Arcadia Wrongful Death Attorney
There is little worse than the loss of a loved one. When your beloved family member was killed unexpectedly due to someone else’s negligent or reckless behavior, it can be that much more difficult to cope. While nothing can fill the gap left by your lost loved one, a wrongful death claim can help you find some measure of solace knowing that the parties at fault have been held liable for the destruction they caused your family. Additionally, a wrongful death claim can help you resolve any financial hardships caused by your loved one’s passing.
If you lost a loved one in a preventable accident caused by someone else in California, the Arcadia wrongful attorneys at the Law Offices of Dulio R. Chavez, II can help you and your family get the compensation you deserve. We have decades of experience helping grieving families like yours get justice for the devastation they have suffered.
When Can You Bring a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is much like a personal injury claim. A surviving family member is entitled to sue a negligent party who, through their actions or inaction, caused the death of the plaintiff’s loved one. Wrongful death cases may arise from, for example:
- Traffic accidents
- Product defects
- Toxic torts and contamination
- Plane or train crashes
- Boating accidents
- Nursing home negligence
- Medical malpractice
- Slip and falls or other premises liability
A wrongful death plaintiff must show that a person was killed as a result of the negligence or recklessness of the defendant. Wrongful death is a civil claim for damages, intended to compensate the family and certain others for the harm caused by the death of their loved one.
Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim?
Wrongful death claims may only be brought by certain individuals related to the deceased, and they can only pursue certain types of damages. The rules vary by state, but in California, the parties eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit include:
- Surviving spouse or domestic partner
- Surviving children
- Surviving issue of deceased children (e., grandchildren if the decedent’s children have passed)
- Other individuals who were financially dependent on the decedent or the decedent’s relatives
- Minors who resided with the decedent and were financially dependent on the decedent
If you are unsure as to your eligibility for a wrongful death claim, call a seasoned California wrongful death attorney to discuss your circumstances and your possible damages.
Damages Available in a Wrongful Death Case
Wrongful death claims are a special kind of personal injury claim. The damages available on wrongful death claims are not identical to those in other personal injury matters. Wrongful death plaintiffs can seek the following in damages against a negligent defendant:
- Medical expenses for the care of the decedent prior to their death
- Death expenses, such as funeral and burial expenses
- Lost income equal to the amount the decedent would have earned had they survived
- Loss of financial support for surviving family members
- Loss of companionship, affection, parentage, etc., for surviving family members
Estimating and proving damages in a wrongful death case can be a challenging prospect. A seasoned and effective wrongful death attorney can help you demonstrate your relationship to the decedent as well as their earning potential and other factors to maximize your potential recovery.
Get Justice For Your Lost Loved One Through a California Wrongful Death Claim
If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence in California, the passionate and dedicated Southern California wrongful death lawyers at the Law Offices of Dulio R. Chavez II and Associates are here to provide advice and representation. Let us help you get justice for your loss and secure compensation for the tragedy you and your family have suffered. Call our Arcadia personal injury legal office for a free consultation at 626-357-3303.
