Wrongful death legal protections can help families who have been harmed by the wrongful loss of a loved one. For that reason, it is important to be familiar with how a wrongful death claim can be helpful.
Who can bring a wrongful death claim?
There are several groups of survivors that may be able to bring a wrongful death claim for damages in California including the surviving spouse of the victim; the domestic partner of the victim; the children of the victim; and some others. Because who can bring a claim for wrongful death damages can be complex, it is helpful for surviving family members to be familiar with the legal resources available to them.
What types of damages are available for wrongful death?
Surviving family members who have lost a loved one wrongfully such as in a car, motorcycle or truck accident may suffer emotional and financial damages as a result of their loss. Wrongful death damages may be able to help them through the difficult path they face following the unexpected loss of their loved one. Damages that may be available can include medical care expenses for medical care and treatment their loved one received prior to their death; funeral and burial costs; the earning potential of the lost loved one or potential lost inheritance; the loss of financial support; and the loss of companionship of the victim.
A wrongful death claim for damages is a valuable legal tool to hold negligent drivers accountable and get surviving family members the help they need. The unexpected loss of a loved one can be understandably overwhelming and wrongful death legal protections may be able to help ease some of the burdens of a very difficult time for loved ones.