Compassionate Fort Collins Wrongful Death Lawyers Fighting for Justice

Losing a loved one due to someone else's negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions is one of life's most devastating experiences. When tragedy strikes in Fort Collins or the surrounding Larimer County communities, Conduit Law's wrongful death attorneys are here to provide compassionate legal representation and fight for the justice your family deserves.

We understand that during this painful time, the last thing you want to deal with is complex legal proceedings and aggressive insurance companies. That's why we handle every aspect of your wrongful death case, allowing you to focus on grieving and healing with your family. Our team has recovered over $50 million for Colorado families, and we're committed to securing the maximum compensation available under Colorado law.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Fort Collins

A wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of another party's negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-21-201, certain family members have the legal right to file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages for their losses. Whether the death occurred on Fort Collins' busy I-25 corridor, along College Avenue, or in the surrounding Larimer County area, the same Colorado wrongful death laws apply.

Wrongful death cases differ from criminal proceedings. While criminal cases focus on punishing the wrongdoer, wrongful death lawsuits are civil actions that seek monetary compensation for the surviving family members. Your Fort Collins wrongful death case will typically be filed in Larimer County courts, including the Larimer County Justice Center, providing convenience for local families.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Fort Collins?

Colorado law strictly defines who has legal standing to file a wrongful death claim:

• First Year After Death: The deceased's spouse has the exclusive right to file. If there is no surviving spouse, the deceased's children may file. If there are no children, the deceased's parents may file.
• Second Year After Death: If no lawsuit was filed in the first year, the personal representative of the deceased's estate may file on behalf of the heirs.

Colorado's statute of limitations gives you only 2 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in most cases. Failing to meet this deadline can permanently bar your claim, which is why consulting with a Fort Collins wrongful death attorney as soon as possible is critical.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Fort Collins

As Northern Colorado's largest city, Fort Collins faces unique risks that can lead to tragic wrongful deaths. Our Fort Collins wrongful death lawyers have handled cases arising from:

Motor Vehicle Accidents in Fort Collins

Fort Collins' major routes—including I-25, US-287 (College Avenue), Harmony Road, and Mulberry Street—carry heavy traffic throughout the city and connect to the broader Front Range corridor. Fatal car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle crashes often result from drunk driving, distracted driving, speeding, or adverse weather conditions. The I-25 corridor through Larimer County sees significant commercial truck traffic traveling between Denver and Wyoming, creating additional hazards. When negligent drivers cause fatal crashes on Fort Collins roads, our attorneys hold them accountable.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

Fort Collins has invested heavily in bike infrastructure, with over 280 miles of bike lanes and trails, making it one of Colorado's most bike-friendly cities. However, fatal pedestrian and bicycle accidents still occur, particularly at busy intersections along College Avenue, Harmony Road, and near the Colorado State University campus. Old Town Fort Collins sees significant pedestrian traffic, and accidents near CSU affect both students and residents. These vulnerable road users deserve justice when preventable accidents take their lives.

University and Student-Related Deaths

Colorado State University brings over 33,000 students to Fort Collins. Tragic wrongful deaths can involve student housing accidents, fraternity or sorority incidents, alcohol-related deaths, inadequate security in off-campus housing, or accidents during university-sponsored activities. Both the university and private parties may be held liable when negligence causes student deaths.

Medical Malpractice in Fort Collins

UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital, Medical Center of the Rockies, and numerous medical practices serve Larimer County residents. When healthcare providers fail to meet accepted standards of care, the results can be fatal. Medical malpractice wrongful deaths may involve surgical errors, misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, medication errors, anesthesia mistakes, or birth injuries. These cases require extensive medical expertise, and our firm works with leading medical experts to prove negligence.

Workplace Accidents

Fort Collins' diverse economy includes construction, manufacturing, brewing, and agricultural operations where workplace safety is paramount. Fatal workplace accidents may result from falls from heights, equipment malfunctions, electrocution, confined space incidents, or inadequate safety protocols. The city's growth and development boom has increased construction activity, creating additional workplace hazards. While workers' compensation provides some benefits, a wrongful death lawsuit may provide additional compensation when third parties or gross negligence are involved.

Recreational and Outdoor Activity Deaths

Fort Collins' proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, Horsetooth Reservoir, and Cache la Poudre Canyon creates unique wrongful death risks. Fatal accidents can occur during water recreation, hiking, rock climbing, or winter sports. When these deaths result from negligent guide services, defective equipment, inadequate safety measures, or dangerous property conditions, families may have wrongful death claims.

