Wrongful Death Lawyers in Chino Hills Representing Clients In Wrongful Death Claims Throughout Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County

Wrongful death is a tragedy that did not have to happen. It is the heartbreaking loss of a life that could have and should have been prevented.

If your family member died because another person or organization was negligent or committed a wrongful act, you may be able to collect financial damages by filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Attorney Eric Paris of The Paris Law Firm in Chino Hills, California, can advise you of your legal options free of charge.

For more than 20 years, our personal injury law firm has represented clients throughout the Los Angeles area in wrongful death lawsuits. We have a record of winning impressive verdicts and settlements for survivors of those who died a wrongful death. We may be able to recover fair compensation for your funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and other burial expenses loss related to the fatal accident.

Who is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Under California laws, the right to file a wrongful death claim is usually reserved for the immediate family of the victim. There is a specific legal order as to who has the primary right to file a claim to recover damages. The order in California is as follows:

Surviving Spouse of the Decedent: If the victim was legally married at the time the fatal accident occurred, the surviving spouse or registered domestic partner maintains the primary right to file a wrongful death claim. However, the spouse may wish to waive their right of priority due to individual circumstances.

Surviving Child or Children of the Decedent: In a wrongful death case where there is no surviving spouse, the children of the decedent then become eligible to file a claim. This right extends to all biological children, legally adopted children, and stepchildren. In the event that the children are minors, California law provides that the court will appoint a guardian who is authorized to file a wrongful death claim on their behalf. It should also be noted that grandchildren may also file a claim if the decedent’s children are also deceased.

Dependent Minors Living in the Household of the Decedent: Minors who have lived with the deceased may also be afforded the right to seek compensation even if they do not meet the qualifications to be considered legal children. California law stipulates that minors in this type of situation must have resided in the household for at least six months. In addition, they must have also been dependent on the decedent for half of their financial support and other matters related to their care.

Parents of the Decedent: In wrongful death cases where the deceased was not married and had no children, or the decedent was a minor, the legal right of priority will be passed to the surviving parents. The same law holds true if the parents of the decedent can prove that they were financially dependent on the deceased as well.

A Personal Representative of the Estate of the Deceased: Often, in wrongful death cases, there are multiple individuals who are legally eligible to file a wrongful death claim. In a case such as this, claimants often make a choice to have a personal representative file a legal action on behalf of all of the parties involved. This makes it much easier to simplify the case. If a settlement is awarded, then it is distributed per the California wrongful death statute.

Why File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

In many cases, the survivors depended on the deceased person’s income. A wrongful death lawsuit can recover compensation for the deceased person’s future income as well as other damages, including loss of the love and companionship of a spouse or parent.

In other cases, survivors pursue wrongful death claims to send a message. They know that money talks. Large verdicts and settlements can encourage responsible parties to change their ways to avoid similar tragedies in the future.

Causes of Wrongful Death

Wrongful death can occur in many ways, including:

Medical malpractice
Unsafe premises
Drunk driving, speeding, or other negligent driving car accidents
Defective products
Toxic substances
Assaults
Murder

Intentional Acts Leading to Wrongful Death

A person who committed a crime that resulted in the death of another can be found not guilty in a criminal court but still be held liable for damages in a wrongful death lawsuit.

The laws of California provide that crimes that involve shootings, stabbings, or other violent criminal actions that result in death can be tried in civil court as well as criminal court. Defendants who stand accused of these crimes may also be held financially liable and determined to be the responsible party.

Why Should I Hire a Wrongful Death Attorney?

The Paris Law Firm has the legal skill and empathetic nature to help you through this difficult time. Our goal is always to obtain the maximum amount of financial compensation in your case. At the same time, we will provide you with personal service, compassion, and respect throughout the process.

If a member of your family died a wrongful death, please accept our sincere condolences. Please know that we are available to discuss your case and explain the legal process at no charge. Our clients pay no attorney fees unless we obtain financial compensation for their wrongful death claim.

In cases where your family member has been the victim of a personal injury that resulted in their death, you need the experience of a competent wrongful death attorney. A wrongful death claim can be particularly challenging due to the complex legal issues of negligence that often surround the accident.

Do not leave your future to chance with a wrongful death lawyer who lacks the qualifications and experience needed to represent you. The wrongful death lawyers of the Paris Law Firm are uniquely qualified to successfully handle your case.

To learn more about how we can help, please call The Paris Firm at (909) 325-6185 or contact us online. From our offices in Chino Hills, we represent wrongful death clients throughout Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County.