If you’re facing the possibility of bringing a wrongful death case then you’re likely confused. This can be especially true when it comes to understand what damages are recoverable. At Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas, we are here to walk you through the process step by step. Read on to learn more about the damages you may be eligible for and then call us at 909-982-0707 for your free case evaluation.
What is a wrongful death case?
First, let’s cover what exactly we mean when we refer to a wrongful death case. These cases can be brought by a family member, an heir, a dependent, or almost any other claimant who was negatively impacted by the person’s death – assuming their death resulted from a third-party being negligent or reckless.
In a California wrongful death case, the claimant (or claimants) are able to sue for damages that resulted from the death of their loved one. This is a claim that’s about the claimant – not about the person who died.
An example of a wrongful death case
To better understand these types of claims, let’s consider an example. A woman’s mother died in a car accident as a result of a drunk driver. The daughter may then contact a California wrongful death attorney to recover damages she suffered as a result of the death. If the mother regularly provided financial support for the daughter, those damages could be recovered.
The damages California allows in a wrongful death action
In California, you can bring a wrongful death and receive two different categories of damages: economic and noneconomic. Economic damages include things like:
- Loss of financial support.
- Expenses related to the funeral.
- Value of domestic services provided by the decease.
On the other hand, noneconomic damages may include things like:
- A loss of love and / or affection.
- Loss of comfort.
- Loss of companionship.
- Loss of sexual relations.
- Loss of care and protection.
It can be challenging to measure noneconomic damages. Consider how difficult it would be to measure exact damages when a person loses their spouse’s companionship. In order to get the noneconomic damages you deserve, you need a qualified personal injury attorney on your side. Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas as the experience you need.
Note that California does not allow for punitive damages. As a result, you must ensure you get the full economic and noneconomic damages you’re entitled to.
Get a free case evaluation today
If you believe you have a wrongful death case then it’s time to contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas. Call us at 909-982-0707 for your free consultation. We are ready to speak with you about your situation and offer our advice on what your options are. No matter the case, you deserve to be heard and we are ready to listen.
