In Colorado, the survivors of a decedent may file a Denver wrongful death claim against the party responsible for the death of their loved one. Most wrongful death cases are based on the negligence of the defendant.
However, a wrongful death case in Denver may also be brought when the defendant is accused of murdering the victim. The State of Colorado may prosecute criminal murder charges, while the wrongful death case is a civil action brought against the defendant by the decedent’s survivors.
In addition to bringing a wrongful death claim, in some cases, family members of crime victims may be eligible for compensation from the Colorado Crime Victim Services Funds.
No amount of money can fully compensate for the loss of a loved one. However, seeking justice often helps loved ones feel less helpless, and monetary awards can help ease the burdens caused by the loss of your loved one. To understand your rights and your options, you should seek the advice of an experienced and trustworthy Denver wrongful death attorney.
If your loved one was a victim of murder, we want to help. We know you are hurting and likely angry and overwhelmed. Dan Caplis Law is here to help guide you through this difficult time and help you get the full amount of damages you deserve.
Call us at (303) 770-5551 or visit our contact page to schedule your free consultation. Our wrongful death attorneys in Denver will compassionately listen to you, answer your questions, explain your options, help you seek justice, and fight for you to get maximum compensation.
Differences Between Denver, CO Criminal and Civil Trials
If a person is charged with murder, there will be a criminal trial brought by the State of Colorado. The purpose of the criminal trial is to determine whether the defendant is guilty of murder and to punish the defendant if they are found guilty.
A wrongful death civil trial is a legal action brought by the decedent’s survivors. The purpose of the civil trial is to make the victim’s family as whole as possible. The decedent’s survivors can seek monetary compensation for damages such as:
- Bills for medical treatment before death that were caused by the defendant’s actions
- Lost wages and income the decedent would have provided
- Their emotional pain and suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of consortium
It is important to understand that a wrongful death claim can be filed even if the defendant is found not guilty in the criminal trial. Being successful in a wrongful death civil case requires a lower standard of proof than the criminal case does.
In Colorado, criminal trials require prosecutors to prove the truth of the charges beyond a reasonable doubt, which is a high standard of proof. However, civil cases only require the plaintiffs to prove their case by a preponderance of the evidence, which is a much lower burden.
Contact Our Denver Wrongful Death Murder Lawyers Today
If you have lost a loved one due to the intentional actions of another party, we want to help you. Dan Caplis Law is a serious firm for serious cases. There is no more serious case than wrongful death.
We handle every case with compassion and integrity and treat every client as we would treat our own families. We will sit down with you and listen to your story. We will answer your questions and explain your options.
We have been representing wrongful death clients for decades and have achieved record-setting results. If we represent you, we will fight tirelessly for your rights to seek justice and the full compensation you deserve.
Call us at (303) 770-5551 or visit our contact page today to schedule your free consultation. Let us put our world-class attorneys to work for you.