Pursuing Justice for Lakewood Families After a Wrongful Death

Losing a loved one at the hands of another person’s negligence is a nightmare that no family should ever have to face. In an area like Lakewood, where busy roads such as Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard are ever-busy with traffic, tragic and deadly accidents happen too often. At Levine Law, we assist families with their legal rights and remedies after someone’s life is taken by a fatal motor vehicle accident, an incident at a construction site, or perhaps a tragic medical error. As Lakewood wrongful death attorneys, we know that holding the wrongdoer accountable is not only about compensation, but also about justice and closure.

Colorado law allows families to seek a wrongful death action when a preventable death occurs as a result of negligence or recklessness. To make matters worse, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, unintentional injuries continue to be a leading cause of death in the United States through car accidents, falls, and pedestrian collisions. So these kinds of cases really do matter.

We have helped victims throughout the Denver metro area recover tens of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements, and we understand how difficult the time is for your family. We want to protect your rights, preserve evidence, and for you to seek full financial recovery. In these types of cases, you are not alone.

Understanding What Qualifies as a Lakewood Wrongful Death Claim Under Colorado Law

Wrongful death cases in Lakewood, Colorado involve fatalities caused by someone else’s negligence, carelessness, or intentional wrongdoing. When a person loses their life due to another’s actions, surviving family members have a right to seek justice through a civil claim. This process not only helps families recover financially, it also holds negligent individuals or entities accountable under state law.

In Colorado, wrongful death lawsuits are governed by C.R.S. § 13-21-201, which defines who can file a claim and under what circumstances. These cases must show that the death could have been prevented if reasonable care had been taken. At Levine Law, we support Lakewood families through every step of this process, from initial investigation to legal action.

Fatal Motor Vehicle Crashes on Lakewood’s Roads and Highways

Lakewood experiences a high volume of vehicle traffic on roads like 6th Avenue, Kipling Street, and Colfax Avenue. These busy corridors are often the site of deadly collisions involving cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

Negligent drivers who speed, drive under the influence, or use their phones behind the wheel pose serious risks to others. When a fatal crash occurs, our firm works quickly to collect police reports, eyewitness accounts, and crash reconstruction data. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Colorado’s road deaths continue to rise each year. These tragic events often leave families struggling with both grief and financial hardship.

Proving Negligence After a Fatal Lakewood Car Accident

To build a strong Lakewood wrongful death case, it must be shown that the driver acted negligently or recklessly. This can include running red lights, failing to yield, or falling asleep at the wheel.

We collaborate with accident analysts and gather GPS data, surveillance video, and forensic evidence. When needed, we also request toxicology reports to establish impairment. Every piece of information helps establish liability and demonstrate the full extent of the loss.

Commercial Vehicle and Truck-Related Wrongful Death Cases

Lakewood’s proximity to I-70 and US-6 means large trucks frequently pass through residential and commercial zones. When trucking companies cut corners or their drivers violate safety rules, the outcome can be deadly.

These cases are more complex due to the involvement of multiple parties, such as employers, insurers, and contractors. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration tracks a rising number of fatal truck crashes. Our legal team investigates every detail to hold negligent companies accountable.

Deadly Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents in Lakewood Neighborhoods

Fatalities involving pedestrians and cyclists are a growing concern in neighborhoods like Belmar, Green Mountain, and West Colfax. Intersections along Alameda Parkway and Sheridan Boulevard are especially hazardous.

Drivers often fail to yield at crosswalks or drive distracted in residential areas, putting pedestrians and cyclists in grave danger. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, pedestrian deaths have surged across the nation. These fatalities are not accidents, they are preventable tragedies caused by negligent behavior.

Holding Drivers Accountable for Failing to Yield

Under Colorado law, motorists must stop for pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks. When they don’t, the results are often catastrophic.

We use traffic signal data, cell phone records, and eyewitness testimony to show how the crash occurred. Our firm also reviews city infrastructure and signage to demonstrate whether the area was known for traffic hazards.

Wrongful Death Claims Involving Bicyclists

Cyclists in Lakewood often share lanes with fast-moving traffic due to limited bike infrastructure. When drivers fail to give adequate space or speed past cyclists, they violate safety laws.

Wrongful death claims involving bikes may include evidence of aggressive driving, distracted behavior, or road rage. We examine road conditions and obtain dash cam footage to support your case and establish responsibility.

Construction and Job Site Deaths Throughout Lakewood and Jefferson County

Construction sites in Lakewood, particularly in areas undergoing commercial redevelopment like Union Boulevard and Denver West, pose serious risks for workers and bystanders. When safety regulations are ignored, the results can be deadly.

Falls, equipment malfunctions, and poor supervision are leading causes of wrongful death on job sites. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction consistently ranks among the most dangerous industries for fatal injuries. Families of deceased workers may have grounds to pursue a third-party wrongful death claim, especially if another company or contractor contributed to the death.

Pursuing Compensation Beyond Workers’ Compensation

Many families believe that workers’ compensation is their only option, but this is not always true. If a subcontractor, equipment supplier, or site manager was negligent, a wrongful death lawsuit may also be possible.