Premises Liability Incidents

Property owners throughout Fort Collins—from rental properties to commercial buildings—have a legal duty to maintain safe premises. Fatal premises liability accidents can include slip and falls, inadequate security leading to violent crimes, swimming pool drownings, carbon monoxide poisoning, or building collapses. The many older homes in Old Town Fort Collins and aging infrastructure throughout the city require proper maintenance to prevent tragic accidents.

Damages Available in Fort Collins Wrongful Death Cases

Colorado law allows surviving family members to recover various types of damages in wrongful death claims. Understanding what compensation is available helps Fort Collins families pursue full and fair recovery.

Economic Damages

Economic damages compensate for measurable financial losses, including funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses incurred before death, lost financial support, lost benefits, and loss of inheritance. Our attorneys work with forensic economists to calculate the full value of what your loved one would have provided to your family over their expected lifetime.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address the intangible losses that families suffer: loss of companionship, loss of guidance and counsel, emotional pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Colorado caps non-economic damages in most wrongful death cases at approximately $641,180 (adjusted annually for inflation), though exceptions apply.

Punitive Damages

In cases involving particularly egregious conduct—such as drunk driving on Fort Collins roads, extreme recklessness, or intentional harm—Colorado law allows punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct. Punitive damages are awarded in addition to economic and non-economic damages and can significantly increase the total recovery.

The Fort Collins Wrongful Death Legal Process

Understanding what to expect helps Fort Collins families navigate this difficult journey:

Free Initial Consultation

Your journey begins with a free, confidential consultation with our Fort Collins wrongful death lawyers. We can meet at our office or at a location convenient for your family in Larimer County. We'll listen to your story with compassion and explain your legal rights and options.

Investigation and Filing

We immediately begin a thorough investigation, obtaining police reports from Fort Collins Police Services or Larimer County Sheriff, medical records from local hospitals, autopsy reports, and other critical evidence. Once our investigation is complete, we file your wrongful death complaint in the appropriate Larimer County court, typically at the Larimer County Justice Center.

Settlement Negotiations or Trial

Most wrongful death cases settle before trial, but we're fully prepared to take your case to trial in Larimer County courts if necessary. Our reputation for thorough trial preparation gives us negotiating leverage to secure better settlements for Fort Collins families.

Why Choose Conduit Law for Your Fort Collins Wrongful Death Case?

Selecting the right attorney for your wrongful death case is one of the most important decisions you'll make:

Understanding of Northern Colorado

We understand Fort Collins and Larimer County's unique characteristics—from the CSU campus community to the outdoor recreation culture to the local court procedures. This knowledge strengthens your case.

Proven Track Record

We've recovered over $50 million for Colorado injury victims and their families, including substantial recoveries for Larimer County residents.

No Fees Unless We Win

We handle all wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your family.

Compassionate Client Service

We understand that legal expertise must be paired with genuine compassion. Our team treats every Fort Collins family with the respect, empathy, and personal attention they deserve during this difficult time.

Common Questions from Fort Collins Families

Where will my Fort Collins wrongful death case be filed?

Most Fort Collins wrongful death cases are filed in Larimer County courts, typically at the Larimer County Justice Center. The specific court depends on the case value and circumstances. Our attorneys are experienced in Larimer County court procedures and will guide you through the process.

What if the death occurred on I-25 or another highway?

Fatal accidents on the I-25 corridor through Larimer County or other major highways fall under Colorado wrongful death law regardless of the specific location. We have extensive experience handling wrongful death cases involving highway accidents. Multiple parties may be liable in highway accidents, including negligent drivers, trucking companies, and government entities responsible for road maintenance.

What if the death involved a CSU student or university activity?

Wrongful deaths involving Colorado State University activities can be complex, potentially involving governmental immunity issues, university policies, and multiple parties. We have experience handling cases involving state institutions and understand how to navigate these complexities to hold appropriate parties accountable.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

If you've lost a loved one due to someone else's negligence in Fort Collins or anywhere in Larimer County, Conduit Law is here to help. We understand that no legal outcome can bring back your loved one, but we're committed to securing justice and the financial compensation your family needs to move forward.

Our compassionate Fort Collins wrongful death lawyers offer free, confidential consultations with no obligation. We'll explain your rights, answer your questions, and help you understand your options. If we take your case, you'll pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your family.

Don't wait—Colorado's statute of limitations means time is critical. Contact Conduit Law today at (720) 432-7032 to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Fort Collins wrongful death attorney. Let us handle the legal fight while you focus on what matters most—your family.