Seeking Justice For Families Throughout California

There is nothing more difficult than losing a loved one unexpectedly. If your loved one died and you believe someone else is at fault, we encourage you to reach out to our legal team as soon as possible for a free, confidential consultation. Our Irvine wrongful death lawyer can help you understand your legal rights, including your right to fair compensation. If someone else’s negligent or wrongful actions led to your loved one’s death, we can help you seek the justice you and your family are owed.

Contact Alpine Law Group online or call (866) 773-0222 to speak to a compassionate and experienced attorney. We serve clients throughout the state.

What Makes A Death “Wrongful?”

Tragic and truly blameless accidents can and do occur. However, when a fatal accident is caused by a person or entity’s negligence, the resulting death is considered “wrongful” in the eyes of the law. A death is also wrongful when it is the result of an intentional act, such as an assault. Wrongful death lawsuits are civil actions and are separate from any criminal proceedings that may take place.

Like personal injury claims, the statute of limitations to file a wrongful death claim is two years. This means you have two years from the date of your loved ones passing to file a claim or you will most likely lose your right to do so. It is important to note that the date an injury or accident occurred may not be the same day as a loved ones passing. The statute of limitations does have exceptions that can prolong or shorten the two year time period. Contact an attorney from our firm right away to learn how the statute of limitations may affect your case and what we can do for you.

Compensation In Wrongful Death Cases

In California, only certain individuals may bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of a loved one, including:

• The surviving spouse or domestic partner of the deceased
• The surviving child/children of the deceased

If there is no surviving spouse, domestic partner, or child, anyone who would be entitled to inherit the deceased’s estate may bring a wrongful death claim. Depending on the circumstances, this can include the parents, siblings, “putative” spouses/children, stepchildren, and other surviving relatives of the deceased. Additionally, anyone who can show that they were dependent on the deceased may be able to bring a wrongful death claim.

In wrongful death cases, plaintiffs (those who file the claims) may seek compensation for specific damages. This compensation is meant to reimburse plaintiffs for economic and non-economic losses they have suffered as a result of the death of their loved one.

Depending on the unique factors involved in your claim, you may be able to recover compensation for the following:

• Any medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident/incident prior to death
• Burial/funeral costs
• Lost income, including lost expected income that the deceased would have reasonably earned
• Lost inheritance
• Loss of support, for those financially dependent on the deceased
• Loss of consortium, love, companionship, affection, etc.
• Value of household services provided or reasonably expected to be provided by the deceased
• Pain and suffering

Our Irvine wrongful death lawyer can help you understand your legal options and take action aimed at securing the maximum compensation you and your family are owed. While we understand that no amount of financial recovery can make up for the immense loss you have suffered, it can ease the burdens you are facing and aid in helping you get back on your feet.

Call our office today at (866) 773-0222 or contact Alpine Law Group online to request your free initial consultation.