Arapahoe County · Wrongful death
Englewood Wrongful Death Lawyers
Lost a family member to negligence in Englewood—we help survivors pursue wrongful-death claims with care and tenacity.
Wrongful Death Claims in Englewood and Arapahoe County
Colorado wrongful-death law is strict about who can file and how much time you have to act. When a fatal injury occurs on U.S. Highway 285, South Broadway, Hampden Avenue, or Santa Fe Drive—or anywhere in the Englewood area—the statute of limitations begins immediately. We move fast to identify the responsible party, preserve critical evidence, and determine which survivors have legal standing to pursue recovery.
A wrongful-death case requires proof that someone's careless or intentional conduct caused your loved one's death. We work with the personal representative of the estate, interview witnesses, obtain police and medical reports from HCA HealthONE Swedish and other providers, and build a comprehensive record of liability. Our role is to ensure your family's losses are recognized and that negligent parties face accountability.
Investigation and Evidence in Wrongful-Death Cases
The Englewood Police Department files, toxicology reports, and scene photographs form the foundation of most fatal-injury claims. We also subpoena employment records, tax returns, and medical histories to establish what your loved one contributed to the family's finances and daily life. Autopsy findings and HCA HealthONE Swedish medical records tell the clinical story of how the injury occurred and whether negligence played a role.
Surviving family members' testimony about companionship, care, guidance, and emotional support is equally vital. We document these losses through careful interviews and, when appropriate, expert testimony about life expectancy, lost wages, and the value of parental or spousal relationships. All evidence is organized and presented to support your claim in settlement negotiations or before the Arapahoe County Justice Center.
Local investigations may involve Englewood Police Department, scenes near U.S. Highway 285 or Littleton, and medical records from HCA HealthONE Swedish.
After a fatal injury in Englewood or Arapahoe County, preserving evidence quickly is critical. Our firm works to secure:
- Scene photographs and police reports from Englewood Police Department
- Medical records and autopsy findings from HCA HealthONE Swedish or the medical examiner
- Incident documentation (vehicle data, equipment records, witness statements)
- Employment and income history of the deceased
- Tax returns and household financial records
- Proof of the deceased's contributions to the home and family
- Family testimony about companionship, guidance, and loss
- Insurance policies and coverage details
- Estate planning documents and beneficiary information
- Communications showing the responsible party's actions or negligence
Certain evidence may be held by agencies, hospitals, or the at-fault party's insurer. Prompt investigation protects your family's right to pursue a claim.
Medical Evidence and Causation
Establishing causation—proving that the defendant's conduct directly caused your loved one's death—requires rigorous medical analysis. We obtain complete records from HCA HealthONE Swedish, the Englewood Police Department investigative file, and any other treating facilities to show the chain of injury and the fatal outcome. Medical experts help us explain how negligence, recklessness, or wrongful conduct led to the fatal result.
We also investigate whether pre-existing conditions or the injured person's own actions contributed to the death. Colorado law recognizes comparative fault, and we prepare to address any argument the defendant might raise. Our goal is to present a clear, credible medical narrative that demonstrates liability and the full scope of your family's loss.
Official Englewood hospital, report, crash-record, and court links →
Compensation for Wrongful Death
- Lost wages, salary, and career earnings your loved one would have provided
- Medical and funeral expenses
- Loss of parental guidance, companionship, and household services
- Loss of consortium for spouse and children
- Pain and suffering of the decedent before death (survival claim)
- Grief, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life for surviving family members
Colorado courts recognize both economic and non-economic losses in wrongful-death cases, and the Arapahoe County Justice Center is where many of these claims are resolved.
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Englewood — and read client testimonials.
After I was hit by a drunk driver with no insurance, my own insurer refused UM benefits. McCormick & Murphy sued for uninsured motorist benefits and bad faith. A jury awarded me over $900,000.
C. O., Denver · UM / bad-faith verdict
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, coverage, venue, and evidence.
Englewood Wrongful death FAQ
Who is allowed to file a wrongful death claim in Colorado?
Colorado law limits who may bring a wrongful death claim—typically the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased, or the estate on behalf of these survivors. The exact rules depend on family structure. We review your situation during your first consultation to confirm whether you have standing to file and guide you through the process.
How much time do we have to file a wrongful death claim in Arapahoe County?
Colorado wrongful-death law sets a deadline. Claims must be filed within two years. Because deadlines are case-specific, your family should contact us promptly for a detailed review. Waiting too long can result in losing the right to recover.
What losses can we recover in a wrongful death claim?
You may recover both economic and non-economic losses. Economic losses include lost income the deceased would have earned, medical and funeral expenses, and household contributions. Non-economic losses include the loss of companionship, guidance, comfort, and society with your loved one. We document these carefully and work with experts when necessary to prove the full extent of your family's harm.
How does McCormick & Murphy charge for wrongful death representation?
We handle wrongful death claims on a contingency fee basis. That means we do not charge an hourly rate or upfront fee—the firm earns an attorney fee only if we settle your claim or win at trial. Out-of-pocket case costs (investigator fees, medical expert fees, court costs, etc.) are separate from the attorney fee and are discussed with you before we incur them.
What happens if the responsible party is insured or a government entity?
If negligence caused the death on U.S. Highway 285, South Broadway, or elsewhere in Englewood, the at-fault driver or property owner's insurance may be liable. If a government agency is responsible, Colorado law allows claims under specific conditions and shorter notice periods. We investigate coverage, pursue claims against insurers, and handle any sovereign immunity issues so your family is not left without a remedy.
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