Sacramento Wrongful Death Attorney

Seeking Justice for Your Loved One

The sudden loss of a loved one due to another party’s wrongful act can be devastating for surviving family members—both emotionally and financially. If you have lost a loved one due to wrongful death, you may have the right to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, lost wages, and the emotional toll of your loved one’s death.

At our firm, our experienced Sacramento wrongful death lawyers are dedicated to helping families navigate the complex legal process involved in wrongful death cases. We are committed to holding the responsible party accountable and securing the financial support you need.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim is a legal action filed by certain family members after the death of a loved one caused by another party’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing. These claims are meant to recover compensation for the financial and emotional hardships caused by the deceased person’s death.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death

Wrongful death can occur in many ways, including:

• Car accidents caused by reckless or negligent drivers
• Medical malpractice resulting from misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or medication mistakes
• Premises liability cases, such as fatal slip and fall accidents
• Government entities failing to maintain safe roads or public spaces
• Workplace accidents due to unsafe conditions
• Defective products leading to fatal injuries

Each case is unique, and our Sacramento wrongful death lawyers will investigate the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death to determine liability.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Under California law, only certain family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit. These typically include:

• Surviving spouse or domestic partner
• Children of the deceased person
• Deceased person’s parents if there are no surviving children
• Putative spouse (a person who believed in good faith they were married to the deceased)
• Other family members who were financially dependent on the deceased

If you are unsure whether you have legal rights to file a wrongful death lawsuit, our Sacramento wrongful death attorneys can guide you through the legal procedure.

Damages Available in a Wrongful Death Case

A wrongful death lawsuit seeks to compensate family members for both economic and non-economic losses. Potential damages may include:

• Medical bills related to the deceased person’s final care
• Funeral expenses and burial expenses
• Lost wages the deceased would have earned
• Household services the deceased provided
• Emotional pain and suffering of surviving family members

The amount of compensation depends on the details of the case, and our Sacramento wrongful death lawyers will work to maximize your wrongful death settlement or jury verdict.

The Wrongful Death Claims Process

Navigating the Sacramento wrongful death claims process can be complex, requiring a thorough understanding of California law and legal proceedings. The steps generally include:

1. Filing a claim – A personal representative of the deceased’s estate files the claim in the appropriate court.
2. Investigation and evidence gathering – Collecting medical records, witness testimony, and expert opinions to establish liability.
3. Negotiation with the insurance company – Attempting to reach a fair settlement agreement before proceeding to trial.
4. Trial – If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may go to trial, where a judge or jury will determine the trial verdict.

We understand that pursuing legal action during such a difficult time can be overwhelming, which is why our wrongful death lawyers handle all aspects of the legal process for you.

Why You Need a Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer

Filing a wrongful death lawsuit is not just about seeking compensation—it’s about justice. A skilled wrongful death attorney can help you:

• Prove negligence or misconduct by the responsible party
• Navigate the complex legal system
• Gather all the evidence needed to strengthen your case
• Handle negotiations to achieve the best possible settlement agreement

If necessary, we will take your case to court and fight for a favorable jury verdict to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact an Experienced Sacramento Wrongful Death Attorney Today

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is devastating, but you don’t have to go through this alone. Our Sacramento wrongful death attorneys are here to provide compassionate legal representation and fight for justice on your behalf.

Learn more about the Sacramento wrongful death claims process. Call Crowell Law Offices at (916) 303-2800 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. You can also reach us anytime through our contact page. Let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in California?

Under California law, you typically have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, certain circumstances, such as cases involving government entities, may have shorter deadlines.

2. How is compensation determined in a wrongful death case?

Compensation is based on factors like medical expenses, lost wages, financial support, and the emotional suffering of surviving family members. The court will also consider the deceased person’s contributions to their family.

3. Can I file a wrongful death claim if I was financially dependent on the deceased?

Yes, in some cases, financially dependent family members, such as a putative spouse or dependent adult children, may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

4. What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action?

A wrongful death claim seeks damages for surviving family members, while a survival action allows the deceased’s estate to recover compensation for losses suffered by the deceased before their passing. Both types of claims can be filed in certain circumstances.

5. Do I need a lawyer to file a wrongful death lawsuit?

While you are not required to hire an attorney, having an experienced wrongful death lawyer greatly increases your chances of recovering fair compensation. A lawyer will handle legal matters, present evidence, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

If you need legal assistance with a wrongful death claim, contact our law firm today for a free consultation.