Wrongful Death Attorney in Hartford

Both Partners on Every Case. Free Consultation, No Fee Unless We Recover.

Losing a loved one to someone else’s negligence is devastating. The legal process that follows can feel impossible to face while grieving. At Carlson & Dumeer, LLC, our wrongful death attorneys in Hartford handle every detail, from gathering records to dealing with insurers, so your family can focus on healing. We can explain how Connecticut law applies to your situation, identify what damages may be available, and guide you through each step so you’re never navigating the process alone.

What sets us apart is straightforward: both partners, Scott Carlson and Brian Dumeer, work on every wrongful death case we take. Families who come to us receive dual-attorney attention from the first call through resolution, not a single associate handed a file. We’re available 24/7, we offer a free initial consultation, and we handle wrongful death cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning no fee unless compensation is recovered. We also serve clients in Spanish. Hablamos español.

Contact our wrongful death attorneys in Hartford online or call us at (877) 795-5594 to schedule your free consultation today.

What Is Wrongful Death Under Connecticut Law?

Wrongful death arises when a person dies due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional conduct. Connecticut’s wrongful death statute, C.G.S. § 52-555, is the sole basis for a claim where death is an element of damages. It also sets a strict two-year deadline from the date of death to file. Missing that window can forfeit the family’s right to recover, regardless of how strong the underlying case may be.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death Claims

Wrongful death claims arise in many contexts. A negligent driver may be held liable when a car accident proves fatal. A property owner who failed to secure a pool or body of water may face liability for a drowning death. Other common causes include medical malpractice, workplace accidents, defective products, and criminal conduct. If negligence caused the death, there may be a basis for a claim.

Recoverable Damages & Consortium Rights

Under C.G.S. § 52-555, recoverable damages include medical and hospital expenses incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, lost future earning capacity, conscious pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. A surviving spouse may also bring an independent loss of consortium claim joined to the wrongful death action. Following the Connecticut Supreme Court’s ruling in Campos v. Coleman (2015), minor children may pursue a separate claim for loss of parental consortium, covering the loss of love, care, companionship, and guidance from a deceased parent. When the defendant’s conduct was reckless or involved certain traffic offenses, Connecticut law may also permit punitive or treble damages. How these damages are categorized and distributed is explained in detail below.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, only the executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate may file a wrongful death action under C.G.S. § 52-555, even though the claim is pursued for the benefit of surviving family members. If your loved one didn’t leave a will naming an executor, the Hartford-area probate court can appoint an administrator, typically the surviving spouse, an adult child, or another close relative. We help families identify who should serve as estate representative and walk them through what that role requires.

Different family members may have different rights depending on their relationship to the deceased and whether minor children or other dependents are involved. A wrongful death attorney in Hartford families consult early in the process can clarify who files, what deadlines apply, and how any recovery will ultimately be distributed. We also coordinate the wrongful death claim with related probate proceedings so families aren’t trying to navigate two separate court systems at once.

What Happens When the Deceased Shared Some Fault?

Insurance companies defending wrongful death claims frequently argue that the deceased contributed to the accident. This tactic is designed to reduce your family’s compensation. Under Connecticut’s modified comparative negligence rule, C.G.S. § 52-572h, your family can still recover damages even if the deceased was partially at fault, provided the deceased’s share of fault doesn’t exceed the defendant’s share. Recovery is reduced proportionally by the deceased’s percentage of fault.

Recognizing these fault-shifting tactics and countering them with solid evidence matters enormously for the final recovery amount. We work with accident reconstruction professionals and economic professionals when appropriate to document what happened and challenge unsupported fault arguments before they gain traction.

Why Hartford Families Choose Carlson & Dumeer, LLC

Both partners, Scott Carlson and Brian Dumeer, work on every case we handle. That means your family gets two attorneys reviewing strategy, building arguments, and advocating for you, not a solo associate with a heavy docket. We take wrongful death cases on a contingency-fee basis, so there’s no fee unless we recover compensation. We’re available 24/7, offer a free initial consultation, and provide Spanish-language services for families who prefer to communicate in Spanish. Hablamos español.

Firm Recognition & Professional Credentials

Brian Dumeer has been recognized as a Rising Star every year from 2017 through 2024, and both partners were named to the Best Law Firm list by the Hartford Advocate in 2014. The firm also holds recognition from the National Top 100 Trial Lawyers and the Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers. Scott Carlson has been a member of the Connecticut Bar Association since 2010 and is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

How We Build a Wrongful Death Claim

Many Hartford-area wrongful death matters arise from serious crashes on I-84, I-91, and Route 2, and cases involving Hartford incidents are typically handled through the Hartford Judicial District courthouse. Police reports, medical records, and witness statements form the foundation of every claim. When the facts call for it, we bring in accident reconstruction professionals and economic professionals to document how the loss has affected your family financially and emotionally and to help reflect those losses in any settlement or verdict.

If you’ve lost a family member due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to get answers. Call our wrongful death attorneys in Hartford at (877) 795-5594 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We’re available 24/7, and there’s no fee unless we recover.