A wrongful death claim is not just a regular lawsuit. The sudden and senseless death of a loved one has a profound impact on the family in many different ways. The outcome of a wrongful death case could be a settlement or a jury decision. But, neither can replace the loss that the family feels every day. When you hire a Sacramento wrongful death lawyer, they must be more than just a legal representative. They should be an advocate and counselor, strong in the courtroom but compassionate with their clients. Most importantly, they need to be a human being who truly understands what it means to lose a loved one. If you need assistance, reach out to our Sacramento wrongful death lawyers at the law firm of Eric Ratinoff Law Corp without delay.
YOUR WRONGFUL DEATH CASE
Justice is more than just a part of the legal system. It’s a journey that involves many questions, answers, guidance, and support. Our Sacramento personal injury attorneys are aware of this journey, and we are here to support you and your family every step of the way. Our goal is to fight for you and stand by your side, ensuring that justice is upheld for your loved one whose memory will always be cherished.
WHY CLIENTS HIRE OUR SACRAMENTO WRONGFUL DEATH LAWYERS
We have achieved exceptional outcomes for our previous clients, setting records along the way. We strive to attain the best results. We do this through dedication and diligence. We help individuals who are mourning the loss of their loved ones.
Our team consists of experienced trial lawyers who are not afraid to pursue litigation and take defendants to court. If required, our skilled wrongful death lawyers are prepared to go to trial in Sacramento County to advocate for your case.
We handle all wrongful death claims on a contingency fee basis. We do not charge families any legal fees. They only pay if they recover compensation.
WHAT IS WRONGFUL DEATH IN CALIFORNIA?
Every death is sad, but not all of them are considered wrongful. According to California law, a death is wrongful if it was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. This means that a person or group failed to provide the needed care in a situation. This failure led to an avoidable fatal accident. In simpler terms, if it weren’t for the defendant’s careless actions or omissions, your loved one would still be alive. If you think you might have a wrongful death claim, reach out to us for a free evaluation in Sacramento.
WHO IS ACCOUNTABLE FOR A FAMILY MEMBER’S DEATH?
Every state, including California, offers legal solutions for wrongful death cases. The party caused a death by negligence. They can be held responsible for the suffering of the victim’s family. They may also have to pay for the income the deceased person would have earned. They must also cover the family’s financial losses due to the death. This can include expenses for the funeral and burial, medical bills, and other costs that arose because of the wrongful death of a loved one.
- Driver
- Doctor
- Criminal
- Employer
- Business owner
- Product manufacturer
- Property owner
- Multiple parties
The plaintiff’s lawyer needs to show that the defendant is at fault. Then, the family can get damages. If you file a claim, your attorney must present enough evidence. They will show it to the insurance company or the court. The evidence will prove that the defendant caused your loved one’s death. Typically, proving fault involves four key elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages.
WHO MAY BRING A WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM IN SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA?
Merely having a strong emotional connection or being close to the person who passed away is not enough to file a wrongful death claim. You need to have legal permission granted by the state law. Only certain family members are entitled to seek compensation for wrongful death. In California, the people who can file a wrongful death claim are the surviving spouse, children, parents, and siblings. Also, domestic partners and those who relied on the deceased person for money.
COMMON CAUSES OF WRONGFUL DEATH
In California, by the fault laws, you usually must show another person caused the harm to get paid for damages. However, it is not possible to prove fault until you have a clear understanding of what caused your loved one’s fatal accident. While there are numerous causes of wrongful death, some of the most common reasons include:
- Construction or workplace accidents
- Defective products, including defective pharmaceutical drugs
- Car crashes in Sacramento and other motor vehicle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Misdiagnosis
At Our Law Firm, we can examine the circumstances around the death of your loved one. We will see if there is evidence of a defendant’s wrongdoing that led to the incident. If we find malice, negligence, or recklessness related to the victim’s death, we can help you file a wrongful death claim in Sacramento.
FINANCIAL COSTS OF A WRONGFUL DEATH CASE
Filing a wrongful death claim is not just about getting money back. It is a way to show respect for your loved one by safeguarding their rights. A wrongful death claim allows your loved one to have a voice. Even though your relative cannot hold the wrongdoer accountable, your family can seek compensation for them. In California, a family may get compensation from the defendant. It’s for many financial and emotional damages from the death.
- Future earnings: This includes the income that the deceased person would have earned if their wrongful death had not occurred.
- These are the costs of the loved one passing. They include medical bills, funeral expenses, and burial costs.
- Retirement or pension: If a wrongful death happens unexpectedly, it can result in a loss of income from a retirement account or pension.
- Inheritance may be impacted. The benefits the surviving family could have inherited may be lost due to the wrongful death.
- Pain and Suffering: A skilled wrongful death lawyer in Sacramento can help the victim and their loved ones. They can help them get compensation for the pain and suffering. They suffered due to the tragic incident.
- Punitive Damages may apply if the loss was caused by intentional acts or negligence. You may be eligible for extra compensation beyond just covering the losses. These additional damages, known as punitive damages, are meant to serve as a form of punishment for the at-fault party.
- You may be eligible for money for the loss of companionship. This is for the companionship provided by your deceased family member or friend. This compensation recognizes the emotional impact and void created by the absence of their presence in your life.
WRONGFUL DEATH STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS
It is important for your family to take prompt legal action in cases of wrongful death. In California, there is a strict time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing wrongful death claims. If the plaintiff does not file within two years from the date of the person’s death, the courts in California will likely refuse to hear the case. You have a limited time of two years to gather evidence, build your case, and file a legal claim against the responsible party in Sacramento County. To expedite the claims process, it is advisable to hire a lawyer as soon as you suspect any misconduct related to the death of your loved one.
Jack Allen is an experienced Sacramento wrongful death attorney. He has over twenty five years of expertise in handling wrongful death claims in Sacramento. He has dealt with various types of intentional or negligent actions that have led to wrongful deaths. His cases have involved complex situations. These include medical malpractice and defective products. Also, construction and motorcycle accidents, and birth injuries. They also include serious misdiagnosis of diseases like cancer or HIV.
REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION WITH OUR SACRAMENTO WRONGFUL DEATH LAWYERS
Lawyer Jack Allen has over 25 years of experience. He has dealt with wrongful death cases in Sacramento and across the country. These cases have happened because of different kinds of intentional or careless actions. He has worked on complicated situations. They involve medical mistakes and faulty products. They also include accidents at construction sites, injuries during childbirth, and motorcycle crashes. They also involve serious errors in diagnosing diseases like cancer or HIV.
Our team of Sacramento wrongful death lawyers also helps people who lost their loved ones. It was because of medical devices or drugs that were defective and had hidden, harmful side effects. If you want to know more about Jack Allen, look at his track record. He has successfully resolved many wrongful death cases. Please contact our law firm +1 332 282 9557 in Sacramento, CA today. You can reach us for questions, legal advice, or a free consultation for your case by filling out the form on this page or contact us.