Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one is always traumatic, especially when it’s due to another person’s neglect or carelessness. That’s why it’s within your rights to demand compensation on their behalf.
Why You Need LJB Law
Our team at Lari-Joni & Bassell, LLP works tirelessly on behalf of each and every one of our clients. We don’t quit until the nefarious actor faces justice and you receive fair compensation for what they’ve done to you and your family.
What is Wrongful Death?
In California, a wrongful death claim is filed when your loved one dies due to the carelessness, negligence, or malice of another person or entity. If the tragedy could be prevented, it’s considered wrongful death.
This could include:
- negligence-based incidents (ex. car accidents)
- medical malpractice
- intentional acts (can include crimes)
How to File a Wrongful Death Claim in California
You should begin the process by hiring experienced California lawyers who understand and empathize with wrongful death claims similar to yours. We take the time to get to know our clients personally, and we have years of experience fighting these types of cases.
Wrongful Death Claims FAQs
Who can file a wrongful death claim in California?
In California, if you’re the deceased’s spouse/domestic partner, child, or grandchild, you can file a claim. However, if there is no surviving person in the direct line of descent, then the lawsuit can be brought by anyone “who would be entitled to the property of the decedent by intestate succession.” This includes the deceased’s parents or siblings.
What type of damages can I seek in a wrongful death claim?
There are two main types of damages available: economic and non-economic. Economic damages are the true monetary losses you’ve incurred because of the death. This can include medical bills, lost income, lost benefits, and funeral and burial costs.
Non-economic damages are harder to quantify because they’re based on your emotional damage. These are loss of companionship, loss of guidance, and loss of moral support. Most likely, your final settlement will take both of these into consideration.
Is there a statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits?
In California, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the date of the decedent’s death. So, if you do not file a claim in the state’s civil court system within two years, you will almost certainly lose the right to file.
Get Help Today
If you’re searching for an attorney to assist you with your wrongful death case, our team at LJB Law is ready to assist. Reach out to our team today for more information about our services. Our team is ready to help you!