Aurora Wrongful Death Lawyer

Compassionate Aurora Wrongful Death Lawyers Fighting for Justice

When a loved one dies due to another person's negligence or misconduct, families face both profound grief and urgent legal decisions. Colorado's Wrongful Death Act (C.R.S. § 13-21-201) grants surviving family members—spouses, children, and parents—the right to pursue compensation through the civil justice system. A critical procedural requirement: the surviving spouse holds exclusive filing rights for the first year following death, after which other eligible relatives may proceed. Colorado law recognizes both economic damages (medical bills, lost income) and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, with non-economic damages capped at $2,125,000 as of 2025 (C.R.S. § 13-21-203). Because Colorado imposes a strict two-year statute of limitations from the date of death to file a claim (C.R.S. § 13-80-102), immediate legal consultation is essential. Skilled wrongful death attorneys help families navigate these complex procedural rules while providing compassionate guidance through their darkest hours.

Navigating wrongful death claims requires more than legal knowledge—it demands compassion during your family's darkest hours. Colorado's Wrongful Death Act (C.R.S. § 13-21-201) defines eligibility and filing procedures, but the two-year statute of limitations leaves no room for delay. Motor vehicle crashes represent the leading cause of wrongful death claims across Colorado according to CDOT data, underscoring how suddenly tragedy strikes. Economic damages—including lost future income, employee benefits, and household services—are uncapped under state law, allowing families to recover the full financial impact of their loss. A forensic economist can calculate lifetime earnings potential, which frequently surpasses $1 million for working-age decedents, alongside non-economic damages. Experienced Aurora wrongful death attorneys handle case management, evidence gathering, and negotiations with insurers, enabling families to grieve without the burden of complex legal proceedings.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Aurora

When someone dies due to another party's negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct, Colorado law allows surviving family members to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim under C.R.S. § 13-21-201. The statute establishes a priority hierarchy: surviving spouses may file first, followed by children, then parents. Recent 2025 amendments expanded standing to include siblings when no spouse, children, or parents survive. In cases involving willful and wanton conduct or drunk driving, punitive damages may be available under C.R.S. § 13-21-102, in addition to standard compensatory awards. It's important to distinguish between a wrongful death claim, which compensates surviving family members for their losses, and a separate survival action, which addresses the decedent's pre-death pain and suffering. Non-economic damages are capped at $2,125,000 as of 2025, and Colorado's two-year statute of limitations makes prompt legal consultation critical.

Civil wrongful death actions under Colorado's Wrongful Death Act (C.R.S. § 13-21-201) seek monetary compensation for surviving family members rather than criminal punishment. These claims address tragic losses caused by negligence or misconduct and are governed by Colorado's modified comparative negligence rule (C.R.S. § 13-21-111), which allows recovery unless the deceased was 50% or more at fault. Colorado establishes a priority order for filing claims: the surviving spouse may file first, followed by children, and then parents. Non-economic damages are capped at $2,125,000 as of 2025 (C.R.S. § 13-21-203). Wrongful death settlements in Colorado typically range from $500,000 to several million dollars depending on case circumstances and available insurance coverage. In Aurora, cases are filed in Arapahoe County courts. A two-year statute of limitations (C.R.S. § 13-80-102) applies, making prompt legal action essential for preserving family claims.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Aurora?

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.

Under Colorado's Wrongful Death Act (C.R.S. § 13-21-201), spouses, children, and parents have statutory standing to pursue claims on behalf of a deceased loved one. Children who lose a parent may recover damages for loss of parental guidance, comfort, and emotional support—a critical component often overlooked in settlement negotiations. The 2-year filing deadline under C.R.S. § 13-80-102 begins running from the date of death itself, not from when the negligent act occurred, making early legal action vital. Colorado caps non-economic damages at $2,125,000 as of 2025, while economic losses remain uncapped. Most wrongful death attorneys work on contingency, charging 33-40% of recovered funds with no upfront costs to families, ensuring financial barriers don't prevent access to justice. Understanding eligibility requirements and strict deadlines is essential for protecting your family's right to pursue a claim.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Aurora

