Seeking Fair Compensation for the Loss of a Loved One
The wrongful death of a loved one can leave surviving family members with large, unexpected expenses — not to mention the emotional cost. Families may require compensation to cover funeral expenses, medical bills, future lost wages, and other future expenditures.
In California, the following parties may pursue compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit:
- Spouses or life partners
- Immediate family members, including children, siblings, or parents
- Individuals who were financially dependent upon the deceased
Determining Liability in a Wrongful Death Case
Depending on the circumstances of your case, there are many different parties who could be held liable for the death of your loved one. For example, in a car accident case, the other driver involved in the incident may be at fault. If your loved one was fatally injured by a defective medical device, the manufacturer of that device is likely liable. When you trust our lawyers at BD&J, we can use our legal skills and resources to investigate the circumstances of your loved one’s death in order to identify the responsible parties.
Understanding Wrongful Death Damages
In a wrongful death case, there are 3 different categories of damages that the survivors of the deceased may pursue compensation for. Economic damages refer to the financial contribution lost through the death of one’s loved one. This may include the deceased person’s projected future earnings and inheritance, as well as their medical expenses and funeral costs.
Non-economic damages include retributions for pain and suffering and are therefore less cut-and-dry. Pain and suffering may include the loss of a relationship, loss of care and love, and any other emotional pains incurred through the death of the loved one. Lastly, loved ones of the deceased may pursue punitive damages, which exist to penalize the defendant for their negligent behavior or wrongdoing.
Your Right to Just Compensation in a Wrongful Death Case
If your loved one was taken from you because of another person’s error or negligence, you may have a right to take legal action. Losing someone you loved and depended on can be extremely painful on both emotional and financial levels, which is why our firm wants to help. We will fight for your right to compensation on behalf of your deceased loved one, helping you gain justice and closure as you heal.
To get started, contact our Fresno wrongful death attorneys to schedule your initial consultation.
