Adams and Weld counties · Wrongful death
Northglenn Wrongful Death Lawyers
A Northglenn wrongful death demands swift legal action—we investigate, hold the responsible party accountable, and recover for your family's losses.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
Colorado law restricts who may bring a wrongful-death claim. Generally, the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased may pursue recovery, or the estate's personal representative on their behalf. The claim must be filed within the statute of limitations—typically two years from the date of death, though circumstances vary. We review your family's situation and advise you on who should be the claimant and when the claim must be filed.
A wrongful-death case proves that someone's negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct caused the fatal injury. We gather police reports from the Northglenn Police Department, witness statements, accident reconstruction, medical evidence from HCA HealthONE North Suburban Medical Center, and other records to establish liability. Early investigation preserves evidence and prevents crucial details from being lost.
Evidence We Gather and Preserve
Fatal-injury investigations require multiple sources of evidence. Police reports, photographs, and scene documentation are foundational. We obtain the autopsy report and medical records showing the cause and mechanism of death. We also collect employment records, tax returns, and household-contribution evidence to quantify financial losses. Insurance policies, including any life, health, or liability coverage, are reviewed for available recovery sources.
We also gather family testimony, photographs, and personal records that demonstrate the relationship between the deceased and surviving family members. These materials document companionship, guidance, and the non-economic impact of the loss. All evidence is preserved in compliance with Adams County court rules and prepared for potential litigation at the Adams County Justice Center or settlement negotiation.
Local investigations may involve Northglenn Police Department, scenes near 104th Avenue or Thornton, and medical records from HCA HealthONE North Suburban Medical Center.
After a fatal injury in Northglenn, Adams County, or nearby areas, the evidence must establish liability, causation, and the full scope of family losses. Our team works to preserve and organize:
- Police reports and investigation files from Northglenn Police Department
- Autopsy, toxicology, and medical records from HCA HealthONE North Suburban Medical Center or other treatment facilities
- Scene photographs, surveillance footage, and reconstruction data
- Witness statements and depositions
- Employment records, tax returns, and pay stubs to document financial contribution
- Household-management evidence (childcare, errands, maintenance, care for elderly or ill family members)
- Medical bills and funeral expenses
- Insurance policies and benefit records
- Estate and probate documents
- Family testimony regarding companionship, guidance, and emotional loss
- Any survival claim arising before death
The Adams County Justice Center oversees probate and civil litigation. Prompt preservation of evidence is critical. We coordinate investigation strategy with the estate representative and surviving family members to meet Colorado's strict legal requirements.
Medical Causation and Damages Documentation
Understanding the medical chain of causation is central to a wrongful-death case. We work with medical professionals to review autopsy findings, emergency department records, and treatment provided at or near the time of injury. This establishes that the defendant's conduct directly caused the fatal injury and that no intervening factors break the causal chain.
We also document the deceased's pain and suffering during any period between injury and death, as well as the surviving family's grief, loss of companionship, lost inheritance, and loss of parental or spousal guidance. These losses, both tangible and intangible, form the basis of damages that families can recover.
Official Northglenn hospital, report, crash-record, and court links →
Recoverable Losses in Wrongful Death
- Medical and emergency expenses incurred before death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost wages and earning capacity the deceased would have contributed
- Loss of household services, guidance, and companionship
- Grief, mental anguish, and loss of society for surviving spouse, children, or parents
- Any survival-act damages for the deceased's pre-death pain and suffering
These damages are sought through settlement or trial at the Adams County Justice Center, depending on the defendant's insurer and the facts of the case.
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Northglenn — 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.
Northglenn Wrongful death FAQ
Who can file a wrongful-death claim in Colorado, and what is the deadline?
Colorado law strictly limits who may sue for wrongful death. Usually, the personal representative of the deceased's estate files the claim on behalf of the surviving spouse, children, and parents. Claims must be filed within two years. Because rules vary, the family should contact us right away for a case-specific review of who can file and when.
What counts as economic loss in a wrongful-death case?
Economic loss includes medical and funeral expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and the value of household services the deceased provided—such as childcare, cooking, cleaning, yard work, elder care, or transportation. We gather employment records, tax returns, and testimony to document these contributions. The goal is to show the family's actual financial dependence on the deceased.
Can we recover for grief and loss of companionship?
Yes. Colorado allows recovery for the loss of companionship, guidance, comfort, and society that the deceased would have provided. This includes the loss of a parent's teaching and support, a spouse's partnership, or a child's presence. Family testimony and documentation of the relationship are key to proving these non-economic damages.
How does McCormick & Murphy charge for a wrongful-death case?
We handle wrongful-death claims on a contingency-fee basis. That means we earn an attorney fee only if we settle the case or win at trial. You pay nothing upfront for legal representation. Costs for investigation, medical records, experts, and filing fees are separate and typically advanced by the firm, then recovered from any settlement or award.
Why is quick action important in a wrongful-death case?
Evidence can disappear. Witnesses move or forget details. Video and scene evidence may be discarded. The responsible party may also try to destroy records. We begin preserving evidence immediately—contacting the Northglenn Police Department, hospitals, insurers, and potential witnesses while memories are fresh and records are still available. Early investigation strengthens your case significantly.
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