Seeking Attorney Help with a Wrongful Death Matter
Losing a loved one is about the worst thing that could happen to a person. However, when that loss is due to someone else’s mistake, malice, negligence, or inaction, the feelings of grief are compounded by anger and frustration, especially when the person or company that caused that wrongful death does not take responsibility for what they have done and for the consequences to those left behind to fend for themselves.
Even if you are struggling with the loss right now, it is important that you take immediate action and retain a wrongful death lawyer who can help you make sure that there is a civil prosecution against that person or company that caused the loss. You need to have the experience and guidance of a wrongful death attorney who is familiar with all of the various issues, provisions, and rights related to a wrongful death. While we handle your wrongful death claim, you can focus on healing and caring for your family during this very difficult time.
45+ Years Serving the Inland Empire and $500 Million+ Recovered. Wrongful death victims should call Heiting & Irwin at (951) 682-6400 or complete a contact form as soon as possible as there are strict time limits in which to recover for your damages.
Defining Wrongful Death and Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Examples of “wrongful death” can include accidents related to a car, truck, motorcycle, boat or any other type of motorized vehicle. It can also be related to construction accidents, railroad or airplane accidents, medical malpractice, a vicious dog attack, dangerous or defective products, work-related accidents or even nursing home abuse.
Wrongful death is listed as a tort action related to California Civil Code 1708 that states: “Every person is bound, without contract, to abstain from injuring the person or property of another, or infringing upon any of his rights.”
No one expects such a thing. It cannot be anticipated, but when a wrongful death happens there are often mountains of unexpected bills and severe financial burdens that come with it, leaving loved ones with grief, loss, and stress to work through. Despite any malicious intent or negligence, a lawsuit associated with a wrongful death is considered a civil lawsuit rather than a criminal lawsuit. Even if criminal charges are filed against the person, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit in civil court.
Generally, a surviving family member, including a spouse or domestic partner, dependent child, or other family beneficiary like a parent or relative, can file a wrongful death lawsuit. This is covered by our laws and specific statutes. The purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is to recover costs and damages related to medical and funeral costs, lost wages and future earnings, pension and retirement benefits, and loss of companionship, care, comfort, and support.
Issues Arising from Wrongful Death Insurance Claims and Lawsuits
If you are filing an insurance claim related to a wrongful death in California, there are issues that you will face since insurance companies want to do everything they can to limit the amount of any pay-out. A wrongful death attorney can deal directly with an insurance company and will know how to negotiate the terms and compensation amounts that should be involved.
It is important to note that wrongful death claims are very different than personal injury claims in terms of how they are calculated and how they are handled legally. Time is of the essence because there is a statute of limitations and a claims statute limiting time to make claims and after time limits are up, there may be no way legally to file against the person or business or entity that caused the death(s). You should take immediate action.
Advocating for the Rights of Your Loved One
With such a complicated process involved in gaining compensation from a wrongful death combined with the emotional, psychological, and financial strain that losing a loved one brings, it only makes sense to hire an attorney and law firm that specializes in wrongful death cases. The wrongful death attorneys at Heiting & Irwin help families like yours in the Inland Empire to right that wrong by ensuring that those responsible are made to answer for their wrong. At Heiting & Irwin, we understand how much grief and stress that the wrongful death of a loved one can create.
That’s why we advocate on your behalf and that of your lost loved one. We know there is strength in numbers and victory in knowledge and experience. We can work directly with (or against) an insurance company on your behalf or prepare and prosecute a lawsuit to seek compensation. Our previous experience in successfully advocating for our clients has also shown us that no two cases are the same. Each case is unique, complex, personal, and requires thoughtful and comprehensive review and connection.
Take the time to meet with us at our offices in Riverside, California for a free initial consultation so we can listen to the facts about your loss and to obtain compensation for the loss. While financial compensation cannot replace a loved one, it can serve as an example, a lesson for the responsibility party and pressure to stop them from actions that could lead to the wrongful deaths of others. Together, we will seek successful closure and satisfaction for you during this difficult and emotionally trying time and provide the compassionate care you need to fight this wrongful death.