Aurora residents face tragic losses from preventable incidents including workplace fatalities, nursing home neglect, and vehicle accidents. When a death results from another party's negligence or misconduct, Colorado's Wrongful Death Act (C.R.S. § 13-21-201) enables surviving family members to seek compensation. Nursing home abuse and neglect claims have grown significantly among Colorado residents over 65, reflecting a critical area of wrongful death litigation. Workplace fatalities may support both wrongful death claims against third parties and workers' compensation death benefits for dependents. Under Colorado law, recoverable damages include funeral and burial expenses, lost financial support, loss of companionship, and other economic losses capped at $2,125,000 as of 2025 under C.R.S. § 13-21-203. A strict two-year statute of limitations applies under C.R.S. § 13-80-102. Timely legal action preserves critical evidence and protects the family's right to full compensation.

Motor Vehicle Accidents in Aurora

Aurora's high-traffic corridors—including I-225, E-470, Colfax Avenue, and Iliff Avenue—experience frequent fatal collisions stemming from negligent driving behaviors such as impairment, inattention, excessive speed, and failure to yield. The area's proximity to Denver International Airport generates substantial commercial truck traffic, intensifying accident risks and injury severity. When fatal crashes occur due to driver negligence, Colorado law protects surviving family members through the Wrongful Death Act (C.R.S. § 13-21-201). Eligible claimants—spouses, children, and parents—may recover economic and non-economic damages, though emotional distress compensation is capped at $2,125,000 as of 2025. Establishing damages requires expert testimony from economists, vocational rehabilitation specialists, and medical professionals who quantify financial losses and life impact. Critically, the two-year statutory filing deadline under C.R.S. § 13-80-102 demands immediate legal intervention to preserve evidence and documentation before critical investigative opportunities expire.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

Aurora's growing population and expanding RTD light rail system have significantly increased pedestrian and cyclist activity throughout the city. Fatal pedestrian accidents frequently occur near transit stations, shopping centers like Aurora Town Center, and busy intersections where vehicle and foot traffic converge. Aurora cyclists face serious risks on streets lacking adequate bike infrastructure, making them vulnerable to severe injuries and death. When these preventable accidents claim lives, families have legal recourse under Colorado's Wrongful Death Act (C.R.S. § 13-21-201). Under state law, a surviving spouse may file a wrongful death claim within the first year, followed by children and then parents. Importantly, Colorado imposes a non-economic damages cap of $2,125,000 as of 2025 under C.R.S. § 13-21-203. Families must act promptly, as Colorado's statute of limitations allows only two years from the date of death to pursue a wrongful death claim (C.R.S. § 13-80-102). These vulnerable road users and their families deserve justice and full compensation for their losses.

Medical Malpractice in Aurora

The Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora houses world-class medical institutions, yet healthcare negligence remains a serious concern. When physicians, surgeons, or hospital staff breach the standard of care, families may pursue wrongful death claims involving surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication errors, anesthesia complications, or birth injuries. Colorado law allows spouses to file within one year of death, followed by children and parents. A critical advantage for families: economic damages—including lost future income, benefits, and household services—are uncapped under Colorado law. A forensic economist can project lifetime earnings loss, often exceeding $1 million for working-age decedents. Non-economic damages are capped at $2,125,000 as of 2025 (C.R.S. § 13-21-203). The two-year statute of limitations (C.R.S. § 13-80-102) underscores the importance of prompt legal action. Successfully establishing negligence requires extensive medical knowledge and strategic understanding of Colorado's Wrongful Death Act (C.R.S. § 13-21-201) to protect families' financial interests.

Workplace Accidents

Aurora's thriving construction and industrial sectors expose workers to serious hazards including falls, electrocution, machinery failures, and inadequate safety enforcement. When workplace fatalities occur, Colorado's Wrongful Death Act (C.R.S. § 13-21-201) allows surviving family members to pursue claims beyond workers' compensation. Eligible claimants traditionally include spouses, children, and parents—and as of 2025, siblings may also claim standing if no spouse, children, or parents survive. Colorado law distinguishes between wrongful death claims, which compensate family members for their losses, and survival actions, which recover damages for the deceased's pre-death pain and suffering. In cases involving willful and wanton conduct or drunk driving, punitive damages may be available under C.R.S. § 13-21-102. Non-economic damages are capped at $2,125,000 as of 2025. A two-year statute of limitations applies to wrongful death claims, requiring prompt legal attention to preserve family rights to additional recovery.

