Redding Wrongful Death Lawyer
Wrongful death cases are devastating, and nobody should ever have to go through the horrific experience of losing a loved one in an accident caused by another party’s reckless or careless actions or omissions. When these accidents do happen, California law allows family members of the deceased, as well as other potential parties, to file a wrongful death claim against the liable party in order to seek financial compensation. A Redding wrongful death lawyer at our firm can help.
Learning More About Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Redding, California
What is wrongful death law, and what is its connection to personal injury law? In a personal injury lawsuit, the injured party is able to file a lawsuit against the responsible party in order to seek damages. Yet when the injured party sustains fatal injuries, she or he cannot file a claim on her own behalf. Instead, wrongful death law allows another person or party to stand in the shoes of the deceased and to file a lawsuit against the liable party.
Parties Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Redding
Although some states only permit the personal representative of the estate to file a lawsuit, California law allows surviving family members as well as the deceased’s estate to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Examples of parties who may file a claim include but are not limited to:
- Surviving spouse;
- Surviving child;
- Surviving parent; or
- Representative of the estate.
Damages in a Redding Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Damages in a wrongful death lawsuit include both economic and non-economic damages, which are both types of compensatory damages. These damages can compensate for a variety of losses, such as:
- Medical bills of deceased prior to death;
- Lost wages of the deceased;
- Burial and funeral costs; and
- Loss of the deceased’s companionship.
Timeline for a Wrongful Death Claim in Redding
Most Redding wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date of the deceased’s death. It is important to note the date that the clock starts “ticking” on wrongful death lawsuits because it is slightly different from the clock on a personal injury lawsuit.
While a deadly accident might result in immediate fatal injuries, there are many situations in which a severe accident can cause life-threatening injuries. In such scenarios, a person might remain in the hospital for days, weeks, months, and sometimes even longer on life-sustaining treatments or devices. In time, those life-threatening injuries may prove fatal, and the injury victim might succumb to the injuries. It is in these cases that the point at which the clock for wrongful death claims is particularly important. Rather than having two years from the date of the accident to file a claim, the family or other parties eligible to file a lawsuit will have two years from the date of death.
Seek Advice from Our Redding Wrongful Death Attorneys
Do you have questions about filing a wrongful death claim in Northern California? While wrongful death law is closely related to personal injury law, it is essential to understand the distinctions and to work with an experienced lawyer on your case. Our dedicated Redding wrongful death lawyers can speak with you today about your options for seeking financial compensation. Contact Venardi Zurada to learn more about the services we provide to families in Redding.
