Losing a loved one to a fatal accident is devastating––and finding the strength to move forward may feel impossible. In addition, finding out that another party’s negligence caused their passing can add weight to your emotions.
However, there are steps that you can take to protect your family’s financial future and get justice for your loved one’s passing. Our wrongful death lawyers at Nadrich & Cohen have represented surviving family members for over 30 years. A Santa Rosa wrongful death lawyer from our firm can fight for compensation while you grieve in peace.
What Constitutes Wrongful Death in California?
If another party caused your loved one’s passing, whether intentional or not, they can face liability. A wrongful death case attempts to compensate surviving family members for their financial losses following their loved one’s passing.
Some situations that can give rise to wrongful death cases include:
- Vehicular accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Premises liability
- Defective products
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Workplace accidents
If you suspect someone else was to blame for your loved one’s passing, our attorneys can help you get justice. We can prove negligence, the cost of your damages, and your case’s other relevant aspects.
Who Is Eligible to Pursue a Wrongful Death Case in Santa Rosa?
California statutes only allow eligible immediate family members or the decedent’s personal representative to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Eligible family members include the decedent’s:
- Surviving spouse
- Domestic partner
- Child(ren)
- Grandchild(ren) (if the decedent’s children have also passed away)
- A beneficiary of the decedent’s property through intestate succession
- Other minor children who were dependent on the decedent for at least 50% of their financial support
Wrongful death cases can be brought against individuals already facing criminal charges and can proceed whether or not the individual is found guilty. When you connect with Nadrich & Cohen, we can evaluate your case’s potential and advise you on your legal options.
Time Limits for Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
You generally have two years following the decedent’s passing to file a wrongful death lawsuit. After this time, your case will no longer be valid in the eyes of the court, and you will forfeit your right to compensation. Therefore, acting fast is crucial if you’re considering a wrongful death case.
The statute of limitations isn’t your case’s only time-sensitive aspect. Some evidence relevant to your case may not last long. For instance, witnesses from the accident scene may forget certain details. If your loved one passed away in a collision, footage of the accident could get deleted.
You want as much supporting evidence as necessary to bolster your case. You also want to build your case in accordance with the state’s deadline to protect your rights.
Compensable Wrongful Death Damages in Your Santa Rosa Case
Our attorneys can assist with valuing the deceased’s estate, calculating your damages, and determining the amount that will sufficiently cover your expenses.
You may be entitled to damages such as:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support from the decedent
- Compensation for the decedent’s lost earnings
- Loss of household services
- Loss of companionship
You may recover additional losses than those listed here. Your compensable losses all depend on your situation, including the cause of your loved one’s passing and their role in your household.
What Our Wrongful Death Attorneys Can Do for You
A wrongful death case is a big undertaking––especially if you’re unfamiliar with the legal process. Yet, our wrongful death team has years of experience building and managing cases like yours. We’re prepared to advocate for you by:
Managing Your Case on a Contingency-Fee Basis
It costs you nothing out of pocket to partner with our wrongful death lawyers serving Santa Rosa. We’ve always served grieving families on a contingency-fee basis. This means we don’t charge by the hour or ask for retainers.
A portion of your wrongful death settlement will pay for our time, efforts, and services. This arrangement allows everyone to seek legal help regardless of their financial resources.
Representing You in All Case-Related Communications
Our attorneys will represent you in all communications involving your case. This involves negotiating with insurers, requesting certain documents, and speaking with the claims adjuster. Now, you deserve to focus on your health, family, and well-being. We will serve as your advocate during all case-related proceedings.
Determine Liability
Determining liability is the foundation of a wrongful death claim or lawsuit. We must establish who was responsible and support this claim with solid evidence, such as:
- The police report (if available)
- Your loved one’s death certificate
- Eyewitness testimony
- Information from field consultants
- Your loved one’s medical records
- Invoices and receipts related to your damages
With the information we find, we aim to prove that because another party’s negligence caused your loved one’s passing, your family deserves damages.
Lead Negotiations
While there is a chance that your case will go to trial, many wrongful death cases are settled out of court. Our attorneys are prepared to negotiate with the other party. If a settlement is not reached, our attorneys are also prepared to fully and adequately litigate your case.
We’ve Achieved Favorable Outcomes for California Wrongful Death Claimants
We want you to feel confident in our commitment to your case. We believe that the previous results we’ve secured for clients attest to that. Here are two cases in which we recovered damages for wrongful death claimants:
- Our client lost a loved one in a horseback riding accident. We secured $900,000 after proving negligence.
- Our client came to us after losing a loved one in a pedestrian accident. We recovered $750,000 for their losses.
Speak to Our Wrongful Death Team in Santa Rosa, CA, Today
We extend our deepest condolences if you recently lost a loved one. We know what you’re going through, and more importantly, we want to help. The team at Nadrich & Cohen can pursue compensation for your hardships, so you can start rebuilding your life. To start a free case review and discuss your case, call today.
