Northridge Wrongful Death Lawyers
The tragedy of losing your family member has sent everything into a downward spiral. Not only are you grief-stricken, but you must also deal with the loss of financial support or the care and services your loved one provided. When your loved one died because of the negligent, intentional, or reckless actions of another party, you may receive financial compensation from those liable for the death.
The Northridge personal injury lawyers at Ellis Injury Law can help you receive the maximum compensation for your loss, after holding the responsible parties accountable. Our dedicated attorneys have recovered over $350 million in settlements and verdicts since our inception.
Wrongful death
Wrongful death claims most often involve accidents, such as motor vehicle crashes, slips and falls, construction accidents, and medical or surgical errors. When a person is intentionally killed by another, whether murder or manslaughter, that can also be a wrongful death as well as a criminal matter.
Determining liability
Each wrongful death case is unique, and it is critical to determine exactly who might prove liable. A wrongful death lawyer can determine which parties are liable based on the circumstances of the case. For example, if a person in a smaller vehicle is killed in a truck accident, an investigation may show that improperly loaded cargo contributed to the crash. Responsible parties might include the driver, the trucking company, and the entity loading the freight.
If the person died because of a defective product, liability may extend to the manufacturer down to the retailer.
Who can file a wrongful death case
In California, family members must file a wrongful death case within two years of the death date. There are exceptions to the state’s statute of limitations. If the death occurred on any type of government property, including a school or public park, or involved a government vehicle, a wrongful death claim requires filing within just six months of the death date.
In order of priority, the following family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit:
- Spouse
- Domestic partner
- Children
If the deceased person did not have these surviving relatives, the closest family members based on California’s laws of intestate succession may file a lawsuit. This includes parents and siblings.
Wrongful death damages
Compensation available in a wrongful death case, known as damages, may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses relating to the death
- Lost income
- Future lost income
- Loss of services
- Emotional distress
Keep in mind that insurance companies are not concerned with your personal pain. They want to settle for as little as possible. A lawyer fights for your rights and knows the amount of a fair settlement.
Contact Northridge wrongful death lawyers
When you have lost a family member because of another party’s actions or inactions, you need the services of a compassionate personal injury attorney at Ellis Injury Law. We understand the magnitude of your loss and will fight aggressively so you can experience justice, even though nothing can bring your loved one back. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Because we work on a contingency basis, there is never a fee unless we win.