We review employment contracts, job site logs, and OSHA inspection records to uncover every avenue for recovery. Our team is committed to helping families uncover the full truth and maximize compensation.

Investigating Safety Violations and Site Conditions

Documenting unsafe site conditions is essential. We act quickly to photograph the scene, review inspection reports, and obtain construction plans.

Time-sensitive evidence, like equipment maintenance logs and crew schedules, can help prove negligence. Our team has the resources to build a case that clearly demonstrates fault under Colorado law.

Medical Negligence Leading to Preventable Death in Lakewood Facilities

Medical facilities across Jefferson County, including St. Anthony Hospital and Belmar Family Medicine, are expected to provide safe and competent care. When a patient dies due to medical negligence, families may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit.

Misdiagnoses, surgical errors, and medication mistakes are among the most common fatal medical errors. According to a Johns Hopkins study, medical errors are one of the leading causes of death nationwide. These tragedies are not always obvious, which is why early legal investigation is critical.

Proving That Negligent Care Led to the Death

Medical negligence cases require proof that a doctor or hospital failed to meet the standard of care. This can include delays in treatment, failure to monitor a condition, or improper surgical techniques.

We review medical records, consult licensed healthcare professionals, and analyze care protocols. Every detail matters in building a compelling wrongful death claim.

Building a Case Against Hospitals or Healthcare Providers

Lawsuits involving healthcare providers must be handled with precision and urgency. Colorado law requires a certificate of review and other procedural steps that can delay justice if not handled properly.

Our firm takes immediate action to preserve evidence, meet all legal requirements, and file suit within the statute of limitations. Families deserve answers, accountability, and financial security after a preventable medical death.

Why Acting Quickly After a Lakewood Wrongful Death Is Crucial

Time is one of the most important factors in any wrongful death case in Lakewood. Waiting too long to take legal action can weaken your case, reduce available evidence, and even prevent your family from filing a claim altogether. Under Colorado law, families have a limited window to pursue justice, and the clock starts ticking the moment the tragedy occurs.

Whether your loved one died in a crash near South Wadsworth Boulevard or during a construction incident near Union Square, immediate legal action can make all the difference. Prompt investigations, witness interviews, and evidence collection often lead to stronger claims and higher compensation. At Levine Law, we begin work the moment you contact us, because we understand what is at stake for your family.

Colorado’s Wrongful Death Time Limits Protect Your Rights

State law limits how long you have to file a wrongful death claim. In most cases, you must act within two years of the date of death. However, certain circumstances can shorten or complicate this deadline.

According to the Colorado General Assembly, only a decedent’s spouse may file during the first year after death. In the second year, children and other qualified heirs may join or file independently. If you miss these deadlines, you may lose your right to financial recovery, regardless of how strong your case is.

Some Wrongful Death Cases Require Even Faster Action

When government entities are involved, such as in a crash caused by a city-owned vehicle or a death on public property, families must meet special requirements under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act.

In these cases, you must file a formal notice of claim within 182 days. That is less than six months. Failing to do so could result in losing your right to sue. We work quickly to meet these strict deadlines and ensure your family’s legal rights are fully protected.

Acting Fast Preserves Crucial Wrongful Death Evidence

Every day that passes after a wrongful death, important evidence may vanish. Roadway skid marks fade, security camera footage gets erased, and witnesses begin to forget key details. That is why we act immediately to secure every shred of evidence.

We photograph accident scenes across Lakewood, interview witnesses, and obtain medical records. Our team also requests phone records, police body cam footage, and crash data before they become inaccessible. According to the National Institute of Justice, early collection of physical and digital evidence significantly strengthens civil claims.

Digital Evidence and Video Footage Can Be Time Sensitive

Lakewood is home to many traffic cameras, business security systems, and residential doorbell cameras. These digital recordings often capture the exact moment a fatal event occurs.

However, many of these systems only retain footage for 24 to 72 hours. If your legal team does not request that footage immediately, it can be overwritten forever. Our attorneys issue preservation letters and subpoenas to lock down digital evidence before it disappears.

Medical Records and Autopsy Reports Strengthen Lakewood Wrongful Death Cases

Medical documentation is often the backbone of a wrongful death claim. These records explain what injuries occurred, how the victim died, and whether medical care met the appropriate standard.

At Levine Law, we work with Lakewood healthcare providers to gather complete medical histories, emergency response reports, and death certificates. We also request autopsy results when applicable.

Delay Can Lead to Missing or Incomplete Documentation

Hospitals, EMS providers, and coroner’s offices may only keep certain records for a limited time. Delayed requests can lead to gaps in documentation or lost evidence.

By acting quickly, we avoid red tape and ensure every relevant file is included in your wrongful death claim. These records not only show how your loved one died, they also demonstrate the pain they suffered and the treatment they received before passing.

Faster Action Builds Stronger Cases and Maximizes Compensation

Insurance companies begin working against you the moment a fatal accident occurs. They investigate the scene, speak with witnesses, and build their defense. You need someone doing the same on your behalf, immediately.