Premises Liability Incidents

Property owners throughout Aurora—from apartment complexes to shopping centers—have a legal duty to maintain safe premises and protect visitors from foreseeable harm. Fatal premises liability accidents can result from slip and falls, inadequate security leading to violent crimes, swimming pool drownings, carbon monoxide poisoning, or negligent maintenance. Aurora's many multi-family housing complexes must ensure proper maintenance, security measures, and regular inspections to prevent tragedy. Under Colorado's Wrongful Death Act (C.R.S. § 13-21-201), surviving spouses, children, and parents may pursue claims when property owner negligence causes death. Colorado law provides a non-economic damages cap of $2,125,000 as of 2025 (C.R.S. § 13-21-203). Families pursuing wrongful death claims must act within two years of the death (C.R.S. § 13-80-102). When property owners neglect their safety obligations, resulting in preventable deaths, they must be held accountable for the devastating consequences their negligence causes.

Violent Crimes and Inadequate Security

Some Aurora neighborhoods experience higher crime rates, making adequate security measures critical for resident and visitor safety. When wrongful death results from violent crimes enabled by inadequate security at apartment complexes, parking lots, or businesses, property owners may be held liable under Colorado law. Under Colorado's Wrongful Death Act (C.R.S. § 13-21-201), claims can be filed by spouses within the first year following death, followed by children and parents. Non-economic damages are capped at $2,125,000 as of 2025 (C.R.S. § 13-21-203). It is critical to act promptly, as Colorado imposes a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims (C.R.S. § 13-80-102). Property owners have a legal duty to implement reasonable security measures proportionate to known risks. When they fail in this duty and violence occurs, both criminal perpetrators and negligent property owners who failed to protect residents and visitors can be held accountable for the resulting losses and devastation to families.

Damages Available in Aurora Wrongful Death Cases

Surviving family members in Aurora can recover comprehensive damages under Colorado's Wrongful Death Act (C.R.S. § 13-21-201), including funeral and burial expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship (C.R.S. § 13-21-202). Economic damages cover tangible losses such as medical bills and foregone income, while non-economic damages compensate for emotional harm. Colorado caps non-economic damages at $2,125,000 as of 2025 (C.R.S. § 13-21-203). Recovery rights follow a statutory priority: spouses file first, then children, followed by parents. A two-year statute of limitations applies to wrongful death claims (C.R.S. § 13-80-102), making immediate legal consultation critical. Nursing home neglect and abuse account for a growing proportion of wrongful death claims in Colorado, particularly among residents over 65. Similarly, workplace fatalities may support wrongful death claims against third parties while also preserving workers' compensation death benefits for dependents, creating multiple recovery avenues.

Economic Damages

Economic damages compensate for measurable financial losses resulting from a wrongful death, including funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses incurred before death, lost financial support, lost benefits, and loss of inheritance. Under Colorado's Wrongful Death Act (C.R.S. § 13-21-201), eligible family members—typically the surviving spouse first, followed by children and parents—may pursue these claims within two years of the death. Experienced attorneys work with forensic economists to meticulously calculate the full economic value of what the deceased would have provided to their family over their expected lifetime. This comprehensive analysis considers lost wages, benefits, and financial contributions. While Colorado law caps non-economic damages at $2,125,000 as of 2025 (C.R.S. § 13-21-203), economic damages remain uncapped and can be substantial, particularly in cases involving catastrophic injuries or wrongful death caused by negligence or medical errors.

