Apr 16, 2025 - Blogs by Sky Law Group
One of the most difficult cases we come across are those involving the death of a loved one due to the negligence of another driver. If a third party’s negligence led to the death of someone in your family, you have the right to purse a wrongful death claim. At Sky Law Group, our wrongful death lawyers are here to help with your questions. Our compassionate and experienced attorneys are here to help you with your wrongful death claim in California. We have helped thousands of personal injury victims in Southern California and get maximum recovery for the devastating loss.
What makes a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit against another party due to their negligence or recklessness. Family members are entitled to seek compensation for their emotional and financial burden caused by the negligence of another.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
Some of the more common cases involving wrongful death include:
- Car Accidents: Careless and reckless driving not paying attention on our roadways can lead to distracted driving, speeding, etc.
- Truck Accidents: Large semi trucks involving tired drivers or bad vehicle maintance can lead to wrongful death claims.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Due to their exposure and speed, motorcycle accidents are quite common in leading to claims.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Our crosswalks are dangerous and inattentive drivers often hit unsuspecting pedestrians leading to wrongful death claims.
- Slip and Fall Accidents: While not as common, sometimes based on the severity of a slip and fall accident it can yield to a wrongful death claim.
- Medical Malpractice: Mistakes made by doctors, nurses and staff sometimes result in fatal injuries.
- Workplace Accidents: Failing to follow proper safety protocols leads to workplace fatalities.
Who Is Allowed to File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Wrongful death claims fall under the California Civil Procedure Code 377.60 which allows the following family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit
- A spouse of partner of the deceased.
- Parents and/or Legal Guardians
- Heirs of the deceased
Proper Compensation in Wrongful Death Lawsuits
While a monetary sum is never efficient to cover the devastating loss caused in a negligence claim, it can certainly provide financial relief to the family members involved. Some of the forms of financial relief include:
- Medical Expenses: Medical costs which occurred prior to the individual passing. Any medical costs incurred before the person’s passing
- Funeral Costs: Costs related to the memorial To cover expenses for memorial services
- Income Loss: The potential lifetime earnings power of the deceased. Including what the deceased would have earned over their lifetime
- Pain and Suffering: The emotional burden and pain and suffering by the family members due to the negligence of another.
- Loss of Companionship: Usually brought by the surviving spouse of the deceased. The absence of love and support from the deceased.
The Wrongful Death Claim Process in California
- Consult with an Attorney at Sky Law Group: A wrongful death attorney will guide you through the legal process and give you options to choose and advise you the best possible outcome.
- Investigation: Evidence is crucial following wrongful death claims and an investigator can gather reports, records and get statements from witnesses and also gather information from a accident reconstruction expert to strengthen your claim. This combination of witnesses and experts can make all the difference in your wrongful death claim.
- Filing the Lawsuit: Filing a claim against the insurance carrier and or other parties including the negligent third party.
- Trial (If Necessary): If a fair amount of compensation to the injured victims and family members is not reached, a jury trial will determine the amount of the case and its value.
Why Choose Sky Law Group for Your Wrongful Death Case?
Experienced Wrongful Death Attorneys: We have a proven track record for wrongful death cases and have been able to recover millions for our clients.