Learn About Wrongful Death Lawsuits in the State of California
Losing a loved one as a result of another can be one of the most catastrophic situations a person can endure. When a person has lost his or her life as a result of another, the survivors may have the legal right to pursue a wrongful death claim.
California law surrounding wrongful death claims is created entirely by statute and is ever-changing. If you or someone you know has recently lost a loved one as a result of the negligence or wrongful acts/inacts of another, seek the legal advice of an attorney who has experience in dealing with wrongful death lawsuits. An attorney can help you prepare and present your case against the culpable party and help you recover for your sudden and unexpected loss.
Wrongful Death Claims: A General Overview
The State of California defines a wrongful death claim as a case resulting from when a victim loses his or her life as a result of a wrongful act or negligence of another party.
In California, these claims are brought by the victim’s survivors or by a representative of the victim’s estate. Unlike criminal cases, wrongful death claims do not seek to establish imprisonment, rather, they are expressed exclusively in terms of economic damages. Wrongful death lawsuits can run simultaneous to a criminal prosecution of the same circumstances.
Lawsuit Eligibility
As previously mentioned, only those provided for by California statute are able to bring forth a wrongful death claim. The most current California statute allows for the following parties legal standing to present a case:
- The victim’s surviving spouse,
- The victim’s domestic partner, or
- The victim’s children.
In the event there is no immediate surviving party in the victim’s line of descent, the claim may be brought forth by any party who would be otherwise entitled to the property. For more specific regulations, consider speaking to an experienced wrongful death attorney who can guide you through the legal process.
The Bottom Line: Seek Legal Advice
As a surviving victim, a wrongful death claim can help you recover for losing a loved one. When a loved one has suddenly passed away due to another, survivors can face financial hardship, which may surge due to the following scenarios:
- The victim’s medical expenses,
- The sudden loss of income,
- Funeral expenses for the victim, or
- Burial expenses for the victim.
If you or someone you know has lost a loved one, seek the immediate legal support of a qualified attorney. Grieving the loss of a loved one is a difficult matter that takes a deep emotional toll on any person; the support of an attorney through this difficult time can help to ease the burden.
The attorneys at Heiting & Irwin are dedicated to helping those who have lost a loved one due to negligence. They have helped many victim’s survivors across southern California obtain financial compensation for their sudden and unexpected loss. The attorneys at Heiting & Irwin are highly skilled in the field of wrongful death lawsuits. Wrongful death lawsuits require expert legal support; obtain proficient guidance as soon as possible.