Non-Economic Damages

Intangible losses—such as loss of companionship, emotional suffering, loss of parental guidance, and loss of consortium—form the foundation of non-economic damages in wrongful death claims. Colorado law recognizes these profound harms and provides statutory remedies under C.R.S. § 13-21-201, which establishes a priority filing structure: the surviving spouse may initiate a claim exclusively during the first year following death, with children and parents gaining filing rights thereafter. The state caps non-economic damages at $2,125,000 as of 2025, subject to annual inflation adjustments, though extraordinary circumstances may warrant exceptions. Critically, Colorado imposes a strict two-year deadline from the date of death to file suit under C.R.S. § 13-80-102. Families who miss this statute of limitations lose their right to pursue compensation entirely, making immediate legal consultation essential for protecting these vital claims.

Punitive Damages

When Colorado law permits punitive damages—such as in cases of drunk driving, extreme recklessness, or intentional harm—families gain the opportunity to hold wrongdoers accountable beyond standard compensation. Under the Colorado Wrongful Death Act (C.R.S. § 13-21-201), punitive damages are awarded separately from economic and non-economic damages. Unlike non-economic damages, which are capped at $2,125,000 as of 2025, economic damages including lost future income, benefits, and household services remain uncapped under Colorado law. This distinction proves critical when a forensic economist calculates lifetime earnings loss—a figure that often exceeds $1 million for working-age decedents. Motor vehicle crashes represent the leading cause of wrongful death claims in Colorado according to CDOT data, making these protections especially relevant. The Colorado statute of limitations requires wrongful death claims be filed within two years (C.R.S. § 13-80-102), with spouses holding priority to initiate proceedings.

The Aurora Wrongful Death Legal Process

Understanding what to expect helps Aurora families navigate this difficult journey:

Free Initial Consultation

Begin with a complimentary, confidential consultation with Aurora wrongful death attorneys who recognize the weight of your loss. Consultations take place at a conveniently located office near Aurora or at a setting suited to your family's needs during this challenging period. The legal team will listen carefully to your circumstances and explain your rights under Colorado law. Colorado's wrongful death statutes protect spouses, children, parents, and—as of 2025—siblings when no primary survivors exist. Two separate claims may apply: a wrongful death action compensating surviving family members for their losses, and a survival action addressing the deceased's pre-death pain and suffering. Additionally, cases involving willful and wanton conduct or drunk driving may qualify for punitive damages under C.R.S. § 13-21-102, potentially increasing recovery. A two-year statute of limitations applies, making timely consultation critical to preserving legal rights and exploring all available remedies.

Investigation and Filing

Our investigation team secures police reports from Aurora Police Department, medical records from local hospitals, autopsy reports, and additional evidence necessary to establish liability. This process must comply with Colorado's modified comparative negligence rule (C.R.S. § 13-21-111), which permits recovery unless the decedent was 50% or more at fault. The wrongful death complaint is then filed in the appropriate Arapahoe County court. Under Colorado's Wrongful Death Act (C.R.S. § 13-21-201), eligibility to file depends on your relationship to the deceased—spouses have priority during the first year, followed by children and parents. Colorado law enforces a strict two-year statute of limitations (C.R.S. § 13-80-102), making timely action essential. Non-economic damages are capped at $2,125,000 as of 2025 under C.R.S. § 13-21-203. Wrongful death settlements in Colorado typically range from $500,000 to several million dollars depending on the circumstances and defendants involved. Understanding these deadlines and caps is critical for proper case management.

Settlement Negotiations or Trial

Settlement negotiations in wrongful death cases require thorough preparation and strategic positioning. Colorado's Wrongful Death Act (C.R.S. § 13-21-201) recognizes compensation for surviving spouses, children, and parents—with children entitled to recover damages for loss of parental guidance, comfort, and emotional support. The 2-year filing deadline under C.R.S. § 13-80-102 begins running from the date of death, not from when negligence was discovered, making immediate legal consultation critical. Most cases resolve before trial, yet defendants often offer lower settlements to families without strong trial readiness. Experienced representation secured on contingency—typically 33-40% of recovery with no upfront costs—ensures comprehensive case preparation. With Colorado's $2,125,000 non-economic damages cap (C.R.S. § 13-21-203), maximizing economic damages becomes essential. Thorough investigation, expert testimony, and demonstrated willingness to litigate create meaningful leverage in settlement discussions, ultimately securing fair compensation for families' irreplaceable losses.

