Encino Wrongful Death Attorneys
Dedicated Legal Support for San Fernando Valley Families
The unexpected loss of a family member is even more tragic when their death is caused by someone else’s reckless or deliberately malicious behavior. At Williams And Seemen, our Encino wrongful death lawyers understand your pain, and we want to help you cope with these new circumstances. In settlement negotiations and at trial, we advocate for our clients to receive compensation that allows them to settle their loved one’s affairs and find a measure of justice for their wrongful death.
Fight to hold the right people responsible by calling (818) 536-7776 or contacting Williams And Seemen online for a free consultation.
Understanding the Value of a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California
A wrongful death lawsuit in California is usually worth anywhere from $500k - $1 million. The value of a wrongful death lawsuit can vary depending on a number of factors such as:
- Expenses of the burial
- Health and age of the deceased person
- Whether or not the fault lies with the dead
The death of a loved one is a painful experience, you can expect the wrongful death settlement to reflect the importance of their life and the loss and grief that your family is experiencing.
Pursuing Justice for Your Loved One's Wrongful Death
A representative of a deceased person’s estate may have a valid basis for a wrongful death lawsuit if the death was a direct result of another person’s or organization’s negligent or intentional actions.
Our law firm may represent you and your family if you lost a loved one due to any of the following causes:
- Auto accident
- Truck accident
- Slip and fall
- Traumatic brain injury
- Motorcycle accident
- Defective product
- Lack of proper security
- Mesothelioma
- Medical malpractice
- Birth injury
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Aviation accident
- Assault
- Murder
Our thorough understanding of California wrongful death laws enables us to skillfully handle all legal aspects of your case and to seek the remedy you deserve. Those laws set a time limit to pursue a wrongful death claim, so it is essential you seek the legal help you need as early as possible.
Key Insights into Wrongful Death Lawsuits in California
When a loved one dies due to the negligence or intentional actions of another person or entity, it may be considered a wrongful death. In California, the surviving family members have the right to seek compensation for their loss through a wrongful death lawsuit. Understanding the laws and requirements surrounding wrongful death cases can help you navigate the legal process and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
Here are some key points to know about wrongful death lawsuits in California:
- Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit: In California, the surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, or other dependents of the deceased can file a wrongful death lawsuit.
- Time limit for filing: It's important to act quickly, as there is a statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in California. Generally, the lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of the deceased person's death.
- Compensation available: Damages in a wrongful death lawsuit can include economic damages (such as medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost financial support) as well as non-economic damages (such as loss of companionship, emotional distress, and pain and suffering).
- Proving negligence: To succeed in a wrongful death lawsuit, it is necessary to prove that the death was caused by the negligence or wrongful conduct of another party. This may involve gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and presenting a strong case in court.
- Importance of legal representation: Wrongful death cases can be complex, emotionally challenging, and require a thorough understanding of the law. Hiring an experienced wrongful death attorney can help ensure your rights are protected and increase the chances of a successful outcome.
At Williams And Seemen, our compassionate and skilled wrongful death attorneys are dedicated to helping families in the Encino and San Fernando Valley areas seek justice for their loved ones. We will guide you through every step of the legal process, providing personalized attention and aggressive representation to pursue the best possible outcome for your loss.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Examples of grounds of wrongful death can arise is a car accident that occurred due to a faulty product in the vehicle. Even intentional acts such as assault and battery can be the basis of a wrongful death lawsuit. Wrongful death lawsuits can be any lawsuit that seeks to hold someone responsible for the death of someone else.
Committed to Securing Compensation for Families in Grief
We understand the profound impacts of the loss of a loved one, which is why we devote substantial resources to every wrongful death case we take. The damages awarded in a wrongful death lawsuit depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of the accident and the individual’s suffering prior to passing.
We help clients receive compensation for:
- Medical costs
- Funeral expenses
- Mental anguish
- Loss of future earnings
- Loss of love, affection and companionship
- Loss of protection and guidance
- Benefits lost due to the victim’s death, including medical insurance
We employ private investigators and work with expert witnesses to ensure that our cases are as strong as possible. We may also collect and preserve evidence from the accident scene and obtain testimony from people with first-person knowledge of your loved one’s passing. As your advocate, we will explore all options before focusing in on a tailored legal strategy to help you receive the maximum compensation possible.
Get started on your case right away by calling (818) 536-7776.
You have questions
We Have Answers-
Should I hire an attorney or go with the public defender?
Public Defenders are licensed attorneys who have a lot of knowledge and experience. They are assigned to your case, and unfortunately you cannot chose who is the one representing you. Typically public defenders have a very heavy case load–they handle a lot of cases every single day. They usually do not give the time to update their clients on what is happening on their cases, and if you do not like your public defender you cannot not request a new one. You also cannot talk to your public defender before your arraignment–you usually will meet them at arraignment–thus discussions about bail, a case strategy before you even walk into the courthouse does not happen. The Public Defender does a valuable and important service of representing those who cannot afford hiring an attorney. If you can afford an attorney, hire a skilled, capable defense firm that listens to you and forms a strategy you will be comfortable with. Your attorney should fight for your rights, and give you comfort that you are receiving the best representation possible.
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I have been hurt in an accident, what do I do?
First and foremost, seek medical treatment. This might include emergency care, urgent care, or a visit to your physician. It is a good idea to see a doctor in the abundance of caution because you could be injured and not know it right away. Once you are diagnosed, map out and consistently follow the physician’s plan for recovery. Remember, the main goal is to ensure that you recover from your injuries. Sometimes this requires physical therapy and or chiropractic treatment. Unfortunately, most insurance adjusters will not properly evaluate your injuries without tangible proof that you sustained and suffered from a particular injury.
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Why should I hire an attorney, can't I just handle my claim myself?
The short answer is yes, you can handle your personal injury claim yourself, but it is never a good idea. Remember, the insurance company is there to represent the best interest of their insured. This means they will sometimes try to deny liability for your property damage, minimize your medical expenses, or outright deny your claim for bodily injury compensation. Personal injury law is complex and requires an experienced professional to analyze every factor involved in your case to ensure your rights are protected. This is why it is important to hire an experienced personal injury attorney with an in depth knowledge of the law to secure the best possible outcome for you and your family.