When you have been injured, you don't just need an attorney. You need an advocate.
Brentwood Wrongful Death Attorney
Lost a Loved One in a Tragic Accident in Brentwood, CA?
Are you seeking justice and compensation for the tragic loss of a loved one due to someone else's negligence or misconduct? The experienced team of attorneys at Ayala, Morgan & Buzzard is here to help. As the leading Brentwood wrongful death lawyers, we understand the profound emotional and financial toll that such a devastating event can have on a family. With compassion, dedication, and a commitment to obtaining justice, our firm has successfully handled numerous wrongful death cases in Brentwood and throughout California.
Contact our Brentwood wrongful death lawyers today at (925) 744-8869 for a free consultation and let us fight for the justice you deserve.
What is a Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death is a loss of life due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another person or party. Wrongful deaths are typically caused by car accidents, workplace accidents, medical malpractice, defective products, and other incidents that result in the loss of life.
To prove a wrongful death claim in California, certain elements must be established. These elements generally include:
- Duty of Care: You need to demonstrate that the defendant (the party being sued) owed a duty of care to the deceased person. For example, if the case involves a car accident, the duty of care is usually established by showing that the defendant had a responsibility to drive safely and follow traffic laws.
- Breach of Duty: You must show that the defendant breached their duty of care. This means proving that the defendant failed to act reasonably or was negligent in their actions or omissions. Evidence such as witness testimonies, expert opinions, or documentation can be used to support this claim.
- Causation: It must be established that the defendant's breach of duty was a direct cause of the death. This typically requires showing that the defendant's actions or negligence directly led to the fatal incident and that the death would not have occurred otherwise.
- Death of the Victim: You need to prove that the person in question has died as a result of the defendant's actions or negligence. This can be established through medical records, autopsy reports, or other relevant evidence.
- Damages: Finally, you must demonstrate that the death caused quantifiable damages, both economic and non-economic, to the surviving family members or the deceased person's estate. This can include medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.
To build a strong case, it is often helpful to gather as much evidence as possible, including photographs, accident reports, medical records, expert opinions, and witness testimonies. Consulting with an experienced wrongful death attorney is highly recommended. They can guide you through the legal process, help gather evidence, interview witnesses, and present a compelling case to establish liability and seek appropriate compensation for your loss.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims in California?
Under California law, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years. This means that you have four years from the date of the death of your loved one to file a wrongful death claim.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
Under California law, the surviving family members of a person who has died due to wrongful conduct may bring a wrongful death claim. This means that the surviving family members of a person who has died due to the wrongful conduct of another person or party may be entitled to compensation for damages.
Here are the general categories of individuals who can bring a wrongful death claim in California:
- Surviving Spouse: The surviving spouse or domestic partner of the deceased person is typically the first in line to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
- Children: If there is no surviving spouse or domestic partner, the deceased person's children can file a wrongful death claim.
- Other Dependent Relatives: If there are no surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children, other dependent relatives of the deceased person, such as parents or siblings, may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, they need to demonstrate that they were financially dependent on the deceased person.
- Personal Representative: The executor or administrator of the deceased person's estate can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the estate.
The compensation awarded to the surviving family members or estate will depend on the specific circumstances of the case.
What Damages Are Available in a Wrongful Death Claim?
The damages available in a wrongful death claim will depend on the specific circumstances of the case. However, in most cases, the surviving family members or estate of the deceased person will be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of support
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of inheritance
- Loss of future earnings
We know that no amount of compensation can replace your loved one, but holding the responsible parties accountable can provide a sense of closure and financial support for the future. Our goal is to ease your burden during this difficult time by providing compassionate legal guidance, while aggressively advocating for your rights and pursuing the maximum compensation available. When you choose Ayala, Morgan & Buzzard, you can rest assured that your case will be handled with the highest level of professionalism and dedication.
Call (925) 744-8869 today to speak with a wrongful death attorney in Brentwood.