A loved one’s death is challenging to deal with, but it becomes even more so when their death was the result of another’s actions. Whether the defendant’s actions were intentional or accidental, you have still lost an incredibly important person. In some instances, you have the ability to gain financial compensation as a result of your loved one’s death. If you believe you have a wrongful death case, a Northridge wrongful death lawyer can help.
Understanding legal parameters and how they apply to your case can be difficult. This is even more true if you are also navigating grief and anger following a loved one’s death. Speaking with a knowledgeable attorney can provide valuable insight into your case as well as potential options. Allowing a Northridge abogado de lesiones personales to take over the legal aspect of your case frees you to take care of yourself and your family during this emotional time.
It is not uncommon for individuals to have complex feelings about filing a wrongful death claim, as you may want to avoid assigning a value to the loss of your loved one. Though a wrongful death settlement cannot bring your loved one back, it can help you recover financially and hold the responsible party accountable.
Freeman & Freeman, LLP, understands the nuance in each wrongful death case and has supported our community through their claims for more than 30 years. Choosing a number for the loss of your loved one may feel impossible, but we can work within the specifications of the law to help you receive the maximum settlement possible.
The compensation you can recover from a wrongful death case is meant to cover any relevant expenses, as well as future expenses that result from the loss. There are several types of compensation that can be recovered in a wrongful death case, but they mostly fall under two main types: economic and non-economic.
Damages used to compensate the surviving family for financial losses they sustained as a result of their loved one’s death are called economic damages. For instance, funeral services can be costly, with the average funeral service with a burial exceeding $8,000 in California. In addition to funeral and burial costs, economic damages can include:
In addition to economic damages are non-economic damages, which cover intangible losses of the surviving family members. Non-economic damages are more subjective and include:
In limited circumstances, you could also be awarded punitive damages. These can be sought when the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious and apply in circumstances like corporate malfeasance, extreme negligence, and intentional harm.
The wrongful death attorney you choose to handle your case can make a major impact on the outcome. Freeman & Freeman, LLP, is the right choice because we have:
A: Typically, in California, a wrongful death claim can be brought by the deceased’s surviving spouse, children, domestic partner, or the decedent’s personal representative. In some instances, the person entitled to the decedent’s property by intestate succession can file the claim. A seasoned wrongful death lawyer can help you determine whether you qualify to file a wrongful death claim following a loved one’s death.
A: There are several potential causes of wrongful death in California. One of the more common causes is accidentes de tráfico: 4,619 individuals died as a result of car accidents in California in 2023. Other potential causes include medical malpractice, premises liability, and workplace incidents. If you believe you have a wrongful death claim for a loved one, a wrongful death lawyer can help you explore your options.
A: You are not required to retain a lawyer to file a wrongful death case in California; however, it is often recommended that you work with a wrongful death lawyer. Their experience and knowledge are likely to become invaluable as you work through the legal process. Hiring an attorney means you can focus your energy on healing and supporting your loved ones through the loss.
A: In most instances, you do not have to pay taxes on a wrongful death settlement in California. Under federal law, compensation from a wrongful death settlement is not considered earnings if the death resulted from physical illness or injury. An exception to this rule is punitive damages, as they are typically taxable.
The loss of a loved one as a result of another’s actions is financially and emotionally traumatic. You can protect your future by ensuring the responsible party pays for current and future costs related to the loss.
Freeman & Freeman, LLP, understands how difficult wrongful death cases can be on members of our community. Schedule a consultation with our office to see how we can help you through your wrongful death claim.