Losing a loved one is always difficult, but it can be especially devastating if someone else’s negligence caused the death. If your loved one was killed due to another person or entity’s recklessness or wrongdoing, you may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
A wrongful death attorney can help you get the money you need to cover medical bills, funeral costs, and other expenses. The Dominguez Firm has over 35 years of experience and a 96%* success rate. Contact us today for a free consultation at (800)818-1818.
What is a Wrongful Death Attorney and What Do They Do?
A wrongful death attorney is a type of personal injury lawyer who represents the legal next of kin of those killed due to the negligence of another person or entity. If your loved one died due to someone else’s careless driving, for example, a wrongful death attorney could help you file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
A wrongful death attorney will work with you to investigate the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death and gather evidence to support your claim. They will also handle all of the legal paperwork and negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. If necessary, they may even take your case to trial.
How is the Value of a Wrongful Death Case Determined?
While no amount of money can bring back your loved one, filing a successful wrongful death lawsuit can provide you and your family with some financial stability during this difficult time.
In California, the surviving spouse, children, and dependents of the deceased can file a wrongful death claim. The first step in determining the value of a wrongful death case is calculating the victim’s economic damages. These damages include all the financial support the victim would have contributed to their family if they had not died prematurely including:
- Lost wages
- Future earning capacity
- Loss of benefits (such as health insurance)
The second type of damages that can be recovered in a wrongful death claim are non-economic damages. These are meant to compensate the family for the emotional cost of their loss. These are more difficult to calculate but often make up the largest part of the plaintiff’s final verdict or settlement amount. They include the pain and suffering experienced by the victim before their death and the loss of love, companionship, and emotional support shared by the surviving family members.
Wrongful death claims can also sometimes lead to punitive damages being awarded. Punitive damages are meant to punish the negligent party for their recklessness or egregious behavior. They are generally only awarded in cases where there is clear evidence of malice or intentional wrongdoing.
If you have any further questions or would like to discuss your specific case with The Dominguez Firm, please do not hesitate to contact our office at (800)818-1818.
Why You Need a Wrongful Death Attorney
1. To Preserve Your Rights
After a loved one dies, many things need to be taken care of, and it can be challenging to know where to start or what needs to be done. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking. In California, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years from the date of death. If your wrongful death lawsuit involves a government entity, you only have six months to file a claim. That’s why it’s essential to act quickly if you think you may have a case. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure your rights are protected.
2. To Investigate the Circumstances Surrounding the Death
In order to prove that someone else is liable for your loved one’s death, you will need to gather evidence and build a strong case. This can be difficult to do when you are grieving. An experienced attorney will have the resources and knowledge necessary to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death and build a strong case for you.
3. To Help You Seek Justice
No amount of money can ever compensate you for losing your loved one, but filing a successful wrongful death claim can help ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. It can also help alleviate some of the financial strain placed on your family by providing compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and more. An experienced wrongful death attorney will fight tirelessly to help you seek justice on behalf of your loved one.
How to Find the Right Wrongful Death Attorney
One of the most important decisions you will make after the death of a loved one is choosing the right wrongful death attorney. The lawyer you choose will be crucial in helping you get justice for your loved one and holding the negligent party accountable. Here are three tips to help you choose the best West Covina wrongful death attorney for you:
1. Choose an Attorney with Experience Handling Wrongful Death Cases
When meeting with potential attorneys, ask about their experience handling cases like yours. Each state has different laws regarding wrongful death cases, so it is crucial to choose an attorney familiar with California’s specific laws. Also, you want an attorney with experience handling wrongful death cases, not something unrelated like real estate law for example. It would be best if you also inquired about the outcomes of similar wrongful death cases they have handled in the past.
2. Make Sure the Attorney you Choose Has the Time to Dedicate to Your Case
Choosing an attorney with the time to dedicate to your case is important. This means selecting an attorney who does not have a lot of other cases on their plate. If an attorney is juggling too many cases, they may not be able to give your case the attention it deserves. This is why The Dominguez Firm has a powerhouse team of lawyers ready to give your case the attention it deserves.
3. Consider an Attorney’s Resources
In order to build a strong case, your attorney will need access to resources like investigators, expert witnesses, and medical professionals. Ask potential attorneys about their network of resources and whether or not they have access to the resources they need to build a strong case on your behalf.
Also, the Dominguez Firm is not afraid to go to trial if the insurance company won’t make a fair and just offer for your loss. Not all law firms and lawyers can say the same. We have the financial resources and in-house trial lawyers to see your case through to the end.
The Benefits of Working with The Dominguez Firm
If you’re looking for a wrongful death attorney in West Covina, be sure to do your research and find someone whom you feel comfortable working with. The right attorney can make all the difference in getting the compensation you deserve. The Dominguez Firm has over 35 years of experience, a 96%* success rate, and over $1 billion* recovered for clients. Contact us today at (800) 818-1818 for a free consultation.
My experience was good. They made sure to kept me in the loop and made sure to let me know what was going on the whole time. My mom has used other attorneys and this experience was beyond better. I would definitely recommend them!
— Ashley Magana
The attorneys were always available and answered my questions. I would recommend them to anyone. Zoe is the best!
— Janet Salazar
My experience with The Dominguez Firm and the attorneys was really good. They were very informative and always returned my calls.
— Jocelyn Gonzalez