It’s never easy to cope with the loss of a loved one. Even when you have the chance to say goodbye, the grief can be overwhelming. But when the death is unexpected and caused by someone else’s negligent or reckless behavior, it can be especially difficult to come to terms with the loss. The Monterey wrongful death lawyers at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers understand the adversity you and your family are facing. Beyond the emotional trauma, you may also be dealing with steep medical bills, funeral costs, and lost income. Our attorneys are here to help you pursue the compensation you need to cover these expenses and move on with life. We have helped our clients recover more than . To discuss your case in a free consultation, call us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS.

Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle in Monterey, California

If a member of your family has died due to the intentional act or negligence of another person, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim. From motor-vehicle collisions to slips and falls to workplace accidents, there are countless scenarios that can give rise to wrongful death cases. It is important that the attorney you hire not only has a track record of success in wrongful death claims but also has experience handling cases like yours. At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we have the knowledge and legal strategies to represent clients in a variety of wrongful death cases including those arising from:

• Motorcycle Accidents
• Car Accidents
• Tractor-Trailer Accidents
• Bike Accidents
• Turo Accidents
• Animal Attacks
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Rideshare Accidents
• Boating Accidents
• Train Wrecks
• Bus Crashes
• Airplane Accidents
• Scooter Accidents
• Premises Liability
• Slip and Falls

Who May File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?

California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60 specifies the individuals who may file a wrongful death lawsuit in California. Those parties include:

• The surviving spouse of the deceased;
• The surviving domestic partner of the deceased;
• The surviving children of the deceased;
• People who would be entitled to the property of the decedent if he or she did not create a will;
• The putative spouse of the deceased, the putative spouse’s children, stepchildren, or parents of the deceased;
• A minor who was dependent on the deceased for at least half of his or her support and lived with the deceased for 180 days in the deceased’s home; or
• The deceased’s personal representative.

Damages in California Wrongful Death Cases

It’s easy to underestimate the financial impact of losing a family member, but funeral and burial expenses, medical bills, and costs associated with managing his or her estate can add up quickly. The loss can be especially devastating if the deceased was a primary source of income for your family. If another person’s negligence or intentional act was the proximate cause of the death, though, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Healthcare expenses incurred due to the final injury or illness;
• Funeral and burial costs;
• Any financial support the decedent would have contributed to the family had he or she survived;
• Lost gifts or benefits the decedent would have given to his or her heirs;
• Compensation for any household services provided by the deceased; and
• Loss of support, love, affection, comfort, companionship, and society.

What Should I Expect to Happen During the Initial Consultation with a Wrongful Death Attorney?

The initial consultation is an opportunity for your Monterey wrongful death lawyer to determine if you have grounds for a claim and how to approach the investigation. It’s also a chance for you to learn about the claims process and what to expect over the coming weeks and months. To ensure your first meeting is as productive as possible, you should consider your answers to the following questions before the consultation:

• What was the cause of your loved one’s death?
• Did your family member undergo any medical treatment due to his or her final injury or illness?
• Have you gathered any evidence of liability or damages?
• Did anyone witness the incident that caused your loved one’s death? Do you have their contact information?
• Did the police attend the scene where the fatal incident occurred?
• Have you made any statements to the insurance company or defendant?

If possible, you should try to compile any documentation and other evidence related to your case such as:

• The deceased’s most recent tax return and pay stubs;
• Any relevant diagnostic imaging and medical documentation;
• Photos of the accident scene;
• Eyewitness contact information; and
• Any relevant insurance policies.

Set up a FREE Consultation with Our Monterey Wrongful Death Lawyers

The Monterey wrongful death attorneys at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers are ready to help you navigate the legal system and pursue the full compensation you deserve. For a free case review, call us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or use our contact form to reach us online.