Cupertino Wrongful Death Attorneys

If you have incurred substantial costs or lost income as a result of the accident that took your loved one’s life, monetary damages can help you get back on your feet financially so you can properly grieve. At the same time, no amount of money can fill the void left by a family member’s passing.   Our wrongful death lawyers understand this, and we are here to help you. We will explore all possible avenues to recovering compensation and will handle your case with the utmost compassion and care.

Types of Claims Our Cupertino Wrongful Death Attorneys Handle

• Car, truck, bicycle, and motorcycle accidents 
• Accidents involving rideshare vehicles 
• Turo accidents 
• Scooter accidents 
• Boating accidents 
• Train accidents 
• Pedestrian accidents 
• Aircraft accidents 
• Bus accidents 
• Premises liability cases resulting in wrongful death 
• Other types of wrongful death cases 

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

The personal representative of the deceased’s estate can bring a wrongful death claim. Various parties who stand to inherit under the deceased’s will may also bring a claim. So, under California law, the deceased’s surviving spouse would have a right to file a wrongful death action. If the deceased was not married, then his or her children could bring the claim, then stepchildren, minors who lived with him or her for at least half a year, and the deceased’s parents, siblings and their children, grandparents, and next of kin.

What Damages Are Available in a California Wrongful Death Case?

Your compensation in a wrongful death case will vary based on the circumstances. Generally, you may be able to recover compensatory damages and exemplary damages.   Compensatory Damages:  Compensatory damages cover both economic and non-economic losses. An example of an economic loss is lost income, property damage, and medical expenses. Examples of a non-economic injury include payment for emotional trauma, distress, and pain and suffering.   Exemplary Damages:  Often referred to as “punitive damages,” exemplary damages are generally only applied in a few unique circumstances in which the other party’s conduct was extremely negligent or egregious. An exemplary damages award tends to be discretionary and is not available in every case. However, when it is applied, it substantially increases your compensation award.

Award-Winning Personal Injury Lawyers

At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we are proud to stand with the family members of wrongful death victims. If you meet with us, we will ask you a series of questions to determine whether you have grounds to bring a wrongful death claim and if so, how to proceed.   Some of these questions might include: 

• How did the accident or incident unfold? 
• Did your loved one receive any medical treatment between the incident and his or her death? 
• Have you gathered any evidence to support your claim? If so, what? 
• Have you spoken with the opposing party or his insurance company? What was the extent of your communications? 
• Have you saved or recorded any of your conversations with the other parties or with eyewitnesses? 

We understand that a loved one’s sudden death is beyond devastating. Our compassionate attorneys are here to take over the logistics of your case so that you can focus on properly honoring your loved one’s memory. To schedule a consultation, send us a message online or to call our 24-hour phone line at 1-800-GO-HARRIS.