A Compassionate Santa Monica Wrongful Death Attorney Who Stands With Grieving Families After Fatal Accidents
When a person or company’s irresponsible actions lead to a wrongful death, families may wonder how they can move forward. In addition to the grief those families feel, they wonder how to seek justice for the loss of their loved one.Losing a loved one unexpectedly is devastating, and seeking justice can feel overwhelming.
A wrongful death claim may provide both financial support and the ability to hold the wrongdoer accountable. Our Santa Monica wrongful death attorney has the experience and determination to succeed. To learn how our personal injury law firm can help you to seek justice, reach out for a free consultation.
At Law Offices of Eric Hershler, APC, we stand with families after a car crash or other fatal accidents. Our California personal injury law firm has represented thousands of injured people throughout California. We will stand with you at every stage of the legal process.
What are the common causes of wrongful death?
One of the most common reasons wrongful deaths occur is a serious motor vehicle accident. According to crash data, about 40,000 American citizens die in traffic accidents every single year. When another driver’s negligence is the cause of a fatal accident, the surviving family members have a right to justice through a wrongful death lawsuit.
Other causes of wrongful death include:
- Medical malpractice
- Fatal workplace injuries
- Hazardous premises conditions
- Negligent security
- Fatal dog attacks
- Defective products
- Drowning and water-related incidents
- Acts of violence
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims
Can you file a wrongful death lawsuit?
While the loss of a loved one may have a significant impact on anyone in their life, only some family members can bring a wrongful death lawsuit. These include their surviving spouse or domestic partner, their children and their grandchildren if their children have already passed.
However, it is important to remember that these people must file their claims within a specific statute of limitations. They have two years to file a wrongful death claim after the passing of the accident victim.
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Santa Monica?
The surviving family members may have the right to seek justice through a wrongful death claim. Examples include domestic partners, surviving spouses, minor or adult children, grandchildren and even parents who lost a child.
While others may be affected by the passing, they lack legal standing for a wrongful death action, a right that belongs only to family members.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in California?
As with personal injury claims, there is a statute of limitations for California wrongful death lawsuits. The deadline is typically within two years of the victim’s passing. This countdown starts on the day that the victim passes away. A claim may be impossible – even if it would have otherwise been valid – if more than two years have passed.
Any time that a loved one has passed away due to someone else’s recklessness, carelessness, negligence or intentional action, a wrongful death lawsuit may be a possibility. The attorneys with Law Offices of Eric Hershler can guide your journey.
What compensation can a wrongful death claim offer in California?
In California, a wrongful death lawsuit provides compensation for the many ways that a person’s death impacts their surviving loved ones. This compensation may include:
- Expenses related to burial and funeral
- Loss of financial income that the deceased would have contributed to the household
- Loss of nonmonetary support that the person who passed away would have provided
- The surviving spouse’s loss of companionship
- Any surviving child’s loss of a parental relationship, including the moral support or guidance they would have provided
Law Offices of Eric Hershler is an established personal injury law firm. Our wrongful death attorney and entire legal team takes a holistic approach to evaluating claims. We look at every detail, every potential source of recovery. Wrongful death attorney Eric Hershler analyzes the full impact a fatal accident has on families. Our goal is to acheive the best possible outcomes. We fight for justice and personalized recovery for the devastating harm that the fatal accident has created.
What is the process for filing a wrongful death claim?
The first steps in filing a wrongful death claim are identifying the person responsible for the death of the person who passed and gathering evidence to support the claim. This could include individuals, companies, or government entities. After gathering this key information, the wrongful death attorney for the surviving loved ones will file a wrongful death lawsuit with the court. Once the lawsuit enters the court system, there will be a fact-finding period called “discovery” before the lawsuit enters mediation or trial. If both sides agree, they can try mediation. This means they sit down with a neutral person to help them reach an agreement. If they can’t agree, the case goes to trial. At the trial, both sides show their evidence and tell their side of the story. Then, a judge or jury decides who is responsible and what the consequences should be. If someone doesn’t like the trial’s decision, they can ask a higher court to look at the case again.
At every stage of this process, legal guidance can be invaluable. Santa Monica wrongful death attorney Eric Hershler can help people identify negligent parties who contributed to their loved one’s death. He works diligently to build a strong case to seek true justice. In every situation, we take the time to communicate with every client. We provide full information to help you make informed decisions.
Seek Guidance From An Experienced Santa Monica Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
Families grieving the loss of a loved one deserve justice, and speaking to personal injury attorney Eric Hershler could be an important first step. Call Law Offices of Eric Hershler in the Sawtelle neighborhood at 424-432-5084 or email our firm to schedule your no-cost initial consultation. There are absolutely no legal fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
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