San Fernando Wrongful Death Lawyers
The loss of a loved one changes your life no matter the circumstances, but when the death occurs because of another party’s negligent, deliberate, or reckless actions, the pain deepens. Even though this is the most difficult period in your life, consider obtaining prompt legal advice based on the conditions regarding your family member’s demise.
The San Fernando personal injury lawyers at Ellis Injury Law cannot bring your loved one back, but they can fight for your family’s rights so you receive the maximum compensation for your loss.
Wrongful death causes
Motor vehicle accidents, whether car, truck, motorcycle, bicyclist or pedestrian, make up the majority of wrongful death cases. Other frequent causes of wrongful death include:
- Defective products
- Construction accidents
- Fire
- Firearms accidents
- Manslaughter or homicide
- Slip and falls
- Toxic chemical exposure
A wrongful death lawyer will investigate the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death and determine which parties to hold accountable. It is not uncommon in such situations for multiple parties to hold some responsibility. Sometimes, the culprit is not obvious. For example, in a car accident, the fatal crash may have occurred because the other driver’s brakes failed. The manufacturer of the vehicle or the parts could prove liable.
Keep in mind critical evidence may disappear if an attorney is not hired soon after the accident.
Filing a wrongful death lawsuit
While some wrongful deaths result from crimes, a wrongful death lawsuit is a civil matter. Any criminal proceedings against the defendant occur in criminal court. California holds the following family members in priority for filing a wrongful death lawsuit:
- Spouse
- Domestic partner
- Children
If the late person did not leave these survivors behind, other family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit. These include the parents, siblings, or anyone who might have a claim to the deceased’s property based on California’s law of intestate succession.
The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is usually two years from the death date. However, if any sort of public entity is involved, such as a claim against a municipal transit agency, a claim requires filing within six months of the death date.
Wrongful death damages
Compensation in a wrongful death case may include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical expenses for the final injury
- Lost income
- Potential lost income
Family members may also receive damages based on loss of love and support, guidance, and the value of household services performed by the deceased.
Contact San Fernando wrongful death lawyers
After losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligent or reckless behavior, you may not know where to turn. A personal injury attorney at Ellis Injury Law can help you obtain justice for your family members. Call us 24/7 or contact us online to arrange a free consultation. For over 20 years, we have assisted family members suffering terrible losses, allowing them to begin putting their lives together. Most cases are settled, but we will take your case to trial, when necessary. There is never a fee unless we win.