Weld County · Wrongful death
Greeley Wrongful Death Lawyers
When a fatal accident occurs in Greeley or Weld County, we help surviving family members pursue justice and hold the responsible party accountable.
Filing a Wrongful-Death Claim in Weld County
Colorado law permits certain family members—spouses, children, and parents of deceased dependents—to file a wrongful-death claim when negligence, recklessness, or intentional conduct causes a fatal injury. The law also recognizes survival claims, which recover damages the deceased person would have pursued had they lived. We identify who has standing to file, determine the appropriate court venue (typically Weld County Combined Courts), and ensure the claim proceeds within Colorado's strict time limits.
Speed matters in wrongful-death cases. Evidence at the scene, medical records from Banner North Colorado Medical Center or other facilities, and witness statements fade quickly. We file notice, secure records from the Greeley Police Department and Weld County Sheriff's Office, and coordinate with the estate representative to preserve every detail that proves how the injury happened and who bears responsibility.
Investigation and Evidence Preservation
Our investigation begins immediately after we take your case. We obtain accident reports from law enforcement, photographs of the scene and vehicles, medical examiner reports and autopsy findings, and witness interviews. For incidents on U.S. Highway 34, U.S. Highway 85, 10th Street, or 47th Avenue, we also request traffic-camera footage and reconstruction expert analysis to establish causation and the defendant's breach of duty.
We collect employment records, tax returns, household expense documentation, and insurance policies to quantify economic losses. Family members provide testimony about daily care, companionship, and the non-monetary harm inflicted by the loss. All materials are preserved in a secure investigation file and shared with you throughout the process.
Local investigations may involve Greeley Police Department and Weld County Sheriff’s Office, scenes near U.S. Highway 34 or Evans, and medical records from Banner North Colorado Medical Center.
Act quickly. Evidence degrades, memories fade, and Colorado law imposes strict deadlines. Preserve:
- Scene and incident photographs or video (especially collisions on U.S. Highway 34, U.S. Highway 85, 10th Street, or 47th Avenue)
- Witness contact information and statements
- Police report and investigation file from Greeley Police Department or Weld County Sheriff's Office
- Emergency response records and dispatch logs
- Medical records and autopsy report from Banner North Colorado Medical Center or attending provider
- Employment records, tax returns, and pay stubs for the deceased
- Proof of household tasks, childcare, elder care, or financial contributions
- Family photographs and correspondence showing relationship quality
- Insurance policies (health, life, auto, homeowner)
- Estate and probate documents, if any
- Communication with the at-fault party or their insurer
Do not discuss the death or liability on social media. Contact McCormick & Murphy promptly for a confidential review of what evidence matters most to your family's claim.
Medical Records and Cause of Death
Banner North Colorado Medical Center and emergency responders create a detailed medical history of the fatal injury. We obtain the emergency medical services reports, hospital records, pathology findings, and the coroner's final determination of cause and manner of death. These documents form the foundation of our proof that the defendant's conduct directly caused the fatality.
Medical experts review the records to confirm that the injuries were unsurvivable, that treatment was or was not provided timely, and that the defendant's actions or omissions were the proximate cause. We also explore whether pre-existing conditions or third-party negligence contributed, as Colorado law requires clear causation.
Official Greeley hospital, report, crash-record, and court links →
Compensable Losses in a Wrongful-Death Claim
- Lost wages, income, and benefits the deceased would have earned over a normal working life
- Medical and funeral expenses incurred as a result of the fatal injury
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and society experienced by spouse, children, or dependent parents
- Pain and suffering endured by the deceased from injury to death (survival claim)
- Loss of household services, child-rearing, and parental care the deceased provided
- Punitive damages if the defendant's conduct was willful, wanton, or reckless
Weld County Combined Courts recognizes both economic and non-economic damages, and we present evidence of each category to obtain the maximum recovery for your family.
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Greeley — 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.
Greeley Wrongful death FAQ
How much time do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Weld 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.
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Colorado?
Colorado law limits who may sue. Usually, the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased may bring a claim. If there is an estate, the personal representative may also file. The exact persons eligible depend on family relationships and the circumstances. McCormick & Murphy will review your family's situation and explain who may proceed with a claim in Weld County Combined Courts.
What kinds of losses can I recover in a wrongful death case?
You may recover economic losses—medical expenses before death, lost earnings, funeral and burial costs, loss of inheritance, and the cost of services the deceased would have provided. You may also recover non-economic damages for grief, loss of companionship, and loss of guidance. If the deceased suffered before death, a survival claim may cover their pain and suffering. Each family's circumstances differ, and Colorado law defines recoverable damages carefully.
How does McCormick & Murphy charge for a wrongful death case?
McCormick & Murphy handles wrongful death claims on a contingency fee basis. The firm earns an attorney fee only if the case is settled or won. You do not pay unless we recover. Advanced case costs—such as expert fees, court filing fees, and investigation expenses—are separate from the attorney fee and depend on the complexity of your claim.
What should I do immediately after a loved one dies in what may be a wrongful death?
Preserve evidence: save photographs of the scene, collision site, or location; collect witness names and contact details; request police reports from Greeley Police Department or Weld County Sheriff's Office; obtain medical records from Banner North Colorado Medical Center or the hospital where your loved one was treated; and do not communicate about liability on social media or with the at-fault party's insurer alone. Contact McCormick & Murphy right away for guidance on protecting your family's legal rights.
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