California Wrongful Death Lawyer
Helping Families with Wrongful Death Claims
A wrongful death accident is the most serious, life changing accident a family can experience. You are shocked, and mourning the loss of your loved one. At the same time you may be feeling angry and confused about how this terrible accident could have happened. The California wrongful death lawyers at Donahue & Horrow LLP understand what an emotional time this is for you and your family. While it is impossible to bring your loved one back or take away your heartache, we can help pursue negligent parties who caused the accident and work to get your family the compensation you deserve.
What is Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death is defined as intentional or negligent behavior that results in the death of a person.
A party bringing a lawsuit must prove that the defendant acted negligently and that these negligent actions were the cause of death of your loved one.
Wrongful death accidents can be caused in countless ways, including:
- Auto accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Trucking accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
What Kind of Compensation Can I Receive?
Our California wrongful death lawyers will be able to calculate the damages owed to you and your family. Generally you will be able to receive:
Medical expenses: This would include all medical expenses to care for your loved one prior to their passing.
Pain and suffering: This is reimbursement for the pain and suffering that your loved one suffered prior to death.
Loss of consortium: This is compensation for the loss of a loved and valued family member.
Loss of Income: This amount will represent the value of your loved one’s financial contribution to the family. This includes any benefits they received as well, such as the value of their health insurance policy.
Funeral expenses: You are able to recover the costs of laying your loved one to rest.
Punitive damages: The reason for punitive damages is to punish the negligent party. These damages are appropriate where the defendant’s behavior was particularly egregious or reckless.
Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
In order to have standing to sue, you must generally be a blood relative of the defendant. These suits are most often brought by a spouse or child of the deceased. However if the deceased didn’t have immediate family, it can be brought by a niece or nephew for instance.
Time Constraints
Every state has specific filing deadlines for legal claims, which is set forth in the statute of limitations. Failure to file a claim pursuant to these deadlines will forever bar you from filing a claim. Generally, the time for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. It is important to note however, that there are things that can cause these deadlines to be shorter and longer. Therefore it is crucial that you speak with an experienced California wrongful death lawyer from our office as soon as possible.
With our decades of experience, we know how to focus in on the facts of your case and get the best results possible for our clients. Our goal is to take the stress off you and your family, so you can heal. Our job is to fight hard on behalf of your loved one and your family, and hold negligent parties responsible for their actions. Call us today for a free consultation at 310-322-0300 or toll free at 877-664-5407.