Long Beach Wrongful Death Lawyer
Experienced Wrongful Death Attorneys
Each year, there are over 224,000 unintentional injury deaths across the United States. Motor vehicle accident victims account for over 45,000 of these fatalities. When an accident results in a loved one's wrongful death, the negligent parties involved can be held responsible. Per California law, surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit to obtain justice and financial compensation.
Wrongful death victims often experience serious emotional distress, and financial hardship due to medical bills, lost income, and funeral and burial expenses. At Belmont Accident Lawyers our wrongful death lawyers maintain a 99% success rate and have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Let us handle the legal matters while you focus on spending time with your family and grieving your loss. Call our personal injury law firm today for a free consultation.
FREE CONSULTATION 24/7
No Fees Unless We Win
20+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Our team of personal injury lawyers has
20+ years of professional legal experience.
99% WIN RATE
Our law office has a 99% success rate and can improve your chances to recover compensation.
CONTINGENCY FEE BASIS
Our personal injury lawyers will not charge you any legal fees until we win your case.
How a Long Beach Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help
Losing a loved one in a wrongful death incident can be emotionally devastating, and dealing with legal matters during such a difficult time can be overwhelming. A Long Beach wrongful death attorney can help you in the following ways:
Provide legal expertise - Wrongful death attorneys have a deep understanding of California's wrongful death laws and the necessary legal procedures, ensuring you meet deadlines and follow the correct steps in your wrongful death suit.
Offer compassionate support - Our wrongful death attorneys offer their support and understanding during a challenging time, allowing you to focus on healing and grieving your loss.
FEATURED ATTORNEY
Conduct a thorough investigation - Personal injury lawyers conduct thorough investigations to gather compelling evidence, interview eyewitnesses, and consult with expert witnesses to build a strong case.
Maximize compensation - At Belmont Accident Lawyers, our attorneys work diligently to secure the maximum compensation available to cover your financial losses.
Negotiate with the insurance companies - Personal injury attorneys communicate and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. If the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, our trial lawyers will represent you in court to fight for your rights.
What is Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death refers to a situation in which a person's death is caused by the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another party. These cases typically arise when someone's actions lead to the untimely and preventable death of another individual. The victim's family members can file wrongful death claims to seek compensation for their losses.
Wrongful death cases can stem from a wide range of circumstances, including car accidents, truck accidents, rideshare accidents, workplace accidents, and more. These cases aim to provide financial support to the surviving family members and hold the liable parties accountable for their actions. Contact us today to find out how.
CALL OUR LONG BEACH PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
FOR A FREE CONSULTATION TODAY
Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
Here is an overview of the most common wrongful death cases we handle:
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?
Per California law, specific individuals or entities are eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These typically include:
The Deceased Person's Spouse
After a loved one's death, the surviving spouse has the primary right to bring a wrongful death claim.
The Decedent's Children
Children of the deceased, whether biological or adopted, may also file a wrongful death lawsuit.
The Deceased Person's Parents
If the deceased person did not have a spouse or children, their parents can pursue a wrongful death claim.
Dependent Minors Living in the Household
If a minor lived in the deceased person's household for a minimum of 6 months before their death, they may be able to file a personal injury claim. Additionally, the minor must have been dependent on the decedent for at least 50% of their financial support.
Other Heirs or Surviving Family Members
Other individuals who can demonstrate that they were financially dependent on the deceased person may have the right to bring a wrongful death lawsuit.
A Personal Representative of the Deceased Person's Estate
The personal representative of the deceased person's estate can pursue the claim on behalf of the estate and its beneficiaries.
CALL OUR LONG BEACH WRONGFUL DEATH LAWYERS
FOR A FREE CONSULTATION TODAY
Do I Have a Wrongful Death Case?
A survivor can pursue legal action against the responsible party for a loved one's death. Determining whether an individual has a wrongful death case depends on several factors, including liability and the legal representation you have. To establish a wrongful death case, you generally need to prove the following elements:
Duty of Care
The responsible party must have owed a duty of care to the deceased person. For example, in a car accident case, all drivers owe a duty of care to follow traffic laws and operate their vehicle in a safe manner.
Breach of Duty
The plaintiff must demonstrate that the liable party breached their duty of care through negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. This could involve actions like speeding, running a red light, or drunk driving.
Causation
In personal injury cases, there must be a direct link between the breach of duty and the death of the individual. In other words, the plaintiff must prove that the wrongful actions directly led to the fatal outcome.
Damages
The plaintiff must have suffered losses as a result of the death, such as financial loss, emotional distress, or loss of companionship. Consulting with an experienced Long Beach wrongful death lawyer is crucial to assess the specifics of your case and determine its viability.
Damages in California Wrongful Death Claims
Wrongful death claims seek compensation for various types of damages that the surviving family members or estate may have suffered as a result of the death.
Economic Damages
Economic damages have objective monetary values and are typically easy to calculate. These kinds of losses can include:
Medical Expenses – Any medical bills incurred because of the fatal injuries that led to the wrongful death.
Funeral Expenses – Expenses related to the deceased person’s funeral and burial or cremation.
Loss of Financial Support – The financial support that the deceased person would have provided to their family had they survived.
Loss of Benefits – Any benefits the family would have received, such as healthcare insurance or pension benefits, if the deceased person had survived.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are intangible and challenging to calculate due to their subjective nature. These kinds of damages can include:
Pain and Suffering – The emotional distress and suffering endured by the surviving family members due to the loss of their loved one.
Loss of Companionship – The loss of the deceased person’s companionship, guidance, moral support, and love.
Loss of Consortium – The impact on the surviving spouse’s intimate relationship with the deceased person.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim?
In California, the statute of limitations for wrongful death cases is generally two years from the date of the person’s death. Failing to file a wrongful death claim within the specified time frame can result in the loss of your right to seek compensation. However, certain exceptions or circumstances may alter this timeline, so it’s crucial to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.
How Long Will My Wrongful Death Claim Take?
The duration of a wrongful death claim can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the willingness of the parties to negotiate, and the court’s backlog. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial. Trial dates can vary widely depending on court availability and the actual timeline can vary based on the unique circumstances of your case.
Navigating a wrongful death case in Long Beach, California, can be complex and emotionally taxing. However, an experienced wrongful death lawyer can expedite the process and resolve your case in a timely manner.
Did You Lose a Loved One in an Accident?
Auto accidents are among the leading causes of wrongful death in Long Beach and across California. Auto accident deaths increased 7.6% from 2020 to 2021. In 2021, there were 4,285 traffic fatalities in California. Fatal car accidents can occur due to various factors, including distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, or automobile defects. If you lost a loved one in an auto accident, it's important to protect your legal rights and consult with a Long Beach wrongful death lawyer.
Contact an Experienced Long Beach Wrongful Death Lawyer
Losing a loved one in an accident caused by someone else's negligence is a devastating experience. If you believe you have a wrongful death case, it's crucial to consult with an experienced Long Beach wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible.
At Belmont Accident Lawyers, we will provide the guidance, support, and legal expertise you need to navigate this difficult time and seek justice for your loved one. Our wrongful death attorneys will provide the strategic legal advocacy you need to win your case. Call us today to schedule a no-obligation, free consultation.
