At Hanning & Sacchetto, LLP, our Whittier personal injury attorneys know when California residents’ loved ones are catastrophically hurt in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident, they may spend a significant amount of time fighting for their lives.
These unsure times can cause significant stress and anxiety for the families of the injured, as their loved ones can remain unconscious or incapacitated for days, weeks, or even months. While some respond to medical treatment and have a long road to recovery, others may lose the fight.
While there is nothing that can prepare families for tragically losing someone they love to their injuries, there is a legal option that may allow them to pursue justice in the form of a wrongful death claim. In California, and elsewhere across the country, wrongful death claims are designed to help eligible family members hold the negligent driver who caused their loved one’s loss of life liable for their financial recovery.
We understand no amount of money can replace your loved one. However, we also know that the expenses associated with their collision, injuries, and death are going to deal a second devastating blow to those who are trying to grieve. We can help give you the time you need to deal with your personal loss physically and emotionally, while we pursue the at-fault party for your financial recovery needs.
Who is Eligible to File a California Wrongful Death Claim?
There is no limit to the types of injuries that can occur during vehicle collisions in California. In some cases, two people can be hurt in the same way while one makes a full recovery, and the other loses their life.
When catastrophic injuries lead to the death of an accident victim, eligible family members may pursue the negligent individual who caused the crash.
In California, wrongful death claims may be filed by the following people in order of eligibility.
The deceased’s:
- Surviving Spouse.
- Domestic Partner.
- Surviving Children.
- Parents.
- Siblings.
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is two years from the date of your loved one’s death. However, the sooner you can speak with our skilled Los Angeles County wrongful death attorneys, the quicker we can begin preserving crucial evidence that will help support your important claim.
What Type of Financial Compensation Can I Pursue During a California Wrongful Death Claim?
Survivors are entitled to pursue financial compensation from the negligent party’s insurance coverage for their losses.
That may include all costs associated with their loved one’s death, from the time the accident occurred, like:
- Medical/Hospital Expenses Incurred Up to Their Death.
- Loss of Earnings During Hospitalization.
- Funeral and Burial Expenses.
- Lost Income, and Potential Income Earnings.
- Value of Household Services.
- Loss of Affection and Moral Support.
- Loss of Benefits, including Insurance and Retirement.
We understand what a difficult time this is for you and your family and would like to discuss how your loved one’s loss has impacted your physical, emotional, and financial stability during a free consultation today. Contact our experienced auto accident and wrongful death attorneys in Whittier at Hanning & Sacchetto today by calling (562) 698-6446 to schedule a free consultation, where we can help build your case by learning more about how it occurred.