Have you lost a loved one due to the negligence of someone else in Bell, CA? Contact Matadores Accident & Injury Lawyers for a free consultation at (323) 402-1000. Our compassionate Bell wrongful death attorneys can help your family file a claim in civil court for maximum compensation.
We have a proven track record of success, with 25 years of combined experience and over $100 million recovered for our clients since our founding. We know that nothing can truly make up for your loss, but a wrongful death claim can aid with a sense of justice as well as financial stability. Let us help your family move forward and pursue justice.
Why Choose Matadores Accident & Injury Lawyers for My Family’s Wrongful Death Claim in Bell, California?
Matadores Accident & Injury Lawyers has built a foundation in personal injury law throughout the State of California for our compassionate client service and dedication to winning results. We have decades of combined experience handling personal injury and wrongful death cases in Bell, California, and will make your case our priority from the moment you hire us.
Other reasons to consider hiring our Bell personal injury lawyers include:
- We’ve won multiple recoveries in the eight figures on behalf of our clients.
- Our law firm has over 70 five-star reviews on Google.
- We have local roots in Bell and a deep commitment to our community.
We understand that you may be going through an incredibly difficult time at the moment, and we want to be there to help. Call our Bell wrongful death attorneys today to arrange a complimentary consultation.
What Is Wrongful Death Under California Law?
Based on California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies because of “the wrongful act or neglect of another.” This law allows surviving family members to recover compensation for the losses they’ve suffered as a result of their loved one’s death.
Essentially, a wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit that seeks to hold the at-fault party financially responsible for the harm they have caused. It’s separate from any criminal case that may also arise from the same incident.
This means that even if prosecutors choose not to press charges (or if the defendant is found not guilty), you may still win a wrongful death claim because the standard of proof is lower in civil court.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
California law limits who can bring a wrongful death claim. The following individuals typically have the legal right to file:
- The personal representative of the deceased person’s estate or
- Certain surviving family members who qualify as heirs
Wrongful death lawsuits in California must be filed on behalf of everyone who may be entitled to compensation, such as surviving family members.
How Much Is My Bell Wrongful Death Claim Worth?
The value of a wrongful death claim in California varies from case to case. There isn’t a standard formula, since every family’s loss is different. Instead, the worth of your case depends on factors that reflect both the financial and personal impact of your loved one’s death.
Some of the main factors include:
- Your loved one’s age, occupation, and earning potential
- The circumstances of the accident and the strength of the evidence
- Whether your loved one shared any fault for the incident
- The amount of available insurance coverage or assets
- The emotional and financial losses your family has suffered
We’ll calculate what your family has lost today and what you’ll lose in the future, working to ensure your claim truly reflects the gravity of your loss and the justice your loved one deserves.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available in a California Wrongful Death Case?
Under California law, you may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages in a wrongful death claim.
Economic damages compensate for measurable financial losses, including:
- Medical expenses related to the fatal injury or illness
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of the deceased’s expected income and financial support
- Loss of household services and benefits
Non-economic damages account for more personal, intangible losses, such as:
- Loss of companionship, love, and emotional support
- The spouse’s loss of the enjoyment of intimacy with the deceased person
- Loss of the deceased’s training and guidance
In limited circumstances, punitive damages may be available through a related survival action if the defendant’s conduct was especially egregious.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Bell, CA?
We know financial stress can make this time even harder to contend with. That’s why our firm represents families on a contingency fee basis. You won’t pay anything up front or by the hour to hire us, and we only get paid if we win money for you.
Our payment will be a percentage of the settlement or jury verdict we secure for you. If we don’t recover compensation, you will owe us nothing in terms of attorney’s fees. This system allows families to obtain quality legal representation without worrying about the cost.
What if My Loved One Is Being Blamed for the Accident?
Per California’s pure comparative negligence standard, your family can still recover damages even if your loved one shared some fault. However, the total award will be reduced by their percentage of responsibility.
For instance, if your loved one was found 25% at fault and your case is worth $800,000, your family could still recover $600,000. Our trial attorneys will push back against unfair blame and present clear proof to show who was truly at fault. We’ll aim to protect your loved one’s reputation and your right to full compensation as well.
How Is Negligence Proven in a Bell Wrongful Death Case?
To succeed in a wrongful death lawsuit, your attorney must prove that the defendant’s actions (or failure to act) caused your loved one’s death. The standard of proof in these cases is called “a preponderance of the evidence,” meaning it’s more likely than not that the defendant was responsible.
There are four key elements to proving negligence:
- Duty of care: The defendant owed your loved one a legal duty to act reasonably and avoid causing harm.
- Breach of duty: The defendant breached that duty through their behavior.
- Causation: The defendant’s conduct directly caused your loved one’s death and was also the proximate cause of it.
- Damages: Your family suffered measurable losses as a result.
We will gather and present as much evidence as we can to build a compelling case that meets each of these elements.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Wrongful Death in Bell?
Determining liability is often one of the most critical and complex aspects of a wrongful death claim. In California, several parties may be held responsible depending on the situation.
Potentially liable parties include:
- Negligent drivers in car accidents
- Trucking companies that violate federal safety regulations
- Property owners who fail to maintain safe premises
- Product manufacturers that release defective products
- Employers who neglect workplace safety standards
- Medical professionals whose errors cause fatal injuries
In many cases, multiple parties share responsibility. Our wrongful death lawyers will identify every liable party and pursue claims against each one to maximize your recovery as best as we can.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit, per California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Missing this statute of limitations could prevent you from recovering any compensation altogether.
However, note that there are exceptions for certain kinds of cases that could change this time limit. Contact our team as soon as possible so that we can confirm the right deadline and preserve your ability to take legal action.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Bell Wrongful Death Attorneys
If your family has lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligence in Bell, CA, you deserve support and compensation. At Matadores Accident & Injury Lawyers, we have 25 years of combined experience and have recovered over $100 million for our clients throughout the state.
Our Bell wrongful death attorneys are ready to guide you through the legal process and fight for the financial recovery your family needs. Reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your best course of action.