Wrongful Death Attorneys

Any fatality caused by the misconduct acts or negligence of another may result in a wrongful death claim. Wrongful death is a legal action brought against a person who can be held liable for a death. The legal claim is a civil action claim handled in civil court.

Wrongful death claims can arise out of a variety of circumstances, such as medical malpractice, occupational exposure to dangerous chemicals, and criminal activity. The required standard of proof in a wrongful death case is less rigorous than it is for criminal cases, so despite the outcome in criminal court, it is not uncommon for a defendant to still be found liable civilly for a wrongful death action.

Wrongful death lawsuits seek compensation for the decedent’s surviving spouse, domestic partner, children for their loss, lost companionship, lost wages from the deceased, funeral and medical expenses.

In California, wrongful death claims must be filed by a specific time frame; this is set by law called statute of limitations. A wrongful death claim must be filed within two years from the date of the decedent’s death.