Roseville Wrongful Death Lawyer

casket

One of the most challenging things a person can experience is suddenly losing a loved one in a tragic accident. Anger and frustration often compound the grief, especially if the accident was preventable. Taking legal action on behalf of a lost family member can be challenging as insurance, legal, and medical issues must be addressed while dealing with financial concerns. Fortunately, this is where an experienced and compassionate attorney comes in.

If you lost a loved one in an accident caused by negligence, your family might benefit from retaining a wrongful death lawyer in Roseville. An attorney will ensure you receive justice and compensation for your loss. To learn more, call (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly case advice.

At AutoAccident.com, we believe surviving family members deserve the time to grieve the loss of their loved one without dealing with financial hardship or complex insurance companies. Our wrongful death attorneys are prepared to help grieving families seek justice for their loss. We have the experience, skills, and resources to build and present a strong case for fair compensation. If you have lost a close relative because of another person or entity's negligent actions, please contact our legal team to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our attorneys.

Difference Between a Wrongful Death Claim and a Homicide Case

A person who intentionally or recklessly causes another person's death may be prosecuted in a criminal case for a homicide offense. This is a distinct and separate proceeding from a wrongful death suit. Whereas the criminal claim is filed by a local prosecutor and can result in the imposition of fines and/or incarceration, the wrongful death lawsuit is civil in nature, is brought by the surviving family members of the decedent, and can result in compensation being ordered to be paid to the family of the decedent. A criminal case doesn't need to be filed to file a wrongful death suit, and a lawsuit may still be successful even if the criminal case is dismissed or the alleged wrongdoer is found innocent of the charges.

In some cases, it may be beneficial for surviving family members to let a criminal case be decided before pursuing a wrongful death claim. A defendant (alleged wrongdoer) convicted of a homicide crime and found to have caused the decedent's death is almost always found responsible in a subsequent wrongful death case. The criminal court's decision can be used to resolve the wrongful death suit without needing a second trial. Speak with your Roseville wrongful death lawyer about whether it is in your and your family's best interest to wait to file your lawsuit.

What is Considered a Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death is any death one person causes because of their own conduct, regardless of whether death resulted from carelessness or intentional conduct. Wrongful death can be brought about as a result of several circumstances, including:

  • Slip and fall
  • Medical malpractice/medical negligence
  • Car crashes, truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, bicycle accidents, and pedestrian collisions
  • Intentional acts/attacks

Wrongful death cases can be difficult, time-consuming, and emotionally taxing to investigate. However, knowing all the people and/or entities responsible for causing death can be challenging without a proper investigation. This is where a Roseville wrongful death attorney can benefit surviving family members. While the family is grieving and putting the decedent's affairs in order, the attorney can perform this investigation on the family's behalf and take appropriate actions to safeguard the family's rights. 

Intestate Succession Law and Wrongful Death Claims

What if a decedent has no surviving spouse, surviving children, or a surviving domestic partner? In this case, the law allows anyone entitled to receive the decedent's property through succession – including the decedent's parents and siblings – to bring a wrongful death suit. Parents, stepchildren, and "putative spouses" of the decedent may also bring a lawsuit on behalf of a decedent if they can show that they were financially dependent on the decedent.

If you lost a loved one in a fatal accident and have questions about your eligibility for a potential claim, contact an experienced wrongful death attorney in Roseville, California, today for a free consultation.

How an Attorney Can Help Your Wrongful Death Case

You should consult a knowledgeable attorney before filing a wrongful death case in Placer County to ensure you can file such a lawsuit under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60. Otherwise, you may find that your case is dismissed before it is heard because you lack legal standing.

Watch the video below for more information on bringing a wrongful death suit in Roseville, California.

Roseville Wrongful Death FAQ

What is recoverable through a wrongful death claim?

Surviving family members can recover a wide variety of damages and expenses through a lawsuit. The types of damages available include economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover those expenses and losses that can be determined with certainty as objective and demonstrable losses. These damages in a wrongful death settlement generally include medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost wages, pain and suffering. 

Determining and documenting damages is a crucial but often under-emphasized part of preparing a lawsuit for trial. An experienced wrongful death attorney in Roseville can guide you in assembling the bills and documentation necessary to prove your economic losses. Your lawyer can advise you on determining non-economic damages in your wrongful death case.


Which family member can bring a wrongful death lawsuit in California?

The law does not allow anyone to file a lawsuit on behalf of the decedent. Only specific individuals can pursue a wrongful death claim, including the decedent’s surviving spouse, domestic partner, and surviving children.


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

California's specific statute of limitations clearly indicates how long surviving family members have to file a wrongful death claim following their loved one's death. If surviving family members fail to adhere to this deadline, they will not file a lawsuit. In almost every circumstance, time begins running against survivors on the date of the decedent's death. Surviving family members have two years from the decedent's death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in civil court, which is by the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1

Get Help from a Roseville Wrongful Death Attorney

If you lost a loved one in an accident because of someone else's negligent actions, a Roseville wrongful death lawyer can help your family seek justice and financial compensation. Call (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice on your potential legal options for recovery today.

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

Learn more about our law firm. See our past verdicts and settlements and client reviews on AvvoYelp, and Google. 

Editor’s Note: updated [cha 5.22.23] Photo by pixabay [cs 1234]

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.