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Denver Wrongful Death Attorneys

Are You in Need of a Denver Wrongful Death Attorney?

Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. has been handling wrongful death cases in Denver for over four decades. We know what it takes to uncover the truth and pursue justice for grieving families.

If you believe your loved one’s death could have been prevented, speaking to an experienced Denver wrongful death attorney is the first step. These cases require thorough investigation, expert testimony, and courtroom experience.

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Why Choose Us Over Other Wrongful Death Lawyers in Denver?

Not all firms have the same experience, resources, or reputation. Here is what sets Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. apart:

  • Over 40 years of proven results – Founded in 1981, our firm has built a national reputation for excellence in malpractice and wrongful death litigation.
  • Founded in Denver – The firm was founded in Denver, and has gained national recognition over the years. Numerous attorneys are licensed to practice in Colorado, and many are also licensed in other states, allowing the firm to handle serious malpractice and wrongful death cases across the country.
  • National recognition – Consistently ranked among the best malpractice and personal injury firms in the country.
  • $67.3 Million Verdict – The firm won a health facility negligence case, resulting in a $67.3 million verdict.
  • Top honors – AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell and repeatedly listed by Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers.
  • Elite memberships – Founding attorney Jim Leventhal is part of The Inner Circle of Advocates, an exclusive group of the top 100 trial lawyers in the United States.
  • Trial-ready approach – We prepare every case for trial, which ensures insurance companies and defendants take your case seriously.
  • Compassionate advocacy – We understand the emotional impact of wrongful death and guide families with dignity and care.
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Do You Have a Legitimate Case?

When you meet with our attorney for your no-cost consultation, we’ll review your case. You must prove three core elements to file a successful claim or lawsuit:

  1. Negligence or Breach of Duty
    A provider, company, or individual must have owed a duty of care and failed to meet it. For example, a physician failing to diagnose a condition that another competent doctor would have identified.
  2. Causation
    The negligence must be a cause of death. It is not enough to show negligence occurred; it must be linked to the fatal outcome.
  3. Damages
    Wrongful death claims must demonstrate measurable harm, such as loss of income, medical expenses, funeral costs, and the profound emotional and financial impact on surviving family members.

Justice for Your Loved One Starts Here

Our Denver personal injury lawyers are ready to stand by your side. Call (303) 759-9945 or toll-free at (877) 433-3906 to learn more today.

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What Is Wrongful Death?

A wrongful death is when a person is killed by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another person or corporation. If the person had lived, he or she would have been entitled to bring a Colorado personal injury claim against the perpetrator. As such, his or her surviving family members are allowed to bring a wrongful death claim for the same damages, plus emotional (non-economic) damages caused by the death. However, in Colorado and several other states, there is a limit to the amount of non-economic damages the family can recover, unless the killing was tantamount to a felony (first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or manslaughter).

Examples of wrongful death include:

  • Surgical mistakes leading to fatal complications
  • Failure to diagnose cancer, stroke, or other serious conditions
  • Fatal medication or anesthesia errors
  • Car or truck accidents caused by negligence
  • Defective or unsafe products resulting in death
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What’s the Legal Process for a Wrongful Death Case?

Wrongful death claims are complex and must be handled carefully from the very beginning.

Consultation and Case Evaluation

Our attorneys begin with a comprehensive consultation, gathering details about what happened, reviewing records, and identifying potential defendants.

Investigation and Expert Review

Our attorneys work with investigators, medical professionals, and industry experts to uncover how the negligence occurred and build a solid foundation for the claim.

Filing the Lawsuit

Once evidence supports the claim, we file a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible parties.

Discovery

During discovery, both sides exchange evidence, take depositions, and prepare their cases. This is where much of the evidence is revealed.

Settlement Negotiations

Many wrongful death cases settle before trial. Because we prepare every case as if it will be tried, our settlement position is strong.

Trial

If settlement is not possible, we present your case before a jury. Our attorneys are experienced trial lawyers who are not afraid to pursue justice in court.

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What Is a Survival Action?

If the person did not die right away due to the negligent act, Colorado also allows survival actions. A survival action may be brought by the deceased’s estate to recover the monetary losses sustained before the person’s death - medical bills, lost wages, etc. In Colorado, you can file both a wrongful death claim and a survival action for the same person against the same perpetrator; however, in both cases, you must prove that the death was caused by the perpetrator’s negligence.

Negligence is a "breach" of a person’s duty of care: the responsibility to avoid causing harm to another person. Corporations also have a duty of care, although they have higher standards in play for certain services and goods; for example, hospital care or automotive parts that present a much greater risk to people.

If you suspect you have a claim, do not delay - each state has laws that limit the amount of time you have to file a civil claim, called statutes of limitations. Once the statute of limitations passes for your wrongful death or survival action, you are generally barred from filing a lawsuit, no matter how grievous the negligence that prompted your claim. The statute usually begins on the day of death, and lasts one to two years. We strongly recommend you speak to an attorney right away for details about your specific circumstances.

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What Damages Can You Get for a Wrongful Death Case?

Wrongful death damages are designed to compensate families for both financial losses and emotional suffering.

