Compassionate Assistance for Surviving Families
The unexpected loss of a loved one in a preventable accident is one of the most painful experiences a person can endure. You shouldn’t have to suffer the financial consequences of an accident which never should have happened on top of the pain you are already facing. If you have found yourself in this unfortunate situation, know that there is help and support available.
Contact BD&J to speak with a Riverside wrongful death attorney at our firm about your options for recourse.
We represent families who have lost loved ones due to:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Construction accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Bicycle and pedestrian accidents
- Defective products
What is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
A wrongful death lawsuit is essentially a personal injury lawsuit brought by surviving family members of a deceased person on his or her behalf. In California, parties who may file a wrongful death lawsuit include surviving spouses, domestic partners, children, parents, and siblings. In order for the lawsuit to be successful, the plaintiff will have to prove that the death was caused by the defendant’s negligent or intentional actions. This is where a qualified lawyer at BD&J can help. When you retain one of our lawyers, we can investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of your loved one and uncover evidence that can be used to support your case, including medical documents, police reports, and more.
Our goal is to get you a fair recovery for all of your losses, including:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Costs of medical care prior to the death
- Loss of financial support and benefits
- Loss of companionship
- And more
Liability in a Wrongful Death Claim
When another party directly or indirectly causes a death, the individual’s family can sue and seek compensation for economic and noneconomic losses.
When it comes to a wrongful death, you can’t assume who bears responsibility. In California — as in most states — liability depends on the circumstances surrounding the death. A wrongful death attorney can investigate and prove liability.
Who Can Be Found Liable?
People directly or indirectly responsible for the death of someone can be found liable. Death could be due to negligence, reckless behavior, or intent to harm.
Parties who can be held liable include:
- Employers: They could be liable if an individual dies while performing actions within their job description or is forced to work in hazardous conditions.
- Individuals: Individuals can be found liable for the death of another person that occurs due to the individual engaging in reckless behavior, having a motor vehicle accident while abusing substances, or engaging in a fight that leads to accidental death.
- Property owners: Property owners can be held liable for a person’s death due to reasons ranging from unsafe construction to insufficient security.
- Healthcare providers: Families can sue healthcare providers for malpractice, wrongful death, and misdiagnosis.
How Is Liability Typically Proven?
Families affected by the death can file a civil action claim. Our wrongful death lawyers determine if the death was caused by an intentional criminal act or negligence. Everything from evidence taken from the scene to eyewitness accounts and medical records is scrutinized.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim?
California’s statute of limitations is 2 years from the person’s death.
Wrongful Death vs. Survival Actions
Survival actions refer to lawsuits filed for the injuries and damages suffered by the deceased from the day of injury until the death date. Wrongful death happens when someone dies due to someone’s negligent actions and the surviving person seeks compensation.
Call our Riverside Attorneys for a Complimentary Case Review
We understand that you are going through an extremely challenging time and that legal action may currently be the furthest thing from your mind. Remember, however, that California places a 2-year statute of limitations on wrongful death cases, so time is limited to file a lawsuit. When you choose BD&J to represent you, we will work hard to lift the burden you are currently facing by guiding you through every step of the process. Driven by a genuine compassion for helping people in a time of need, our attorneys are ready to help you obtain the justice — and sense of closure — you need to move forward.
To discuss your case with a Riverside wrongful death lawyer, please call (855) 906-3699.
