Losing a loved one is a distressing experience for the whole family. Knowing that the untimely death is due to someone else’s negligence makes it more painful. If this is the case, the surviving family is eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the person who caused their loved one’s sudden death. A knowledgeable Glendale wrongful death lawyer is the best person to turn to when you need professional help.
Knowledgeable Glendale Wrongful Death Lawyer: What Is Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death pertains to the demise caused by another individual’s carelessness and not because of the person who died. The victim wouldn’t have died if not for the defendant’s negligent actions. It’s a tragedy that any family will have difficulty coping with for several years or a lifetime.
What are the Most Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Glendale?
To lose a loved one is deeply disturbing and is more exasperating when the negligence of another person is the main reason. Whatever is the cause, the surviving family needs to seek expert help from a Glendale wrongful death lawyer.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of wrongful death cases. The driver could be intoxicated with illegal drugs or alcohol, distracted, overfatigued, or speeding. Aggressive driving could also lead to disastrous injuries, damages, and death. Included vehicles in this accident are cars, trucks, motorcycles, buses, and motorcycles, to name a few.
Products Liability
The chain of distribution – manufacturers, designers, distributors, and sellers – become liable when a consumer dies due to using a faulty product. The casualty results from a defective manufacturing process and faulty design. Death may also result because no appropriate warning instructions have been provided prior to using a particular product.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice can cause an untimely death when a doctor, nurse, or any medical staff fail to provide the care their patients need. Examples include wrong diagnosis and medication, surgical errors, and medical equipment malfunctions, among others.
Workplace Accidents
Workplaces are one of the few sites where accidents usually occur. When the working environment is not worker-friendly, expect that there will be injuries or even death. Workers or employees could be using faulty equipment and exposed to toxic substances. It could also be that their pre-existing conditions become aggravated because of the tedious tasks they need to do during working hours.
Criminal Acts
These are violent schemes that intendedly harm or kill a person. Criminal acts like these include robbery, assault, battery, or premeditated murder. The surviving family has the right to file a lawsuit against the defendant who caused their loved one’s unexpected death.
Money compensation can’t make amends for a loved one’s death. However, it can fend for the necessary comfort and support while grieving. If you lost a family member to wrongful death, contact a Glendale wrongful death lawyer to help you file a claim.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
When a person dies due to an individual, entity, or group’s negligent acts, the deceased’s family is eligible to file a wrongful death claim. It is a civil lawsuit intended to recompense the mourning family to recover damages due to an accident instead of an intentional act. The family can sue the defendant in a separate criminal case.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
It’s essential that the people who will file a claim must be closely related to the departed. If the deceased victim had several dependents, those who qualify could get a wrongful death settlement. They are:
- Spouse or domestic partners
- Biological, adopted, or stepchildren
- Parents
- Dependent adoptive siblings
- Dependent blood relatives
What are the Damages the Grieving Family Can Receive?
The family of the decedent can recover damages such as:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral, burial, or cremation expenses
- Lost salaries, benefits, and other earnings
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Mental and emotional pain and suffering
The amount of money the lamenting family will get depends on:
- The number of dependents the deceased had
- Whether the departed was a full or partial dependent
- The amount of money the decedent earned
California Wrongful Death Claim Statute of Limitations
The state law allows the dependents to file a wrongful death claim within two years from the date the victim died. It’s better not to file until two years, or you’ll lose your right to receive compensation.
It’s not the only restriction you may deal with because there are also limitations on who can file a claim. The settlement intends to provide financial support to the bereaved family. The process is a complicated matter, and you’ll need all the help you can get from a knowledgeable Glendale wrongful death lawyer.
Talk to a Knowledgeable Glendale Wrongful Death Lawyer
If a family member died of other people’s negligence, you have the right to compensation. Big Ben Lawyers are your allies to help you maximize and secure the compensation you deserve. Talk to us for a free evaluation of your case. Call us today at (818) 423-4878.
Big Ben Lawyers
144 N Glendale Ave.
Suite 250
Glendale, CA 91206