The untimely loss of a loved one is heartbreaking and emotionally devastating. Although nothing can truly make things right, a wrongful death claim is an important step to getting accountability, closure, and financial support. At Kalfayan Merjanian, LLP, our Newport Beach wrongful death attorneys have the professional skills and legal expertise that grieving families can rely on. If your loved one was killed in an accident in Orange County, we are here and may be able to help you navigate the legal claims process. To set up a free, completely confidential consultation with a California wrongful death lawyer, please contact us at our Newport Beach law office today.
We Represent Families in All Types of Wrongful Death Claims in Newport Beach
A wrongful death is one that is caused by negligence or another type of failure to take proper care. Our Newport Beach wrongful death lawyers handle all types of claims. Examples of fatal accidents/fatal incidents that could be the basis of a wrongful death claim in California include:
- Car crashes;
- Semi-truck accidents;
- Motorcycle accidents;
- Pedestrian collisions;
- Railroad accidents;
- Aviation accidents;
- Premises liability cases; and
- Defective product cases.
Understanding the Wrongful Death Laws in California
Wrongful death cases fall under state law. Pursuant to our California’s wrongful death statutes (California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60), close relatives of individuals who have lost their lives in accidents may file a civil lawsuit against those deemed accountable. Here are three essential aspects of California’s wrongful death laws that grieving families in Newport Beach should be aware of:
Legal Standing is Limited (Eligible Parties): A premature passing can affect countless people. However, regrettably, not every individual close to the deceased possesses rights under California’s wrongful death statutes. Only specific parties maintain the standing to file a lawsuit. Generally, wrongful death claims are initiated by a surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, parents, or the next-of-kin of the deceased.
Statute of Limitations – Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit: Families are granted a restricted time frame to initiate a wrongful death lawsuit in California. If a claim is not settled or a lawsuit filed within the Statute of Limitations, a claimant will be barred from seeking recovery. The earlier the claims procedure is started, the better equipped your family may be to obtain justice.
Wrongful Death Liability is Requires Proving Fault (Based on Negligence): Wrongful death lawsuits are based on liability. To establish a defendant’s accountability for wrongful death, you and your family need to demonstrate that the defendant’s negligent, reckless, or otherwise careless behavior contributed to the fatal incident. All fatal accidents in Newport Beach should be thoroughly examined by an experienced wrongful death attorney.
What Type of Compensation Can Be Sought in a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
No compensation could ever truly account for the death of a family member in an accident that should have not have happened. At the same time, a wrongful death settlement or verdict is a step towards accountability and justice. In California, wrongful death compensation may include:
- Economic Damages: This category encompasses quantifiable financial losses incurred due to the wrongful death, including medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of income and benefits, and loss of inheritance.
- Non-Economic Damages: These damages address the intangible, emotional impact of the loss on the surviving family members, such as pain and suffering, loss of companionship, emotional distress, and loss of consortium.
For the most part, wrongful death damages in California are compensatory in nature. That means that they are linked to actual economic or non-economic losses endured by grieving family members. However, in some limited cases—such as certain fatal DUI crash claims—punitive compensation may also be granted to surviving family members.
We Handle Wrongful Death Claims in Newport Beach on Contingency
At Kalfayan Merjanian, LLP, we understand that wrongful death claims are emotionally challenging for the victim’s loved ones. Our Newport Beach attorneys are here to provide compassionate legal support and handle the legal proceedings on a contingency basis for our clients. Our clients never have to worry about upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses. Our law firm only charges legal fees when we recover compensation.
Contact Our Newport Beach Wrongful Death Attorney for Legal Guidance and Support
At Kalfayan Merjanian, LLP, our Newport Beach wrongful death lawyers are compassionate, experienced, and justice-driven advocates for grieving families. Contact our legal team today to set up a free, fully confidential consultation. We handle wrongful death cases in Newport Beach, Orange County, and throughout coastal Southern California.
No attorney-client relationship has been created between the reader, user, or browser, and website authors.