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Losing a loved one is devastating. When the loss is the result of someone else’s actions, it can be harder to cope with knowing it could have been prevented. You may wonder how you can possibly go on. It can seem impossible to imagine a future without your loved one in it – especially if you relied on them for financial support or caregiving.
At Sargent Law, we are your local wrongful death law firm, and we are dedicated to helping families in Murrieta. We have grieved with our clients, and we have seen firsthand the emotional pain and mental suffering that follows losing a loved one. Let us provide you with the legal support you need to move on with your life after a fatal accident that was caused by negligence.
Call our Murrieta wrongful death attorneys or reach out to us through our online contact form. We are here to answer your questions and tell you more about your rights in California.
Advocating for Families in Murrieta After the Loss of a Loved One
Our Murrieta personal injury lawyers are your advocates and guides through the wrongful death process. We are experienced Riverside County attorneys, and we focus our law firm on helping families through some of the most challenging situations imaginable.
Your family may be entitled to financial compensation if your loved one died in an accident that never should have happened. This compensation can honor your loved one and help you with what you need. It can cover medical expenses, pay household bills and help you in other ways that you have suffered. It can’t bring your loved one back – but it can help.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
When a person gets hurt and it is someone else’s fault, they have the right to file a personal injury claim. The victim can claim compensation for their injuries and losses from the person or party responsible for the accident. Usually, a party is at fault based on negligence (not being careful enough), but there are other grounds for legal liability, too.
If an accident results in death, it’s only fair that the person who causes the accident be held responsible for damages. In wrongful death claims, it is the surviving family that claims the compensation. Spouses, domestic partners, children, other financially dependent minors and others may qualify to be a part of the case.
Damages can include burial and final expenses for the victim. Loss of income and emotional support may be a part of the claim. There can also be another type of case called a survival case for the victim’s losses specifically.
What’s Involved in Bringing a Wrongful Death Claim in Murrieta?
When you have lost a loved one unexpectedly, you’ve been through enough. The last thing you want is a long and stressful legal process. That’s why we have a streamlined process to work through your case efficiently.
Bringing a wrongful death claim in Murrieta starts with our investigation into how the accident occurred. We look at the actions of each person and contributing factors. Then, we use our training and knowledge to evaluate who may be legally responsible. Our team gathers the evidence.
Another important part of bringing the claim is determining what the case is worth. We know the types of losses that you can claim and how to value them. It’s important to document your damages thoroughly, and we work through your case in detail while minimizing the burden on you and your family.
Do Murrieta Wrongful Death Claims Have to Go to Trial?
Like other types of personal injury claims, wrongful death claims rarely go to trial. It’s our goal to customize your case plan and work towards the best result for you. That means diligently building the evidence and communicating with you honestly about your case. It means skillfully negotiating a settlement and knowing how to approach negotiations strategically.
When a loved one has been killed through an act of negligence, you need the highest level of legal representation. We’re experienced Murrieta wrongful death lawyers, and we are ready to pursue your case until you have justice. Whether that’s by working toward a settlement or taking your case to trial, we create a custom plan for your claim.
Learn more about misconceptions about wrongful death claims.
If you’ve been injured or a loved one has been killed through an act of negligence, you need the highest level of legal representation.
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What Is a Murrieta Wrongful Death Claim Worth?
Because losing a loved one is so devastating, wrongful death claims have some of the highest values in personal injury claims. You’ve suffered an unimaginable loss. California law allows you to include a variety of financial and emotional losses in the claim.
Economic Damages
Economic damages in Murrieta wrongful death claims are meant to compensate for the financial consequences of the untimely death. Economic losses include the loss of financial support from the deceased loved one. It can also include household services that the loved one would have provided, funeral and burial costs, the loss of inheritance, and more.
Noneconomic Damages
Noneconomic damages are the loss of companionship, protection and affection of your loved one. It includes the fact that a parent is no longer there to give you training and guidance. A spouse is no longer there for companionship. There is no fixed amount for noneconomic damages, but our lawyers can help build the case for what is reasonable.
The best way to know what a wrongful death claim is worth is to talk to our lawyers about your case specifics. We can give you a range of what the case is possibly worth along with an evaluation of why that would be the case. We can explain how the law applies to your case and what to expect throughout the process.
