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Losing a loved one unexpectedly is one of the most devastating experiences a family can face. When that loss is caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions, the grief is often compounded by frustration and a desire for justice. At Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we help families in Wildomar and throughout Riverside County take legal action in wrongful death cases while providing the compassionate support they need.
Our wrongful death attorneys in Wildomar, California, understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate the legal system after a tragedy. That’s why we focus on handling every step of the process, from investigating the cause of death to holding responsible parties accountable. If you’re considering a wrongful death claim, we are here to stand by your side.
Call today for a free case consultation. Our Wildomar personal injury lawyers can help you and your family through this difficult time.
It’s free to speak with us and learn the value of your case today.
Call Us NowLegal Requirements to Meet Wrongful Death in California
A wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional act of another person or entity. These claims are civil lawsuits filed by family members to seek financial compensation for their loss. Unlike criminal charges, which are handled by the state, wrongful death claims are pursued independently by the family.
Negligence as the Legal Basis
Wrongful death claims are typically based on the legal theory of negligence. To succeed in a claim, we must prove that:
- The at-fault party owed your loved one a duty of care
- They breached that duty through careless or wrongful actions
- That breach directly caused your loved one’s death
- You suffered damages as a result
We use evidence from our investigation to link these four criteria.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim
In California, only certain individuals are eligible to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. These include:
- The surviving spouse or domestic partner
- Children of the deceased
- Anyone entitled to inherit under California intestate succession laws (e.g., parents, siblings)
We can review your family’s case and explain who may file and benefit from the claim.
Common Incidents That Lead to Wrongful Death
Wrongful death can result from many different types of accidents or intentional acts, including:
- Automotive accidents, including motorcycles and trucks
- Bicycle and pedestrian accidents
- Premises liability cases, such as slip and falls
- Criminal acts like assault or homicide
If you have lost a loved one, the attorneys with Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers want to help you and your family get the time to recover in peace.
Damages You Can Pursue After a Wrongful Death
Financial recovery in a wrongful death case aims to compensate family members for their financial losses and emotional turmoil.
Economic Damages
These cover the direct financial impact of the death, including:
- Loss of the deceased’s expected earnings
- Medical bills related to the final injury or illness
- Funeral and burial expenses
Non-Economic Damages
These reflect the emotional and personal losses experienced by the family:
- Loss of companionship, love, and moral support
- Loss of guidance (especially for children of the deceased)
- Pain and suffering of the survivors
Punitive Damages
Although rare, a judge or jury may award punitive damages in cases involving particularly egregious or intentional conduct.
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.
Schedule a Free ConsultationWhat You Can Expect When You Work With Our Law Firm
At Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we take pride in helping families through some of the hardest moments of their lives. We recognize that your case is personal and unique, so we tailor our legal services to meet your specific needs, providing direct communication with our attorneys and staff when you need it.
When you choose to work with us, you can expect:
Immediate Support and Legal Action
We begin working on your case from the moment you contact us, ensuring no time is lost. We will:
- Provide free consultations
- Investigate the accident right away
- Preserve and secure vital evidence
- Contact insurance companies and protect your rights
We work on contingency, so you pay no upfront fees. We only get paid when you win.
Proven Resources and Results
Our firm’s track record demonstrates our ability to obtain meaningful results for clients through both negotiation and litigation:
- Over $40 million in case results
- More than 400 five-star reviews from past clients
- 10+ years of experience serving California and Idaho families
Comprehensive, Bilingual Service
Our legal team has a wide range of backgrounds, skills, and knowledge that we use to collaborate on every case. Plus, we ensure that language barriers never stand in the way of justice by providing legal support in both English and Spanish.
How the Legal Process Works in a Wrongful Death Claim
While no legal process can erase the pain of your loss, pursuing a wrongful death claim can help bring closure and financial relief.
Step-by-Step Process
Pursuing a wrongful death claim involves several key stages. While each case is unique, these are the typical steps families can expect:
- Investigation: We collect evidence such as accident reports, medical records, surveillance footage, and expert testimony.
- Claim Filing: We file a wrongful death claim against the responsible party and their insurer.
- Negotiation: Most cases are resolved through settlements. We negotiate for full compensation on your behalf.
- Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
Proving Negligence and Liability
Strong evidence is critical in proving that the death was caused by another party’s negligence. This may include:
- Police or accident reports
- Medical examiner findings
- Witness statements
- Expert analysis (accident reconstruction, financial experts, etc.)
- Photos or videos from the scene
Statute of Limitations
In California, you generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to recover compensation, so it’s important to act promptly.
Get a free case evaluation
Schedule NowCall Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers for Help
If your loved one’s death was caused by someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. At Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we’re committed to helping families in Wildomar seek justice and regain financial stability. We provide personal attention, experienced representation, and a no-fee promise unless we win your case.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you move forward with confidence.
Wildomar Wrongful Death FAQs
Can multiple family members be compensated in a single case?
Yes. California allows multiple eligible family members to recover damages in a single wrongful death action. The total compensation is typically divided among the spouse, children, or other qualified heirs.
What if the person responsible is also facing criminal charges?
You can still file a civil wrongful death claim regardless of any criminal proceedings. Civil and criminal cases are separate, and a person can be held financially liable in civil court even if they are not convicted criminally.
Will my case settle out of court, or go to trial?
Many wrongful death cases settle without going to trial, but it depends on the circumstances. If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, our team is fully prepared to litigate your case in court.
