to recover certain damages on behalf of the estate.

  • What are the most common causes of wrongful death in Colorado?

    Wrongful death cases in Colorado often arise from preventable incidents caused by another party’s negligence or misconduct.

    These tragedies span many environments, from highways to hospitals.

    Common causes of wrongful death in Colorado:

    • Car accidents and motorcycle crashes
    • Medical malpractice or surgical errors
    • Workplace accidents, especially in construction or industrial settings
    • Defective products or dangerous consumer goods
    • Fatal falls on unsafe premises
    • Criminal acts such as assault or homicide

  • What is the Colorado wrongful death act?

    The Colorado Wrongful Death Act is a set of statutes that allows surviving family members to file a lawsuit when a person dies due to someone else’s negligent or wrongful actions.

    This law provides a civil legal remedy to seek compensation for the losses suffered as a result of the death, independent of any criminal charges that might also apply.

    Under the Act, damages may be awarded for things like loss of financial support, companionship, emotional distress, and funeral or burial expenses.

    The Act outlines who can bring a wrongful death lawsuit and when, establishing specific timeframes and conditions for filing.

    It also sets limits on certain types of damages and includes provisions for cases involving felonious killing or employer liability.

    The law plays a critical role in helping families pursue justice and hold responsible parties accountable after a preventable death.

Written By:

Attorney, Christopher M. Nicolaysen focuses primarily on helping those injured in car accidents due to no fault of their own.

The personal injury matters include auto accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and trucking accidents.

Chris truly enjoys helping clients through a difficult time and helping them get the compensation they deserve.

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About Springs Law Group
The lawyers at Springs Law Group have experience handling diverse personal injury cases with empathy and understanding.
We recognize the delicate nature of these claims and tailor strategies to meet your unique requirements, focusing on smart — not emotional — strategies.
Our team is committed to building long-lasting, trust-based client relationships.
We believe this approach helps ensure that choosing us means partnering with a firm that genuinely values you as a person — not just another client.
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Do You
Have A Case?
No out of pocket costs.
We only collect a fee AFTER you win your case and receive full compensation.
Contact our team today to discuss your case for free & Get answers in as little as 3 minutes.
Would you like our help?
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