Glendale Wrongful Death Lawyer

As Glendale, CA, wrongful death attorneys, we understand that losing a loved one is one of the most heartbreaking losses a person can suffer. The pain and grief of losing someone close to you can be overwhelming, especially if another person or entity’s negligent actions caused their death.

At Venerable Injury Law, we help you navigate the legal process and seek justice for your loved one. We offer a free case consultation to determine if you have a valid case.

Damages You Can Recover in a Wrongful Death Case

You may be entitled to compensation for your losses if you have lost a loved one as a result of someone else’s negligence. Some of the damages our Glendale personal injury lawyers can help you recover in a wrongful death case include:

• Economic damages: This includes compensation for the financial losses you have suffered due to your loved one’s death, such as medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, and lost income.
• Non-economic damages: This includes compensation for the emotional and psychological impact of your loved one’s death, such as pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Punitive damages: In some cases, the court may award punitive damages to punish the person or entity responsible for your loved one’s death and deter others from engaging in similar behavior.

Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death in California

It is important to understand that there is limited time to file a wrongful death claim in California. The statute of limitations for wrongful death cases is two years from the date of the person’s death. If you do not file a claim within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your loved one’s death.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the person responsible for your loved one’s death is a government agency, you may have to file a claim within six months of the death. It is important to speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney from our team as soon as possible to make sure you file your claim within the appropriate time frame.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

In California, certain parties are eligible to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased. These parties include:

• The surviving spouse or domestic partner of the deceased: If the deceased was married or in a domestic partnership at their death, their spouse or partner is typically the first party with the right to file a wrongful death claim.
• The surviving children of the deceased: If the deceased had children, their children also have the right to file a wrongful death claim. This includes both biological and adopted children.
• If there is no surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children, the next of kin may file the claim: If the deceased did not have a surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children, the right to file a wrongful death claim may pass to other family members, such as parents or siblings.

What Is the Difference Between Wrongful Death and a Survival Action?

While wrongful death and survival actions are legal claims that can be filed after someone passes away, they are distinct. Wrongful death claims are filed by the surviving family members of the deceased and seek compensation for their losses after their loved one’s death.

On the other hand, survival actions are filed by the deceased’s estate and seek compensation for losses the deceased suffered before their death, such as medical expenses and lost income.

Can You File a Wrongful Death Claim If Your Loved One Was Partially at Fault for Their Death?

In California, you may still be able to file a wrongful death claim even if your loved one was partially at fault for their death. Under the doctrine of comparative negligence, damages may be reduced in proportion to the percentage of fault assigned to each party involved in the incident that led to the death.

For example, if your loved one was found to be 25% responsible for the incident that caused their death, any damages awarded in the wrongful death claim would be reduced by 25%.

How Long Will It Take to Resolve a Wrongful Death Case?

The timeline for resolving a wrongful death case can vary depending on several factors, such as the case’s complexity and whether it goes to trial. Sometimes, settlement negotiations may resolve a wrongful death case relatively quickly.

It may take several months or even years to resolve in other cases. An experienced wrongful death attorney serving Glendale at Venerable Injury Law can help you understand the timeline for your case. Then we will work to make sure your rights are protected, and legal deadlines are met.

Factors that Determine the Amount of a California Wrongful Death Settlement

Various factors can influence the amount of a California wrongful death settlement. While each case is unique, several common factors can impact the compensation that may be awarded in a wrongful death settlement. These factors include:

• Damages suffered by the surviving family members: Economic and non-economic damages suffered by the surviving family members of the deceased are key factors in determining the amount of a wrongful death settlement.
• Liability of the party responsible for the death: The degree of fault assigned to the party responsible can also impact the amount of a wrongful death settlement.
• Evidence supporting the wrongful death claim: The strength of the evidence supporting the wrongful death claim and the skill and experience of the attorney representing the surviving family members can also play a role in the amount of a wrongful death settlement.

It is important to note that every wrongful death case is unique, and the factors impacting the settlement amount can vary widely. If you have lost a loved one as a result of someone else’s negligence, it is important to work with an experienced wrongful death attorney serving Glendale, CA. They can help you understand your legal rights and work to secure the compensation you are entitled to under the law.

Contact Us to Start on Your Glendale Wrongful Death Case

Losing a loved one as a result of someone else’s negligence is a devastating experience. If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to seek the help of an experienced Glendale wrongful death attorney who can guide you through the legal process and help you seek justice for your loved one.

Remember, there is limited time to file a wrongful death claim in California, so you need to act quickly and get the legal help you need. Contact a Glendale wrongful death attorney at Venerable Injury Law today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options.