Van Nuys Wrongful Death Lawyer

Abruptly losing a loved one is difficult under any circumstances, but it becomes exponentially more difficult when their death was caused by another person. Whether that person was acting with intent or your loved one’s death was a result of an accident, you are still forced to live the rest of your life without them. If you have lost a loved one due to another’s actions, it is recommended that you reach out to an experienced Van Nuys wrongful death lawyer.

Navigating legal resources and determining if your loved one’s case qualifies as wrongful death will not be easy, especially while you are also dealing with your grief. Speaking with a knowledgeable attorney means they can determine if you have a case and the potential outcomes if you do file for wrongful death. A Van Nuys personal injury lawyer stepping in can allow you to focus on your life and helping your loved ones through the loss.

Honest and Compassionate Van Nuys Wrongful Death Attorney

You may have complex emotions about filing a wrongful death case following a loved one’s death, but it is important to remember that the ability to file a wrongful death case exists for a reason. The Freeman & Freeman, LLP, team understands how difficult this process can be and can help you manage the legal aspect. Finding a number for your loved one’s death can feel impossible, but our objective team members can use legal precedent to reach an appropriate amount to pursue.

Following a loved one’s death, it is not uncommon for bills to accumulate and trauma from the loss to compound. We can aggressively pursue the maximum monetary compensation from the responsible party or entity, allowing you room to heal emotionally and financially.

Compensation Types Available in Wrongful Death Cases

In wrongful death cases, there are two main types of damages awarded to families: economic and non-economic.

Economic damages are meant to compensate the surviving family for any financial losses they sustained as a result of their loved one’s wrongful death. These damages are quantifiable and generally include:

• Funeral and burial costs: End-of-life costs can be immense, especially if unexpected. In California, the average cost of a funeral service with burial exceeds $8,000.
• Medical expenses: In many cases, there will be medical expenses related to your loved one’s injury or illness before their death. This may include hospital bills, medications, surgeries, and other related healthcare expenses.
• Lost wages: You may be able to recover compensation for the wages lost between the time of the injury and your loved one’s death. In addition, potential future earnings may also be recovered.
• Loss of financial support: If your loved one had lived, they would have financially supported you with their earnings, benefits, and other expected household contributions.
• Loss of benefits: If your loved one contributed expenses, like pension plans, health insurance, and retirement benefits, then these can be recovered in a wrongful death suit.

Non-economic damages are used to compensate for intangible losses of the surviving family members. These values are more subjective and can include:

• Emotional distress.
• Loss of companionship.
• Loss of guidance and support.
• Loss of consortium.

In severe or egregious cases, punitive damages can be awarded. Punitive damages are not awarded in every case, but can be sought when the defendant’s actions were particularly horrendous. Circumstances where punitive damages may apply include intentional harm, extreme negligence, and corporate malfeasance.

Why Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer With Freeman & Freeman, LLP?

Choosing an attorney to handle your wrongful death case can feel overwhelming, as the choice can have a significant impact on your case’s outcome. Fortunately, you can feel confident that Freeman & Freeman, LLP, is the right choice because we have:

• Experience: With more than 30 years of experience helping our community through wrongful death cases, there is little we have not previously seen. This gives us an advantage while gathering evidence and presenting our case.
• Availability: Our team is comprised of skilled staff members who aim to promptly respond to your emails and calls. Our team also includes fluent speakers of Tagalog and Spanish.
• Trust: We have a long history of positive reviews from past clients. We value the trust our community has placed in us and will work to maintain that trust with our current and future clients.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Lawyer Charge for Wrongful Death?

A: In Van Nuys, the amount a lawyer charges for a wrongful death case often depends on the circumstances of the case, but they often charge on a contingency fee basis. This means the attorney who takes on your case will charge their fee as a percentage of the total amount recovered. There may be additional expenses, though, in the form of expert witness fees, filing fees, and investigation costs.

Q: How Common Are Deaths From Unintentional Injuries?

A: In the United States, unintentional injuries or accidents were the third-leading cause of death in 2023. More than 222,000 individuals died as a result of unintentional injuries during this time period. Though not all of these deaths qualify for a wrongful death suit, it is important to speak with an attorney to explore your options.

Q: What Are the Odds of Winning a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

A: The odds of winning a wrongful death claim in California depend heavily on the circumstances of your loved one’s death. It is generally easier to recover compensation in cases like premises liability or automobile accidents like car accidents than it would be in a medical malpractice case. Regardless, it is important you speak with a personal injury lawyer to discuss the details of your case.

Q: Is a Wrongful Death Claim Worth Filing?

A: A wrongful death claim may be worth filing, but it depends on the situation, the circumstances of your loved one’s death, and the at-fault party. Each case is unique and requires a skilled approach to maximize the amount you can recover as a result of the wrongful death claim. An experienced wrongful death lawyer can examine your case and help you determine if filing the claim is worth it in your circumstances.

An Experienced Van Nuys Wrongful Death Team

Van Nuys is a vibrant and diverse part of the San Fernando Valley, home to working families, small businesses, and a close-knit community. When tragedy occurs, residents here deserve trusted legal advocates who understand their needs.  If you lost a loved one, Freeman & Freeman, LLP, is ready to support you and your legal case during this difficult time. Reach out to our office for a consultation about your potential wrongful death claim.