Sherman Oaks Wrongful Death Lawyer

Sherman Oaks Wrongful Death Attorney

Wrongful death claims can be a complex, frustrating time for most Californians. The loss of someone you care for leaves stressful legal issues to take care of, all while grieving. A Sherman Oaks wrongful death lawyer can help you with your claim. They can help build your case, fill out forms, and gather the evidence you need while you focus on other pressing issues.

How Freeman & Freeman, LLP, Can Help With Your Wrongful Death Claim in Sherman Oaks

Freeman & Freeman, LLP, has decades of experience litigating personal injury and wrongful death cases in the Greater Los Angeles region. We understand the devastating impact a preventable death can have on your family, and we’re here to bring the responsible parties to justice.

Our Sherman Oaks personal injury lawyers can fight to achieve the outcome you deserve. Partners Stan H. Freeman & Steven M. Freeman both have served on the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles. With both partners named Super Lawyers, we have the skills needed to assist in your wrongful death claim.

Sherman Oaks, California, Wrongful Death Laws

Wrongful death claims are more common than they should be. In 2023, the third-highest cause of death in California was preventable or accidental injuries. In the fiscal year of 2022-2023, there were 40,102 wrongful death, property damage, and personal injury claims involving motor vehicle accidents, with approximately 43% taking place in Los Angeles.

California Code of Civil Procedure defines wrongful death as any death caused by the wrongful act or negligence of another party. Wrongful death claims rely on proving that the death was caused by the other party through evidence.

Most wrongful death claims have a two-year time limit to file from the date of the death. If the death is caused by medical malpractice, the statute of limitations may be either one year from discovery or three years from when it occurred, whichever occurs first.

Examples of Wrongful Death

You may be unsure whether your case qualifies as wrongful death in Sherman Oaks. The following are a few of the most common types of wrongful death claims filed in California:

• Medical malpractice: Deaths in this category are caused by medical negligence or unreasonable accidents. If your loved one died due to medical care at Sherman Oaks Hospital, this may be applicable to your case.
• Car accidents: If the other driver was responsible for an accident that killed a loved one, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. Accidents can happen anywhere in the city, from major roads like Sepulveda Boulevard to smaller, low-speed avenues.
• Defective product: Accidents can be caused by defective products. Malfunctions, poor quality testing, and missing warning labels on manufactured goods can result in wrongful death.
• Criminal action: Deaths caused by criminal acts, such as robbery, assault, or homicide, can all be valid wrongful death claims.
• Property-related accidents: Both private and public property owners are expected to maintain a level of safety. Slip and falls, drownings in pools, or other deaths due to negligent upkeep of real estate can all apply.

Why You Should Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer

In Sherman Oaks, working through a complex wrongful death claim on your own can be overwhelming during an already stressful time. Hire a wrongful death lawyer to help you through the process. They can be there every step of the way, from the initial claim filing to negotiating a preferable settlement or advocating for you in trial.

A wrongful death attorney knows which evidence to focus on, how to gather witness testimony, and many other ways to help with your claim. Your attorney will be well-versed in California case law and code, guiding you through your case. You don’t have to go through this challenging time alone.

FAQs

Q: How Much Do Wrongful Death Lawyers Cost in California?

A: The cost of a wrongful death lawyer changes depending on the case, region, and complexity. Some lawyers may offer a results-based payment structure, where their bills are based on a percentage of the winning outcome. Others may charge on an hourly or retainer basis. Speak with your wrongful death attorney to get a better understanding of what the final fees will be.

Q: Is a Trial Mandatory for Wrongful Death Claims in Sherman Oaks?

A: Wrongful death claims are not required to go to trial. A recent study from the Judicial Council of California found that less than 1% of personal injury claims, including wrongful death, went to trial. The vast majority end up settling before entering court. Your wrongful death attorney can aid in the settlement negotiations.

Q: What Is the Average Wrongful Death Settlement in California?

A: Wrongful death settlements do not have an exact average. The specifics of each case, such as the extent of liability and the damages involved, vary too much. A wrongful death lawyer can look over your case and provide an estimate for how much you may receive if you choose to settle.

Q: What Damages Can You Receive in a Sherman Oaks Wrongful Death Claim?

A: Compensation you can receive in your Sherman Oaks wrongful death claim depends on the ways the loss impacted you. A few examples of the damages you may be entitled to include:

• Medical bills incurred before death
• Loss of financial support
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral expenses

The exact amounts for each type of compensation vary depending on the deceased and the circumstances around their passing.

Contact Freeman & Freeman, LLP, Today for Help With Your Wrongful Death Claim

Losing a loved one is always difficult. We understand that legal claims can be intimidating, and we’re here to provide support. Freeman & Freeman, LLP, has won many claims for residents of Sherman Oaks and the Greater Los Angeles Area, with some cases resulting in millions for our clients.

We are here to help. Speak with us today for a free consultation where we can learn your story and discuss your options. You may also visit our Woodland Hills office—located on Burbank Boulevard just down the street from Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills Medical Center.