Wrongful Death
Wrongful death is a legal term that is used when a death results from another person’s negligent actions. For example, if a person is killed during an auto accident, and it is believed that the accident was caused by a negligent driver, it would be considered a wrongful death.
For most families, wrongful death is very difficult to contend with. No family wants to deal with the loss of a cherished loved one. Perhaps what is most devastating for families is the fact that if other people had not acted negligently or recklessly, their loved ones may still be alive. Aside from the emotional turmoil, many families must also contend with lost income, funeral expenses and possibly medical expenses after their loved ones have been wrongfully killed. This can greatly impair their financial security and also make the death more difficult to deal with.
Wrongful Death Claims
When people have wrongfully lost their loved ones in auto accidents caused by negligent parties, they may file a wrongful death claim in the state of California. In order to file a wrongful death claim, a person must:
- be 18 years of age or older
- be the spouse, sibling, parent or other close relative of the deceased
- be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that another person’s negligence attributed to the death of his/her loved one
Before filing a wrongful death claim, people should always have their cases reviewed by a skilled lawyer who has a vast understanding of personal injury law and wrongful death claims. By working with an experienced attorney, like the attorneys at Cohn & Swartzon, people will stand a better chance of obtaining a settlement or award.
Orange County Wrongful Death Attorneys
If you wrongfully lost a loved one due to an auto accident, it is always to your advantage to review your rights and legal options with a qualified personal injury attorney. Contact Cohn & Swartzon today to schedule your first wrongful death consultation!