Wrongful death payouts can provide surviving family members with the financial support they need to stay afloat during an incredibly difficult time. The grief of losing a loved one is enough to deal with—you should not have to worry about how to pay your bills in the aftermath of such a tragedy. While no amount of money can bring your loved one back, it can help you properly grieve your loved one’s death and get back on your feet.
If you have questions about your wrongful death suit, contact The Larsen Firm to discuss your case.
Who Can Recover in a Wrongful Death Suit in California?
A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil claim filed by qualifying surviving family members of someone who died from the wrongful or negligent act of another.
Only certain family members can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased person (decedent). Those family members include:
- The decedent’s children,
- The decedent’s spouse,
- The decedent’s domestic partner, or
- The descendants of any of the decedent’s children, if those children are no longer living.
Wrongful death settlements aim to compensate the surviving family members of the deceased for the value of their loved one’s life. Typically, the value of one’s life is felt primarily by the people closest to them. That is why the wrongful death statute restricts the people who can file the lawsuit.
A qualified wrongful death attorney can help you understand who qualifies to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The Larsen Firm has experience handling numerous wrongful death lawsuits throughout California. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
What Damages Can I Claim in a California Wrongful Death Suit?
Many people do not know how to begin putting a dollar amount on the value of their loved one’s life. After all, no amount of money can replace your lost loved one. Nevertheless, wrongful death settlements compensate family members for certain losses associated with the wrongful death. Losses are typically separated into two categories: (1) tangible losses; and (2) intangible losses.
Tangible Losses
Tangible losses include direct financial consequences suffered as a result of the decedent’s death, such as the following:
- Value of household services like cleaning, cooking, childcare, or landscaping;
- Loss of future financial support;
- The estimated amount of income and benefits the decedent would have earned in their lifetime;
- Funeral costs; and
- Loss of gifts or benefits.
Some of these determinations require some speculation because they will never actually occur. A wrongful death attorney can help you make these calculations by looking at a variety of factors, such as:
- The decedent’s age and years remaining until retirement;
- The education, skills, and abilities of the decedent;
- The decedent’s potential for promotions, raises, and other income adjustments;
- Inflation; and
- Benefits and retirement contributions that are owed to the decedent.
We can consult with various occupational and economic experts to reach an accurate estimate of your damages.
Intangible Losses
California also recognizes the emotional losses that result from the loss of a loved one. Thus, you can also claim compensation for the loss of the following:
- Affection,
- Moral support,
- Guidance,
- Attention,
- Companionship, or
- Consortium.
Intangible losses are more difficult to calculate than tangible losses because there are no receipts, invoices, or pay stubs to consult. We have the resources necessary to secure an expert to ensure you receive a fair settlement offer.
How Will I Receive My Wrongful Death Settlement?
In some cases, more than one person is entitled to recover under a wrongful death claim. So what happens when you reach a settlement? How are wrongful death settlements paid out? How are they distributed?
If the qualified family members do not reach an agreement, the court will distribute the proceeds among them in a fair and just manner. The funds typically arrive in the form of a settlement check. After subtracting the related bills, fees, expenses, and costs associated with the settlement, you will receive a check for the remainder. The entire process typically takes approximately six weeks once the settlement is finalized.
Our Results in Wrongful Death Cases
At The Larsen Firm, we pride ourselves on being the go-to firm in California for wrongful death lawsuits. We know what evidence you need to prove your case, and we can help you locate that evidence and establish your claim. Some of our previous wrongful death settlements testify to our experience in wrongful death lawsuits:
- $13.6 million jury verdict for the wrongful death of a spouse;
- $11.7 million award for a traffic wrongful death case;
- $10.6 million settlement for a death caused by a defective product;
- $10.8 million for a wrongful death caused by defective tires;
- $4.5 million for a wrongful death caused by a car accident; and
- $4 million verdict for the wrongful death of a child.
You can find more wrongful death settlements on our website. Our team has decades of combined experience negotiating settlement offers with insurance companies. We will not rest until we know that your settlement offer fully compensates you for your tangible and intangible losses.
Need More Information About Wrongful Death Settlements? Contact a Wrongful Death Lawyer at The Larsen Firm Today
The sudden loss of a loved one can lead to feelings of depression, anger, and worry. How will you continue with your life without their love and support? While no amount of money can compensate you for losing someone you love, a wrongful death settlement can provide the financial assistance you need to get your life back on track.
If the wrongful death process seems overwhelming, do not worry. Our team of The Larsen Firm wrongful death attorneys will take over your case and start building a claim for compensation. This will give you time to spend time with your family instead of worrying about the complexities of the civil court system. We will focus on getting you the settlement offer that you deserve. Contact our office today so we can start reviewing your case. Please call 1-866-290-1656 or submit an online message to schedule your free initial consultation.