What damages can I seek for the wrongful death of a loved one?

There is no amount of money that can make up for the loss of a loved one. But the wrongful death of an individual due to the negligence of another party may warrant a range of awarded damages. Losing a loved one can cause significant long-term financial harm, especially if you depended on the deceased for your financial stability.

There are many aspects California courts may consider when they determine the damages for your loss. They will consider the circumstances surrounding the case and award damages accordingly. Such factors which justify payment may be:

• Medical expenses of the victim
• Money that the deceased may have earned while living
• Funeral expenses
• Companionship, guidance and affection losses
• A general loss of financial support

You may file a wrongful death claim in California if you are a surviving child, a spouse or a domestic partner of the victim. Depending on the circumstance, siblings or parents may seek damages.

What now?

You may be curious as to what your next steps should be. Note that, if you do file a lawsuit, you and your attorney will have to prove the defending party was negligent and that the negligence resulted in the loss of life.

The statute of limitations in California for a wrongful death claim is two years. That means you have two years from the death of your loved one to begin your suit. You may be unsure whether a lawsuit is the right course of action for you and your family. To better understand your legal options, consider consulting an experienced injury and wrongful death attorney.