Losing a loved one in a sudden accident is a heartbreaking experience. However, if their death was caused by someone else, this loss can feel especially devastating. If you have recently lost a loved one to a preventable accident, you have a right to seek compensation for the damage they’ve done. While a financial award can never fill the void they’ve left behind, it could give you the funds you need to pick up the pieces in the wake of this tragic event. At HPIL, our wrongful death attorneys are here to help. 

From investigating the accident and gathering evidence to approximating fair compensation and building your claim, we can assist with every aspect of the claims process. Reach out to us at 1-800-GO-HARRIS to request a free case review. 

Signs You Have a Strong Fatal Accident Case 

If you are planning to file a wrongful death suit, you may be wondering whether you have the makings of a convincing case. While there are many factors that could affect the outcome of your claim, there are a few signs that yours might have what it takes to go the distance.  

Let’s look at a few of these signs in more detail: 

• You Stayed Away from Social Media: While sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are a great way to stay in touch with friends and family, if you have a pending claim, your activity on these platforms could do irreparable damage to your chances of obtaining a financial award. Insurers now routinely monitor claimants’ social media feeds for any evidence that could be used to lodge disputes. As such, anything you post could be used to challenge your credibility. You should deactivate your social media accounts for the duration of proceedings. 

• You Tracked Your Damages Carefully: From the cost of burying your loved one to the medical expenses that they accumulated before their death, you should gather and compile all the necessary documents to demonstrate your damages. Without sufficient proof, you will not be able to obtain compensation for some of your losses.  

• You Didn’t Provide a Recorded Statement: After you’ve filed your claim, the insurer will likely reach out to you to request a recorded statement. However, until you’ve had a chance to investigate the accident that led to your loved one’s death and assess your damages, you shouldn’t agree to this request. It’s possible that you might say something untrue, giving the insurer an opportunity to challenge your credibility. At HPIL, our attorneys can oversee all correspondence with the insurance company so you won’t have to worry about saying something that might hurt your case.  

How Much Is My Wrongful Death Claim Worth? 

The value of a wrongful death claim can sometimes exceed millions of dollars. However, as these proceedings are notoriously unpredictable, it’s not possible for us—or any other law firm—to promise a specific outcome. However, our legal team can conduct an in-depth investigation into the accident that led to your loved one’s death and help estimate fair compensation for the damages you and your family have incurred. 

Let’s look at some of the types of damages that might be available in your case: 

• Loss of Future Earnings: If you relied on the deceased financially, it’s possible their death has put you in a precarious position. Fortunately, you may be able to recover compensation for the income and benefits he or she would’ve generated had they survived. Your attorney might need to consult with various expert witnesses such as vocational experts and economists to help create a timeline of the deceased’s expected career trajectory and approximate the value of future lost earnings.  

• Funeral and Burial Costs: Burying a loved one can be incredibly expensive with the cost of the funeral service, burial, casket, and headstone adding up to a small fortune. Thankfully, in California, you may be able to recover compensation for any costs associated with the funeral or burial by filing a personal injury claim. 

• Loss of Consortium: Losing someone close to you to a sudden accident can be an immense emotional burden. In the blink of an eye, their affection, support, and guidance was likely ripped away, leaving you alone and facing an onslaught of new costs and challenges. Thankfully, in the state, you have a right to seek compensation for loss of companionship in the wake of a loved one’s wrongful death.  

• Medical Costs: If your loved one received medical treatment before their death, it’s possible that you, someone else in the family, or the deceased’s estate was forced to shoulder these costs. Your lawyer can assess your situation to determine whether you and your family can seek compensation for such medical expenses.  

Discuss Your Situation with a Wrongful Death Attorney in El Monte 

Have you recently lost a loved one to a sudden accident? You may be able to recover compensation for a wide range of losses by filing a personal injury claim.  

At HPIL, our attorneys can help guide you through the challenging days ahead, providing representation, advice, and emotional support throughout proceedings. Contact us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or by dropping us a message using our contact form HERE to lock in a free case assessment.