Wrongful death is a term that applies to civil claims that are made against someone legally responsible for someone else’s death. There are various reasons why wrongful death occurs but a common factor is that a family is left devastated. They may also be struggling with unexpected financial losses.
If you recently lost a loved one because of wrongful death, reach out to the compassionate Santa Clarita wrongful death lawyer at Younglove Law Firm. We can help guide you through the legal process of filing a claim and help you pursue compensation to help you move toward the next chapter of your life with greater security and confidence. Contact us today for your free case review.
Wrongful death claims can be based on many different situations. However, some of the most common causes of wrongful death include:
Intentional misconduct, recklessness, or negligence may result in wrongful death. For any legal theory, an experienced Santa Clarita personal injury lawyer can help assemble evidence to build your claim.
California’s Judicial Council of California Civil Jury Instructions (CACI) provides detailed information about the types of damages plaintiffs can recover in personal injury cases. CACI No. 3921 addresses damages in wrongful death cases.
Damages in wrongful death cases can be economic or non-economic damages. Economic damages are those losses you incur that can be quantified to a certain dollar amount. Economic damages in a California wrongful death case can include:
In addition to these expenses which can be quantified, the jury instructions also explain that juries can award damages for the loss of the following:
California does not cap the damages that can be awarded in wrongful death cases, but the cap on medical malpractice cases still applies in cases involving death caused by medical malpractice.
There is so much that goes into a wrongful death claim. You must be able to show the defendant was legally responsible for your loved one’s death, that you have the right to file a wrongful death claim under state law, the full extent of your damages, and much more. This can be a lot – especially when you are still dealing with the grief of losing a loved one. Unfortunately, California’s statute of limitations gives you just two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The team at Younglove Law Firm can help you every step of the way and ensure your rights are protected. You can learn more by calling our firm at (602) 737-3333 and scheduling a free and confidential case review.