Have you lost a loved one due to the recklessness, negligent, or careless acts of a third party? Are you struggling with burial expenses and financial hardships while trying to grieve your loved one?
At Younglove Law Firm, we offer our deepest condolences for what you’re experiencing. Our goal, if you work with us, is to help you rebuild your financial security after your loved one has passed. That’s why our lead Encino attorney who specializes in personal injury, Douglas Younglove, always seeks maximum compensation for the decedents of wrongful death victims.
Our team of Encino wrongful death lawyers Younglove Law makes it easy and risk-free to get started. Call us at (602) 737-3333 or book your free, no-obligation case review and consultation online today.
A wrongful death is any death that occurs due to a third party’s negligence, recklessness, or even intentional wrongdoing. This death may occur directly after the circumstances or years later due to complications from injuries sustained in the incident.
Some situations that may yield a wrongful death include:
A successfully tried or settled wrongful death case can pay for expenses related to or stemming from the loved one’s passing. That includes damages such as:
A judge may also decide to award punitive damages in a wrongful death case, which seeks to punish the defendant for excessively harmful or reckless behavior.
If the wrongful death victim dies due to a crime, that could be considered a wrongful death case in most states, including California. The deceased’s personal representative or surviving family members would be eligible to file a wrongful death case for crimes ranging from homicide and manslaughter to burglary and robbery.
In California, the priority for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is given to the surviving spouse, domestic partner, and children of the deceased. If none of these survivors exist, the right to bring such a lawsuit extends to those who would inherit the decedent’s property through succession, including parents and siblings.
Additionally, individuals who were financially dependent on the deceased, such as putative spouses (spouses who believed they were married to the deceased but were mistaken), stepchildren, and legal guardians may also have grounds to initiate a wrongful death lawsuit – if they can demonstrate their financial dependence on the deceased.
According to Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 377.60-.62, the deceased may also appoint a personal representative to represent their estate before they die.
The personal representative of the deceased or the family member bringing the case has two years from the date of the deceased’s death in which to file a claim. If individuals do not abide by this statute of limitations, a judge will almost certainly dismiss the case – even if the case is legitimate and deserving.
Two years may sound like a long time, but that time will move quickly in the aftermath of your loved one’s passing. That’s why it’s best to begin wrongful death proceedings as soon as you think you may have a case.
To ensure you don’t miss the 2-year statute of limitations in your wrongful death case, you must take proactive steps and stay informed about the applicable deadlines.
First, we recommend immediately consulting an experienced attorney specializing in wrongful death claims. They will have a deep understanding of the specific statute of limitations relevant to your case, as these timeframes can vary based on factors such as the cause of death and jurisdiction. Your attorney can provide you with precise guidance and ensure you’re aware of the deadline that applies to your situation.
Additionally, all relevant information related to the incident should be documented, and evidence should be gathered promptly. This includes collecting medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and any other documents that may support your case.
Swift action can help your attorney build a strong foundation for your wrongful death claim while staying within the statute of limitations. Keep open lines of communication with your attorney and stay actively involved in your case, as this will help you remain aware of deadlines and ensure your case proceeds smoothly within the time allotted.
At the Younglove Law Firm, we deeply empathize with the anguish and sorrow that accompany the loss of a loved one due to a wrongful death. We are dedicated to providing unwavering support and legal expertise throughout this trying time.
Here’s why Encino residents have been choosing us for over 30 years:
So, reach out today to work with one of Encino’s top law firms. Contact the Younglove Law Firm today for your complimentary, no-obligation case review and consultation. Schedule your appointment online or talk to a representative by calling (602) 737-3333.