Denver
(303) 214-7927Address: 999 Jasmine St, #200, Denver, CO 80220
Wrongful Death Attorneys in Denver, CO
Losing someone you love in a preventable accident is devastating. When that loss was caused by another person's negligence, it's not just personal, it's illegal.
At Ramos Law, we help families across Denver and throughout Colorado take action after wrongful deaths caused by crashes, medical mistakes, unsafe property, or on-the-job incidents. We understand how overwhelming it can be to seek justice while you're grieving, and we're here to carry that burden for you.
Our wrongful death attorneys include doctors and legal professionals who know how to investigate fatal incidents, build strong cases, and hold negligent parties accountable. We work every case like it's going to trial, and we treat every client like family.
If you've lost a loved one because someone else failed to act responsibly, we can help you pursue the answers and compensation your family deserves.
TALK WITH US TODAY: (303) 214-7927999 Jasmine St, #200, Denver, CO 80220
Why Choose Ramos Law for Wrongful Death Cases in Denver
Doctor-Lawyer Leadership
We translate medical records, autopsy findings, and cause-of-death evidence into clear, persuasive legal arguments.
We Try Cases When Others Won't
Our verdicts show we're not afraid to go to court if insurers underpay or deny responsibility.
24/7 Support
We support families around the clock, with no fee unless we win your case.
Colorado Law Expertise
Our Denver team knows Colorado law and local courts. We handle complex, high-value wrongful death cases across the state.
Who We Help
Wrongful death cases aren't just legal filings, they're personal stories of families torn apart by avoidable tragedies. At Ramos Law, we help the people left behind find answers, financial relief, and a path forward.
We represent:
- Spouses, children, and parents who have lost a loved one due to negligence anywhere in Colorado. Under state law, these are the primary people eligible to file wrongful death claims.
- Personal representatives of the decedent's estate pursuing survival actions to recover damages the person suffered before they passed.
- Families after fatal auto collisions, including crashes on I-25, I-70, US-6, C-470, and Denver's high-risk urban corridors like Colfax Avenue, Federal Boulevard, and Colorado Boulevard.
- Loved ones of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists killed in traffic violence, especially in areas known for dangerous design or high-speed impacts.
- Survivors of fatal workplace incidents, such as construction falls, equipment failures, or commercial vehicle crashes on the job — the most common causes of on-the-job fatalities in Colorado.
- Families affected by fatal medical errors, nursing home neglect, or lapses in patient safety at Denver-area hospitals and care centers.
- Those impacted by dangerous products, including defective vehicles, machinery, or consumer goods that failed during normal use.
No matter where or how it happened, if someone's negligence caused a death, we're ready to help you pursue justice.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle in Denver
Wrongful death can happen anywhere - on the road, at work, in a hospital, or at home. In Denver, certain patterns and locations see higher rates of fatal incidents. At Ramos Law, we use that knowledge to build stronger cases, faster.
We represent families after deadly crashes on Colorado's busiest and most dangerous routes:
- I-25 and I-70: Two of the most heavily trafficked corridors in the state, often involved in high-speed, multi-vehicle collisions
- C-470, US-6, and US-36: Known for tight curves, merging freight traffic, and sudden speed changes
- Urban corridors: Federal Boulevard, Colfax Avenue, Colorado Boulevard, and Speer Boulevard are part of Denver's High Injury Network
Denver has made major investments in multimodal transit, but safety issues remain:
- Pedestrian deaths are rising across the city, particularly in neighborhoods with wide, fast-moving roads and limited crossings
- Fatal motorcycle crashes are common along I-25, Santa Fe Drive, and Wadsworth Boulevard
- Cyclist fatalities remain a risk in areas lacking dedicated bike infrastructure, including Capitol Hill, Highland, and Five Points
We investigate fatal outcomes tied to:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Surgical or medication errors
- Inadequate post-operative care
- Nursing home neglect or abuse in long-term care facilities throughout the Denver metro
When fatal injuries happen on someone else's property, we assess whether legal responsibility applies. Common scenarios include:
- Falls due to unmarked hazards or broken stairs
- Drownings or electrocutions in improperly maintained pools or spas
- Fatal security failures in apartment complexes, parking garages, or hotels
Colorado reported 83 workplace deaths in 2023, with construction and transportation leading the way. We handle:
- Construction site falls and equipment failures
- Fatal vehicle collisions involving delivery drivers, truckers, and other commercial operators
- Electrocutions, trench collapses, and exposure to toxic substances
Wrongful death claims can stem from faulty:
- Automobiles, airbags, or brakes
- Power tools or heavy equipment
- Household appliances or children's products
- Industrial machinery or safety gear that failed on the job
Common Losses Families Can Recover
| Category | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Final hospital bills, ambulance costs, hospice care, or other treatment before death |
| Funeral & Burial | Costs of services, burial, cremation, and related end-of-life expenses |
| Loss of Support | Future income, retirement benefits, and financial contributions the person provided |
| Loss of Companionship | Emotional loss of a spouse, parent, or child – including love, care, and guidance |
| Loss of Services | Childcare, home maintenance, transportation, and household duties the person performed |
| Emotional Suffering | Non-economic losses experienced by surviving family members, including grief and emotional distress, subject to Colorado statutory caps unless the solatium option is elected |
| Survival Claim Damages | Medical expenses incurred between injury and death, lost wages during that period, property damage, and other direct economic losses suffered by the decedent before death |
Wrongful death compensation isn't about placing a dollar amount on someone's life, it's about helping the surviving family recover from the financial and emotional toll left behind.
