The sudden loss of someone important to you because of another’s negligence creates an unimaginable void. Beyond the emotional devastation, families often face mounting financial burdens from medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost income, all while trying to navigate complex legal processes during their time of grief. When negligence causes such profound loss, California law provides pathways to seek justice and compensation.
At Callahan & Blaine, PC, we understand the sensitivity of wrongful death cases. Our team of experienced Garden Grove personal injury attorneys has represented numerous families throughout Orange County who have suffered tragic losses. With over 40 years of legal experience and a proven track record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements, we possess the resources and expertise to handle your case with utmost care and dedication.
California Wrongful Death Laws You Should Know
Wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another party. Whether you lose a loved one due to a vehicle accident, medical malpractice, workplace incident, or dangerous premises condition, you and your family deserve justice. However, it is crucial to understand the California laws that may impact your claim to make the best decisions for your future.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim
California law specifies who can file a wrongful death lawsuit. Typically, this includes the deceased person’s spouse, domestic partner, children, and in some cases, other dependent family members. The law recognizes that these individuals not only suffer emotional losses but also financial hardships following such a tragedy.
Statute of Limitations
The timeframe for filing a wrongful death claim in California is generally limited to two years from the date of death. This statute of limitations emphasizes the importance of consulting with an attorney promptly to preserve your legal rights and initiate the process of gathering evidence.
Types of Compensation Available in Wrongful Death Cases
When pursuing a wrongful death claim in Garden Grove, you and your family may be eligible to recover several types of damages, including economic and non-economic losses, which cover the financial and emotional impact of your loss. Depending on your unique circumstances, you and other qualifying family members may receive compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses related to the final illness or injury
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of the deceased’s expected income and benefits
- Loss of household services the deceased would have provided
- Loss of inheritance
- Loss of love, companionship, comfort, and guidance
- Loss of consortium for a surviving spouse
- Pain and suffering of surviving family members
The calculation of these damages requires detailed analysis and expert testimony to properly value both current and future losses. Our skilled attorneys work with financial experts, economists, and medical professionals to develop comprehensive claims that account for all aspects of your family’s losses.
What to Expect During the Legal Process for Wrongful Death Claims
Navigating a wrongful death lawsuit requires experienced legal guidance, especially while you are grieving. Our dedicated lawyers handle the following steps of the process, so you can focus on what matters most:
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
The first step involves thoroughly investigating the circumstances of your loved one’s death, which may include the following:
- Collecting police and accident reports
- Interviewing witnesses
- Consulting with medical experts
- Obtaining relevant medical records
- Preserving physical evidence
- Analyzing surveillance footage, if available
Our legal team at Callahan & Blaine has extensive experience conducting these sensitive investigations. We work diligently to uncover all facts while respecting your need for privacy and time to grieve.
Negotiation and Litigation
After building a strong case, we typically begin negotiations with the responsible parties and their insurance companies. While many wrongful death cases settle through negotiation, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our trial lawyers have over 180 years combined courtroom experience necessary to present your case effectively before a jury. As demonstrated by our record-breaking $934 million jury verdict in Orange County, we have the trial expertise to handle complex, high-stakes litigation.
How Callahan & Blaine Can Help With Your Garden Grove Wrongful Death Claim
Losing someone you care about to negligence creates both emotional trauma and practical challenges. The attorney you select to handle your wrongful death case can significantly impact both the outcome and your experience throughout the legal process. This decision deserves careful consideration.
Our attorneys at Callahan & Blaine bring all these qualities to your case. We combine legal excellence with genuine compassion for your situation, providing both powerful advocacy and thoughtful support during this difficult time. Our approach to wrongful death cases addresses both aspects, providing comprehensive legal support and handling the following aspects of your claim:
- Conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the death
- Identifying all potentially responsible parties
- Calculating the full extent of economic and non-economic damages
- Building a compelling case supported by expert testimony
- Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies
- Preparing for trial when necessary to achieve justice
- Managing all legal deadlines and procedural requirements
Our personalized, client-focused approach allows you to focus on your family’s emotional needs while we handle the legal complexities of your case.
Contact Our Garden Grove Wrongful Death Attorneys
The aftermath of losing someone to negligence involves profound grief alongside practical and legal challenges. At Callahan & Blaine, PC, we have helped numerous families throughout Orange County navigate this difficult process while securing the compensation they deserve. Our approach combines meticulous legal strategy with genuine compassion, as we understand the sensitivity of these matters and the importance of both justice and closure for grieving families.
With a 40-year legacy, a team of 29 accomplished attorneys, and a record of securing landmark verdicts and settlements, including the largest jury verdict in Orange County history, we provide both the legal prowess and compassionate support your family needs during this challenging time. Our attorneys have the trial experience, resources, and determination to stand up to insurance companies and corporate defendants on your behalf. To discuss your case with our experienced wrongful death attorneys, please call us at (714) 241-4444 or complete our contact form.
