Losing a loved one unexpectedly is one of the most painful experiences a family can face. When that loss happens because another person, company, or organization acted carelessly, the grief is often compounded by anger, unanswered questions, and financial uncertainty.
Families often have questions after the sudden loss of a loved one. What happened? Could it have been prevented? These questions become even more difficult when someone else’s negligence caused the death.
At the Law Offices of Steers & Associates, our Palmdale wrongful death lawyers understand that no legal claim can replace the person you lost. But a wrongful death claim can hold the responsible party accountable and help provide financial stability for the future.
With more than 40 years of combined legal experience, over 3,000 clients served, and millions recovered, we provide the personal attention and responsive communication families deserve during challenging times.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit brought when someone dies because of another party’s negligent, reckless, or wrongful conduct.
Wrongful death claims can arise from many different situations. A deadly crash on State Route 14 or a fatal slip and fall at the Antelope Valley Mall can raise questions about whether another party’s negligence contributed to the loss.
Common situations that may lead to wrongful death claims include:
- Car accidents,
- Truck accidents,
- Motorcycle accidents,
- Pedestrian accidents,
- Bicycle accidents,
- Rideshare accidents, and
- Premises liability accidents.
Unlike a criminal case, which seeks punishment, a wrongful death claim seeks compensation for the surviving family members who have suffered losses because of the death.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?
California gives certain family members and dependents the right to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Eligible parties may include:
- A surviving spouse;
- A registered domestic partner;
- Children;
- Descendants of deceased children;
- Family members who would inherit from the deceased under California law if there are no surviving descendants; and
- Stepchildren, parents, and other individuals who depended on the deceased for support.
California law also protects certain minors who lived in the deceased’s household for at least 180 days before the death and relied on the deceased for at least half of their support.
At the Law Offices of Steers & Associates, we help families identify eligible claimants and ensure that the wrongful death claim is filed correctly from the outset. This can help avoid unnecessary disputes and delays while the family focuses on healing.
How Can a Palmdale Wrongful Death Lawyer Help My Family?
After a tragic loss, families should be able to focus on healing rather than dealing with insurance adjusters and legal paperwork.
When you work with our firm, we can:
- Investigate the cause of the death,
- Identify all responsible parties,
- Gather and preserve critical evidence,
- Communicate with insurance companies,
- Calculate damages,
- Negotiate settlement offers, and
- Represent your family at trial.
Throughout the process, we prioritize communication and personal service. We believe families deserve direct access to their attorney and regular updates regarding their case.
What Damages Are Available in a Wrongful Death Case?
A wrongful death claim seeks compensation for the losses surviving family members experience after a loved one’s death. Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages may include:
- Loss of financial support. Family members may recover the income, benefits, and other financial contributions the deceased would likely have provided throughout their lifetime.
- Funeral and burial expenses. You can claim the cost of funeral services, burial, cremation, and related end-of-life expenses in a wrongful death claim.
- Loss of household services. Many people contribute valuable services to their families, such as childcare, transportation, home maintenance, and caregiving. The loss of those services can have a significant financial impact.
- Loss of companionship and affection. Surviving spouses, children, and other eligible family members may seek compensation for the loss of a loved one’s care, comfort, companionship, guidance, and emotional support.
- Loss of parental guidance and training. When a parent dies, children lose more than financial support. They also lose the instruction, guidance, and nurturing that a parent would have provided throughout their lives.
The value of a wrongful death claim depends on many factors, including the deceased’s age, earning capacity, relationship with surviving family members, and the extent of the losses suffered.
At the Law Offices of Steers & Associates, we work closely with families to understand the full impact of their loss and pursue compensation that reflects both the financial and personal consequences of a wrongful death.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Generally, California gives families two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Missing this deadline can prevent surviving family members from recovering compensation, regardless of how strong the underlying claim may be.
Because important evidence can disappear and legal deadlines can be difficult to navigate, it is generally best to speak with a Palmdale wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible after a loved one’s passing.
At the Law Offices of Steers & Associates, we can evaluate your situation, identify the applicable deadlines, and take steps to protect your family’s rights.
Let Us Help Your Family Seek Answers and Accountability
The days and weeks after a fatal accident can be filled with uncertainty. Families are often left trying to understand what happened, who may be responsible, and what legal options are available. A wrongful death claim can provide a path toward answers and accountability while helping protect your family’s financial future.
At the Law Offices of Steers & Associates, our Palmdale wrongful death lawyers understand the challenges families face after a fatal accident, and we are committed to providing clear communication and practical guidance throughout the case.
We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no upfront attorney fees, and we only get paid if we recover compensation on your behalf. If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us anything.
If you lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligence, contact the Law Offices of Steers & Associates today for a free consultation. We can explain your legal options, answer your questions, and help you determine the best path forward.
