Denver, Colorado Wrongful Death Attorneys

Coping with the death of a loved one is never easy, but the loss can be especially difficult to accept when it results from a situation that could have been avoided. At Chalat Hatten & Koupal PC, we have the experience and the resources to support the families of wrongful death victims throughout Colorado. Our clients know they can always rely on us to be there for them. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

A "wrongful death" occurs when a person is killed due to the negligence, misconduct or carelessness of another. Wrongful death actions can arise from medical malpractice, automobile accidents, intentional misconduct, product liability, premises liability or other circumstances.

The emotional trauma that comes from the loss of a loved one is often coupled with significant financial considerations. These financial considerations include both immediate and future expenses. It is important for you and your family to know your future is financially stable. To do so probably will require legal advice as to the different types of damages you may seek. Damages may include: pain and suffering, medical bills, funeral expenses, loss of future earnings, loss of benefits, loss of inheritance and loss of companionship

In Colorado, the surviving spouse, next of kin or personal representative brings a wrongful death action on behalf of the deceased. Among the 11,908 civil trials this past year, 452 included a wrongful death claim. Approximately 36% of these claims prevailed. Half of these prevailing claims resulted in an award to the plaintiff for at least $961,000.

Wrongful death cases may arise because of a variety of incidents, including car accidents, truck accidents and medical malpractice. At Chalat Hatten, our experience and compassion in handling wrongful death claims on behalf of our clients are important. We understand how difficult it can be to discuss the death of a loved one. We support our clients with the resources they need to seek a complete recovery, taking into account current and future financial issues. Our attorneys and staff also care about our clients as individuals. We want to make sure you have the support you need during the case and after your legal issues are resolved.

If you have lost a loved one in an accident or through negligent medical care, we can represent your interests against the parties at fault and their insurance companies. Our detailed understanding of Colorado's insurance and general liability laws means we understand the different sources of recovery available to accident victims and their families, as well as the various theories of liability that enable clients to recover from the parties who are responsible.

To learn more about how our firm handles wrongful death cases, contact a lawyer at our office today.

Utility Truck Kills Grandmother

On the clear and sunny afternoon of December 28, 2000, Mrs. Sandra McClellan was driving her 1992 Jeep Cherokee northbound on Colorado 287 in Boulder County, Colorado. At approximately the same time, Mr. John Pennie was driving a 1999 Ford F-550 utility truck southbound on Colorado 287. Mr. Pennie was driving the utility truck as part of his duties as an employee of Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO.)

Mr. Pennie attempted to make a left hand turn onto eastbound Colorado 52 directly into Mrs. McClellan's path of travel, without yielding the right of way to Mrs. McClellan, and collided into Mrs. McClellan's vehicle. Mrs. McClellan was trapped inside her vehicle after the impact. Paramedics responded to the scene, extracted her from the vehicle, and airlifted her to a local trauma hospital.

Mrs. McClellan's left side was crushed in the accident, resulting in coma and blindness in one eye. Despite repeated surgeries, she ultimately died of her injuries after almost two months in the hospital. Mrs. McClellan was 60, a mother and grandmother, and an employee of 14 years at Call Connect where she worked as a physician-referral counselor.

Howard McClellan, her husband of 25 years, pursued a wrongful death claim against Mr. Pennie and YESCO. The actual damages in the case were about $1.2M. The claim was settled for a confidential amount in May of 2001.

Contact an attorney at Chalat Hatten & Koupal PC today.

"Past results are no guarantee of future results."