Natomas Wrongful Death Lawyer

funeral

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, approximately 3,074 people died in traffic-related accidents in California in 2014. Countless others die due to medical malpractice, defective consumer products, exposure to toxic chemicals, boating wrecks, and other preventable accidents. That means thousands of lives are affected by avoidable accidents.

If you lost a loved one in a preventable accident caused by the carelessness of another individual or company, call our experienced Natomas wrongful death lawyer at (916) 921-6400 to discuss your legal options.

Wrongful Death Defined

According to the California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, wrongful death is defined as an action, or lack of reasonable action, that proximately causes the death of an individual due to the negligence of another person or entity (e.g., business).

Damages Pursued Through a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

If you lost a loved one in an accident, you could pursue monetary damages against the negligent party. Obviously, no amount of financial recovery can fully compensate you for losing a loved one.

The civil justice system is limited to pursuing financial restitution to send a message to the negligent individual and others similarly situated to the negligent individual. If you decide to move forward with a wrongful death claim, you can pursue the following damages:

  • The sudden loss of earnings provided by the decedent (e.g., losing the primary income earner in your household).
  • The decedent provides loss of companionship and guidance to their spouse and children.
  • Burial and funeral expenses.
  • Any medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident.
  • Emotional trauma (i.e., pain and suffering).
Why You Need a Natomas Wrongful Death Attorney

The recovery of monetary damages depends on the decedent's age, life expectancy, whether they supported a family and available insurance coverage. Your Natomas wrongful death attorney will thoroughly investigate the incident and the ramifications of your loss to provide a detailed picture to a judge or jury of your harms and losses (both financially and emotionally).

Your Natomas wrongful death lawyer will also contact all relevant insurance companies to notify you that you intend to pursue a claim and negotiate on your behalf.

Watch the YouTube video below for more information on a wrongful death claim.

Qualities to Look For in a Natomas Wrongful Death Lawyer

There are plenty of wrongful death attorneys to choose from in and around Natomas. Finding the best wrongful death lawyer for your case may feel overwhelming. Here are some essential factors you should consider in your hiring decision:

  • The lawyer actually has experience representing people in wrongful death cases.
  • The lawyer has actually taken a civil case all the way to trial.
  • The lawyer is compassionate to your situation.
Will My Wrongful Death Case Go To Trial?

Many people hesitate to file a wrongful death claim against the negligent party because they are intimidated by the prospect of filing a lawsuit and having to testify in court. This is especially true for family members who recently lost a loved one in a terrible accident.

They may have seen dramatized portrayals of jury trials in the movies. Rest assured, with an injury lawyer's assistance, a trial is not nearly as intimidating as it may appear on the big screen.

It is also important to note that most personal injury and wrongful death cases settle before trial. In fact, well over 90 percent of claims are actually resolved without going to a jury trial.

Nevertheless, a trial is sometimes necessary if the negligent party’s insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement. In this situation, you need to be sure you have an attorney who can file suit and take your case to trial.

Natomas Wrongful Death FAQ

What can be recoverable in a wrongful death case?

Damages that can be recovered in a wrongful death claim include funeral and burial costs, medical bills, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, loss of benefits, pain and suffering, emotional anguish, and punitive damages. The compensation amount will depend on several factors, including emotional and financial hardships suffered due to the wrongful death.


How long do I have to file a wrongful death suit?

California has a specific time limit that indicates how long you have to file a wrongful death claim after your loved one's death. In most circumstances, the time begins running on the date of the death. You will have two years from the date of your loved one's death to file a lawsuit in court. This may seem like a long time but time can quickly slip away. In cases where the death is caused by a government entity, the period to file suit is much shorter.


Natomas Wrongful Death Lawyer

If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else's negligence in a car accident or in another type of accident, please call our experienced Natomas wrongful death attorneys today at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.

Proud members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

See our client reviews on GoogleYelp, and Avvo and the verdicts and settlements case history.

Editor's Note: updated [cha 5.3.22] Image Credit: Pixabay :sb bw [CS 900]

Client Reviews
★★★★★
"Me and my wife; had a car accident. We were amazed how easy, professional, friendly attorney Ed Smith is along with his staff. Everybody is amazing. Thank you so much, we are very impressed!" Alex & Dinah M.
★★★★★
"Ed Smith and his office team took on a difficult personal injury case on my behalf and for the passenger in my car. Ed is a top- notch attorney. His staff couldn't have been more helpful and kind. No need to look elsewhere. I give Ed Smith my highest recommendation." Beverly
★★★★★
"Ed and Robert have been taking great care of my husband and I for the past 5+ years. They are always there when you have a problem and a quick resolution! Even when the issues have nothing to do with them. They are willing to help ease the pain off your shoulders. They are as good as it gets! Thank you again for everything." Annie T.
★★★★★
"Very professional. Great team, staff and service all around. Mr Smith was very honest, straight forward with his advice. He gives the word "attorney" an honest reputation. I will seek his council anytime, and would recommend him at the drop of a dime." Jeremy M.
★★★★★
"I would highly recommend Ed Smith to any friends or family in need of a personal injury attorney. Ed, and his staff, are very caring on top of being very experienced in this field. The staff always keeps you informed of the status of your case and they are always easy to reach by phone." Shannon D.
★★★★★
"Edward Smith law offices provide competent, thorough, and personable help for victims of personal injury. When you first meet the staff you know you contacted the right office. This law office treats clients like people. I recommend this office to anyone seeking representation regarding personal injury." David M.