Under such circumstances, having an Orange County wrongful death attorney on your side can make a huge difference. An experienced attorney will be able to ensure the family understands their legal options, how things went, and what claim they may have for damages caused to them.
The team of lawyers at Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys is dedicated to assisting families in Orange County in pursuing a course of justice following a tragic incident that has been the result of negligence. Their lawyers are aware of the sensitive nature of these cases and offer compassionate legal assistance during tough times.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
Wrongful death happens when someone dies as a result of the wrongdoing of another party whether through negligence, recklessness or intentional actions. The claims are intended to secure financial remuneration for the surviving family members from their losses.
Wrongful death cases can involve numerous situations, such as:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Drunk driving crashes
- Medical malpractice
- Dangerous property conditions
- Workplace accidents
- Defective products
Under California law, the lawyer for a wrongful death case can be a spouse, a child, a parent (or any other dependent) of the decedent.
Why Wrongful Death Cases Are Complex
A wrongful death case can be more complex than a typical personal injury case. Insurance companies and big companies may get a bit aggressive in refusing to make compensation. They might attempt to allocate blame to the victim or downplay the claim.
An experienced wrongful death attorney in Orange County understands how to handle these legal challenges. They are skilled at collecting evidence, collaborating with experts, and presenting compelling cases for grieving families.
Crucially, the following types of evidence might be helpful in a wrongful death case:
- Accident reports
- Medical records
- Surveillance footage
- Witness statements
- Expert testimony
- Employment records
- Financial documents
Failing to have legal help, families might find it difficult to obtain this evidence or bargain with insurance companies.
The Emotional and Financial Impact of Wrongful Death
The death of someone loved has a ripple effect that impacts all aspects of family life. In addition to the emotional anguish, the remaining family members may also be under significant financial stress.
Families can lose:
- Household income
- Health insurance benefits
- Emotional support
- Childcare assistance
- Future financial security
Other expenses, like funeral fees and medical bills, might also add to the pain during already difficult times.
An attorney for wrongful death takes steps to secure damages to compensate for both the emotional and economic loss of a loved one’s death.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Each wrongful death case is unique, and there are several different types of damages that may be awarded.
Families may be able to get compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the final injury or illness
- Lost income and future earnings
- Loss of companionship and support
- Loss of household services
- Emotional suffering in some related claims
Calculating damages in a wrongful death case can be complicated. A knowledgeable lawyer assesses the long-term effects of the injury on any surviving loved ones.
Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys’ wrongful death page, explains their wrongful death page on how they strive to help families recover the maximum and just compensation they deserve following a terrible loss.
Note: Insurance Companies Are Not on Your Side
If there’s been a death, insurance companies can reach out to family members rapidly. They will attempt to pay as little as it takes to resolve claims.
Some insurance adjusters might:
- Ask for recorded statements
- Pressure families into quick settlements
- Delay the investigation
- Dispute liability
- Minimize damages
Families should take care not to speak with insurance companies prior to talking with a lawyer.
A wrongful death lawyer serves as a family member’s advocate against unfair insurance practices and in managing family communications.
Why Experience Matters in Wrongful Death Cases
Not all personal injury attorneys will have experience with wrongful death cases. The cases must be thoroughly investigated, require courtroom experience and knowledge of California wrongful death laws.
An experienced wrongful death attorney in Orange County can:
- Carry out a thorough enquiry
- Preserve important evidence
- Cooperate with accident reconstruction experts.
- Determine long-term financial losses
- Be a good negotiator with the insurance companies.
- Prepare case for trial, if needed;
Knowledgeable lawyers also know their method of dealing with sensitive family situations with compassion and professionalism.
How to Prove Negligence in a Wrongful Death Case
If there was another party’s negligence that caused the death, the surviving family member will likely have to prove this as part of the process to recover compensation.
This frequently means demonstrating:
- The defendant had a duty of care
- The defendant was negligent
- The lack of care caused a death incident.
- The family suffered damages as a result
A drunk car accident attorney knows that, for instance, a person who operates a motor vehicle while intoxicated can easily be said to have breached their duty to make safe driving decisions. Medical expert testimony is often necessary to establish a medical negligence case.
A knowledgeable wrongful death lawyer will understand how to make a solid case for these claims.
What are the Time Limits for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim?
Under California law, wrongful death cases have certain time limits. In many cases, the families of the deceased have as little as only two years from the time of their death to file a claim.
The family can lose the right to compensation altogether if the deadline is missed.
Witness testimony may fade with the passage of time, so it is essential to call a lawyer right after the accident.
Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys can quickly investigate a fatal accident and guard the rights of surviving family members.
How Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys Can Help?
When a loved one has passed because of someone’s negligence, it can be a lonely journey for the family. At a time like this, a lawyer can offer some peace of mind and financial security.
The attorneys at Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys help clients by:
- Carrying out investigating the cause of the accident
- Identifying all liable parties
- Handling insurance negotiations
- Gathering expert evidence
- Pursuing maximum compensation
- If necessary, take cases to trial.
They are aware of the emotional issues that families may encounter and are well-connected to clients during all phases of the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about wrongful death claims in Orange County? Here are quick answers on what qualifies as wrongful death, who can file, time limits, and compensation. For advice specific to your case, contact Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys for a free consultation.