How Wrongful Death Lawyers Fight for Justice on Behalf of Families?
One would hope that no one ever has to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, it is important to understand exactly what a wrongful death lawyer can do. Knowing their role is crucial if a loved one is lost in an accident. This is especially true when someone else’s carelessness or recklessness causes the accident.
In Sacramento, wrongful death cases are significant. On average, hundreds of fatalities each year result from accidents caused by negligence, particularly in car crashes and workplace incidents.
“When a person’s death is caused by the wrongful act, default or breach of contract or warranty, or negligence – it is known as wrongful death. In these situations, the estate of the deceased may sue the at-fault party in civil court to obtain monetary damages.”
Personal injury lawyer Sacramento usually handles wrongful death claims. They also help with civil lawsuits. They can assist your family in holding the negligent parties liable for your losses. Moreover, they go over your legal alternatives and the legal process properly.
In this blog, we have discussed some of the things that a wrongful death lawyer can help you with |
Responsibilities Of A Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you are wondering what an injury lawyer Sacramento does, here are 4 major pointers that you should know –
1. They Investigate The Cause Of Death
A wrongful death attorney will begin by looking into the cause of death. They will gather as much information as possible about the events leading up to and around the person’s death.
They would want to know about the medical and familial histories of any engaged doctors. This is because the family doctor might be of help while initiating any legal action. They also gather evidence such as –
- Police reports
- Autopsy reports
- Medical records
They may also obtain toxicology reports, safety inspection records, or maintenance logs – depending on the nature of the accident. Moreover, they collect witness statements, photos of the accident scene, and any available video footage to reconstruct the event. These help them look into and determine what actually caused the accident.
2. They Can Explain Your Legal Rights
When it comes to wrongful death lawsuits – an accident lawyer Sacramento will assist the surviving family members in understanding their legal rights. They will outline their options and the procedures they must follow to pursue civil justice.
Here’s what they explain –
- They inform you of deadlines for filing claims or lawsuits to ensure legal actions are taken on time.
- Lawyers walk you through the steps involved in the legal process, from filing a claim to going to trial.
- Injury lawyers explain who may be held responsible for the accident or injury based on negligence or wrongdoing.
- They outline the types of compensation you may be entitled to, such as medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress.
- They ensure you understand your rights to reject inadequate settlement offers and pursue fair compensation.
The best legal firm in Sacramento will fight for their client’s rights. They also want them to learn as much as they can about what transpired and how. They will use every effort to assist the family in pursuing a damages lawsuit.
3. They Can Help Seek Financial Compensation
A wrongful death attorney may help you get compensation for noneconomic in addition to economic losses. Economic losses include the –
- Burial and funeral expenses
- Costs of pre-death medical care
- Income your family member would have earned if they had survived
Economic losses are traumatizing, but noneconomic losses are more challenging. They usually consist of –
- Your loved one’s suffering prior to passing away
- The psychological distress brought on by the untimely death
- The loss of affection, camaraderie, love, and support that survivors experienced from their family members
- You may also file a lawsuit for punitive damages in certain situations. These extra damages serve as a reminder to others not to commit the same crimes and punish a responsible party for especially heinous acts.
When you are hiring a personal injury lawyer Sacramento, ensure they have years of experience in wrongful death lawsuits. A well-experienced lawyer can assess all the pertinent information and calculate the appropriate amount of compensation for your case.
They may bring legal action and try to reach an out-of-court agreement. Many civil lawsuits are resolved through settlements, but occasionally the parties cannot agree. If that occurs, a lawyer might try the matter and let a jury determine whether and how much you should be compensated.
4. Litigation And Court Representation
When a lawsuit cannot be resolved through settlement negotiations, it becomes a necessity to opt for litigation. This also applies if the proposed settlement is deemed insufficient. At this stage, a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento will represent the bereaved family in court.
They prepare for trial, crafting persuasive arguments and gathering evidence to support the case. Also, they take on the critical role of presenting the facts before a judge and jury. Thus, ensuring that the rights of the family are upheld.
During the trial, the attorney will cross-examine witnesses, challenge the opposition’s claims, and highlight any negligence or wrongful actions that contributed to the injury or loss. The goal is to
- Secure fair compensation for the affected family
- Covering damages such as loss of income, medical expenses, and emotional suffering.
With a strong courtroom strategy, the lawyer will fight for your justice. Thus, providing comprehensive legal support to those who have already endured significant hardship.
Schedule your free consultation with our injury lawyer, Sacramento. |
What Situations Might Cause Wrongful Death?
Here are some of the causes of wrongful death –
1. Manslaughter And Murder
Family members may be able to bring a wrongful death claim after a physical assault that results in death. If the victim had not died, they could recover medical expenses and lost wages by bringing a personal injury claim. They might have also been eligible for punitive damages.
2. Medical Malpractice
A doctor may be sued for wrongful death if they perform an unneeded surgery and the patient passes away during the procedure.
3. Auto Accidents
Accidents involving careless drivers are one of the main causes of wrongful deaths. For instance, a truck driver may be held liable for wrongful death if they fail to secure their load or follow safety procedures. The same would apply to a driver who is intoxicated.
4. Additional Careless Acts
Various accident survivors may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit. For instance, accidents involving defective products, dangerous construction sites, or abandoned properties that result in fatalities may be covered by the statute.
Takeaway
When you are hiring an injury lawyer Sacramento, it is crucial to look for a representative who looks out for your best interests and guides you toward the best course of action.
Motor vehicle accidents and premises responsibility claims are among the many personal injury cases that are resolved out of court. While most wrongful death claims end in settlement, some do proceed to trial.
You must only consult a personal injury lawyer who is well-versed in wrongful death law and can handle your claim.
Looking For An Experienced Accident Lawyer Sacramento? Doyle O’Donnell Is Just A Call Away!
Our legal team is the best in Sacramento, California, and has trial abilities, a strong work ethic, and legal expertise. Our experienced attorneys will take the time to explain every step of the process. Thus, ensuring you understand your options and rights.
A group of attorneys at Doyle O’Donnell have assisted several individuals all around Sacramento. They have helped overcome the most difficult periods in their lives. To help grieving families move on after the loss of a loved one, we have negotiated financial compensation on their behalf.
We carry out every action required of a wrongful death attorney to pursue a claim. We look into what caused your relative’s death, explain your legal rights, and bring a wrongful death lawsuit.