Wrongful Death Damages
Filed by: Surviving spouse, heirs, or Parents can file under certain circumstances
Purpose: To compensate surviving family members for losses they have suffered due to the death
In a Colorado wrongful death claim, surviving family members may recover economic damages, including lost financial support and funeral expenses, as well as non-economic damages, such as loss of companionship and emotional suffering. For cases filed on or after January 1, 2025, Colorado law caps proven non-economic damages at $2.125 million, subject to statutory adjustments.
Instead of proving non-economic losses, families may elect a statutory solatium, which provides a fixed non-economic award set at $135,990 for claims filed in 2025, while preserving the right to recover full economic damages.
Survival Action Damages
Filed by: Personal representative of the decedent's estate
Purpose: To compensate the estate for losses the decedent suffered before death
Eligible recovery may include:
- Medical bills incurred before death
- Lost wages from the time of injury to the time of death
- Property damage (e.g., car, equipment, clothing)
- Other direct financial losses tied to the injury
Important: Survival actions do not allow recovery for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, or punitive damages after death.
At-a-Glance: Wrongful Death vs. Survival Action
| Claim Type | Filed By | Covers | Non-Economic Damages | Punitive Damages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrongful Death | Spouse, heirs, or designated beneficiary | Survivor's financial + emotional losses due to death | Yes (subject to caps or solatium) | Possibly, in limited cases |
| Survival Action | Estate / personal representative | Decedent's losses before death | No | No |
At Ramos Law, we pursue both claims where applicable, working with economic experts, medical professionals, and actuaries to make sure no loss goes unaccounted for.
What To Do Right Now
After a fatal accident or medical event, time matters - not just emotionally, but legally. Colorado law places strict deadlines on filing wrongful death claims, and key evidence can be lost within days if it's not preserved.
1. Protect Physical and Digital Evidence
- Take photos or video of the scene (if available)
- Preserve clothing, damaged property, or medical devices
- Secure any dashcam, surveillance, or doorbell footage before it's deleted
- Don't dispose of documents, prescriptions, or correspondence related to the incident
2. Request the Official Reports
- For vehicle-related deaths, obtain the Colorado State Patrol crash report or Denver Police Department incident report
- In medical settings, request complete medical records and the autopsy report (if one was performed)
- If the death occurred on the job, a report from OSHA or the Colorado Division of Labor and Employment may apply
3. Avoid Recorded Statements
Insurance companies and corporate risk managers often contact families quickly - not to help, but to limit liability. Do not provide any recorded statements or sign release forms before speaking with an attorney.
4. Be Aware of Government Notice Requirements
If the incident involved a government entity, such as a public hospital, city-operated vehicle, or unsafe municipal property, you may need to file a formal written notice of claim within 182 days under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act. Missing this step can bar your claim completely.
5. Contact a Denver Wrongful Death Lawyer
The legal and financial stakes are high, and grieving families should not have to navigate complex statutes, deadlines, or evidence rules alone.
At Ramos Law, we immediately step in to:
- Launch independent investigations
- Preserve evidence before it disappears
- Notify insurers and defendants
- Handle all communication and paperwork
You focus on your family, we'll take care of the case.
Wrongful Death Statistics – Denver and Colorado
Understanding where and how fatal incidents occur can help explain why wrongful death claims are so common, and so necessary.
Traffic Fatalities
In Denver alone, 76 people died in traffic crashes in 2023, according to the city's Vision Zero program. Of those:
- 22 were pedestrians
- 15 were motorcyclists
- 4 were cyclists
Denver's High Injury Network, which accounts for just 5 percent of city streets, is responsible for over 50 percent of severe and fatal crashes. Key corridors include Federal Blvd, Colfax Ave, and Colorado Blvd.
Workplace Fatalities
The leading causes were:
- Transportation incidents (30 deaths)
- Falls, slips, and trips (18 deaths)
- Exposure to harmful substances (16 deaths)
- Contact with objects and equipment (13 deaths)
The construction and transportation industries were among the most hazardous sectors in the state.
Medical Errors
National research from the CDC and Johns Hopkins has found that medical errors are a leading cause of death in the U.S., though state-specific numbers are harder to track due to underreporting.
At Ramos Law, we routinely handle fatal misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and negligence cases across Denver-area hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Colorado Law Basics
The wrongful death law in Colorado is designed to balance accountability with clearly defined legal rights. If your family is considering a claim, it's important to understand who can file, what damages are available, and how Colorado statutes apply.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Colorado?
Colorado's wrongful death statute outlines a tiered system for who can file and when:
Year 1 (after death): Only the surviving spouse may file a wrongful death claim during the first year after death.
