Connecticut Senate moves to expand kids’ right to sue when parent dies
HARTFORD, Conn. — Connecticut minors whose parent was killed in a wrongful death incident would have the right to sue for loss of love and affection, just like a spouse, under a bill that’s moving through the General Assembly.
The Senate on Friday voted 20-16 in favor of legislation that stems from a 2015 state Supreme Court ruling in the case of a West Haven family whose father died three days after being struck by a car while riding a bicycle in 2008.
The court determined the “critically important services” parents provide are reasons to recognize “loss of consortium” lawsuits filed by minors. But the court said such damages should only be awarded between the time the parent is injured and when that parent dies.
The bill moves to the House of Representatives.