Wrongful Death Laws in Connecticut

Connecticut firefighters are protected from liability by the Good Samaritan law.

Connecticut law authorizes an estate administrator or executor to sue and recover damages from a party who has caused the death of another person. The guilty party is liable for damages, including any medical, hospital or nursing costs and funeral expenses.

Time Frame

IN Connecticut, estate administrators must file a wrongful death lawsuit within two years from the date of death and within five years from the date of the wrongful act. There is no time limit to file a lawsuit if the person at fault is found not guilty due to mental disease or at fault for specific homicide crimes.

Significance

Persons liable for wrongful death include medical professionals who are negligent in performing medical care, employers with unsafe equipment or improper training procedures and drivers who recklessly operate a vehicle and cause a person's death. Product manufacturers are legally responsible for personal injury or death due to negligence, guarantee violation, failing to disclose warnings or instructions and product misrepresentation.

Considerations

The state of Connecticut supports the Good Samaritan law. This law protects medical technicians, firefighters, teachers or police officers who voluntarily assist a person in need. These volunteers are not liable for any injuries resulting from an act or omission while performing emergency assistance.

References

• State of Connecticut General Assembly: Chapter 925: Statutory Rights Of Action and Defenses
• State of Connecticut General Assembly: DUI Civil Liability