Losing a loved one is an incredibly painful experience, and it can be even more heartbreaking when their death results from someone else’s negligence or carelessness. You might struggle with intense emotions like anger and helplessness during this difficult time.
In California, you have the right to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for your loss. This can cover funeral expenses, medical bills, and the loss of companionship resulting from the death of your loved one. Our team will carefully explain your legal options and tirelessly work to hold those responsible accountable, ensuring you receive the compassionate support and financial compensation you deserve.
Understanding Wrongful Death in California
Wrongful death occurs when someone dies because of another person’s negligence or intentional harm. In California, to be eligible for wrongful death damages, your case must satisfy the following criteria:
- The death must have been caused by another’s wrongful act, negligence, or liability.
- There must be surviving family members who are suffering financial harm due to the death.
In a wrongful death lawsuit, you may be able to claim compensation for funeral and burial costs, lost earnings, and the loss of companionship and household contributions. Additionally, it can include medical bills that the deceased incurred due to the incident before their passing.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Sacramento?
In Sacramento, a wrongful death suit can be filed by the decedent’s surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, and other direct family members entitled to inherit under intestate succession. Dependents such as stepchildren and minors who lived with and depended on the decedent for support, as well as parents and legal guardians, may also assert a claim.
California’s intestacy statutes designate who can receive damages and at what proportion if someone dies without a will. For instance, if the victim of a fatal accident leaves behind children with their current spouse as well as children from a previous marriage, the current spouse would receive one-third of the estate. The remaining two-thirds would be divided equally among all of the deceased’s children.
To establish your legal standing, you may need to demonstrate your relationship to the deceased and prove your financial dependence on them. Challenges often include contesting wills, proving dependency, or disputes among heirs.
Our attorneys can help navigate these complexities, advocating on your behalf throughout the legal process during this difficult time. We can help ensure your rights are protected and the at-fault party is held responsible for the harm they caused you and your family.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
Wrongful death can happen unexpectedly and is often the result of personal injury accidents, including:
- Car Crashes: Wrongful death can result from auto collisions caused by reckless driving behaviors like speeding or driving under the influence. For instance, in 2023, Sacramento recorded 12 fatalities from alcohol-related car accidents.
- Medical Malpractice: A medical error or oversight in diagnosis or treatment can result in wrongful death if it leads to a patient’s death. For instance, if your loved one died after being given the wrong dosage of medication or after an unnecessary surgery, you may have a valid claim.
- Workplace Accidents: Employers may be subject to wrongful death claims if they do not provide a safe working environment or disregard safety regulations, resulting in a fatal incident. If your loved one’s employer failed to follow safety protocols in the workplace or did not supply the required safety equipment, you might have grounds for a lawsuit.
Why Choose Our Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyers?
At Berg Injury Lawyers, our Sacramento wrongful death attorneys recognize the immense grief and confusion that follows the loss of a loved one to a tragic accident. We are committed to providing compassionate and tailored legal representation to ensure your needs are prioritized and your family can begin to heal.
Since 1981, our firm has delivered personalized legal services to Sacramento residents, securing millions in settlements and verdicts for our clients. When you choose us, you receive dedicated support from a team of attorneys, case managers, and investigators who go above and beyond to connect you with support services and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Contact Our Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyers
If you’re coping with the loss of a spouse, partner, child, or parent due to wrongful death, our experienced attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers are here to help. We can assess your case and explain your legal options to help you decide the best way forward for your family.
Concerned about legal costs during this difficult time? Rest assured, we don’t charge any fees unless we win your case, so there’s no upfront cost to you. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation today to get justice and financial support for your family.
