Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences we can face. However, when another party’s negligence or wrongdoing causes your loved one’s death, your grief can be complicated by feelings of anger, injustice, and confusion.
If you have lost a loved one due to another party’s fault, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your damages. At Harpy Law, our Los Angeles personal injury attorneys understand that no amount of money can compensate for your loss. However, recovering compensation can help ease some of the burdens caused by the death of your loved one.
Our compassionate Los Angeles wrongful death lawyers will handle your claim with dignity and respect while aggressively pursuing the full value of your damages. Call us today or visit our contact page and schedule a free consultation to discuss your Los Angeles wrongful death claim.
Why Choose Harpy Law?
- Our Los Angeles wrongful death attorneys have extensive experience handling the full range of wrongful death claims. We know California’s wrongful death laws inside and out and know how to build the strongest possible case on behalf of surviving families.
- We have a proven record of securing significant compensation for the families of wrongful death victims, and we are committed to pursuing every dollar your family is entitled to.
- Our team understands that behind every wrongful death case is a family in tremendous pain. We treat every client with the compassion, respect, and personal attention they deserve.
- We handle all wrongful death claims on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing until we secure compensation for you.
- Our Los Angeles wrongful death lawyers are available around the clock. If you have lost a loved one due to another’s negligence, we are ready to help you right away.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
Under California law, a wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit brought by the surviving family members of a person who died as a result of another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional wrongdoing.
A wrongful death claim is entirely separate and distinct from any criminal charges that may or may not be filed against the defendant.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
California law specifies who is entitled to bring a wrongful death claim. Those with the right to file include:
- The surviving spouse or domestic partner of the decedent
- The surviving children of the decedent
- If there is no surviving spouse or children, the wrongful death claim may be brought by other surviving family members, including parents, siblings, and other dependents
In addition to the wrongful death claim, California law also provides for a survival action under Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.30. A survival action may be brought on behalf of the decedent’s estate. It seeks compensation for the damages the decedent personally suffered between the time of the injury and the time of death, including medical expenses, lost earnings, and conscious pain and suffering.
If you are unsure whether you have the right to bring a wrongful death claim, you should consult an experienced Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible to understand your rights.
Damages Available in a Los Angeles Wrongful Death Claim
California law allows the surviving family members of a wrongful death victim to recover a broad range of economic and non-economic damages. The specific damages available depend on the circumstances of the death and the relationship between the claimant and the decedent.
Economic damages may include:
- The financial support the decedent would have provided to the family over their expected lifetime
- The value of household services, childcare, and other contributions the decedent would have made
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses incurred from the time of the injury to the time of death
- The loss of expected gifts and benefits the decedent would have provided
Non-economic damages in a wrongful death claim may include:
- Loss of love, companionship, comfort, and affection
- Loss of moral support and guidance
- Loss of the decedent’s society and presence in the family
At Harpy Law, our Los Angeles wrongful death attorneys will work to ensure that every category of loss your family has suffered is identified, documented, and vigorously pursued.
California’s Statute of Limitations For Wrongful Death Claims
The California statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is two years from the date of the decedent’s death. This means that you must file your claim within two years of your loved one’s death. If you miss your filing deadline, you will be barred from recovering damages.
There are important exceptions to the two-year deadline. So, you must promptly consult an experienced Los Angeles wrongful death attorney to understand how much time you have to file a claim.
Contact Our Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyers Today
If you have lost a loved one due to another party’s negligence or wrongdoing, Harpy Law is here for your family. Our Los Angeles wrongful death lawyers will handle every aspect of your claim with skill, determination, and the compassion your family deserves.
Call us or visit our contact page today to schedule your free, confidential consultation. We will listen carefully, explain your rights under California law, and outline what we can do to help. If we represent you, we will work tirelessly to obtain the full compensation you are entitled to.