Pursue Compensation With a Wrongful Death Attorney

Unexpectedly losing a loved one is devastating for families. In addition to the emotional loss, the family often faces an uncertain future and financial stress. You may have legal recourse through an accidental death lawsuit when your loved one died because of another person's negligence. The attorneys at Wells, Call, Clark, Bennett & Clawson have helped families deal with tragedy for decades by filing claims on their behalf and recovering the compensation entitled by law.

What is a wrongful death claim?

Wrongful death is the result of a negligent or wrongful act that causes the death of someone else. Wrongful death is a type of tort and has a cause of action under California law. Spouses, children, mothers, fathers, and domestic partners may hold parties accountable for the loss of loved ones.

In a wrongful death action, surviving family members are entitled to pursue compensation for economic and non-economic damages. When a major family provider dies, the surviving family suffers monetary problems they would not face had it not been for the death of the family member.

Economic damages include:

  • Financial support
  • Loss of gifts or benefits
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Reasonable value of household services the deceased would have provided

Non-economic damages include loss of the following—

  • Love
  • Companionship
  • Comfort
  • Care
  • Assistance
  • Protection
  • Affection
  • Society
  • Moral support
  • Enjoyment of sexual relations
  • Training and guidance

Deadlines for filing wrongful death

All states have deadlines for filing wrongful death claims called statutes of limitations. In California, you have two years from the date of death to file a lawsuit. If you fail to file within this time, you lose your right to pursue a claim.  Courts have strict filing rules requiring that forms comply with their requirements, fees be paid, and court etiquette be followed. A skilled wrongful death lawyer can evaluate the prospects for pursuing a claim and provide the legal guidance you need.

Consult wrongful death lawyers in Solano, Yolo, Napa, and Contra Costa Counties

If you need legal assistance with wrongful death claims, please call our experienced attorneys at 1-800-847-8765 or contact WCCBC online. Our personal injury team offers a free initial consultation to evaluate your case and discuss pursuing a claim. Wrongful death cases are contingency-based, which means you owe no fees unless we recover through verdict or settlement.  In addition to our Solano County offices in Fairfield, Vacaville, and Vallejo, Wells, Call, Clark, Bennett & Clawson has locations to serve you in Napa, Yolo, and Contra Costa counties.  We represent clients from California and all western states.