When someone you love dies unexpectedly due to the carelessness or negligence of another person, your world will be turned upside down as you attempt to deal with your tragic loss. Further complicating matters is that you will also be forced into dealing with financial, legal, and law enforcement matters while attempting to bring comfort to yourself and your family.
While nothing can bring a loved one back, when another person’s thoughtless and reckless actions result in the loss of someone you love, you do have recourse to seek compensation for your loss by filing a wrongful death claim. It is well within your rights to be paid for your pain and suffering, the loss of companionship, medical and funeral expenses and other related financial impacts that you may be facing.
Our Vacaville Wrongful Death Lawyers (The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc.) have been helping families work through this type of tragic loss for many years, and have developed a well-earned reputation for being compassionate partners in a time of need. Helping a family heal during an emotionally fragile time is balanced by our aggressive pursuit of compensation on behalf of those who have been affected by the loss of a loved one.
Call us today at (707) 901-3020 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our wrongful death attorney in Vacaville.
Who Is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
- Surviving partner of the deceased
- Children of the deceased
- Grandchildren, if the deceased’s children are also deceased
If none of the above existed, anyone entitled to inherit under California’s intestate succession laws, such as parents or siblings, would be entitled to inherit.
Financial dependents of the deceased, including stepchildren, putative spouses (someone who believed in good faith they were married to the deceased), or parents, if they relied on the deceased for financial support
What Damages Are Available in a Wrongful Death Claim?
Damages in California wrongful death cases are divided into economic and non-economic losses:
Economic Damages
- Financial support the deceased would have contributed
- Loss of benefits or gifts the heirs would have received
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Value of household services the deceased would have delivered
Non-Economic Damages
- Loss of companionship, love, affection, guidance, and moral support
- Loss of intimacy for a surviving partner
- Loss of care, training, and guidance for children
Importantly, California does not allow recovery for the deceased’s pain and suffering or punitive damages in a wrongful death claim. However, punitive damages may be available in a related survival action.
Contact Our Wrongful Death Lawyer in Vacaville Today
Our Vacaville Wrongful Death Lawyers are experts in all facets of wrongful death cases. We are diligent and thorough when it comes to gathering evidence, reconstructing accidents, working with medical and forensic experts, communicating and negotiating with insurance companies and law firms, and trying cases in front of a judge and jury when a situation warrants it.
The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc. is backed by over 60 years of experience and we are recognized as one of Northern California’s leading wrongful death litigation firms. We take pride in our success, but we are just as proud of how we treat our clients, protecting their rights and helping them to regain a sense of normalcy in their lives while we work through difficult legal situations on their behalf.
If your family has been the victim of a wrongful death, contact The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc. for a free consultation today. Our Vacaville Wrongful Death Lawyer represents clients throughout the greater Bay Area with offices in Vacaville, San Francisco, Discovery Bay, and Santa Rosa.
FAQs About Wrongful Death
Family members generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in California. Filing within this period preserves your ability to pursue your case in court.
Most wrongful death settlements are not subject to federal income tax. However, portions of a settlement, such as punitive damages or interest, can be taxed, depending on the specifics of the recovery.
California law requires all eligible family members to join together in a single wrongful death claim. This approach streamlines proceedings by presenting a unified case before the court.
Everyone at the Cartwright Firm is very likeable. The attorneys and staff are kind, thoughtful, and sincere. They helped walk me through the entire process and were patient when explaining the legal jargon I didn't understand. It is clear they not only really care about your claim, but care about making sure you understand whats going on. Can't recommend them enough!
Justin G.
Personal Injury
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