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Torrance Wrongful Death Lawyers

Unfortunately, there are times when an accident can result in the loss of life. If the death was caused by someone else’s negligence, then the surviving family members can seek financial compensation for their loss via a wrongful death claim. Accidents are one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The National Safety Council estimates that an individual suffers a fatal injury every five minutes in the United States.

For the family members and loved ones left behind, surviving the premature death of a loved one can be extremely difficult. There are often feelings of loss, unfairness, helplessness and stress. Spouses, children and parents each experience loss in their own way.

Attempting to resume a normal family life without the presence of the deceased can seem overwhelming, especially if they were a principal source of income or were a primary caregiver for children. Of course, this creates tremendous hardship for the entire family.

While legal action may initially be the farthest thought from your mind, you may realize that you need to seek the help of an experienced wrongful death lawyer. KRA Legal, PC, can be a valuable resource for you and your family members.

From our California law offices in Torrance, we represent people throughout the Los Angeles region. Contact us to schedule a free case review. We will be happy to answer your questions and review your legal options.

What Elements Must Be Present To Prove A Wrongful Death Case?

There are generally two main scenarios under which wrongful death claims arise. The first would be that the death resulted from another person’s negligent actions. Conversely, the other was the result of wanton or reckless conduct or an intentional or malicious act, such as criminal behavior. Most wrongful death cases stem from the following:

Even if your loved one was killed in one of the accidents listed above, that does not automatically mean that you have a strong case for a wrongful death lawsuit. Certain legal elements must be present for a claimant to successfully pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. These elements include the following:

  • Death was the direct cause of another individual’s negligence, intent to cause harm or wrongful act.
  • Death can be attributed to the negligence, intent to harm or wrongful action of another individual.
  • The surviving family members have suffered financial losses due to the decedent’s death.

To clarify any doubt, ask an attorney to review the facts of your case.

Who Is Entitled To File A Wrongful Death Suit In California?

Under California law, heirs and dependents may all be eligible to file wrongful death lawsuits. The individual who is filing the claim must be able to prove that they were financially dependent on the deceased. A wrongful death lawsuit is essentially a personal injury claim that you are making on behalf of your family member because they are unable to do it for themselves.

California permits the following types of individuals to file wrongful death claims:

  • The surviving spouse
  • Children or stepchildren
  • Parents of the deceased

If you are interested in pursuing a claim, then you need a personal injury lawyer who can provide you with the skilled legal representation necessary to win your case.

What Types Of Damages Can Be Recovered With A Wrongful Death Claim?

As the surviving family members, you are entitled to damages for the loss of your loved one, such as:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Final medical expenses
  • Mental anguish
  • Lost income and loss of potential earnings

There are many factors that contribute to how much compensation may be sought. These include, for instance, the victim’s life expectancy before they were in the fatal accident and whether the victim provided any companionship, comfort, care, society or protection to the surviving family members. These are a few of the essential determinations that factor into the value of a wrongful death action.

How Much Is Your Torrance Wrongful Death Case Worth?

Determining the value of your wrongful death case in Torrance involves several factors. Primarily, the court considers the financial impact of the deceased person’s untimely death on the surviving family members. This includes lost income the deceased would have earned, medical and funeral expenses, and loss of companionship, support and emotional distress. Each case varies, and the unique circumstances of the deceased’s life, such as their age, health and earning capacity as well as their dependents’ financial burdens, play a critical role in calculating the potential compensation.

What Is The Statute Of Limitations To File A Wrongful Death Lawsuit In California?

In California, you have a limited window to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The statute of limitations sets this period at two years from the date of the individual’s death. Missing this deadline can prevent you from pursuing compensation later, so it’s crucial to initiate legal proceedings promptly against the responsible party. Consulting with a wrongful death lawyer soon after your loss can help ensure that you meet all legal timelines and enhance your chances of securing justice for your loved one.

If Your Loved One Is Partly To Blame For The Accident, Do You Still Have A Wrongful Death Claim?

California operates under a comparative negligence system, which means that you can still file a wrongful death claim even if your loved one was partly at fault for the accident. The compensation awarded will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the deceased. For instance, if the deceased was found to be 30% responsible for a motor vehicle accident, then the total damages that the at-fault party would otherwise owe would be reduced by 30%. This system ensures that families can still receive some form of compensation for their losses, reflecting the shared responsibility of the events.

Can Our Law Firm Provide You With Compassionate Legal Representation?

Wrongful death cases can be extremely complicated and emotionally charged. At KRA Legal, PC, we understand that losing a loved one can be an immensely painful situation that significantly changes your life. While you are grieving, it can be challenging to face the realities of the devastating loss that you have suffered and follow through with the legal aspects of your case.

We are California wrongful death lawyers with proven track records of recovering the maximum compensation for clients. We are not afraid to go up against the insurance company, and we will fight for your family’s future and financial well-being. We have a great deal of experience in dealing with wrongful death claims that involve car accidents involving negligent drivers, medical negligence, or individuals using drugs or alcohol that resulted in the death of your loved one.

Not every wrongful death attorney has the skill and experience that it takes to recover financial compensation for the loss of your loved one. Do not trust your family’s future to an inexperienced personal injury lawyer who lacks the legal knowledge to successfully present your case to the insurance company or the courtroom, should it become necessary.

We Are Wrongful Death Attorneys Who Are Here To Provide Support And Advocacy

At KRA Legal, PC, we pride ourselves on being compassionate and understanding as we try to relieve small parts of our clients’ burdens. Please do not hesitate to contact us at KRA Legal, PC, so that we can begin helping you through this difficult time.

Call 310-774-4260 or email us to request a free consultation.