Wrongful Death Attorney in Enfield
Serving Enfield, CT Families with Over 45 Years of Experience
When negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct takes a life, Connecticut law gives the deceased person’s estate the right to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim. David A. Zipfel & Associates, LLC has represented families throughout Enfield and East Hartford in these cases since 1978. We bring tenacious advocacy and genuine compassion to every case we handle, and we’re available to guide your family through every step of the process.
Our firm has recovered over $10 million for the wrongfully injured across more than 3,000 cases. Those results reflect decades of preparation, litigation experience, and a refusal to accept less than families deserve. Past outcomes don’t guarantee future results, but our history demonstrates what it looks like when a firm is genuinely willing to fight.
If your family has lost someone due to another party’s negligence, call our wrongful death attorneys serving Enfield, CT today for a free consultation: (860) 528-4567.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Connecticut
Connecticut General Statutes § 52-555 limits who may bring a wrongful death action: only the executor or administrator of the deceased person’s estate has legal standing to file. If the deceased named an executor in a will, that person steps into the role. If there’s no will, the probate court appoints an administrator. For Enfield families, that appointment goes through the North Central Connecticut Probate District. Connecticut’s survival statute preserves the deceased’s cause of action so it doesn’t disappear at death, and the estate’s representative then pursues it on behalf of the beneficiaries.
Filing Deadlines Under Connecticut’s Wrongful Death Statute
Connecticut’s two-year statute of limitations requires a wrongful death action to be filed within two years of the date of death. A separate five-year statute of repose bars any claim filed more than five years after the act or omission that caused the death, regardless of when the death occurred. One exception applies: when the at-fault party is convicted, or found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect, of certain serious crimes connected to the death, the five-year bar doesn’t apply. These deadlines make early legal action critical.
Damages Available in a Connecticut Wrongful Death Case
Connecticut’s wrongful death statute allows recovery of “just damages,” a broad category that can include compensation for the value of the life lost and the loss of life’s enjoyment. Recoverable costs also include reasonably necessary medical, hospital, and nursing expenses incurred before death, as well as funeral and burial expenses. Families may also recover for the loss of the deceased person’s earning capacity. Thorough documentation and case preparation are essential to pursuing a fair outcome across all of these categories.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death Claims
A wrongful death claim can arise whenever negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct causes a person’s death. We pursue these claims across a wide range of circumstances, including:
- Motor vehicle accidents: Car crashes, truck collisions, and other roadway incidents caused by a negligent driver
- Premises liability: Fatal slip-and-fall accidents or unsafe property conditions
- Medical malpractice: Deaths resulting from a healthcare provider’s failure to meet the standard of care
- Other negligent acts: Any incident where another party’s conduct caused the death
How We Build a Wrongful Death Case
After a family contacts us, we investigate the circumstances of the death and gather the evidence needed to establish liability. That means reviewing records, consulting relevant experts, and identifying all liable parties. We then handle insurance settlement negotiations directly, so your family doesn’t have to face an insurer alone. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we don’t back down. We prepare every wrongful death case for trial and won’t hesitate to litigate when that’s what it takes to pursue full compensation.
Why You Can Always Count on Us
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Free Initial Case Evaluations
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Over 3,000 Cases Successfully Handled
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40+ Years of Legal Experience
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You Don't Pay Unless We Win!
At David A. Zipfel & Associates, LLC, I personally handle each case and can provide the experience and knowledge necessary to build a strong case.
I have been in practice for over 40 years, so you can rest assured that your case is in capable hands should you choose to retain me as your Hartford car wreck lawyer. Learn more by calling one of my two convenient offices in the Hartford area today to speak with an attorney about your case.
What Clients Say About David A. Zipfel & Associates, LLC
Clients who have worked with us describe our team as tenacious, attentive, hardworking, knowledgeable, and aggressive in the courtroom. In wrongful death cases, those qualities matter. Families in Enfield need a wrongful death lawyer who can stay in their corner from the first call through the final resolution, and that’s the standard we hold ourselves to.
Start with a Free Case Evaluation
We offer free initial consultations so your family can understand its legal options before making any commitment. Our contingency fee arrangement means you pay no legal fees unless we win your case. We’re available 24/7, including weekends and holidays, to answer your questions and provide the support your family needs.
Contact David A. Zipfel & Associates, LLC to speak with a wrongful death attorney serving Enfield, CT. Call (860) 528-4567 any time, day or night.
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"They will go the extra mile."They will go the extra mile for you and your family on what ever legal situation you bring them. Call them for a consultation today.- Catherine T.
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"I will refer anyone I can to him."I watched Dave take on the insurance company and aggressively pursue and protect all my interests.- Jeffrey J.
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"He is a talented and skillful lawyer."Attorney Dave Zipfel is a super lawyer and I would refer him to any person of color. He is a talented and skillful lawyer.- Ronald J.
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"A real top shelf firm."I have used David A. Zipfel & Associates many times over the years and every time their service was very informative, they took care of details, and your procedures were right on point. A real top shelf firm.- Marc O.
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"Professional, polite, and very considerate of my needs."I would highly recommend the law office to friends and family. 5 stars!- Patricia N.
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"They are honest, straightforward people."They are honest, straightforward people who put in the extra effort to make sure their clients get satisfactory results.- Paul A.
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"They are extremely good at what they do."Thank you so much and will recommend this firm to family and friends should the need be. Five stars!- Former Client
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"very knowledgeable and easy to work with."They settled my case even when I thought things were looking bleak but they kept me informed and did everything in their power to have the case be resolved in my favor! Thank you!- Deja V.