Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
Wrongful death cases can be difficult and emotionally charged. It is important to hire a lawyer who has a track record of success obtaining results in wrongful death cases. These cases are unique, and in the courtroom, they must be presented to the jury differently than other personal injury claims. Additionally, wrongful death claims are subject to specific, tightly drawn laws about who can bring them, under what circumstances they can be brought, and what damages can be recovered. The Oakland wrongful death lawyers at Venardi Zurada have years of experience helping clients recover after their loved ones have been killed by someone else’s negligence.
In California, a wrongful death claim can be brought whenever a person dies as a result of someone else’s negligence–similar to other personal injury lawsuits. Only specific parties can bring a wrongful death claim, however. According to California law, the following parties can bring a wrongful death claim if they survive the accident victim:
- Spouse or domestic partner of the decedent
- Children of the decedent
- If there is no surviving spouse or children, then other heirs can bring a claim, including:
- Siblings of the decedent
- Parents of the decedent
- Certain financially dependent relatives may also bring a wrongful death claim, including:
- The “putative spouse” of the decedent
- Parents of the decedent
- Step-children of the decedent
What Can You Recover in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
At Venardi Zurada, LLP, our wrongful death attorneys genuinely care about the hardship your family has endured. We will work to get you the support you need, including compensation for the following damages:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Costs of medical treatment prior to death
- Grief of the survivors
- Pain and suffering of the victim
- Loss of consortium, including comfort, care, guidance, advice, companionship, parenting and household assistance
- Loss of future financial support
- Loss of future pension or inheritance
Help From a Compassionate and Dedicated Oakland Wrongful Death Lawyer
If your loved one was killed as a result of someone else’s negligence, the passionate and understanding Oakland wrongful death lawyers at Venardi Zurada can help you get the justice and closure that you and your family deserve. Our wrongful death lawyers take on even the most challenging wrongful death cases, and we do not hesitate to bring your case to trial if necessary. To arrange a free consultation, call 833-893-6763 or contact us online.
