If your family member has passed away in an accident caused by another person’s reckless actions, you’re probably distraught and unsure of how to move forward.
At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, we understand how hard it is to lose a loved one in a sudden accident. That’s why we’re here to provide compassionate support and advocacy.
Let our family take care of your family. Our Long Beach personal injury lawyers can guide you through the legal process and pursue compensation and justice for your family. With a Long Beach wrongful death lawyer on your side, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your case is in excellent hands.
Compensation a Long Beach Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Pursue for Your Family
No amount of money can truly make up for the loss of a loved one. However, filing a wrongful death claim can ease the financial burden you’ve been left with and help your family find a sense of closure. At our firm, we take time to fully evaluate your losses so we can pursue every dollar you deserve.
Our Long Beach wrongful death lawyers will build a claim that accounts for both your economic and emotional damages. That includes losses your family has already faced and the long-term financial impact of your loved one’s death. Depending on your unique situation, you may be entitled to compensation for the following:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical costs related to the fatal injury
- Loss of the decedent’s future income
- Loss of household services that the decedent would have provided
- Loss of benefits
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish
Our team is committed to pursuing the maximum compensation possible while respecting your right to grieve. Let us handle the legal burdens so you can focus on healing.
Reach out to our team today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about the financial support we can obtain for you and your loved ones.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Before you can bring a personal injury claim forward on behalf of a deceased loved one, you need to determine whether or not the state of California will allow you to act on that person’s behalf. According to CCP § 377.60, the following parties are permitted to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Long Beach:
- Surviving spouse
- Surviving children
- Grandchildren
- Parents of the deceased
Exceptions to the general rule may also allow a person’s legal guardians or stepchildren to bring a claim forward for them. You can discuss your right to legal action when you schedule a free consultation with a wrongful death attorney from our team.
How a Long Beach Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help You
At a time like this, you need a compassionate and skilled Long Beach wrongful death lawyer who will oversee every aspect of your case and respect your grieving process. Our team can handle your lawsuit from start to finish, working tirelessly to get the best results for you and your family.
Here are the steps our team will take to make your case as successful as possible:
Find Evidence of Negligence
Should you have the right to file a wrongful death claim, you have an obligation to gather enough evidence to meet California’s burden of proof to move your claim forward. However, you specifically do not have to investigate the scene of a loved one’s accident or the circumstances that led to the passing.
Instead, an attorney can take on that responsibility. Our Long Beach wrongful death attorneys can meet with you to discuss the nature of your loved one’s accident before connecting with area investigators.
Those investigators can then bring forward the electronic data, physical debris, professional witness statements, and bystander testimony that can help you build your case.
Determine the Value of Your Claim
You have as much of an obligation to preemptively outline the value of the compensation you want as you do to meet the state’s burden of proof. Our attorneys can step in to make this process as straightforward as possible while also maximizing the compensation you walk away with from your case.
We can help you recover financial support based on the physical and emotional losses you and your loved one sustained in a fatal accident. This means that we can help you assign dollar values to losses like pain and suffering or emotional distress. We’ll work hard to calculate the value of your claim and fight for the settlement you need to cope with this tragic loss.
Represent You in Court
While many wrongful death claims are resolved through settlements, some cases require litigation to achieve justice. If the at-fault party refuses to take responsibility or offers an unfair settlement, our wrongful death lawyers in Long Beach will not hesitate to take your case to court.
We are experienced trial lawyers who will prepare your case with precision. From filing court documents to presenting compelling evidence and expert testimony, we will handle every stage of the litigation process with care and professionalism.
We understand that going to trial may feel overwhelming during a time of grief. That is why we remain by your side throughout the process, answering your questions, managing communication, and advocating fiercely on your behalf. You focus on healing while we focus on securing the justice your loved one deserves.
Help You Avoid Contact with the At-Fault Party
Many families waive their rights to legal action because they don’t want to go to trial following a loved one’s death. Fortunately, you don’t have to go before a jury to win compensation. Our wrongful death attorneys in Long Beach can help you schedule private negotiations where you can discuss the settlement you deserve.
That said, meeting face-to-face with the person you believe to be responsible for your loved one’s death is rarely easy. We understand if you would rather minimize your contact with that party. In these cases, we can keep the door open for negotiations while also preparing you for what the civil process looks like in court.