Why Choose Conduit Law for Your Aurora Wrongful Death Case?

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

Local Knowledge of Aurora

Aurora's courts and legal landscape demand representation grounded in local procedures and judicial practices. Wrongful death claims in the Aurora area span diverse circumstances—from motor vehicle accidents on I-225 and E-470 to nursing home neglect affecting elderly residents, workplace fatalities, and medical negligence. Colorado law recognizes multiple categories of recoverable damages under C.R.S. § 13-21-202, including funeral and burial expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship. Nursing home abuse and neglect claims represent a growing segment of Colorado wrongful death cases, particularly involving residents over 65. Workplace fatalities may also support dual claims: wrongful death actions against third parties and workers' compensation death benefits for dependents. Understanding Arapahoe County's specific court procedures, local judges' tendencies, and the nuances of statutory priority under C.R.S. § 13-21-201 proves essential. Colorado's two-year statute of limitations demands immediate action. Effective representation requires familiarity with Aurora's community and the legal factors influencing outcomes.

Proven Track Record

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

No Fees Unless We Win

Wrongful death claims in Colorado operate on a contingency fee structure, eliminating upfront costs and ensuring attorney compensation only upon successful recovery. Under Colorado's Wrongful Death Act (C.R.S. § 13-21-201), surviving spouses, children, and parents may recover both economic and non-economic damages, with non-economic damages capped at $2,125,000 as of 2025 (C.R.S. § 13-21-203). Colorado has experienced a 40% increase in pharmaceutical liability wrongful death cases since 2019, reflecting evolving litigation landscape demands. Premises liability wrongful death claims require demonstrating that a property owner's negligence was a substantial factor in the fatal injury. Establishing fair compensation typically involves expert witnesses—including economists, vocational rehabilitation specialists, and medical professionals—who quantify damages comprehensively. The two-year statute of limitations (C.R.S. § 13-80-102) makes timely legal intervention critical to preserve claim viability and maximize family recovery.

Compassionate Client Service

Losing a loved one through negligence creates both emotional and legal complexities that demand thoughtful guidance. Families navigating Aurora wrongful death claims need representation that balances rigorous legal advocacy with genuine understanding of their grief. Colorado law establishes critical protections and timelines for bereaved families. Under C.R.S. § 13-21-201, the surviving spouse holds exclusive filing rights during the first year following death—a provision that reflects the law's recognition of spousal priority. All wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the date of death per C.R.S. § 13-80-102, making early legal consultation essential. Non-economic damages are capped at $2,125,000 as of 2025 under C.R.S. § 13-21-203. Whether cases involve medical negligence, workplace accidents, or other circumstances, knowledgeable counsel helps families understand their rights, meet critical deadlines, and pursue the compensation they deserve during an extraordinarily difficult chapter.

Common Questions from Aurora Families

Where will my Aurora wrongful death case be filed?

Aurora wrongful death lawsuits are filed in Arapahoe County District Court, with case assignment determined by claim value and factual circumstances. Colorado's Wrongful Death Act (C.R.S. § 13-21-201) establishes a priority system: spouses may file exclusively during the first year post-death, followed by children and parents. While non-economic damages are capped at $2,125,000 as of 2025 (C.R.S. § 13-21-203), economic damages—including lost wages, benefits, and household services—remain uncapped under state law. Motor vehicle crashes represent the leading cause of wrongful death claims in Colorado according to CDOT data. A forensic economist can project lifetime earnings loss, which frequently exceeds $1 million for working-age decedents, substantially affecting settlement strategy. Claims must be filed within two years of death (C.R.S. § 13-80-102). Understanding Arapahoe County procedures and these damage distinctions requires experienced legal guidance to maximize recovery and protect beneficiaries' interests.

How long does a wrongful death case take in Aurora?

