The sudden loss of a spouse, a child, a parent, or a sibling is a heart-wrenching, devastating experience that far too many people have to endure. The grieving process is emotionally draining and can be more stressful when you throw financial difficulties into the mix.

That is why it makes sense to sit down with a Fresno wrongful death lawyer to discuss your options to pursue financial compensation. Obviously, no amount of compensation can completely heal you and your family after a loss. Even so, surviving family members have a legal right to pursue compensation from the negligent individual or company who caused your loved one’s death. Call our law office at (559) 377-7676 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

A death in the family not only causes severe emotional hardship but can also result in financial calamity. The funeral costs, medical expenses, and loss of income often result in the surviving family members struggling with major financial strain. Filing a wrongful death claim in a civil court can help alleviate some of the debts by allowing you to pursue compensation for the following harms and losses:

• Medical bills that were incurred by your loved one as a result of the accident that ultimately led to their death (e.g., ambulance fees, costs related to treatment in a Fresno emergency room, etc.);
• Funeral expenses (burial expenses, funeral home costs, etc.);
• The lost income that would have been earned by the deceased loved one, which includes the remaining lifetime earning potential and wages of the victim;
• Pain and suffering (death is an emotionally and mentally draining experience, and courts allow victims to recover damages for their pain and suffering during the grieving process); and
• Loss of consortium and support (loss of moral and emotional support, companionship, etc.).

The National Safety Council released a report showing approximately 3,680 automobile deaths in California in 2016. That represents a 13 percent increase from California’s total number of car accident fatalities in 2015. And many of these tragic car wrecks are caused by distracted drivers texting on their cell phones, speeding, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Over 3,000 people in California were killed in automobile accidents caused by a distracted drivers in 2014. Furthermore, according to the Office of Traffic Safety, over 400,000 people were injured in collisions caused by distracted driving.

In addition to automobile accidents, there is a myriad of accidents and circumstances that can result in wrongful death, including:

• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
• Nursing home abuse
• Mistake during surgery
• Vicious Dog Attack
• Defective product or dangerous medication

Understanding the Legal Elements of a Wrongful Death Claim

Specific legal elements must be met to prevail in a wrongful death lawsuit. If you cannot prove these elements, you risk a judge or jury not deciding in your favor. Your attorney must show the following:

1. The defendant owed a duty of care to your loved one and violated their duty of care.
2. Your loved one’s death was the proximate result of some negligence, carelessness, recklessness, etc., committed by the defendant.
3. The surviving family members have suffered damages or have otherwise been harmed emotionally or financially by the loss.

Effectively arguing and presenting these four elements to a judge or jury is critical to the potential success of your Fresno wrongful death claim. That is why having a strong Fresno wrongful death attorney on your side makes sense.

Watch the following video to learn more about a wrongful death claim.

If you have lost someone you love in an accident caused by the fault of a negligent party, you will need a seasoned advocate on your side. Please call our Fresno wrongful death lawyers at (559) 377-7676 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.

We have assisted California residents with their personal injury and wrongful death cases since 1982.

See a list of our past cases on our verdicts and settlements page.

^{Editor’s Note: updated 10.24.23 Photos by pixabay.com sb ds [cs 971]}