Culver City Wrongful Death Lawyer
Every death is a profound event that can have a significant impact on the surviving family members. After losing a loved one, you may be overwhelmed with grief and unexpected expenses. However, when a preventable accident leads to a family member’s death, the situation can be even more frustrating.
If you unexpectedly lost a loved one in an accident, call a Culver City wrongful death lawyer right away. A dedicated personal injury attorney from our firm could help you seek justice on the deceased’s behalf.
When is a Wrongful Death Suit Warranted?
While any death can result in crushing grief and significant economic damages, not all fatal accidents warrant a wrongful death suit. A wrongful death case is only appropriate when another party’s intentional or negligent act leads to the death of your loved one.
It can be helpful to think of these cases as types of personal injury claims. If the decedent would have had the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the other party had they survived, a wrongful death lawsuit is appropriate.
Common examples of incidents that could lead to a wrongful death claim include traffic collisions, accidents on private or public property, and defective product incidents. A fatal accident attorney in Culver City could help you determine if you have a basis to demand compensation through a lawsuit.
Demanding Compensation Through Fatal Accident Case in Culver City
Wrongful deaths have a profound impact on surviving family members. In a successful claim, you and other surviving family members may be able to recover compensation for several types of economic and non-economic losses.
Economic Damages
After the loss of a loved one, you may experience substantial financial losses. In addition to funeral and burial expenses, you may need to pay medical bills accumulated before your loved one’s death.
These financial strains can be exacerbated if the decedent was the primary earner in your family. A comprehensive claim could cover all these economic losses.
Non-Economic Damages
A death can also impact your and your family’s emotional well-being. The loss of a parent, spouse, or child rightfully inflicts substantial grief, mourning, and trauma on family members. A local attorney could help you place a valuate your non-economic damages in a wrongful death case.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Case?
It is important to note that there are legal restrictions on who can file a wrongful death case. California Code of Civil Procedure §377.60 states that only immediate family members such as children, parents, or spouses have the ability to file wrongful death lawsuits in court. Alternatively, a personal representative of the decedent’s estate may also be able to serve in this role.
No matter who files the lawsuit, there is a limited time under the law to demand compensation following a death. CA CCP §335.1 establishes a two-year filing deadline for wrongful death cases. A skilled attorney could help you file your wrongful death claim in a timely manner to preserve your right to compensation.
Contact a Culver City Wrongful Death Attorney Now
The sudden loss of a family member is a difficult time. Fortunately, you may have a valid legal claim over the person responsible for your loved one’s death. Contact a Culver City wrongful death lawyer today to schedule a consultation and begin discussing your claim.