Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
Whenever you lose someone you love, whether a close friend or a family member, a sense of loss and sadness is nearly ubiquitous. Losses of life can feel excruciating and confusing in the best of circumstances, and death that comes too soon may make you wonder if you took time with your loved one for granted. But if you lose someone because another party acted with great negligence—whether because of a car accident, product fault, or something else—you can file a wrongful death claim and potentially receive compensation.
If you want to file a wrongful death claim and receive payment for this profound loss, you can speak with a lawyer from Younglove Law Group. You should not need to handle legal matters alone, and we can help you determine whether you are eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Losses like these can be complex, and additional legal challenges are unnecessary. Our clients trust us to bring them the results they deserve, and we can do the same for you and your family.
Who Can File a California Wrongful Death Claim?
While many people experience the loss of a loved one after their death, not everyone can file a wrongful death claim and directly receive compensation. Compensation is often shared amongst family members and close friends, depending on the circumstances and the nature of the relationships, but it cannot be guaranteed.
Most often, only immediate family members, spouses, or domestic partners can file a wrongful death claim. The potential claimants are defined by statute in California Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60. Generally, spouses or domestic partners as well as children will be considered before other family members. If there are no living spouses, immediate relatives can file a claim. Often, children have the right to file a wrongful death claim in these circumstances, but parents and other family members often have to show they were reliant on the person who died for financial support in order to bring a claim. In other cases, further legal guidance and consideration may be necessary. We recommend you speak with a lawyer to determine whether you can file a wrongful death claim.
When Should You Look for Mental Health Assistance During a California Wrongful Death Case?
Losing a family member or friend can be extremely stressful and draining on your mental health, and legal matters can exacerbate already grueling circumstances. Due to the nature of filing a wrongful death case, you are more likely than usual to require assistance for your mental health. If you experience any of the following symptoms, we recommend speaking with a therapist or another mental health professional:
- Issues with memory
- Depression
- Problems with sleep
- Flashbacks
- Emotional numbness
- Dreams about the accident
- Believe you are a terrible person
- Actively avoiding thinking or speaking about the circumstances
- Guilt
- Irritability
Other circumstances may also necessitate seeking mental health assistance. If unsure, we recommend you speak with a doctor about your circumstances and the possibility of utilizing mental health services.
How Can a Lawyer Help With Your Wrongful Death Claims in California?
A wrongful death attorney can assist with your claims in several ways, including many you might not consider. If you want to significantly reduce the amount of stress you experience during these legal matters, please consider the following:
- Speaking on your behalf
- Completing and filing paperwork
- Strategizing
- Building arguments in favor of your case
- Maintaining your schedule and calendar
- Providing medical referrals
- Legal knowledge resources
- Negotiation power
- Leveling the playing field against other representatives
- Handle insurance companies
- Reduce stress
- Streamline the legal process
If you want to take legal action and file a wrongful death claim, we recommend you refrain from representing yourself during legal matters. While working with a lawyer may seem expensive in most circumstances, most wrongful death attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. You only pay your lawyer if you win your case, so you do not suffer additional financial losses during this difficult time.
Speak With a California Wrongful Death Attorney From Younglove Law Group Today
If you want to file a wrongful death claim in California, we welcome you to file a claim and work with a lawyer from Younglove Law Group. Our wrongful death lawyers have access to several helpful resources and tools that can streamline the legal process, allowing you to focus on mourning and recovery on your own timeline.
Our wrongful death legal team is ready to hear from you and fight for the compensation you need. Please do not hesitate to contact us at your earliest convenience to improve your odds of legal success. You can contact us at (949) 691-3660, utilize our toll-free number at (844) 810-1800, or complete the contact form on our website.
