Wrongful Death Attorney in Glendora, CA
Losing a loved one before their time is devastating, even more so if the death was caused by someone’s negligence. When someone passes due to reckless or preventable circumstances, it may be difficult to come to terms with and may be difficult to move forward without them. A Glendora wrongful death lawyer can help you seek compensation for your loss from the negligent party.
At Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, our trusted team of wrongful death lawyers can pursue a claim to see that those your loved one left behind are taken care of and able to rebuild their lives without them. Our team has helped many families throughout Glendora in their journey to obtain justice for their loved one’s untimely death. Our personal injury lawyers in Glendora can work hard to pursue justice and give you and your family the financial security you need to move forward.
What Is Wrongful Death in California?
California law defines wrongful death as a fatality that happened due to a wrongful act or negligence of another person or entity. California law allows surviving family members to pursue a civil claim for compensation for their losses. California ranks as one of the states with the most fatal accidents, most of which are caused by reckless or negligent driving.
In 2021, California recorded 4,285 total fatalities from motor vehicle accidents, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. A majority of these fatalities are caused by drunk drivers; in fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one person died every 42 minutes in a drunk driving accident in 2023. Other causes of wrongful death in California are:
- Pedestrian fatalities
- Bicycle accidents
- Medical errors
- Nursing home negligence
- Occupational safety hazards
- Slip and fall accidents
- Defective products
- Exposure to hazardous substances or environments
How We Can Help
If you have lost a loved one in any of the above means, you may be entitled to compensation. At Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, our team can launch a full investigation into the events leading up to your loved one’s passing and identify any negligence or reckless acts that compromised your loved one’s life.
Our legal team can work closely with you throughout the wrongful death claims process, including representing your family in court should your case progress to trial.
Compensation in a Wrongful Death Case in Glendora
Surviving family members in a Glendora, CA wrongful death case can be eligible for compensation to help their family heal and move forward without their cherished family member. The forms of compensation our team will help you pursue include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Loss of household services like maintenance and child care
- Medical expenses related to the incident
- Loss of financial support
- Punitive damages in the case that a judge rules as such
When you meet with our attorney for the first time, we will review your claim with you and advise you as to what compensation you may be entitled to. If you are the surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, or parent, you are eligible to file a claim. Contact us today to get started.
FAQs
Who Can Pursue a Wrongful Death Claim in Glendora?
The primary party who may file a wrongful death claim is a legal husband or wife at the time of death, legal partners, biological and adopted children, and grandchildren if the person’s children are already deceased.
If none of the primary parties exist or are alive, then parents of the deceased, siblings, or other potential heirs may pursue a wrongful death claim. If no family members or dependents can come forward, the estate’s personal representatives may file a claim.
How Are Wrongful Death Settlements Paid in California?
Settlements are traditionally paid in a lump sum, which is distributed after attorneys’ fees are taken out. Once a claim is made for a wrongful death case, your attorney will negotiate until both parties can agree on a settlement amount.
Once the insurance pays the settlement, it is deposited into a dedicated trust account at the attorney’s office, where all legal fees, attorney’s expenses, and outstanding debts are deducted from the total, leaving the remaining amount to be paid out.
How Can I Prove Negligence in a Wrongful Death Claim in Glendora, CA?
Proving negligence in a wrongful death claim in Glendora, CA, involves proving that the person or entity owed a duty of care to your loved one, breached that duty, and that the breach directly caused their death. When you hire a wrongful death lawyer, they will conduct a full investigation into what caused your loved one’s passing. They will obtain official reports, medical records, eyewitness testimony, and other professional opinions to prove negligence.
How Long Can I Wait Before Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
The state of California allows two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If the heir is a minor, the two-year statute of limitations does not begin until they turn 18. The state also allows a delayed discovery period if it was not immediately clear that the cause of death was due to someone else’s negligence or reckless behavior. The closure may start when the cause is discovered.
Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you believe you have a wrongful death case, our team can help. At Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, we really care about your family’s well-being and ability to financially move forward without the support of your loved one. No amount of money can make up for the incredible loss of losing your loved one due to someone else’s negligent or reckless behavior, but it will at least allow you to move forward financially.
Contact our team today for a free wrongful death consultation. We can review your unique case and advise on the appropriate path forward. Our experienced legal team is ready to help you.