Year 2: The right to file extends to:
- The spouse
- The heirs (usually children)
- A designated beneficiary (if one was named prior to death)
If the decedent had no spouse or children, the parents may bring the claim.
What Is a Survival Action?
Separate from a wrongful death claim, a survival action allows the decedent's estate to recover damages the person could have claimed if they had survived.
This may include:
- Medical expenses incurred between injury and death
- Lost wages before death
- Property damage
- Other financial losses
Important: Survival actions do not allow recovery for pain and suffering, emotional distress, or punitive damages after death.
Comparative Negligence in Colorado
Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 50 percent bar:
- If the decedent was less than 50 percent at fault, compensation is reduced by their share of fault
- If the decedent was 50 percent or more at fault, no recovery is allowed
Example: If the decedent is found 25 percent at fault, the total compensation awarded is reduced by 25 percent.
Statutes of Limitations
- Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the date of death
- Survival actions also fall under the two-year general limitation
- Public entity claims (e.g., city-operated vehicles, public hospitals, unsafe municipal property) require written notice within 182 days under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act
Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim, even if it's otherwise valid.
Wrongful Death Damages and the Solatium Option
Under Colorado law, wrongful death damages are intended to compensate surviving family members for the losses caused by a loved one's death. Recoverable damages may include economic losses, such as lost financial support and funeral or burial expenses, as well as non-economic losses, including loss of companionship, care, guidance, and emotional grief.
Colorado law places statutory limits on proven non-economic damages in wrongful death cases. Instead of proving these losses, families may elect a statutory solatium, which provides a fixed non-economic award. For cases filed in 2025, the solatium amount is $135,990 per decedent, adjusted for inflation under Colorado law. Electing the solatium does not limit recovery of proven economic damages and avoids the need to present evidence of emotional suffering.
Meet Your Team
Frequently Asked Questions
In Colorado, the right to file a wrongful death claim is governed by a specific hierarchy. In the first year after death, only the surviving spouse has the exclusive right to file, though the spouse may in writing allow the decedent's children or heirs to join the lawsuit. If there's no spouse, then the heirs or a designated beneficiary of the deceased may bring the claim. In the second year after death, the surviving spouse, heirs, spouse and heirs together, or a designated beneficiary and heirs may file, and if none of these exist, the parents can bring the action.
Recent law changes effective January 1, 2025, expand who may file in limited situations. Under House Bill 24-1472, if there is no surviving spouse, no heirs, no designated beneficiary, and (for an unmarried decedent) no parents, then siblings and their heirs may now bring a wrongful death lawsuit in the first year after death. This change provides an avenue for brothers and sisters to pursue a claim when closer family members are absent.
A wrongful death claim belongs to eligible survivors and covers their losses, including non-economic damages subject to caps or the solatium option. A survival action belongs to the estate and covers losses the person suffered before death, like medical bills and wage loss. Non-economic and punitive damages after death are not available in survival actions.
Colorado follows modified comparative negligence with a 50 percent bar. If the decedent was less than 50 percent at fault, recovery is reduced by that percentage. At 50 percent or more, recovery is barred.
Most wrongful death and survival actions must be filed within two years of the date of death. Certain vehicle related cases may have specific timing rules. Missing a deadline can bar the claim.
Yes. If your claim is against a public entity or employee, Colorado's Governmental Immunity Act generally requires written notice within 182 days. This is separate from the lawsuit deadline.
Yes. For wrongful death claims filed on or after January 1, 2025, Colorado law caps proven non-economic damages at $2.125 million, subject to inflation adjustments and statutory exceptions. Instead of proving non-economic damages, families may elect a statutory solatium, which provides a fixed non-economic award of $135,990 for cases filed in 2025, plus any proven economic damages.
These limits do not apply when the death resulted from a felonious killing, such as murder or manslaughter, in which case damage caps are removed under Colorado law.
Exemplary damages may be available in limited circumstances when the defendant's conduct meets Colorado's statutory standards.
No. A wrongful death case is a civil action with a different burden of proof. It can proceed regardless of any criminal charges.
Colorado allows only one civil action per decedent. Eligible parties are coordinated into a single case, and recoveries are allocated consistent with statute.
Consultations are free. If we accept your case, fees are contingency based. You pay nothing out of pocket unless we make a recovery.
Visit Our Denver Office
Ramos Law – Denver
999 Jasmine St, #200, Denver, CO 80220
Call any time: (303) 214-7927
Our Denver office is located in the historic Larimer Square district, in the heart of downtown Denver. We're situated near major cross streets like Larimer and 15th Street, close to Union Station and within walking distance of the Central Business District.
Parking & Access:
Street parking and nearby parking garages are available throughout downtown Denver. Our office building is fully wheelchair-accessible with elevator access to the sixth floor.
Whether you're coming from Aurora, Westminster, or Lakewood, we're easily accessible via I-25, I-70, or US-6, with downtown exits providing direct access to our location.
Need help with directions? Call (303) 214-7927 and we'll guide you in.
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