Los Angeles, California Wrongful Death Lawyer

A wrongful death lawsuit most often seeks to financially compensate a deceased person's relatives for their loss of a loved one.  The courts and law makers have developed strict rules regarding who has the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit and the rules differ from state to state. Generally, the person must have died as the result of another person's negligence, leaving behind surviving family members who are left with financial damages, such as the loss of future income, or loss of companionship. To determine whether you are entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit, it is important to consult an experienced Los Angeles wrongful death attorney in the jurisdiction where the death occurred.

California Wrongful Death Damages

The compensation awarded to people who sue for wrongful death generally is intended to compensate them for the financial losses associated with the death of the person. Income earned as a salary at work and money the deceased party would have earned during the remainder of his or her lifetime are commonly awarded as damages in wrongful death cases. In many jurisdictions, plaintiffs may also recover damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, medical, funeral, and burial expenses, as well as mental anguish.

Because the amount of compensation a person is entitled to in a wrongful death suit depends on the state and court jurisdiction where the death occurred and where the suit is filed, it is crucial to consult with experienced legal counsel to learn more about your legal rights.

Wrongful death claimants may receive damages for:

• Medical and rehabilitation bills
• Funeral costs
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of net accumulations
• Loss of support or companionship

Who is eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit?

In most states, dependents and immediate family members (including parents, spouses, and children) of a deceased person are typically eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Children may also recover damages for the loss of parental companionship and guidance, as well as for mental pain and suffering resulting from the death. Under some circumstances, other family members may be permitted to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Contact a wrongful death attorney to schedule a consultation with an experienced lawyer. We will evaluate your legal claim, explain the state's relevant laws, and fight for the compensation to which you are entitled.