Wrongful Death Lawyers

When an act of negligence takes the life of your loved one, you and your family deserve justice. Often this justice can come in the form of reparations made by the negligent party. At Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP, our wrongful death lawyers understand that money in no way compares to the life of your loved one. But in helping you obtain fair and full compensation, we hope to alleviate some of the burdens a loss can cause. Contact our legal team today so we can get started fighting for the justice you deserve.

How To Know If You Have A Strong Claim

There are cases in which you immediately know that a wrongful death has occurred. But some situations may not be as clear. Knowing what constitutes a wrongful death case can help you decide when to pursue compensation. For someone to have a strong case, they must prove their loved one lost their life as a direct result of another party’s negligent or intentional act.

A few ways in which a wrongful death can occur are as follows:

• When an inattentive or drunk driver causes a motor vehicle accident
• When your employer fails to provide you with a secure work environment
• When companies or manufacturers fail to ensure the safety of their product
• When an individual or entity fails to maintain safe conditions on their property

Whether your loved one passed away due to a fatal accident or occupational hazard, we can help. Money won’t replace the person you have lost. But a successful verdict or settlement may give you the closure you need. If successful, a wrongful death settlement can help cover the following:

• Funeral or burial expenses
• Lost financial support
• The cost of household services
• Loss of benefits
• Loss of companionship and consortium
• Loss of guidance

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late To File Your Suit

If you have lost a loved one, California law entitles you to be fairly compensated. However, due to the deadlines that are in place, you must act quickly. In fact, in California, victims typically only have two years from the date of the death of their loved one to file a claim. For this reason, enlisting the help of an attorney at once is highly recommended. Let us handle court bureaucracy so you can focus on grieving and healing from your loss.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

California law does not allow just anyone to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. Under Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60, the right to file belongs first to the person’s surviving spouse or domestic partner, their children, and the children of any deceased child. If none of those relatives survive, the right passes to those who would inherit under California’s intestate succession rules, which can include parents or siblings. Certain financial dependents, such as a putative spouse, dependent stepchildren, or a qualifying minor who lived in the household, may also have standing. Because the law generally requires all eligible heirs to join in a single action, identifying who may file is an important early step.

Contact Our Wrongful Death Lawyers Today

Visit our Oakland or Los Angeles offices to get answers to your legal questions today. We offer a free initial case evaluation and charge no fees unless you recover money. Our personal injury lawyers stand ready to effectively represent you and your family, every step of the way.