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What are the Major Causes of Wrongful Death in California?

| Feb 28, 2022 | Wrongful Death

At Martinez & Schill, LLP, our Riverside wrongful death attorneys know how difficult it is to lose a loved one under any circumstances. We also understand that when their loss is caused by negligence, the family’s trauma can be overwhelming.

Unfortunately, vehicle collisions caused by impaired, distracted, or speeding drivers happen every day in California. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, there were over 3,600 vehicle collision fatalities throughout the state last year alone.

Sadly, 1,066 of those fatalities were caused by alcohol-impaired drivers with a BAC of .08% or higher.

Our personal injury attorneys in Riverside work tirelessly to represent family members who have lost more than a loved one to negligence, but the financial support that person contributed to their household.

And while no amount of money will bring our client’s loved one back, a wrongful death claim may provide the financial support they need to grieve fully. We can help pursue the negligent person or party that caused one’s death, so you can take the time you need to comfort your family.

What are the Most Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Riverside, California?

California’s wrongful death statute allows eligible family members to pursue a claim against a person or party who caused their loved one’s death, whether the act was negligent, reckless, or intentional.

Some of the most common types of accidents that can lead to Personal injuries may include, but are not limited to:

If you have lost a loved one to negligence in California, contact our skilled wrongful death lawyers in Riverside today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your eligibility to file a claim.

Who Is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Riverside, California?

Our statute only allows eligible family members to pursue a wrongful death claim after they have lost a loved one to the negligent actions or inaction of another person, party, or entity.

They include direct relatives first, which may be:

  • Spouse or partner
  • Children
  • Grandchildren of any deceased child

If none of the previous direct relatives exist, the next eligible parties may, including:

  • Parents
  • Siblings

Others who were financially dependent on the deceased, including a putative spouse or children, stepchildren, or legal guardians may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim as well under specific circumstances.

If you believe you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim in California, contact our skilled personal injury lawyers in California to discuss the circumstances of your loss during a free consultation today.

What Type of Financial Compensation Can Eligible Family Members Pursue in a California Wrongful Death Case?

Wrongful death damages may be available in both economic and/or non-economic financial compensation categories in California.

Economic damages may include:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Financial support the decedent would have contributed to the family
  • The reasonable economic value of household services the decedent would have provided
  • Loss of benefits the family would have expected to receive from the decedent

Non-economic damages might include:

  • Loss of guidance
  • Loss of intimacy
  • Loss of love, companionship, care, assistance, comfort, protection, and moral support

The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim in California is two years from the date of the decedent’s death. Contact our skilled personal injury lawyers in Riverside today if you have lost someone you love and would like to understand more about your legal options to hold the negligent party liable.

Contact Our Experienced Wrongful Death Attorneys in Riverside at Martinez & Schill, LLP Today for a Free Consultation

If you have lost a loved one in an accident caused by the negligent or intentional actions or inactions of another person, party, or entity, contact our experienced wrongful death lawyers in Riverside today to learn more about your eligibility to file a claim.

Contact our skilled personal injury attorneys in Riverside County at Martinez & Schill, LLP to discuss how our lawyers seek real solutions that produce optimal results for our clients today by calling (951)-200-4630 to schedule a free case assessment.

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