Wrongful death claims help families during a particularly vulnerable time as they struggle to cope with the unexpected loss of a loved one. When the loss of a loved one was caused by the negligence of another party, the victim may have an important legal resource to help them recover compensation for the financial and emotional damages they have suffered.
Wrongful death claims are governed by wrongful death statutes in each state. Certain requirements must be met to successfully bring a wrongful death claim for damages. In general, for a wrongful death claim to be valid, there must be the death of a loved one; the death must have been caused by the negligence of another party; surviving family members must have suffered damages as a result; and the claim must be brought by a representative of the victim’s estate.
California law provides that wrongful death damages may be available to surviving family members, including the surviving spouse of the victim; a domestic partner; children; as well as others, depending on the circumstances. Surviving family members may be able to recover damages, including compensation for medical bills; funeral costs; earnings the victim would have earned had they remained alive; loss of support and services; and loss of companionship.
Wrongful death claims are an important resource for families facing the unexpected loss of a loved one at the hands of another. A wrongful death claim for damages can help families with some of the struggles they face following the loss of a loved one, which is why they should be familiar with the wrongful death protections available to them in California.
Source: FindLaw, “California Wrongful Death Laws,” Accessed March 25, 2018
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