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Santa Ana Wrongful Death Lawyer
If a loved one lost their life because of the negligence or intentional act of another, you may be entitled to compensation for their wrongful death. A Santa Ana wrongful death lawyer could discuss your case with you, advise you on your chances of success, and evaluate how much compensation you may be entitled to. Contact an experienced lawyer today.
Wrongful Death Laws in California
A wrongful death is a death that is caused by the negligent, willful, or intentional acts of another. The actions that caused the death do not have to be criminal, and the wrongdoer does not need to intend to cause the death.
The civil law in Santa Ana, California allows for recovery of damages—both economic and non-economic—related to the wrongful death, including those related to pre-death medical costs and any losses suffered by surviving family members.
Common Examples
Deaths caused by traffic accidents, whether suffered by drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, or pedestrians, are often grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit in Santa Ana. If a motor vehicle is defective, the manufacturer or mechanic may be liable as well.
Medical malpractice by medical professionals often leads to severe injury, as does an inappropriate lack of treatment or diagnosis. If negligence by a doctor, surgeon, psychiatrist, dentist, or hospital staff member results in a patient’s death, a lawsuit may be warranted. This same logic can be applied to deaths stemming from prescription overdoses and adverse reactions to medication or anesthesia as well.
In extreme cases, a slip and fall may result in a wrongful death. If a street, staircase, or sidewalk is dangerous or designed poorly enough to cause fatal harm to a pedestrian, their estate can sue for compensation.
Finally, deaths caused by law enforcement or occurred while in legal custody can be grounds for wrongful death by way of police negligence or brutality.
Compensation
The survivors of a victim may be owed financial compensation. The deceased victim’s estate may be represented by a spouse, child, or parent, or by an appointed legal representative. Any family member may bring forth a separate case, and no individual claim’s efficacy or potential compensation is affected by the existence or success of any other lawsuits related to the same wrongful death.
Plaintiffs in cases may recover compensation for:
- Pain and suffering prior to death
- Medical and economic expenses prior
- Lost wages, both current and future
- Economic loss caused by the wrongful death, including calculated future lost wages, earnings, and financial benefits
- Loss of comfort, support, and consortium
Contact a Santa Ana Wrongful Death Attorney Today
A Santa Ana wrongful death lawyer may represent clients in Orange County and throughout Southern California. In your time of grief, make sure you have compassionate and experienced legal help who can help you take stock of your legal options and fight for compensation on behalf of your lost loved one.
A qualified wrongful death attorney in Santa Ana could help and advise you on all steps needed to present your claim. Call today to get started.