Losing a loved one is always devastating, but losing them because of someone else’s negligence or reckless actions is even more painful. Whether caused by a car crash on I-70, a fatal fall on unsafe property in Clifton, or a medical error at a Grand Junction hospital, wrongful death leaves families grappling with grief, financial hardship, and unanswered questions.

At Slingshot Law, we help families across Grand Junction, Fruita, Clifton, and the Western Slope find justice and closure. If your loved one’s death was caused by another person or entity’s carelessness, our Grand Junction wrongful death lawyers are ready to help you hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue full compensation.

What Is a Wrongful Death Under Colorado Law?

Under Colorado Revised Statutes §13-21-201, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the “wrongful act, neglect, or default” of another person or company. A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit—separate from any criminal charges—that allows surviving family members to seek financial damages.

Common causes of wrongful death in Mesa County include:

Car accidents, truck crashes, and motorcycle collisions
Drunk driving (DUI/DWI) or distracted driving crashes
Medical malpractice or surgical errors
Nursing home abuse or neglect
Workplace accidents in construction, oil & gas, or agriculture
Pedestrian and cyclist fatalities
Defective products or machinery
Unsafe property conditions leading to fatal falls or electrocution

If someone else’s careless or intentional actions caused your loved one’s death, Slingshot Law can help your family pursue justice in civil court.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Grand Junction?

Colorado law restricts who can file a wrongful death lawsuit and when. Here’s how it works:

Year 1: Only the surviving spouse may file
Year 2: The spouse, children, or designated beneficiary may file
If no spouse or children: The parents of the deceased may file

Additionally, the decedent’s estate may bring a survival action to recover certain damages (e.g., medical expenses and lost wages prior to death).

Our attorneys will help you understand who is eligible to file based on your unique family situation.

Damages Available in a Colorado Wrongful Death Case

While no amount of money can replace the loss of a loved one, compensation can help ease the financial burden and provide a sense of justice. We help families in Grand Junction pursue damages for:

Funeral and burial expenses
Medical bills related to the fatal injury or illness
Loss of financial support and benefits
Loss of companionship, guidance, and care
Pain and suffering and emotional distress
Loss of household services

In some cases—particularly those involving gross negligence, drunk driving, or intentional misconduct—punitive damages may also be awarded.

Why You Need a Grand Junction Wrongful Death Lawyer

Wrongful death cases are emotionally overwhelming and legally complex. Insurance companies often try to limit payouts or deny claims altogether. Here’s why families in Grand Junction turn to Slingshot Law for guidance and support:

1. We Understand the Law—and the Local Courts

Our team is experienced with the Colorado wrongful death statute and familiar with local court procedures in Mesa County. We know the judges, the juries, and the insurance defense strategies used in this region.

2. We Conduct In-Depth Investigations

We gather key evidence, including:

Police reports and witness statements
Accident reconstruction analysis
Medical records and expert opinions
Surveillance footage or photos
Employment and financial documentation

Our goal is to build the strongest case possible on your behalf—while giving your family space to grieve.

3. We Handle All the Legal Work

We manage every part of the legal process:

Filing your claim within the statute of limitations (usually 2 years)
Dealing with insurance companies and adjusters
Negotiating for a full and fair settlement
Going to trial if necessary to fight for justice

You won’t have to worry about paperwork, deadlines, or legal red tape. We take care of everything.

4. We Work on Contingency

You don’t pay us anything unless we win your case. We believe every grieving family deserves access to justice—without added financial stress.

Common Wrongful Death Cases in Mesa County

Our team has represented families in a wide range of tragic cases, including:

A fatal car crash on Highway 6 & 50 caused by a distracted driver
A construction accident in Fruita involving unmarked hazards
A motorcycle accident on Patterson Road caused by an unsafe lane change
A fall in a Grand Junction nursing home due to neglect and understaffing
A medical misdiagnosis at a local hospital that led to preventable death
A workplace explosion at an oilfield site outside Clifton

Every case is different. But every client we serve receives the same thing: our full commitment to fight for justice and accountability.

What to Do If You’ve Lost a Loved One in Grand Junction

If you believe your loved one’s death was caused by negligence or wrongdoing, take the following steps:

Request a copy of the death certificate
Obtain the police or accident report (if applicable)
Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters until you’ve consulted a lawyer
Preserve any evidence (photos, clothing, medical records)
Contact Slingshot Law for a free, confidential case evaluation

We’ll walk you through your options and handle the investigation from there.

Serving Families Across the Western Slope

Based in Grand Junction, we proudly represent families in:

Clifton
Fruita
Palisade
Orchard Mesa
Loma
Whitewater
And throughout Mesa County and the Western Slope

Whether your loved one was lost in a traffic accident on I-70 or a fall at a local business, we’re here to support your family through every step of the legal process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Colorado?
Typically, you must file within two years from the date of death. Some exceptions apply, so it’s best to consult an attorney quickly.

Can multiple family members file a claim?
Only certain family members may file, depending on their relationship to the deceased. Our firm will help determine who is eligible.

What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action?
A wrongful death claim compensates family members. A survival action is brought by the estate to recover damages the deceased could have claimed had they survived.

Do I have to go to court?
Many cases settle out of court, but we are prepared to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to secure justice.

Talk to a Grand Junction Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

If your family has lost a loved one due to someone else’s carelessness or wrongdoing, you don’t have to face it alone. At Slingshot Law, we provide compassionate and aggressive legal representation for wrongful death cases in Grand Junction and throughout Mesa County.

Call us today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation today. We’ll listen, support, and fight for the justice your loved one deserves.