Templeton Wrongful Death Attorneys

At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we know that a wrongful death case is never about the money: it is about seeking justice on behalf of your deceased loved one. We also know that there is simply no monetary figure that will ever fill the void left by a premature loss. Nonetheless, our team is here to help you move forward physically, emotionally, and financially through a wrongful death lawsuit.  If you have recently lost a loved one in a tragic accident, we offer our sincere condolences.

What is A Wrongful Death Claim? 

At the most fundamental level, the purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is to compensate bereaved family members when someone else’s negligence results in an untimely death. The law is constructed to help families shoulder the financial burdens that stem from these situations so that they can properly grieve.

Who Can File A Wrongful Death Claim in California? 

In California, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, or various parties who stand to inherit the deceased’s property if the deceased passed without a will, can bring a wrongful death claim. For instance, the decedent’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.

Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle

Our wrongful death practice group handles the following types of wrongful death claims in our State:

• Car, truck, bicycle, and motorcycle accidents 
• Accidents involving rideshare vehicles 
• Turo accidents 
• Scooter accidents 
• Boating accidents 
• Train accidents 
• Pedestrian accidents 
• Aircraft accidents 
• Bus accidents 

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 cover both economic and non-economic losses. An example of an economic loss is lost income, property damage, and medical expenses, while a non-economic injury would involve emotional trauma, distress, and pain and suffering.   Exemplary damages, or “punitive damages,” are 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, so your lawyer will help you decide whether it is worth raising one in court. 

Our Wrongful Death Lawyers Offer Free Case Consultations Daily

The attorneys at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers have a history of representing the family members of wrongful death victims. When 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 happen? 
• Did your loved one receive any medical treatment between the accident and his or her death? 
• Have you spoken with the opposing party or his insurance company?  
• Have you saved or recorded any of your conversations with the other parties or with eyewitnesses? 
• Did you speak with anyone else about the accident or the circumstances surrounding it? 

Speak with a Wrongful Death Lawyer.

Our compassionate attorneys are here to take over the logistics of your case so that you can focus on honoring your loved one’s memory. We will do all we can do alleviate your stress and help you recover the compensation you need to get back on your feet. To schedule a free case consultation with us, we welcome you to send us a message online or to call our 24-hour phone line at 1-800-GO-HARRIS. If you cannot make it to our office, we will come to you. We look forward to serving you and helping you navigate this difficult time.