If your loved one died as the result of another person’s negligence, you may have the legal right to pursue justice and compensation on their behalf. While no amount of money will ever bring your loved one back, a wrongful death claim can hold the responsible party accountable for your tragic and unexpected loss. The law of California allows family members to pursue a wrongful death claim if they can provide evidence that the other party’s negligence directly caused their loved one’s death. Learn more about wrongful death cases, and how to ensure your legal right to pursue justice remains protected.

State of California Wrongful Death Laws

The wrongful death laws in the State of California are found in the California Code, Code of Civil Procedure – CCP § 377.60. In order to prove that you have the legal right to compensation following your loved one’s death, you must provide evidence to meet a burden of proof that their death occurred as the direct result of someone else’s negligence. It is important to note that a family does not have an obligation under the law to prove that their loved one’s wrongful death occurred as the result of negligence beyond a reasonable doubt, as in a criminal case. Instead, a family of a loved one who died a wrongful death in the State of California must simply prove that the death is at least 51 percent likely the result of the negligence of another person. This burden of proof is known as “preponderance of the evidence.”

Proving a Wrongful Death Claim

In order to prove a wrongful death claim, the family of the person who died must prove the following:

• The negligent party had a duty of care owed to others, including their deceased loved one
• The negligent party breached that duty of care
• The breach of that duty of care was directly responsible for their loved one’s death
• The result was the death of their loved one, as well as economic and non-economic damages

It is important to note that some wrongful death claims arise from intentional violence instead of negligence. These cases may result in a criminal case; however, many victims still have the legal right to pursue a civil case as well to receive compensation for their loved one’s injuries and their losses. Evidence to prove a wrongful death claim will include accident reports, police reports, independent investigations, surveillance footage, witness testimony, medical notes from those who diagnosed and treated your loved one, employer information providing evidence on lost wages, funeral expenses, and legally complex calculations regarding pain and suffering and the loss of consortium of family members.

Contact an Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney Today

If your loved one died as the result of another person’s negligent or intentionally violent actions, you may have the legal right to pursue a wrongful death case in the State of California. Contact the experienced wrongful death attorneys today at The Law Office of Daniel H. Rose. We will work on your behalf to ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve and ensure your loved one receives justice. Contact our experienced attorneys today at 415-946-8900 or online.