If you recently lost a close family member, the grief may be all-consuming. When your deceased relative was providing for your family, you may not be able to mourn properly, with the financial responsibility landing solely on your shoulders. However, if someone else is responsible for causing your loved one’s death, you may have the right to pursue a legal claim against them.
A trial-proven Manhattan Beach wrongful death lawyer from The Ryan Law Group could help your family get through some of the most difficult times in your lives. We have successfully recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients over the years, so you can feel empowered with a Manhattan Beach personal injury lawyer from our firm handling your case.
Learn more about how the wrongful death claims process works and who could be held accountable for your family member’s passing when you contact our office to request a free consultation.
Certain Events May Be More Likely to Result in Wrongful Death
Fatal injuries can happen in many types of accidents and incidents. However, your Manhattan Beach wrongful death attorney with The Ryan Law Group does see some types of cases more often than others. These include:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Rideshare accidents
- Construction accidents
- Nursing home neglect and abuse
- Slip and falls
- Assault and homicide
- Sports accidents
Your loved one’s death may have occurred in another way. No matter what type of accident or event caused your family member’s passing, if someone else is or could be at fault, an essential element is proving negligence in premises liability, wrongful death cases, or any other type of accident that caused your loved one’s death. You should also make sure you understand the cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer in Manhattan Beach who can offer legal advice as we can help you determine whether you have grounds for a claim.
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful death Lawyer serving Manhattan Beach, call 310-321-4800
California Wrongful Death Laws
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.10, when one party is responsible for causing the death of another, they can be held to account for their actions in more ways than one. Not only could the liable party face charges in criminal court, but you may have the right to file a wrongful death action against them. In doing so, the courts can compel the defendant to compensate your family for your tremendous loss.
The Statute of Limitations
As described under Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 335.1, you do not have an unlimited amount of time to file your claim. The California statute of limitations for wrongful death actions is two years from the date of the decedent’s passing. There may be limited circumstances that could temporarily pause the countdown, but these instances are rare.
It is crucial that you file your wrongful death claim before time runs out. Your family may lose the right to pursue your case if this deadline expires. If you are unsure how much longer you have to file your wrongful death action, do not hesitate to contact our legal team for the answers you need when you need them most.
The Right to File a Claim
You may be anxious to start working on your wrongful death action, but before we get started, we need to find out whether you have the right to file the claim. Generally, the decedent’s surviving spouse or domestic partner has the right to file the claim. However, if the decedent does not have a surviving spouse or domestic partner, their surviving children will have the authority to sue.
If the decedent does not have surviving family members, anyone who would benefit from the decedent’s estate will have the right to file a claim as described under Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 377.60. This could include the decedent’s siblings, parents, or anyone else the decedent might have named in their estate plans.
Additionally, anyone who was financially dependent on the decedent, such as the decedent’s parents, stepchildren, putative spouse, or legal guardians, may also benefit from the wrongful death award per Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 377.60-.62.
Manhattan Beach Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me 310-321-4800
Types of Recoverable Damages Our Manhattan Beach Wrongful Death Lawyers Seek
In criminal court, the defendant is held accountable by being sentenced to jail or prison time. However, in civil court, your family receives compensation from the defendant when they are found liable for your loved one’s death. There are a wide variety of damages that can be awarded as described under CACI No. 3921 Wrongful Death, including both economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- The cost of the decedent’s medical expenses prior to their passing.
- The decedent’s funeral and burial expenses.
- Loss of the decedent’s benefits or gifts provided to the decedent’s surviving family members.
- Loss of the decedent’s financial contributions, including wages, self-employment income, or employee benefits.
- Loss of the decedent’s household services.
- Loss of the decedent’s guidance, support, and advice.
- Loss of the decedent’s companionship, love, protection, comfort, affection, care, moral support, and society.
- The surviving partner or spouse’s loss of an intimate relationship with the decedent.
It should be noted that there is no cap on the amount of compensation that can be awarded in wrongful death claims. However, if your family member’s death was caused by medical malpractice, there may be a cap on the amount of compensation you can be awarded as described under California Civil Code Section 3333.2. We will know more after reviewing the specific circumstances of your case.
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Get Help From a Compassionate Wrongful Death Attorney in Manhattan Beach Today
Your loved one’s life should be celebrated. But holding the individual or entity responsible for causing their death accountable for their negligent or wrongful actions is one of the best ways to ensure justice is served to the fullest extent of the law. Your family may be able to rest easier knowing the party has been found liable for your loved one’s death.
Your case may not need to go to trial if the liable party is willing to settle with your family reasonably outside of court, or we can receive the fair compensation your family deserves through an insurance settlement alone.
However, it is important to always be open to the possibility of moving forward with a wrongful death lawsuit if you hope to get the most out of your case. Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with a reputable wrongful death lawyer in Manhattan Beach from The Ryan Law Group by filling out our convenient contact form or calling our office to get started.
Call or text 310-321-4800 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
