Compassionate & Dedicated Los Angeles Wrongful Death Attorney
Regardless of the circumstances, there is nothing more devastating than losing a loved family member. It is all the more tragic when this death occurs as the result of an accident or malicious act, and when the victim died in the prime of his or her life at a time when others, including spouses, children, and even parents depended on the deceased for their emotional and financial support.
California law will hold wrongdoers accountable for the emotional and financial damages they inflict on the family members left behind, whether those wrongdoers are negligent or criminal actors. Common scenarios involving a wrongful death claim include:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Deaths from defective products and drugs
- Construction and work-related accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Criminal acts, including murder, manslaughter, and negligent homicide
The Law Office of Tal Rubin, PC in Los Angeles is experienced in bringing wrongful death actions on behalf of the families of deceased victims, and we will guide your family throughout the entire legal process of bringing a wrongful death action as we work to win you that recovery.
Who May Bring a Wrongful Death Claim?
Under California law, the following relatives of a victim may pursue a wrongful death claim when the victim died as a result of negligent or wrongful acts:
- A surviving spouse
- A domestic partner
- Children
- Grandchildren if the victim’s child has previously died
- Putative spouses (e.g. fiancées), stepchildren, or parents if they were financially dependent on the deceased
- A minor who had been living in the deceased’s household for at least 180 days prior to the death of the victim
What Damages are Available in a Wrongful Death Action?
A plaintiff bringing a wrongful death action is in a sense arguing for recovery on behalf of multiple parties: 1) the deceased victim who suffered an accident leading to death, and 2) the dependent family members left behind who have suffered the emotional and financial loss of losing the victim. Wrongful death plaintiffs are therefore entitled to recover:
- The pain and suffering endured by the victim prior to death
- Any costs incurred by the victim prior to death (e.g., if death occurred after a hospital stay)
- The emotional losses endured by surviving family members as a result of the victim’s death
- The financial support that the victim would have provided to plaintiffs over the course of his or her lifetime
What Must I Prove in Bringing a Successful Wrongful Death Action?
A plaintiff in a wrongful death suit will be required to show that the defendant owed the victim a legal duty to act in a reasonable manner, the defendant breached this duty, and this breach directly or indirectly caused the plaintiff’s death. The plaintiff will also be required to prove the full range of damages described above in a compelling manner such that a jury will be persuaded to award the lifetime costs requested by the plaintiff and his or her family members.
Work with the Law Office of Tal Rubin, PC to Bring Your Southern California Wrongful Death Claim
The loss of a loved one causes very real emotional hurt, and very real financial costs to the family left behind. If you have lost a beloved family member due to the negligence or wrongful conduct of another, contact the Law Office of Tal Rubin, PC in Los Angeles to schedule a free consultation regarding your wrongful death claim.
