Fresno
Wrongful Death Lawyer

It is heartbreaking whenever a loved one dies. It becomes even more difficult to accept when you learn that they passed away because of the negligent actions of another person. You probably have a lot of unanswered questions, and you may have the right to take legal action. 

Our wrongful death lawyers serving Fresno can investigate what happened to your loved one, identify the liable parties, and work to hold them accountable for your family’s hardships. We will fight for the justice that you and your deceased loved one deserve. 

Our team at Sweet James has experience helping injured accident victims for more than 25 years. Real Lawyers. Real Results. Call now to schedule your free consultation and find out how our California wrongful death lawyers can assist with your case. 

What Is Considered a Wrongful Death?

In California, a wrongful death occurs when someone dies as a result of the actions of another individual or entity. This may be due to negligence, recklessness, or international misconduct. Common examples of incidents that result in wrongful death lawsuits include:

• Car accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Workplace incidents
• Defective products
• Criminal acts

To establish a case, our wrongful death lawyers must show that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused real damages as a direct result. This is a civil claim that lets the surviving family recover compensation due to the untimely loss of a loved one. 

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?

Only certain people are legally permitted to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Typically, this includes the deceased person’s surviving spouse and their children. If there are no direct descendants, others such as parents or siblings may bring a suit, according to California succession laws. 

Only one wrongful death suit may be filed on behalf of all eligible parties. Our personal injury lawyers will help you and your family understand the best way to proceed so you can hold the at-fault party accountable and get compensation. 

What Compensation Can You Recover in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Compensation is intended to cover both economic and non-economic damages suffered by family members due to the death. While every case is unique, damages our fatal accident lawyers can often recover include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• The value of household services the deceased would have provided. 
• Loss of companionship, love, and guidance

While punitive damages are typically not available, they may be awarded by a court through a related Survival Action claim. Our personal injury lawyers serving Fresno will work to recover maximum compensation from all available sources on behalf of you and your family. 

How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Suit in California?

According to CCP § 335.1, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the date of the death. If your claim is against a government entity, a much shorter timeline applies, and usually requires filing an Administrative Claim within six months.

Some situations, such as those involving minor victims, may toll or pause the statute of limitations for a certain time period. 

Because missing these deadlines potentially means losing your ability to pursue legal action, it's important to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Our wrongful death attorneys serving Fresno can help you adhere to important timelines and avoid common errors. 

What Is the Difference Between a Wrongful Death Claim and a Survival Action?

A survival action is similar to a wrongful death claim. Both relate to the loss of a loved one due to the negligence of another party, but there are a few important differences. 

• A wrongful death claim is brought by surviving family members to recover damages they personally suffered due to their loved one’s death.
• A survival action is filed on behalf of the deceased person’s estate and seeks damages the deceased could have recovered if they had lived.

Potentially, both may be filed after the unexpected loss of a loved one. Our wrongful Death lawyers serving Fresno can explain your options and help you and your family choose the right legal path. 

Get Help from Our Wrongful Death Lawyers Serving Fresno

The death of a loved one due to the negligent act of another person or entity has likely left you stunned and unsure of what to do next. You and your family not only lost someone you cared deeply about, but they may have played an irreplaceable role in your family. 

We will never pretend to understand the hardships you are suffering, but we do believe we can make a difference. Our wrongful death attorneys serving Fresno can hold liable parties accountable and fight for the justice that your deceased loved one and your family deserve.

At Sweet James, we advocate for people who have been harmed due to no fault of their own. We deliver personalized service that is focused on you. Call to schedule your free consultation and tell us what happened.