Who Can File for a Wrongful Death Claim?

Losing a loved one is an emotional experience and a traumatic event that can change everything, especially if they were taken away long before their time in an accident. Furthermore, losing a loved one, especially if they are a primary earner of a household, can put a huge financial strain on the family and increase the stress for all parties involved. However, if your loved one was killed in an accident due to unsafe work condition or sheer negligence, then your family shouldn’t have to shoulder the financial burden of putting them to rest and losing their income.

Wrongful death suits are the result of losing a loved one in an accident where someone died as a result instead of was just simply injured. This can include auto accidents, personal injury incidents, and on-the-job accidents, or the result of a dangerous or defective product. However, not everyone can file a wrongful death claim. In California, only a select few people are allowed to file a wrongful death claim.

In most cases, it is usually the surviving spouse or children of the deceased. However, in some cases where there are no children or surviving spouses, then a wrongful death claim can still be filed by a relative who would be entitled to property or assets through the estate. Finally, those who are financially dependent on the deceased, even if they are not related by blood, such as stepchildren, can also file by California state law.

If you have lost a loved one due to an accident or the sheer negligence of someone else, don’t suffer in silence. Through a wrongful death suit, you can not only cover funerary expenses and final medical bills, but you may be able to get compensation to cover their loss of income as well. Contact us today to see what we can do to represent you.