You can discuss how you want your case to proceed during a free case evaluation with our team. Our compassionate and understanding attorneys will always prioritize your comfort, particularly in cases involving the tragic loss of a loved one.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
Our firm has handled countless cases like yours in the past. As a result, we understand that wrongful death can stem from many types of accidents and injuries. We have represented families in wrongful death claims involving:
- Bicycle accidents
- Bus accidents
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip and falls
- Truck accidents
If your loved one passed away in one of the above-listed incidents, our wrongful death attorneys in Long Beach are here to offer the support and representation you need to file a strong claim. We will work quickly to investigate the fatal incident, preserve critical evidence, and identify the parties responsible for your loved one’s death.
Whether the incident occurred on the road, in a public space, or on another person’s property, we are ready to advocate for you and your family. Reach out to our trusted team today to learn more about your rights and to get started on your case.
Understanding the Difference Between Civil and Criminal Court
When a loved one suffers a fatal injury due to someone else’s actions, it’s natural to want accountability. In these cases, two different legal systems may come into play: civil court and criminal court. Each serves a unique purpose and comes with different outcomes.
Criminal Court
Criminal court cases are brought by the state or federal government. The goal of a criminal case is to punish the offender for breaking the law. If found guilty, the defendant may face jail time, probation, or other criminal penalties. The burden of proof in criminal court is high, as guilt must be proven “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Civil Court
Civil court, on the other hand, allows families to pursue financial compensation through a wrongful death claim. These cases are filed by individuals, not the government. The goal of a civil lawsuit is not to punish but to make surviving family members financially whole.
Our knowledgeable Long Beach wrongful death lawyers can listen to your story, review the details of your case, and advise you on the differences between criminal court and civil court with regard to wrongful death. We’ll help you make smart legal decisions throughout the process and prioritize your best interests at every step of the way.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Long Beach
If you are considering filing a wrongful death claim in California, you must act quickly. That’s because state law places a strict time limit, known as the statute of limitations, on your right to seek compensation through the civil court system.
In most wrongful death cases, California allows you only two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a claim. If you miss this deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you may permanently lose the chance to recover damages.
Exceptions to the Rule
Depending on your situation, some rare exceptions may apply. For example, if the cause of death was not immediately known or if the claim involves a government entity, your filing deadline may be different.
It is essential to speak with a Long Beach wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible. Our team can determine how long you have to take legal action and begin working immediately. We are here to protect your rights and your future while you focus on your family and your healing.
What to Do After a Wrongful Death in California
After a wrongful death, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next. It’s important for you to understand that by taking the right steps early, you can protect your rights and strengthen any legal action your family may pursue. Our Long Beach wrongful death law firm suggests that you take the following actions soon after a wrongful death incident:
Secure Documentation and Official Records
If you need to take legal action after a loved one’s wrongful death, you should start by collecting all documents related to their passing. Obtain a copy of the death certificate, police or incident report, and any medical records tied to the fatal injury or cause of death.
Avoid Public Statements
During the days and weeks following a wrongful death incident, be cautious about what you say in public and post online. Avoid discussing the details of the incident on social media and in conversation, as opposing parties can use even casual remarks to dispute your claim later on.
It’s also best not to engage in back-and-forth communication with those responsible for the incident or their insurance companies until you have legal representation. A dedicated Long Beach wrongful death attorney can handle all communications with insurers and other parties, ensuring nothing is said that could hurt your case.
Consult a Wrongful Death Lawyer Soon
If your loved one has passed away in an accident, don’t wait to seek legal support. A wrongful death lawyer can step in right away to investigate, gather evidence, and advise your family on what to do next. Schedule a free consultation with our team to get an early start on your case.
Meet with a Trusted Long Beach Wrongful Death Attorney for Free
At Omega Law Group, we know how devastating it can be to lose a loved one in an accident. That’s why we’re here to offer compassionate support and strong legal advocacy when you need it the most.
Our firm has recovered millions for grieving families and accident victims, so we’re confident we have what it takes to get the compensation and closure you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Long Beach wrongful death lawyer. We’ll meet with you to discuss your loved one’s passing, explain your rights and legal options, and help you take the first step toward justice.