Helping Families Following A Devastating Loss
The untimely death of a loved one is a tragic event that will forever alter the rest of your and your family’s lives. When your loss was caused by someone’s negligence, recklessness or intentional wrongdoing, it is even more tragic.
While nothing can ever compensate someone for this loss, a wrongful death lawsuit can do two things. First, a successful lawsuit can help you recover financial damages for your loss. Second, a wrongful death claim can hold the person, business or government agency accountable, potentially preventing other families from suffering in the future.
After the wrongful death of a spouse, parent, child or sibling, the lawyer you choose can make a critical difference. We are the attorneys of Van Blois & Associates. For more than 40 years, we have served families across the Bay Area, Central Valley and throughout Northern California.
Providing Compassionate And Aggressive Representation
In a wrongful death suit, it is vital that your attorney has the trial experience necessary to present a compelling claim for your damages before a judge and jury. Not only that, your law firm should also have the resources to fully investigate the cause of your loved one’s death. Our law firm has successfully represented many families in wrongful death lawsuits. As a result, we have the financial resources to hire experts to prove all parts of your case. We invite you to view our results below to see how we have helped families.
We are proud to have helped our clients, not only in their financial recovery, but in getting a measure of emotional satisfaction as well. Whether a wrongful death suit is ultimately resolved through settlement or in trial, we will be at your side every step of the way.
FAQs About Wrongful Death Claims In California
Q: How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in California?
A: California has a statute of limitations of two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim in most cases. This deadline can vary depending on the specifics of your case, so it’s crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Q: What types of situations can lead to a wrongful death lawsuit?
A: Any situation where a death occurs due to another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct can potentially lead to a wrongful death lawsuit. Some common examples include:
- Car accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Defective products
- Premises liability (e.g., unsafe conditions on someone else’s property)
Q: Who can file a wrongful death claim in California?
A: In California, only specific individuals are eligible to file a wrongful death claim. These typically include:
- Surviving spouse or registered domestic partner
- Surviving children
- Surviving parents
- Surviving siblings
- Dependents of the deceased, such as step-children
Q: What damages can be recovered in a wrongful death claim?
A: You may be able to recover various damages in a wrongful death lawsuit, including:
- Economic Damages:
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of the deceased person’s financial support and future earnings
- Loss of benefits, such as healthcare and pension
- Non-Economic Damages:
- Loss of love, care, and companionship
- Emotional distress and suffering of the surviving family
Q: What must be proven in a wrongful death case?
A: To succeed in a wrongful death case, it must be shown that the defendant’s negligence or misconduct directly caused the death and that the surviving family members have suffered quantifiable damages as a result.
Contact Van Blois & Associates
Call 510-343-9570 to set up your free initial consultation. You can also complete our email form. We accept all wrongful death claims on a no-recovery, no-fee basis.