How Much Money Can I Expect From My Wrongful Death Case?
The unanticipated loss of a loved one because of an accident comes with grief, confusion, and oftentimes an unexpected financial burden for the victim’s survivors. A wrongful death lawsuit can help alleviate some of the financial strain while also holding those responsible for the loss accountable for their actions. One of the most common questions our office receives from family members filing a wrongful death lawsuit is how much compensation they can expect to receive from the case, and the answer is that it depends on a number of different factors specific to your claim.
At The Law Offices of Andrew Ritholz, our dedicated legal professionals are prepared to answer all your legal questions and help you through this difficult time. If you would like to learn more, call or contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
What is a Wrongful Death Claim?
In California, a wrongful death lawsuit allows the family of a victim who dies as a result of someone else’s negligent, reckless, or intentional act to file a lawsuit for compensation. Another way to think about a wrongful death lawsuit is that, but for the death of the victim, that person would have been able to file a personal injury claim against those responsible for their injuries; however, because the victim died, their loved ones must file a lawsuit on their behalf.
Only certain people can file a wrongful death lawsuit and they have only a short window of time after the death to do so. The victim’s surviving spouse or domestic partner, surviving children, and any grandchildren of a deceased child of the victim may bring a claim, and if they do not exist then anyone with an entitlement to inheritance may file a claim but the case must be filed with the court within two years of the date of the victim’s death.
Compensation for a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Compensation for a wrongful death lawsuit can be categorized as economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages refer to the out of pocket costs of the accident as well as any future monetary contributions lost by the victim’s death. These include any final medical bills, funeral and burial costs, loss of future income and benefits, loss of gifts or inheritance, and the loss of household services by the victim.
Noneconomic damages compensate the family of the victim for the less tangible impacts to them caused by the loss of their loved one. These damages include compensation for emotional distress, the loss of the victim’s love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection, society, and moral support, and for a spouse’s loss of intimacy or companionship with the victim.
Call or Contact Our Office Now
Have you unexpectedly lost a loved one in an accident in the Pasadena area? If so, the knowledgeable and experienced wrongful death attorneys at the Law Offices of Andrew Ritholz are here to help. Call the office or contact us online to schedule a consultation of your claims today.
