Chico Wrongful Death Lawyer

Chico Wrongful Death Attorney

Families who suffer a wrongful death have the right to hire a Chico wrongful death lawyer to pursue a wrongful death claim in court. A wrongful death can create great financial hardships for surviving loved ones. Compensation can cover a range of damages that can reduce the stress of a wrongful death.

The legal team at Barr and Mudford understands the stress and emotional hardships that accompany a wrongful death. We know that compensation cannot undo the emotional pain of losing a family member, but it can serve the interest of justice by holding the at-fault party financially accountable for the harm and damage they caused your family. If you need a trusted Chico personal injury lawyer, Barr and Mudford is here to guide you through the legal process and help you seek justice.

Why Trust Barr and Mudford?

Since 1967, Barr and Mudford has been a trusted source of legal counsel for residents in Chico and surrounding communities. Our trial-ready attorneys stand ready to provide client-focused representation to anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one. Wrongful death claims can be emotional, which is why we treat our clients with compassion and dignity throughout the process.

Our ultimate goal is to hold the negligent party accountable and to maximize the compensation you receive so you do not have to suffer the financial consequences of someone else’s negligence or misconduct. Securing compensation from the at-fault party can serve the interest of justice and restore you financially. We have a strong history of success, as demonstrated in our case studies showcasing the significant settlements and verdicts we’ve achieved for our clients. We’ll be by your side every step of the way.

What Qualifies as a Wrongful Death?

Not every death qualifies for a civil court claim, but many situations where one party’s actions or misconduct causes or contributes to someone’s death may qualify for a wrongful death claim. Under state law, California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60 defines who is eligible to bring a wrongful death claim, including spouses, children, domestic partners, and even parents.

Common examples of a wrongful death include:

• Reckless driving that leads to a fatal car crash
• A defective product that causes or contributes to someone’s death
• A physical assault that leads to homicide
• Unsafe property conditions that cause a fatal fall
• A pedestrian who was struck and killed by a bus
• A botched medical procedure that leads to death

For a death to qualify as a wrongful death, the surviving loved ones must show that the negligent party’s actions directly contributed to the deceased person’s death. The standard for proving these cases is a preponderance of evidence, meaning that the plaintiff must show that it is more likely than not that the defendant is partly or wholly at fault for causing the death.

Common Types of Compensation Following a Wrongful Death

Compensation can typically include necessary medical expenses before the deceased’s passing, funeral and burial costs, lost wages or income the deceased would have received, and any other measurable financial contributions. Economic damages address the tangible monetary losses suffered by surviving family members.

Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible losses resulting from the death of a loved one. These can include loss of companionship, loss of consortium, pain and suffering, and emotional distress experienced by the surviving family members. Unlike economic damages, these are not tied to specific bills or receipts but are instead determined based on the impact on the surviving family’s quality of life.

Both types of damages are designed to provide financial relief and a sense of justice to the family. Consulting with an experienced wrongful death attorney can help ensure all avenues of compensation are thoroughly explored.

How an Attorney Can Secure Compensation Following a Wrongful Death

In California, a skilled wrongful death attorney plays a pivotal role in helping families secure compensation after the tragic loss of a loved one. The attorney begins by investigating the circumstances surrounding the death to determine liability. This process may involve gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with professionals familiar with the type of accident involved.

Once liability is established, the attorney can demand compensation from the negligent party or their insurance carrier on behalf of eligible family members, such as the spouse, children, or other dependents. They calculate both economic damages, like medical expenses and lost income, and non-economic damages, including pain and suffering and loss of companionship.

If the defendant fails to offer a fair settlement, the attorney can take the case to court, where they can advocate for the family’s right to compensation through the justice system. With their experience, they aim to maximize compensation, offering both financial relief and a sense of justice.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Average Wrongful Death Settlement in California?

A: Wrongful death settlements in California depend on numerous factors, including the circumstances of the case and the financial impact of the loss. Settlements consider medical expenses, funeral costs, and loss of financial support.

Emotional losses, such as loss of companionship, are also weighed. While there’s no universal average settlement, strong legal representation may help ensure fair compensation tailored to the specific damages suffered by the surviving family members.

Q: What Are the Chances of Winning a Wrongful Death Claim?

A: The chances of winning a wrongful death claim depend on the strength of the evidence, the liability of the defendant, and the legal strategy employed. Establishing negligence or intent is critical, as is demonstrating how the loss has impacted the survivors financially and emotionally. Consulting with an experienced attorney may improve your ability to navigate legal hurdles and build a compelling case for the compensation you deserve.

Q: What Evidence Should Be Admitted in a Wrongful Death Claim?

A: Evidence in a wrongful death claim often includes medical records, accident reports, witness testimony, and proof of financial dependence. Demonstrating the defendant’s negligence or liability is essential, so any evidence showing their responsibility for the death should be admitted. Financial documents illustrating lost wages and testimony on future earnings potential may also be valuable.

Q: What Damages Are Available for Wrongful Death in California?

A: Damages in a California wrongful death case may include compensation for medical and funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of financial support. Non-economic damages, such as loss of companionship and emotional suffering, are also common. Courts determine awards based on the relationship between the deceased and the surviving family members, as well as the economic and emotional losses incurred.

Schedule Your Wrongful Death Consultation Today

A wrongful death claim can be an emotional ordeal, but it can bring closure and financial stability to your family. With help from Barr and Mudford, you can hold the at-fault party accountable for causing or contributing to your loved one’s death. To schedule your consultation, contact our office today.