Rancho Santa Margarita Wrongful Death Lawyer

Most adults know and understand the fleeting nature of life, but this is no comfort at all when another person’s careless or reckless actions take the life of your loved one. The victimization of your family goes beyond being robbed of your loved one’s presence and company. The costs associated with an unexpected death in your family are often staggering. Justice demands that those who take actions that lead to the untimely passing of someone else be held to account for their mistakes and missteps.

Proving that another person is responsible in whole or in part for your loved one’s death is no small feat, but an experienced Rancho Santa Margarita wrongful death attorney could help make the task more manageable. Through a California wrongful death lawsuit, you may be entitled to receive damages, commonly known as financial compensation, to help address the economic losses and harm you and your family have suffered.

Causes of Wrongful Death Accidents in Rancho Santa Margarita

While most people do not suspect that their loved ones would be victimized to such a degree, accidents still happen. The sources of these tragedies often include:

  • Driving or using a vehicle or machinery while distracted or impaired
  • Not exercising appropriate caution when handling heavy loads or dangerous materials
  • Not keeping one’s property or business in a state of good repair and allowing slippery or treacherous conditions to exist
  • Health professionals not exercising due care in reviewing a patient’s files, administering medication, or performing surgeries and procedures

All successful wrongful death suits require victims to establish that some negligent act or careless conduct caused or contributed to another person’s death. This may not be as easy to do as it sounds, especially where the deceased had other preexisting health conditions or where there are more than one potential causes of death. A California wrongful death attorney with experience in representing victims could help victims sort through the evidence in their cases and determine what, if any, legal rights they may have.

Crucial Elements for a Rancho Santa Margarita Wrongful Death Case

Unlike other personal injury cases, close relatives of the decedent are the ones who file wrongful death lawsuits. Not just anyone may fill this role. Beginning with California Code of Civil Procedure 337.60 and following, the law only permits the decedent’s surviving spouse, domestic partner, surviving children, or an heir or sibling to bring a wrongful death suit. Certain others may be allowed to bring a wrongful death claim if they are able to establish that they were financially dependent on the decedent, including a putative spouse, stepchildren, or the decedent’s parents.

Showing that one is legally capable, also known as having standing, to bring a wrongful death claim is one of a number of challenges that stand between surviving loved ones of the deceased and the financial recovery that they may require to move forward financially. A Rancho Santa Margarita wrongful death attorney who has reviewed a plaintiff’s case could spot whether standing or some other issue may impose a significant roadblock to recovery.

Call a Rancho Santa Margarita Wrongful Death Lawyer As Soon as Possible

An unexpected death in the family creates a mountain of work, worries, and concerns for surviving family members. Consequentially, these individuals must meet these challenges while grieving. You and your family do not have to walk this journey alone. A Rancho Santa Margarita wrongful death lawyer could help you protect your legal rights and advocate for them in court.

Importantly, plaintiffs must file wrongful death lawsuits in California within two years of the date of the decedent’s death, so there is not much time available for surviving family members to ask for their day in court. Speak with a Rancho Santa Margarita law firm today about your rights and your ability to recover compensation for your deceased loved one’s final medical bills, lost wages, funeral expenses, and other costs.