Is It Hard to Win a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Murrieta?
Winning a wrongful death lawsuit can be challenging, as these cases often involve complex legal issues and require substantial evidence to prove liability. Some of the factors that can make it difficult to win a wrongful death lawsuit include:
- Proving negligence: To win a wrongful death case, you must demonstrate that the defendant’s negligence or intentional actions caused the death of your loved one. This requires gathering and presenting strong evidence, such as witness testimony, expert opinions, and documentation.
- Establishing causation: You must show a clear link between the defendant’s actions (or inaction) and the death of your loved one. This can be complicated, especially if there were other contributing factors or pre-existing medical conditions.
- Dealing with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. They may argue that the deceased was partially at fault or that their policy does not cover the specific circumstances of the case.
- Statute of limitations: In California, you have two years to file a wrongful death claim. If you fail to file your case within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
- Emotional challenges: Wrongful death cases can be emotionally taxing for the deceased’s family members, who are already grieving their loss. The legal process can be stressful and time-consuming, adding to the emotional burden.
Despite these challenges, many wrongful death cases are successfully resolved through settlements or court verdicts. Working with an experienced wrongful death attorney in Murrieta can help you navigate the legal process, gather the necessary evidence, and build a strong case to improve your chances of securing a favorable outcome.
What Is the Burden of Proof in a Wrongful Death Claim?
In a wrongful death lawsuit, the burden of proof falls on the plaintiff (the person filing the suit) to demonstrate that the defendant’s actions or inaction caused the death of their loved one. The specific burden of proof required may vary depending on the state and the type of case, but generally, there are two main standards:
Preponderance of the evidence
This is the most common burden of proof in civil cases, including most wrongful death lawsuits. To meet this standard, the plaintiff must show that it is more likely than not (greater than 50% probability) that the defendant’s actions or negligence caused the death. In other words, the evidence presented must be convincing enough to tip the scales in favor of the plaintiff.
Clear and convincing evidence
In some cases, a higher burden of proof called “clear and convincing evidence” may be required. This standard is more demanding than the preponderance of the evidence but less stringent than the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard used in criminal cases. To meet this standard, the plaintiff must present evidence that is highly and substantially more probable to be true than not.
Satisfying the burden of proof
To satisfy the burden of proof, the plaintiff must present various types of evidence, which may include:
- Police reports and investigation findings
- Medical records and autopsy reports
- Expert testimony (e.g., accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts)
- Witness statements
- Photos or videos of the incident or accident scene
- Documentation of economic losses (e.g., medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income)
An experienced Murrieta wrongful death attorney can help gather and present the necessary evidence to build a strong case and meet the required burden of proof.
Our Murrieta Wrongful Death Lawyers Can Help You Move Forward
At Sargent Law Firm, we’re committed to helping families following a wrongful death. There are many steps to achieving a fair result that helps your family and honors your loved one. Our lawyers have created a streamlined process, using our legal experience to handle the procedural steps involved and strategize the case process.
As tragic as a wrongful death is, remember that the other side doesn’t want to pay. When you’re dealing with the devastation of losing a loved one, we’re here to keep your claims process moving forward. We are dedicated to helping injured people recover, developing a case plan that is specific for your case.
It’s important to correctly handle the legal procedures required for the case. In addition, evidence must be developed, and we must respond to statements from the other side. Negotiations are equally important. Our lawyers handle these many important tasks. We customize your case plan, with a goal to provide the highest levels of legal representation and financial compensation for our clients.
Learn what you should ask a wrongful death lawyer during your free consultation.
Talk to a Murrieta Wrongful Death Lawyer for Free
No amount of money can take away the pain of losing a loved one. Our lawyers are dedicated to honoring your loved one with compassionate and experienced legal representation. We communicate with you throughout your case, and we’re proud of our reputation for honesty and outstanding client service.
Contact us to see what compensation you may deserve for your wrongful death claim. To learn more about your rights when a loved one has died as a result of another party’s negligence, call us today or fill out our online contact form.
We’re here to help your family after the loss of a loved one to wrongful death. Know that we don’t charge for our services up front, and you pay nothing until you receive compensation. Call or send us a message today.
