Wrongful Death Lawyer in West Haven, CT
Serving Connecticut Families Since 1970, With Insight Into How Insurers Work
Losing a family member to someone else’s negligence is devastating. A wrongful death claim arises when that death results from another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct, and pursuing one requires navigating legal procedures that go well beyond a standard injury case. Sette & Parnoff, PC has represented clients throughout Connecticut since 1970, and we bring that depth of experience to every wrongful death matter we handle in West Haven and the surrounding New Haven County area.
We represent families in wrongful death, personal injury, and medical malpractice matters, including cases arising from auto accidents, slip-and-falls, nursing home neglect, and premises liability. Every case we take is handled on a contingency-fee basis: if there’s no recovery, you owe us nothing.
If you’ve lost a family member and believe negligence was involved, contact Sette & Parnoff, PC today for a free consultation. Call us at (475) 255-3911 to speak with our team.What David Parnoff’s Insurance Background Means for Your Case
Attorney David V. Parnoff spent nearly a decade as a bodily injury claims adjuster with a national insurance company before joining the firm in 2000. That background gives him direct insight into how insurers evaluate fatal-injury claims, where they look for weaknesses, and what it takes to counter their tactics at the negotiating table or in court.
We also understand that families dealing with a sudden loss may not be able to come to us. That’s why we offer free consultations and home and hospital visits at no obligation. Our team includes Spanish-speaking staff, so language isn’t a barrier to getting the guidance you need.
Connecticut’s Wrongful Death Statute & Filing Deadlines
Connecticut wrongful death actions are governed by Connecticut General Statutes Section 52-555. To succeed, the estate must prove the same four elements required in any negligence claim: duty, breach of that duty, causation, and damages. The procedural timeline, however, adds urgency that families shouldn’t underestimate.
The deadlines that apply to wrongful death claims in Connecticut:
- Two-year filing deadline: A claim must generally be filed within two years of the date of death.
- Five-year statute of repose: Regardless of when the death occurred or was discovered, no claim may be brought more than five years from the date of the act or omission that caused the death. This outer limit can’t be extended by the same arguments that might toll the standard deadline.
- Fraudulent concealment exception: If the at-fault party concealed their wrongdoing, a narrow discovery-rule exception may extend the two-year deadline.
- Post-criminal-conviction exception: If a related criminal case ends in a conviction, Connecticut law allows a wrongful death claim to proceed even after the standard two-year period has passed.
These deadlines run whether or not the estate has been opened or a personal representative appointed. Waiting to address the legal side carries real risk.
Talk to a West Haven Wrongful Death Attorney at No Cost
Call Sette & Parnoff, PC at (475) 255-3911 to schedule your free consultation. We handle every case on a no recovery, no fee basis, so there’s no financial risk to getting answers.
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His professionalism and knowledge cannot be beat.
“Attorney Parnoff has been a staple in our household for many, many years. He is always there with his expertise and friendly smile when needed. I have seen him at work and his professionalism and knowledge can not be beat. I highly recommend him and his staff to anyone needing legal advice and representation. He is a trusted and valued part of our legal community. Thank you for the great results given to family and friends throughout the years!”- V.C.
