Dana Point Wrongful Death Attorneys

Have you lost a loved one due to the intentional misconduct or negligence of another party? You may be entitled to compensation for loss of financial contributions, loss of services, burial and funeral expenses, intangible losses, and other damages. Our Dana Point wrongful death attorneys can assess your case for free to determine whether you have grounds to pursue a claim. We understand that losing someone close to you is a heart-wrenching experience. While no amount of money can ever make up for the loss of their companionship, affection, and support, filing a claim against those responsible may at least give you a sense of justice and the funds to help get your life back on track. At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, our initial consultations are free, and our contact line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1-800-GO-HARRIS to discuss you case with a member of our legal team.

How Can a Wrongful Death Attorney Assist with My Case?

If you’re planning to file a wrongful death suit, you may be wondering if it’s worth hiring a lawyer to handle your case. While there are some situations where you can pursue damages on your own, wrongful death suits can often be incredibly complex. The damages in such cases are often substantial, and with more money at stake, the insurer will have a strong incentive to commit significant time, resources, and effort towards challenging your claim. A seasoned lawyer can help level the playing field, aggressively represent your interests, and ensure that you and your family are treated fairly. Below are a few ways our attorneys may be able to assist with your wrongful death claim:

• Investigate Your Case: Some of the evidence needed to prove your claim may only be available for a few days or weeks. For example, if your loved was killed in a slip and fall accident, it’s possible that surveillance cameras on the property captured footage of the incident. If you don’t act quickly, this video may be erased, overwritten, or destroyed. A skilled wrongful death lawyer can help conduct an in-depth investigation into the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s passing, and will take steps to compile all necessary evidence. If a party is in possession of valuable evidence but refuses to hand over this information voluntarily, your attorney may be able to file subpoenas to obtain it.

• Help You Avoid Mistakes That Could Harm Your Case: From posting about the accident online or accepting a settlement that doesn’t account for all recoverable losses, there are many mistakes that could lead to disputes or affect your eventual financial award. Your attorney can advise you on the best ways to protect your claim and how to avoid common mistakes that might otherwise lead to delays or other complications.

• Handle Correspondence with the Insurer: The insurance company will conduct its own investigation into how your loved one died. As part of this process, they may request that you provide a recorded statement. However, there is no obligation from your side to follow through on this request. These interviews are often used as an opportunity to coerce claimants into making statements that could be misrepresented to dispute liability or damages. If you hire an attorney, he or she will likely insist on taking over all dialogue with the insurance company and opposing parties.

• Litigate Your Case If Negotiations Fall Through: If you, the insurance company, and the other parties involved cannot reach an agreement during negotiations, bringing a lawsuit against the liable parties may be your best option. An experienced trial lawyer will have the knowledge and experience to help prepare your case for court and provide tenacious representation during trial.

Common Damages in a Wrongful Death Case

Losses in a wrongful death case aren’t just limited to the digits printed on the medical bills, funeral invoices, and other financial documents. While these so-called economic damages will likely make up a major portion of your eventual settlement, you may also be entitled to non-economic damages such as loss of consortium and emotional distress. Below are examples of damages commonly awarded to plaintiffs in a wrongful death case:

• Compensatory Damages: This category covers both economic and non-economic damages. Economic losses can include property damage, lost wages, and medical expenses, while non-economic damages cover the intangible effects of a wrongful death such as emotional trauma, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.

• Punitive Damages: If it’s decided that the defendant’s behavior was particularly egregious or extremely negligent, punitive damages may apply. Unlike compensatory damages, which exist to help the plaintiff feel “whole” again, punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant to deter others from committing similar acts or engaging in the same behavior. Your attorney may be able to help you determine whether it is worth building a case for punitive damages once they have concluded their investigation.

Find a Wrongful Death Attorney in Dana Point

If you’ve lost a loved one due to another party’s negligence or intentional actions, turn to the legal team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers for advice. We have decades of combined experience handling wrongful death and personal injury cases, and may be able to assist you in your fight for a fair settlement. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS or visit our contact form HERE to schedule a free initial consultation