Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
Wrongful Death Claims in Sacramento, CA
Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult things a person can go through. If a loved one dies due to the reckless, careless, or intentional act of another, you deserve justice and fair compensation. Wrongful death cases are civil cases that do not convict or sentence the accused, but rather seek compensation for the damages caused by the acts of another person or entity.
Grieving the loss of your family member is often long and painful. That’s why it’s imperative to partner with a compassionate and experienced Sacramento wrongful death attorney at Setareh Law. Even though you may not be thinking about compensation at this difficult time, it is important to have a representative in your corner who will assure that you are treated fairly.
What Is Wrongful Death?
Simply speaking, wrongful death is the loss of life caused by the negligence, carelessness, or intentional act of another. Under California law, if an individual or entity fails to apply the appropriate level of care and it results in the death of another, it is considered wrongful death. Even if the death is caused by unintentional actions, the result is the same.
In California, you must have the legal right to file a wrongful death claim. The only people who can file a wrongful death claim are the decedent’s surviving spouse or domestic partner, children, parents, siblings, grandchildren, or anyone who is financially dependent on the deceased person.
Working with skilled and compassionate legal representation from a Sacramento wrongful death lawyer is important. At Setareh Law, we understand that it takes time to heal. We will work diligently on your case, keeping you informed of our progress, and giving you the time you need to heal.
What Circumstances Are Considered Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death can either be accidental or intentional. Regardless of the circumstance, in wrongful death claims, the person responsible for the incident owed a duty of care to the deceased and that duty of care was breached, leading to the deceased’s death. Some of the major causes of wrongful death are:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Accidents that involve a car, truck, bus, or motorcycle can be cause for wrongful death claims if the person responsible was negligent, reckless, or careless. Driving under the influence, driving while drowsy, distracted driving, speeding, or reckless behavior can result in the death of another. The use of technology, such as cell phones and GPS devices, offers distractions that prevent drivers from exercising the duty of care required to safely operate a vehicle. When this occurs, it can be considered wrongful death if someone passes away as a result.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
Like car and truck accidents, pedestrians or bicyclists sometimes are struck by drivers who are distracted or careless. When this results in death, those drivers could be responsible for wrongful death damages.
Workplace Accidents
Even though employers are required to cover employees with workers’ compensation insurance that covers employees hurt on the job, loss of life from workplace accidents may entitle the families of the deceased to additional compensation for damages if there was a disregard for safety.
Examples of this could be working employees in knowingly unsafe conditions, working with equipment that is a known hazard, or requiring the employee to work in areas that are unsafe.
Slips and Falls
Slipping and falling in private or public locations that result in death could be considered wrongful death. Nursing home falls, slippery walkways, missing railings, and other hazards could cause fatal falls, especially for the elderly.
Homicide
The intentional death of another through homicide is definitely considered wrongful death. Though a criminal trial may take place that penalizes the defendant with prison time, a wrongful death suit can be held separately for compensation for the family of the deceased.
What Compensation Is Awarded for Wrongful Death in Sacramento?
There are both economic and non-economic damages that can be awarded in a wrongful death suit. Economic damages are those that are easily calculated, such as medical bills, property losses, and loss of income. Non-economic damages are those losses, sometimes called pain and suffering, that are less definitive. They include any pain of the deceased before they passed, loss of love and companionship, and the loss of guidance and affection of a parent to a child.
Partnering with a lawyer can help you figure out what kind of compensation you may be eligible for following the wrongful death of your loved one.
Contact the Experienced Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyers at Setareh Law
At Setareh Law, we know you are overwhelmed following the wrongful death of your loved one. This loss can be devastating to you both emotionally and financially. Let our experienced team help you with your case, from the initial free consultation to getting you the compensation you need and deserve.
Contact us online or call us at (310) 659-1826 today to see how we can help. Our lawyers speak both Spanish and English as well.
