Between 3,000 and 4,000 Californians are killed annually in traffic accidents. Thousands of lives are lost, and many other lives are affected yearly due to preventable fatal accidents. A fatal accident caused by the negligent driving of someone other than the deceased is an example of circumstances that may lead to a legal wrongful death case.

Other bases for wrongful death claims include:

• Boating accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Airplane crashes
• Use of a hazardous consumer product

If your family has suffered a significant loss due to the negligence of another person, business, or public entity, a skilled and experienced Ione wrongful death lawyer can help you seek compensation for the damages suffered due to the tragic and untimely death.

When a deadly accident is caused by negligence, the decedent’s legal heirs can seek financial compensation for the losses they have endured by filing a wrongful death claim. The law that governs such cases can be found within Sections 377.60 – 377.62 of the California Code of Civil Procedure.

The emotional turmoil and grief surrounding a sudden and tragic death are often overwhelming. Many people fail to realize that such a loss can also create severe financial problems for the family that was left behind. The economic loss could be significant if the deceased was the family’s primary financial support. Financial value is also assigned to other losses endured following a wrongful death in a civil matter. Below are some of the categories of damages that an experienced Ione wrongful death attorney can seek on behalf of a grieving family:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Medical expenses incurred after the accident and before the death
• Loss of companionship of a spouse
• Loss of guidance from a parent
• Loss of future income

Following the death of a loved one, grief can be genuinely overwhelming. When the death is sudden, unexpected, and caused by another party’s negligence, the great sadness is often compounded by other emotions such as anger, frustration, and guilt. Because a grieving person is in such a depleted emotional state, it can be easy for an insurance company to use that advantage. Often, an insurance adjuster will try to settle a wrongful death claim quickly and for far less money than it is worth. While it may not seem to be a top priority, seeking the advice of a skilled wrongful death lawyer after a fatal accident is one of the first things the family should do. There are many reasons for this – one of which is that there is often necessary evidence in a wrongful death matter that must be preserved immediately.

Not only will retaining an experienced lawyer ensure that your legal rights are protected and the value of your claim is maximized, but it will allow your emotional resources to be better spent on processing the grief rather than fighting with an insurance company.

Calling an attorney as soon as possible is essential, ensuring that your family is comfortable with the legal advocate you choose. One of the best ways to feel confident with your choice is to learn what prior clients have to say about a firm’s services. Another essential step is to speak directly with the attorney – you want a strong fighter who can handle your complex case with compassion and care. Meeting in person can help finalize your decision, and the legal consultation should be free of charge and without obligation.

The YouTube video below goes over additional information about a wrongful death case:

If you have suffered the loss of a loved one due to an accident in Ione, California, or elsewhere in Amador County, you are welcome to call and speak with one of the compassionate injury lawyers at our firm. We specialize in offering free and friendly advice. Call us at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. Please visit our Settlements and Verdicts page for some of our case results.

^{Editor’s Note: updated [cha 10.9.23] Image by Enrique Meseguer from Pixabay mm [cs 692] cha}