The loss of a loved one is never easy, but it can be incredibly challenging if they pass away because of someone else’s negligent or careless actions. The family left behind to pick up the pieces may often feel deeply frustrated by the unfortunate reality that their loved one could have survived had the at-fault party acted appropriately and taken precautions. In such situations, California law allows the decedent’s survivors to seek justice on behalf of their lost loved one and to recover compensatory damages for wrongful death. If you have lost a close relative due to another’s wrongdoing, you and your family may be entitled to financial compensation. The key to success is to work with a skilled wrongful death lawyer in Denair who has a history of securing fair compensation for families in Stanislaus County and throughout California.

At our law firm, our wrongful death attorneys work hard to help Denair families secure fair compensation after the loss of a loved one. To learn more, call our legal team today for free, friendly case advice about your potential options for recovery at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.

We understand that you and your family are grieving and recovering from a precious loss. Our legal team has been helping families recover from wrongful death cases since 1982. We will be honored if you allow us the opportunity to represent you and your family through this difficult time. It can be challenging to discuss seeking justice and financial compensation for a loved one’s wrongful death. We understand this and will treat you and your family with the care and respect you deserve.

When a loved one suffers fatal injuries through someone else’s negligence, it may be considered wrongful death under California law. A wrongful death claim is a type of civil case that allows the decedent’s surviving family members to seek compensatory damages for their loved one’s sudden death. The at-fault party may be another person or an entity in Denair, CA. Common types of wrongful death lawsuits include fatal injuries from car accidents, dangerous or defective products, and worksite accidents.

Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed with the court within two years of a loved one’s death. This must be done if the insurance company does not accept a wrongful death settlement within the two-year statute of limitations.

However, there may be some exceptions that apply. For instance, if the wrongful death case involves a government entity, the claim must be filed with the government agency within 180 days or six months from the date of the fatal incident. A wrongful death lawyer in Denair may help surviving family members understand these statutes of limitations and identify who can file a lawsuit.

A wrongful death action in California may be filed by the decedent’s immediate family, such as spouses, domestic partners, and children. This is by the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60.

However, there are exceptions to the general rule. If the deceased does not have a surviving spouse, domestic partner, or child, other relatives may be eligible to recover damages for wrongful death. This includes putative spouses, stepchildren, children of the putative spouse, and parents. If you have questions about your eligibility for financial compensation, contact a Denair wrongful death lawyer to discuss your situation.

When surviving family members bring forth a wrongful death claim, they may seek compensatory damages and punitive damages from the at-fault party. Compensatory damages generally encompass the economic and non-economic damages the survivors have suffered. This may include costs of end-of-life medical care, funeral expenses, loss of future financial support, mental anguish, and loss of companionship, protection, and guidance.

The court may award Punitive damages if it is proven that the at-fault party acted egregiously. These solely punish the negligent party for their wrongdoing and prevent similar tragedies from happening to other families in Denair in the future. A wrongful death attorney in Denair may review a family’s case and determine the compensatory damages available for recovery. For details on how to find the best attorney to handle your claim for wrongful death, watch the video below.

Understanding and following wrongful death laws in California can be challenging. The stakes are often higher because a loss of life is involved. The insurance company representing the negligent party or your own will have defense lawyers looking out for their bottom line. You should have an experienced attorney handling wrongful death cases like yours. Without the assistance of an attorney, you and your family may receive a fraction of the wrongful death compensation you all deserve.

After losing a loved one, surviving family members may feel reluctant about contacting a wrongful death attorney for help. However, it is essential to understand that the sooner an attorney is allowed the opportunity to conduct an independent investigation of a loved one’s death, the more likely the lawyer will be able to uncover the truth and evidence before it is lost or destroyed over time. Let our legal team bear the burden of handling the wrongful death claims process on your behalf while you focus on being with your family and grieving.

If a loved one lost his or her life in a fatal accident, contact our wrongful death attorneys in Denair for a free consultation. At our law firm, we have the experience, skills, and resources needed to prove and litigate your case. We will stand by your side during this difficult time and protect your best interests from difficult insurance companies, which often use defense tactics to dispute, devalue, and deny wrongful death claims. When you are ready to take legal action against those responsible for losing your loved one, contact our wrongful death law firm today for a free case evaluation to learn about your rights for recovery moving forward.

^{Editor’s Note: updated 11.27.23 Image by Goran Horvat from Pixabay ds [cs 1064]}