The sudden loss of a close relative is a shattering experience. However, when a loss of life is caused by someone else’s negligence, the tragedy may be compounded by anger and frustration. Surviving family members who suffer such a tragedy may be able to obtain justice and compensation for their loss through a wrongful death claim.

At our law firm, our Oakley wrongful death attorneys are here to guide you and your family after the loss of a loved one in a fatal accident. Call us for a free consultation at (925) 428-5220 or (800) 404-5400. Our lawyers can answer questions and provide free, friendly advice anytime.

No compensation can ever make up for losing a close relative or bringing them back. However, California law has provisions to make things right for surviving family members by ordering the negligent party to compensate survivors for economic and non-economic damages. If you believe your family member lost their life because of someone else’s negligent actions, we encourage you to contact our legal team to schedule a free consultation with one of our Oakley wrongful death attorneys. We are available anytime to review your case and discuss your potential legal options for justice and recovery.

Most wrongful death claims require attorneys to demonstrate that the at-fault party’s negligent actions resulted in losing a loved one. In other words, the Oakley wrongful death lawyer must establish through a preponderance of the evidence that:

• The at-fault party owed the decedent a duty of care not to harm them.
• The negligent individual breached the duty of care through specific actions that were most likely to harm the deceased.
• The actions of the other party were the direct cause of the harm caused to the decedent.
• Surviving family members suffered damages as a result of the wrongful death incident.

After a fatal incident, the unfortunate reality is that wrongful death car accident cases are not always straightforward and require challenging analyses and facts. That is why it is essential to work with a lawyer with substantial experience, skills, and resources to investigate and litigate a claim for wrongful death. For details on how to find the best wrongful death attorney in Oakley to handle your case, watch the video below.

Economic and non-economic damages that surviving family members may recover in a wrongful death case include the following:

• End-of-life medical expenses
• Funeral and burial service costs
• Loss of companionship, care, and protection
• Lost future financial support for the family
• Mental anguish and emotional pain suffered by survivors

If you have any questions regarding the circumstances of a loved one’s wrongful death in California, contact our personal injury law firm today for a free case evaluation. Our wrongful death attorneys in Oakley will review the details of your story and determine the best strategy for bringing a claim forward in your situation.

A wrongful death action is brought by the decedent’s immediate family, such as the spouse, domestic partner, and children. This is by the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1.

If there is no living spouse, domestic partner, or children, other next of kin may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim. These may include stepchildren, parents, putative spouses, and children of the putative spouse. The deceased’s estate may bring a wrongful death lawsuit if such parties are non-existent.

Retaining an experienced attorney after the wrongful death of a loved one is essential for the claims process. A lawyer can help surviving family members by:

• Handling all communication with the insurance company representing the at-fault party.
• Conducting an independent investigation of the circumstances that led to the loved one’s wrongful death to preserve all necessary evidence and identify all potential financial compensation sources.
• Calculating the value of damages survivors have experienced because of the loss of a family member.
• Negotiating with insurance carriers to obtain a full and fair settlement.
• Taking the case to civil court if all attempts at a fair wrongful death settlement fail with the insurer.

Our compassionate wrongful death lawyers in Oakley will use all experience, skills, and resources at our disposal to hold the negligent party financially accountable for their wrongdoing and the harm they have caused to your family.

Losing a loved one is devastating for the family they leave behind. While surviving family members deal with pain and grief, survivors may not even consider bringing a wrongful death suit. However, a change in living for the family or debt may result from the financial burden of suddenly losing a close relative. If someone else is responsible for the loss, survivors should consider speaking with an experienced attorney to discuss their potential legal options for recovery.

Our personal injury law firm stands apart from other firms because we provide care and compassion to each family we represent for a wrongful death claim. When you contact our legal team for a free case evaluation, we will take the time to listen to your story, answer any questions, and determine your potential options for recovery. Should you decide to retain us, we will work diligently to ensure your story is told and your family receives justice for your lost loved one.

Our Oakley wrongful death lawyers understand that no amount of money can undo the pain of losing a close relative or bring them back. However, the justice system allows surviving family members to bring wrongful death actions against negligent parties for damages incurred. Our law firm will fight to ensure you and your family receive the fair compensation you all rightfully deserve. To learn more about how we can help, call us today to schedule a free consultation.

^{Editor’s Note: updated [cha 9.26.23] Image Source: By “carolynabooth” via Pixabay ds [cs 1016] cha}