Wrongful Death Lawyers in Los Angeles
Gould & Jefferson of Beverly Hills is a personal injury firm that has recovered millions in dollars for our clients. We are Wrongful Death Lawyers in Los Angeles who understand the pain and suffering that comes along with the loss of a loved one, and we will fight to ensure maximum compensation on you deserve. This article for Wrongful Death is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. Please call our office to speak with a lawyer regarding your potential case. (310) 899-9529.
If you’ve lost a loved one to a Wrongful Death in Los Angeles, we are truly sorry for your loss.
No one wants to encounter a situation in which someone they love passes away. Losing a loved one can be very difficult to overcome. It would be exceedingly difficult to imagine that it happened as a result of someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act. This act subjects the family to a number of hardships that make it important to understand who can file a wrongful death lawsuit and why it is imperative to do so.
Who May File A Wrongful Death Claim?
Wrongful death claims allow the estate and/or those close to the deceased to file a lawsuit against the party who is legally liable for the death. This includes:
- Surviving spouses
- Domestic partners
- Children
In situations where the deceased party may not have a surviving spouse or any surviving children, a lawsuit may be brought by the parties who would be entitled to the deceased’s property under California’s intestate succession. This includes parents and siblings of the deceased, as well as stepchildren and grandchildren.
What are Common Causes of Wrongful Deaths?
Although an overwhelming percentage of wrongful death claims are caused by automobile accidents, they can be the result of defective products, dangerous work environments, abuse and neglect.
Automobile Accidents
Drunk, impaired, distracted, and aggressive drivers are among the leading causes of wrongful death lawsuits. Surviving family members can seek financial compensation from other motorists, commercial truck drivers, and government agents.
Medical Malpractice
A family may seek a wrongful death lawsuit when a medical professional fails to provide the required level of care, causing the death of the patient. This includes but is not limited to:
- Surgical errors
- Anesthesia errors
- Misdiagnosis
- Prescribing the wrong medication.
Workplace Accidents
Work environments that expose employees to dangerous chemicals and machinery are a common cause of wrongful death claims. Any death that is caused by an accident occurring at work which is a result of a company’s negligence may be the basis for a wrongful death suit.
What Damages are Available in a Wrongful Death Claim?
There is no amount of compensation that can replace the life or the love you received from your loved one(s). But it is important to understand the type of potential damages a family may recover in a wrongful death lawsuit. There are two categories of damages available:
1. Economic Damages
- The financial support that the deceased party would have contributed to the family
- Burial and funeral expenses
- Medical expenses before death
- The loss of gifts or benefits that the family would have expected to receive from the deceased
- The reasonable value of household services that deceased would have provided
2. Noneconomic Damages
- Compensation for the loss of the deceased’s love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance
- The loss of deceased’s training and guidance
Additionally the settlement that the family is awarded for future economic damages is reduced to relate to present value.
How Long Does a Family Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Los Angeles?
Like most personal injury claims in California, a family must file a wrongful death claim within two years of the date of their loved one’s death.
At Gould & Jefferson of Beverly Hills, we have the top wrongful death lawyers in Los Angeles to assist with your wrongful death claims. Trust us to put our compassion and experience to work for the difficult time that your family is facing. Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for our clients and we will fight for you or your loved ones until we obtain the recovery that is deserved. Call us at (310) 899-9529 and let our team get started for you right away.
