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Compassionate and Experienced Wrongful Death Lawyers In Los Angeles
At Formica Law Group, we understand that the death of a loved one is an incredibly traumatic and emotional experience. When that loss is due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, the pain can be compounded by anger and a need for justice. Our dedicated Los Angeles wrongful death lawyers are here to support you through this difficult time and fight for the compensation and accountability your family deserves.
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Los Angeles
Wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another party. In California, the law allows certain family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for various damages. These damages can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
In Los Angeles, the following parties are typically eligible to file a wrongful death claim:
- Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner: The decedent’s spouse or registered domestic partner has the primary right to file a wrongful death claim.
- Children: The decedent’s children are also eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim.
- Parents: If the decedent was unmarried and had no children, the parents may have the right to file a claim.
- Siblings: In certain cases, siblings may be able to file a wrongful death claim if they are financially dependent on the decedent.
- Other Dependents: Anyone who was financially dependent on the decedent, such as a putative spouse, stepchildren, or others, may also have the right to file a claim.
Our experienced Los Angeles wrongful death attorneys can help determine if you are eligible to file a wrongful death claim and guide you through the process.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
Wrongful death can occur in a variety of situations, often resulting from negligence or misconduct. Some common causes of wrongful death cases that we handle at Formica Law Group include:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents are some of the most common causes of wrongful death. Negligent driving behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, and reckless driving can lead to fatal accidents. Our Los Angeles wrongful death lawyers have extensive experience handling these types of cases and can help you hold the responsible parties accountable.
Medical Malpractice
Medical professionals have a duty to provide a standard level of care to their patients. When they fail to do so, and it results in a patient’s death, it may be considered medical malpractice. Examples of medical malpractice include surgical errors, misdiagnoses, medication errors, and birth injuries. Our attorneys are skilled in navigating the complexities of medical malpractice wrongful death claims.
Workplace Accidents
Workers can be exposed to hazardous conditions that can lead to fatal accidents. This includes construction site accidents, industrial accidents, and exposure to toxic substances. Employers and third parties may be held liable for failing to maintain a safe working environment. Our team is experienced in handling wrongful death claims involving workplace accidents and can help you seek the compensation your family needs.
Defective Products
Manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure that their products are safe for consumers. When a defective product causes a fatal injury, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer may be held liable for wrongful death. Our firm has successfully represented families in wrongful death cases involving defective products, such as faulty machinery, unsafe pharmaceuticals, and dangerous consumer goods.
Premises Liability
Property owners have a duty to maintain a safe environment for visitors. When they fail to address hazardous conditions, such as slip and fall hazards, inadequate security, or unsafe structures, it can lead to fatal accidents. Our attorneys are experienced in premises liability wrongful death claims and can help you pursue justice for your loved one’s death.
The Importance of Hiring An Experienced Wrongful Death Lawyer
Navigating a wrongful death claim can be complex and emotionally overwhelming. It’s crucial to have an experienced wrongful death lawyer by your side to advocate for your family’s rights and interests. Here are some reasons why hiring a wrongful death lawyer is essential:
Legal Expertise
Wrongful death laws can be intricate and vary from state to state. An experienced wrongful death lawyer will have a deep understanding of California’s wrongful death statutes and can effectively navigate the legal system on your behalf.
Investigation and Evidence Collection
Proving negligence or misconduct in a wrongful death case requires thorough investigation and evidence collection. Our attorneys will work diligently to gather crucial evidence, such as accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony, to build a strong case.
Negotiation Skills
Many wrongful death cases are resolved through settlements. An experienced lawyer will have strong negotiation skills and will advocate for a fair and just settlement that covers all of your family’s damages. If a settlement cannot be reached, our lawyers are prepared to take the case to court.
Emotional Support and Compassion
Losing a loved one is an incredibly emotional experience. Our wrongful death lawyers at Formica Law Group provide compassionate support and guidance throughout the legal process, allowing you to focus on healing and grieving while we handle the legal complexities.
Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases
The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to compensate the surviving family members for their losses. While no amount of money can ever replace your loved one, financial compensation can help ease the burden and provide stability during this difficult time. Some of the damages that may be recovered in a wrongful death claim include:
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate for the financial losses resulting from the death of your loved one. These damages may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses related to the decedent’s final injury or illness
- Loss of financial support and future earnings
- Loss of benefits, such as health insurance or pension plans
- Loss of household services that the decedent provided
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible losses that the surviving family members experience. These damages may include:
- Loss of companionship, love, and affection
- Loss of consortium (for spouses)
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of guidance and nurturing (for children)
Punitive Damages
In cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious or reckless, the court may award punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future. Our Los Angeles wrongful death lawyers will assess the specific circumstances of your case to determine if punitive damages may be applicable.
Why Choose Formica Law Group?
At Formica Law Group, we are committed to providing exceptional legal representation and personalized support to families who have lost a loved one due to wrongful death. Here are some reasons why clients choose us:
Experience and Expertise
Our attorneys have extensive experience handling wrongful death cases in Los Angeles and throughout California. We have a proven track record of successful outcomes and have recovered substantial compensation for our clients.
Compassionate Approach
We understand that losing a loved one is one of the most challenging experiences a family can go through. Our lawyers approach each case with compassion, empathy, and sensitivity, ensuring that our clients feel supported and understood throughout the legal process.
Client-Centered Representation
At Formica Law Group, our clients’ needs and interests are our top priority. We take the time to listen to your story, understand your unique circumstances, and develop a tailored legal strategy that aligns with your goals.
Strong Advocacy
We are dedicated advocates for our clients and are not afraid to take on powerful defendants and insurance companies. Our lawyers are skilled negotiators and litigators who will fight tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Transparent Communication
We believe in maintaining open and transparent communication with our clients. Throughout the legal process, we will keep you informed and updated on the progress of your case, and we are always available to answer your questions and your concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kinds of Recovery Can I Expect?
The survivors of a wrongful death may be able to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. These damages may include
- Lost future wages — if your loved one has died, your family has been deprived of potential earnings. Not only does this include wages at their current salary,` but it may also involve future earning potential that grew as they advanced in their career.
- Loss of benefits — in addition to lost wages, your family may also have lost out on other professional benefits like subsidized health care insurance, vehicles, and pensions.
- Medical bills — if your loved one received medical care before they passed away, your family may be responsible for paying those bills. If their wrongful death was the result of someone else’s negligent behavior, then you should expect them to compensate you for those medical expenses.
- Funeral expenses — in 2021, the average cost of a funeral was $9,500 which is more than many families can afford especially if they have just lost a working family member. That is why a wrongful death suit would likely include compensation for funeral expenses.
- Pain and suffering — in your wrongful death suit, you may ask for compensation for the pain and suffering that your loved one experienced prior to passing away as well as the excruciating grief that you and your family have had to endure in the wake of their death.
When Should I File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
As soon as possible. It can be difficult to consider bringing a lawsuit in the recent aftermath of a family member’s death, but under California law, you only have 2 years to file. That may seem like a considerable amount of time, but it is easy to let the deadline slip by if you are dealing with medical bills, insurance negotiations, and sustaining your household.
If you need sound legal advice, then contact Stefano Formica, one of the premier wrongful death attorneys in Los Angeles. With his years of experience managing wrongful death trials, he can help bring some justice to your loved one’s death while resolving your financial problems.
Do I Have a Wrongful Death Case?
In order to pursue a wrongful death claim, there are two criteria to be met:
- You lost a close family member like a parent, child, or spouse who has suffered an injury that led to death.
- The injury that caused their death was the result of another party’s negligence.
Negligence in this case is a legal term denoting a failure to provide a proper standard of care to protect oneself and others from harm. For example, if a driver failed to stop at a red light and collided with a pedestrian, then that could constitute negligence.
The best way to determine if you have a strong wrongful death case is to consult with a personal injury attorney who has years of experience litigating such cases. The attorneys at the Formica Law Group have had immense success with wrongful death claims and are eager to put their expertise to work for you.
Contact Our Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyers Now
The Formica Law Group is one of the most impressive wrongful death firms in the state of California with multi-million dollar judgments against major business organizations, insurance companies, and even the state of California itself. Lauded for his ability to secure trial victories against even the most well-funded and powerful adversaries, Stefano Formica has earned national acclaim and membership into select legal organizations like the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), National Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyers, and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
To learn more about how the Formica Law Group can help, contact us today.