Wrongful Death
Wrongful Death Cases
Rely on Orange Law for compassionate and effective legal guidance after the loss of a loved one.
Turn to a Trusted Wrongful Death Lawyer After a Tragic Loss
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22,126 Happy Clients
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Turn to a Trusted Wrongful Death Lawyer After a Tragic Loss
Join Over
22,126 Happy Clients
Get Your Case Review today
How Can a Lawyer Help You?
Each wrongful death case is unique, and the circumstances vary widely. Common causes of wrongful death claims include:
- Car Accidents: Caused by drunk or negligent drivers.
- Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Motorcycle Accidents: Resulting from driver inattention or recklessness.
- Medical Malpractice: Errors or negligence by healthcare providers.
- Nursing Home Neglect or Abuse: Leading to fatal injuries or conditions.
- Slip-and-Fall Accidents: On unsafe or improperly maintained properties.
- Defective Products: Causing injury or death due to design or manufacturing flaws.
- Criminal Acts: Such as manslaughter or murder.
How Can a Lawyer Help You?
Each wrongful death case is unique, and the circumstances vary widely. Common causes of wrongful death claims include:
- Car Accidents: Caused by drunk or negligent drivers.
- Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Motorcycle Accidents: Resulting from driver inattention or recklessness.
- Medical Malpractice: Errors or negligence by healthcare providers.
- Nursing Home Neglect or Abuse: Leading to fatal injuries or conditions.
- Slip-and-Fall Accidents: On unsafe or improperly maintained properties.
- Defective Products: Causing injury or death due to design or manufacturing flaws.
- Criminal Acts: Such as manslaughter or murder.
Our Attorneys Can Assist With:
- Negotiating with insurance companies and responsible parties.
- Collecting evidence, such as photos and reports from the incident.
- Filing legal documents promptly and accurately.
- Calculating damages and assessing the full extent of your losses.
- Conducting thorough investigations to strengthen your claim.
How Can A Lawyer Help You?
- Car accidents caused by drunk drivers or other negligent drivers
- Pedestrian, bicycle, motorcycle and truck accidents
- Nursing home abuse or neglect
- Medical errors
- Slip-and-fall accidents due to unsafe property
- Product liability
- Manslaughter or murder
- Medical expenses connected to the death
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of the victim’s expected earnings
- Loss of benefits such as pension plans and medical coverage
- Loss of inheritance due to the victim’s death
- Value of goods and services the victim would have provided
- Damages for the survivor’s mental anguish
- Loss of care, protection, guidance, and companionship from the deceased
- Loss of consortium from a deceased spouse
- Punitive damages
Specific ways in which an attorney
can help include the following:
- Negotiating and communicating with insurance companies and other parties involved
- Gathering thorough photographic evidence of the car, the accident scene and your bodily injuries
- Processing and filing legal forms
- Connecting you with trusted medical providers as needed
- Assessing damages and calculating all expenses that you will have for the foreseeable future
- Putting resources to work to conduct professional investigations
Here for You, Every Step of the Way
We are relentless in pursuing justice for your loved one, whether through settlement negotiations or courtroom advocacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Wrongful Death Cases
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
In California, wrongful death claims are restricted to specific individuals who were closely related to or financially dependent on the deceased. Eligible parties include:
- Surviving spouses or domestic partners.
- Adult children of the deceased.
- Family members representing minor children of the deceased.
- Parents, siblings, or extended family (grandparents, aunts, uncles) if there is no surviving spouse or children.
Unmarried partners can also file a claim, but the process is more complex. They must prove the significance of their relationship, demonstrate financial dependence, and provide evidence such as shared bills or living arrangements. Consulting an attorney is crucial to navigate these requirements.
What Damages Can Be Recovered?
Damages awarded in a wrongful death claim aim to compensate for both financial and emotional losses. Common recoverable damages include:
- Medical expenses incurred before death.
- Funeral and burial costs.
- Loss of the deceased’s income and financial support.
- Loss of benefits such as pensions or medical coverage.
Emotional distress caused by the loss of companionship, care, and guidance.
While “pain and suffering” for the deceased is not recoverable under California law, surviving family members can seek damages for their own emotional anguish.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the date of death. If the claim involves a government entity, such as a public hospital or city agency, you must file a “notice of claim” within 90 days of the death. Missing these deadlines may forfeit your right to pursue compensation, so it’s essential to act quickly and consult with an experienced attorney.
Can a Case Be Settled Outside of Court?
Why Is It Important to Contact a Lawyer Early?
Taking swift legal action after a wrongful death is critical. Early involvement allows an attorney to:
- Preserve crucial evidence that might otherwise be lost over time.
- Interview witnesses while their memories are fresh.
Build a strong case to maximize your compensation.
A wrongful death lawyer will guide you through the legal process, collect evidence to support your claim, and often settle the case before it goes to trial. Consulting an attorney as soon as possible ensures that you meet all deadlines and avoid jeopardizing your case.