The sooner you hire a Lakewood wrongful death attorney, the more time we have to build a powerful, evidence-based case. Early legal action allows us to value economic damages, interview key witnesses, and identify all responsible parties. According to the American Bar Association, timely legal action is one of the strongest predictors of favorable results in civil lawsuits.

Prompt Claims Can Lead to Faster Resolution

While not all cases settle quickly, starting the legal process early can often reduce delays and increase the pressure on insurers to resolve your claim. Families facing funeral bills and lost income deserve fast answers.

By taking immediate legal steps, we position your claim for quicker compensation and more leverage at the negotiating table. This proactive approach helps relieve stress and allows your family to focus on healing.

Who Can File a Lakewood Wrongful Death Claim Under Colorado Law

When someone dies due to negligence in Lakewood, Colorado law gives specific family members the right to take legal action. These rights are not automatic for every relative. Only certain individuals qualify to file a wrongful death lawsuit and they must do so within the legal time limits. Failing to act in time or understanding who can file may result in the loss of valuable legal rights.

At Levine Law, we help grieving families understand their eligibility and ensure their case is filed properly. Whether the death was caused by a car crash near Alameda Parkway or a construction incident on Kipling Street, we take swift steps to protect your family’s future. Understanding who qualifies under Colorado law is the first step toward holding the responsible party accountable.

Colorado Law Gives Priority to the Spouse During the First Year

In the first year following the wrongful death, the surviving spouse holds the exclusive right to file a claim. This rule applies even if there are children or parents who were also dependent on the deceased.

The purpose of this law is to give the surviving spouse time to make important legal and financial decisions without external pressure. According to Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-21-201, the spouse may also choose to allow the children or other heirs to join the lawsuit. If the spouse chooses not to file, they can submit written permission for other family members to proceed.

Spouses Can Recover Financial and Emotional Damages

The law allows the spouse to pursue damages for lost income, loss of companionship, emotional suffering, and funeral expenses. These losses can be both economic and noneconomic, and we calculate them carefully.

At Levine Law, we work directly with financial professionals and mental health providers to value the full impact of your loss. From lost wages to future retirement income, we pursue every dollar your family is entitled to recover.

Children Gain the Right to File in the Second Year

If the surviving spouse does not file in the first year, the deceased person’s children may file a wrongful death claim during the second year after death. Adult and minor children both qualify under Colorado law.

When children file a claim, they may also pursue compensation for emotional losses, financial support, and guidance that their parent would have provided. These cases often involve powerful testimony about the relationship between the deceased and their children.

Adult Children Must Act Within the Legal Timeline

Many adult children assume they have unlimited time to file, but this is not the case. Colorado law only allows claims in the second year after the death unless permission is granted earlier.

We advise families to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Even when multiple heirs are involved, we help coordinate the legal process so that every eligible person is protected under the law.

Parents May File If the Deceased Was Unmarried and Had No Children

If a person dies without a spouse or children, the parents may have the right to file a wrongful death claim in Lakewood. This applies to both biological and legally adoptive parents.

According to Colorado statute, parents are only eligible if no other qualifying heirs exist. Parents often experience deep emotional loss when a child dies, even if the child was an adult at the time. These cases can include fatal injuries from pedestrian accidents, workplace deaths, or other preventable incidents.

Emotional and Financial Losses Both Qualify

Parents can pursue damages for emotional grief, funeral costs, and any financial support the child provided. In cases involving young adults, this support may include shared housing, tuition assistance, or caregiving services.

We document all these contributions and ensure your case reflects the full extent of the loss. Our attorneys help parents build strong claims based on real relationships and measurable losses.

The Estate Can File a Survival Action for Pre-Death Damages

In addition to wrongful death claims, the deceased person’s estate may bring what is known as a survival action. This type of claim allows the estate to seek damages for pain, suffering, and medical costs the person experienced before they died.

This action is separate from the wrongful death lawsuit and focuses on the victim’s own losses before death. These claims often include hospital bills, ambulance fees, and conscious pain and suffering. The Colorado Judicial Branch provides guidelines for filing both types of claims when appropriate.

Executors and Personal Representatives Must Act on Behalf of the Estate

The estate’s personal representative, usually named in the will or appointed by the court, has the authority to file a survival action. This representative may be a spouse, child, parent, or trusted family member.

We help personal representatives meet all court requirements, gather medical records, and file the proper legal documents. These claims are often essential in maximizing the total recovery available for the family.

Speak With a Lakewood Wrongful Death Attorney Today and Take the First Step Toward Justice

If your family lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, now is the time to take action. At Levine Law, we help Lakewood families recover the compensation they need to move forward. You do not need to face insurance companies, court deadlines, or legal red tape alone. We handle every aspect of your case while you focus on healing.

Whether the tragedy occurred on 6th Avenue, near the Denver Federal Center, or anywhere else in Jefferson County, we are ready to stand by your side. Our attorneys move quickly to preserve evidence, protect your rights, and pursue full financial recovery under Colorado law.

We offer free consultations with no obligation, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Let us fight for the justice your family deserves.

Call 303-835-4910 now to schedule your free, confidential case review or contact us online.