Economic Damages

  • Medical bills related to the injury before death
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Loss of income and benefits the deceased would have provided
  • Loss of household services

Non-Economic Damages

  • Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before passing
  • Grief, sorrow, and emotional distress of surviving family members

Punitive Damages

In cases of reckless or willful misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish wrongdoing and deter similar conduct in the future.

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Denver Wrongful Death Lawyers at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. Take the Tough Cases

Our Denver wrongful death attorneys at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., have been practicing for over 40 years. Each attorney, with his or her own specialty, works collaboratively to develop innovative strategies for your case. We work with medical providers, expert witnesses, private investigators, accident reconstructionists, visual designers, and more to present your case convincingly to a jury and get you and your family justice.

We commonly see Denver wrongful death claims arise out of:

We have handled hundreds of these claims throughout the country, and we will use that experience to help you.

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What Is the Statute of Limitations in Colorado?

Generally, Colorado law requires a wrongful death lawsuit to be filed within two years of the death. Every case is different and there are exceptions. That’s why we strongly encourage you to speak with a qualified attorney about your claim as soon as possible.

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Don’t Wait to Speak to a Denver Wrongful Death Attorney

Time is one of the most critical factors in wrongful death claims. Evidence can be lost, memories fade, and deadlines under Colorado law are strict.

Hospitals, corporations, and insurers begin building their defense immediately. Having a skilled legal team on your side ensures your family’s rights are protected from the very start.

At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., we offer no-charge initial consultations so families can learn about their options without financial risk.

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What Clients Are Saying About Us

Thank you so much- Eugenia Brady (5-Star Google Review)

Words cannot express my gratitude to Jim Leventhal and his great professional team for representing me in a case that was extremely hard for me personally and emotionally. Their understanding, compassion, and professionalism make a perfect mix to deal with cases that are attached to trauma. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much again for representing me for one of the hardest things I had to face in my life and making sure that every outcome will be in the best interest of me and my family! I can't recommend them enough. God bless you!

Wonderful and thorough with all that they do- Jonathan Heller (5-Star Google Review)

Jim Leventhal and his team are wonderful and thorough with all that they do. They leave no stone unturned while taking the time to be considerate, compassionate, and thoughtful. They wield the sword within their field with excellence and with a demeanor that you not only appreciate but that you can rely on. Special thanks again to Jim, Julia, and the entire team.

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

We help families recover compensation for the losses caused by preventable deaths.

Reach out to Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. now at (303) 759-9945 or toll-free at (877) 433-3906.

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Wrongful Death FAQs

What is considered wrongful death under Colorado law?

Wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the negligence, recklessness, or misconduct of another party. This may include medical errors, motor vehicle crashes, unsafe premises, or defective products.

What damages can families recover in a wrongful death case?

Compensation may include medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages, loss of benefits, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded for reckless misconduct.

How do you prove wrongful death?

A successful claim requires showing that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, caused the death, and left surviving family members with measurable damages.

What types of cases commonly lead to wrongful death claims?

We represent families in cases involving medical malpractice, birth injuries, surgical errors, fatal motor vehicle accidents, dangerous products, and negligent property conditions.

Will my case go to trial?

Many wrongful death claims settle outside of court, but our attorneys prepare every case for trial. Defendants take claims seriously when they know we are ready to present before a jury.

How long does a wrongful death case take in Colorado?

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, the strength of the evidence, and whether the claim proceeds to trial. Many cases take several months to a year or longer.

How much does it cost to hire Leventhal Puga Braley P.C.?

We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay us unless we recover compensation for your family. We also offer no-charge initial consultations.

Why choose Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. for a wrongful death case?

Our nationally recognized trial attorneys have over 40 years of experience, have won record-setting verdicts—including one of the largest malpractice verdicts in Colorado history—and are nationally recognized for their skill and trial advocacy.

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Meet Some of Our Denver Wrongful Death Attorneys

Jim Puga

Jim Puga, partner at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., is a trial-tested attorney focused on catastrophic injury and medical malpractice claims, particularly birth trauma cases. He currently serves as Chair of Birth Trauma for the American Association for Justice, highlighting his national leadership in the field. Puga has been honored by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America and has secured some of Colorado’s largest malpractice verdicts.

Julia Thompson

Attorney Julia Thompson represents clients in serious medical malpractice and personal injury cases, including claims involving catastrophic harm and preventable loss. Based in Denver, Julia has spent decades advocating for people permanently harmed by negligent conduct, bringing extensive litigation experience and a deep understanding of complex medical negligence cases. Her background with the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, including leadership in its Medical Malpractice Committee, reflects her longstanding commitment to holding negligent parties accountable for life-changing injuries and losses.

Ned Deakins

Attorney Ned Deakins represents clients in medical malpractice and personal injury cases, bringing substantial courtroom and appellate experience to serious wrongful death and injury claims. Before joining Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., Ned served as a Colorado State Deputy Public Defender for 15 years and argued more than 150 appeals, giving him a strong foundation in high-stakes litigation. His work is rooted in holding people and businesses accountable while treating families with compassion and dignity during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

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