Santa Clarita Wrongful Death Attorney

Santa Clarita Wrongful Death Lawyer

If you recently suffered the loss of a loved one, grief can quickly turn to anger upon learning that the death resulted from another party’s negligence. Surviving loved ones have the right to pursue compensation with the help of a Santa Clarity wrongful death attorney.

Having strong legal representation can greatly improve the odds that your pursuit of compensation is successful. At Duque & Price, our lawyers can review your case to determine the ideal course of action so you are fully compensated for your financial losses and emotional distress.

Why Choose Duque & Price?

For plaintiffs, the stakes for a wrongful death claim often couldn’t be higher. Seeking justice and holding the at-fault party accountable for their negligence or misconduct is incredibly important. Securing compensation is also crucial so surviving loved ones do not suffer financial harm due to the actions of the negligent party. Knowing which law firm to trust during these difficult times can be challenging.

The compassionate and experienced legal team behind Duque & Price can provide the guidance and legal representation your family needs to secure compensation and find justice. We understand the applicable laws, and we have many years of experience helping clients receive fair settlements that allow them to move forward with their lives in Santa Clarita and surrounding areas.

Common Causes of Wrongful Deaths in Santa Clarita

Wrongful deaths in Santa Clarita often stem from preventable incidents caused by negligence or even direct misconduct like physical assault. In 2019, 277 violent crimes happened in Santa Clarita.

Common causes include motor vehicle accidents, particularly those involving impaired or distracted drivers, as well as workplace incidents in construction, manufacturing, or other high-risk industries. Medical malpractice, such as surgical errors or misdiagnosis, is another common cause of wrongful deaths in Santa Clarita.

Defective products, ranging from faulty machinery to unsafe household items, can also lead to tragic outcomes. Identifying the cause of wrongful death is vital for pursuing compensation and holding at-fault parties accountable. Given the high standards for proving liability in court, having legal representation and a proper understanding of how to investigate these cases is key.

Proving Liability Following a Wrongful Death

Proving liability in a wrongful death case requires establishing negligence or misconduct as the direct cause of the fatality. This involves demonstrating that the responsible party owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and directly caused the victim’s death.

Evidence such as accident reports, medical records, and testimony often plays a pivotal role. Documentation of financial losses, including funeral expenses and lost income, further supports the claim.

In California’s civil courts, wrongful death claims require plaintiffs to establish liability based on a preponderance of evidence. This means that the evidence must show that it is more likely than not that the defendant’s actions caused the death.

Why Legal Representation Is Crucial for Securing Compensation

Legal representation ensures families receive the guidance needed to navigate the complexities of a wrongful death claim. Attorneys provide critical support by investigating the incident, gathering evidence, and building a strong case to demonstrate liability.

In wrongful death cases, compensation often covers both economic losses, such as medical bills and lost wages, and non-economic damages, including emotional suffering. Experienced legal advocates can assess the full scope of damages and negotiate with insurance companies or represent families in court. Given the high level of emotion associated with wrongful death cases, legal representation provides an objective perspective and a focus on results.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Average Wrongful Death Settlement in California?

A: The average wrongful death settlement in California varies depending on the case’s circumstances, such as the financial impact of the loss, the deceased’s age and earning capacity, and the degree of negligence involved. Settlements often reflect the economic and non-economic damages sustained by the family, but there is no fixed average due to the unique factors of each case.

Q: What Are the Chances of Winning a Wrongful Death Claim?

A: The chances of winning a wrongful death claim depend on presenting strong evidence that establishes negligence, a breach of duty, causation, and damages. Success also hinges on experienced legal representation and the specific details of the case. While outcomes vary, thorough preparation and credible evidence improve the likelihood of a favorable result.

Q: What Evidence Should Be Admitted in a Wrongful Death Suit?

A: Critical evidence in a wrongful death suit includes medical records, eyewitness testimony, accident reports, and financial documentation demonstrating the deceased’s earning potential and the family’s loss.

Evidence must clearly establish negligence, the cause of death, and the impact on surviving family members. The standard for proving liability in civil court is a preponderance of evidence, meaning the plaintiff must show that their arguments are more likely to be true than the defendant’s legal arguments.

Q: How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

A: In California, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is typically two years from the date of the deceased’s passing. This timeframe may vary depending on specific circumstances, such as cases involving government entities or certain exceptions. Timely action is critical to preserving your right to seek compensation, as missing this deadline generally results in the loss of the opportunity to file a claim.

Q: What Is the New Law in California for Wrongful Death?

A: Recent reforms to California’s Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act (MICRA) increased the cap on non-economic damages for wrongful death cases to $500,000, with annual increments. The law restructured attorney fee limits based on case stages, aiming to enhance fairness, protect patients, and stabilize the healthcare system. With an automatic increase in the cap, the law aims to provide long-term protections for injured plaintiffs in California.

Schedule Your Wrongful Death Consultation Today

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is an unimaginable tragedy. Seeking justice and financial stability for your family is a critical step toward healing. A wrongful death claim can help address the economic and emotional impacts of your loss, including medical bills, funeral costs, and loss of companionship.

Contact our office today to schedule your consultation. Our team is here to provide clarity, guidance, and the support you need to navigate this challenging time.