Most wrongful death cases in Aurora resolve within 12-36 months, though complex cases can extend beyond this timeline. Under Colorado's Wrongful Death Act (C.R.S. § 13-21-201), the filing process follows a specific hierarchy—spouses may file first, followed by children, then parents. It's important to note that Colorado imposes a non-economic damages cap of $2,125,000 as of 2025 (C.R.S. § 13-21-203), which affects potential recovery amounts. The overall case timeline depends on several factors, including case complexity, the number of defendants involved, insurance company cooperation, and Arapahoe County court schedules. Additionally, Colorado enforces a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims (C.R.S. § 13-80-102), making prompt legal action critical. While pursuing these claims efficiently is important, maximizing your family's recovery takes priority over speed alone.

What if the accident happened on E-470 or I-225?

Highway fatalities on Aurora's major corridors—including E-470 and I-225—are governed by Colorado's comprehensive wrongful death statutes. Liability often extends beyond the at-fault driver to include trucking companies, fleet operators, and government agencies responsible for road conditions. Commercial vehicle insurance policies typically provide coverage ranging from $750,000 to $5 million, significantly expanding potential recovery in truck-related wrongful death claims. Colorado's modified comparative negligence rule (C.R.S. § 13-21-111) allows recovery even if the deceased shared partial fault, provided they were less than 50% responsible for the accident. Under C.R.S. § 13-21-201, surviving spouses have priority to initiate claims, followed by children and parents. Wrongful death settlements in Colorado frequently range from $500,000 to several million dollars based on damages and liability factors. Given the two-year statute of limitations under C.R.S. § 13-80-102, prompt legal action is essential to preserve claims and pursue maximum compensation.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

When a family member dies due to another person's negligence in Aurora or throughout Arapahoe County, Colorado's Wrongful Death Act provides a legal pathway for surviving relatives to seek justice. Eligible family members—including spouses, children, and parents—can recover both economic and non-economic damages, with non-economic damages capped at $2,125,000 as of 2025 under C.R.S. § 13-21-203. Children who lose a parent may specifically recover for loss of parental guidance, comfort, and emotional support. Time is critical: Colorado's two-year statute of limitations under C.R.S. § 13-80-102 begins running from the date of death, not from when the negligent act occurred. Experienced wrongful death attorneys typically work on contingency, charging 33-40% of recovery with no upfront costs to grieving families. This arrangement allows families to pursue claims without immediate financial burden while navigating the complex legal process.

Aurora wrongful death attorneys provide free, confidential consultations with no obligation to retain representation. During your initial meeting, legal counsel will explain your rights under Colorado's Wrongful Death Act (C.R.S. § 13-21-201), address your questions, and outline available legal options. Colorado law permits recovery of funeral and burial expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship damages (C.R.S. § 13-21-202). Notably, nursing home neglect and abuse account for a growing proportion of wrongful death claims in Colorado, particularly among residents over 65. If representation proceeds, attorney fees are contingent—paid only if compensation is recovered. Colorado's two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims (C.R.S. § 13-80-102) makes prompt legal consultation essential. Non-economic damages are capped at $2,125,000 as of 2025 (C.R.S. § 13-21-203). Recovery eligibility follows a prioritized order: spouses, then children, then parents. Consulting an attorney promptly protects your family's rights and interests.

Colorado's two-year statute of limitations under C.R.S. § 13-80-102 creates an urgent deadline for filing wrongful death claims. The state recognizes specific categories of claimants—spouses within the first year following death, then children, and parents thereafter—as outlined in C.R.S. § 13-21-201. Wrongful death cases span multiple contexts, including premises liability situations where property owner negligence must be proven as a substantial factor in the fatal injury. Colorado has seen a troubling 40% increase in pharmaceutical liability wrongful death cases since 2019, reflecting broader national trends in drug-related fatalities. Establishing damages requires expert testimony from economists, vocational rehabilitation specialists, and medical professionals who quantify the victim's lost earning capacity and family impact. Non-economic damages are capped at $2,125,000 as of 2025 under C.R.S. § 13-21-203. An Aurora wrongful death attorney navigates these intricate legal requirements and evidentiary standards to secure fair compensation. Contact Conduit Law at (720) 432-7032 for a free case evaluation.

Wrongful Death Resources

Learn more about wrongful death claims and find experienced attorneys near you:

• Complete Colorado Wrongful Death Guide
• Denver Wrongful Death Lawyer
• Centennial Wrongful Death Lawyer