Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?

In California wrongful death lawsuit is a civil claim for damages brought by the surviving family or estate of a person who has died or had a personal injury due to another person or entity’s negligent or intentional act. This type of lawsuit is filed in the civil court system, which is separate from the criminal court system.

Under California law, the decedent’s surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, grandchildren, and certain dependents can file a wrongful death suit. In rare circumstances, the deceased person’s parents may also be eligible to bring a wrongful death claim. Additionally, if the dead person had no remaining relatives, the estate would be entitled to bring a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death lawsuit aims to make the negligent or malicious party responsible for the harm they have caused. In a wrongful act, financial and non-financial damages may be demanded, including funeral and medical expenses, wages missed, pain and suffering, and the loss of companionship.

According to the statute, a wrongful death case must be brought in California within two years of the decedent’s passing. The statute of limitations is the name for this time frame. Therefore, the patient will likely be dismissed unless the suit is filed within two years.

You might be eligible to bring a wrongful death claim in California if the death of your loved one is due to another person or organization’s carelessness or malicious behavior caused the death. However, you can better grasp your legal rights and alternatives by speaking with a skilled criminal death attorney.

What is a Wrongful Death Claim?

The surviving family members of a person who died due to the negligence, recklessness, or deliberate actions of another individual or business may initiate a wrongful death claim. This type of lawsuit is often filed to obtain financial compensation for the financial losses the family has suffered due to the death, such as medical and funeral expenses, loss of income and benefits, and emotional distress.

Additionally, wrongful death lawsuits can be utilized to make offenders accountable for their deeds and raise public awareness of the problem of avoidable deaths. Wrongful death lawsuits are typically filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate or the deceased’s surviving family members, such as a spouse, children, or parents. To file a wrongful death lawsuit, it must be proven that the death was caused by another person’s negligence or criminal act and that the end resulted in damages to the surviving family members.

What Evidence is Required to Prove Liability in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?

To establish guilt in a wrongful death action in California, the claimant must prove that the defendant’s carelessness was the direct cause of the victim’s passing. It can be accomplished through medical records, police reports, eyewitness testimony, and other types of evidence. Additionally, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant was irresponsible in some way and that this carelessness was the primary cause of the victim’s passing. For example, suppose a car accident occurred due to the defendant’s reckless driving. In that case, the claimant must prove the defendant was negligent by showing that the defendant failed to maintain their vehicle safely or obey traffic laws.

Additionally, the claimant must prove that the death directly resulted from the defendant’s negligence. It could include evidence of medical bills, funeral costs, and other damages related to the death. Finally, the claimant must show that they suffered losses due to the death, such as lost wages, loss of companionship, and other damages.

What is the Statute of Limitations in California for an Incorrect Death?

For claims of wrongful death, California has a two-year statute of limitations. It suggests that a wrongful death claim must be submitted two years after the death date. This time limit is set by the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. The two-year period begins when the death occurred, not when the person bringing the lawsuit became aware of the death. If a lawsuit fails to be filed within two years, the opportunity to get a wrongful death claim may be lost.

Even though the two-year period is generally the time limitation for wrongful death claims, this rule has a few exceptions. For instance, if the decedent were minor, the two-year window would start once the child turned eighteen. Additionally, a claim must be made within six months of the death if a government agency is to blame.

When a wrongful death lawsuit is filed in California, it is essential to remember that the two years are strictly enforced. As a result, it’s crucial to speak with an experienced law firm as quickly as possible when the death happens. An wrongful death lawyer can help ensure all steps are taken to file the claim within the required period.