Wrongful Death Lawyer In El Monte
Understandably, it’s upsetting to lose a family member unexpectedly. If someone else’s negligence or reckless actions cause the death of a loved one, a trusted El Monte wrongful death lawyer can discuss the first steps you should take. An attorney can protect your eligibility for death-related expenses under California law. Contact Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor to set up a consultation to discuss your claim eligibility and financial recovery options.
What Is a Wrongful Death Case in California?
In California, eligible members of a family can bring a legal claim when their loved one’s death was caused by wrongful actions, called negligence. To win a negligence wrongful death claim, you must prove:
- A death happened.
- The death was caused by the negligent or unreasonable actions of someone else.
- The death could have been prevented.
- Financial damages can be awarded to the surviving members of the decedent’s family.
An important first step for a California wrongful death case is to determine if you’re eligible to file a claim for damages.
Who Is Eligible to Bring a Claim for Wrongful Death Damages in California?
Throughout California, eligible parties may bring a claim for wrongful death recovery after a preventable death. In general, someone’s estate or their next of kin can bring a claim. Under California law, the next of kin typically includes the following:
- The decedent’s spouse or their domestic partner
- Any children of the decedent
- Their parents
- Their siblings
If you are not an eligible party under California law, you may not be able to file a claim for damages. It’s worth discussing with a licensed California attorney whether you qualify for wrongful death recovery. The goal of a wrongful death claim is to provide compensation for the remaining family members as if their family member had not passed away.
Are Wrongful Deaths Common in California?
Sadly, deaths that could have been prevented happen all too often. Of note, the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) reported that there were 227,039 accidental injury deaths throughout the United States from 2018 to 2023. This reflects a rate of 68.1 preventable fatalities per 100,000 U.S. residents.
In California, trial courts recorded 40,102 case filings from 2022 to 2023 for property damages, motor vehicle accidents, and wrongful death cases.
If you find yourself needing help after the death of a loved one, an attorney can make a difference in your financial outcome. They can discuss your situation, investigate the cause of your loved one’s death, and help you pursue all avenues of recovery.
What Kind of Accidents Lead to Wrongful Death Claims?
Across southern California, avoidable deaths have happened because of:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Accidents involving impaired drivers
- Medical malpractice issues
- Premises liability incidents
- Defective products
- And more
If you lost a family member too soon, an attorney could help your family pursue compensation. They can help you pursue damages for funeral and burial expenses, loss of household support, medical expenses, emotional distress, and more.
A lawyer can evaluate your claim, investigate the cause of death, and build a claim to prove legal fault. Contact Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor today to schedule a free consultation.
FAQs
Q: What Amount Can I Claim in Damages for an El Monte, California, Wrongful Death Claim?
A: If you’re an eligible party for a wrongful death claim, the amount you may be able to recover usually depends on your case facts. The value of your claim depends on your loved one’s age when they passed away, their income, their relationship to you, and the negligence of the defendants.
These claims can be complicated, and an experienced attorney can help maximize your recovery. An attorney can give you an estimate of what you might receive for your claim.
Q: Are California Wrongful Death Cases Challenging to Win?
A: While it often seems challenging to win a California wrongful death case, an attorney in El Monte with experience successfully resolving these cases can help. They can gather evidence to demonstrate that the death only occurred because of someone’s negligent behavior.
An attorney can investigate the death, explain the claim process, and improve your chances for a successful wrongful death claim. They can advocate for your interests throughout the process and discuss your potential financial recovery.
Q: What Types of Evidence Are Helpful for a Wrongful Death Case?
A: Compelling evidence can help show that only someone else’s negligence caused the death of your loved one. With a wrongful death case, you can gather evidence like medical records, healthcare bills, financial statements, and accident reports to give to your attorney.
A lawyer can help gather additional evidence like witness statements, a death certificate, and more. Plus, they may consult an expert to prove the cause of death and responsibility for the death under California law.
Q: What Kind of Attorney Usually Assists With Wrongful Death Cases?
A: In California, an experienced El Monte personal injury attorney can help with a wrongful death case. They can evaluate your eligibility for a wrongful death claim and ensure you file for damages in a timely manner.
A knowledgeable attorney can discuss the next steps to protect your interests, and based on their experience with prior clients, they can discuss your legal options. Call Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor for a free consultation to discuss your potential wrongful death case.
Contact Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor – Trusted El Monte Wrongful Death Attorneys
After an avoidable death, it’s important to speak with a compassionate attorney to get justice for your family member. An attorney can give compassionate legal support when hired to represent your interests with a wrongful death claim. While each case is unique, an attorney can give reliable legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
At Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, we offer free initial case evaluations to discuss our legal services. With over thirty years of experience helping family members after the unexpected loss of a loved one, we can fight for your compensation.
While it won’t bring back your family member, a legal claim can help compensate you for death-related expenses. Contact us to set up a no-cost meeting right away.