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The death of a loved one due to someone else's negligence is always a heartbreaking and emotionally charged time for families. While the mental and emotional stress of being separated from a loved one can be almost unbearable at times, losses due to the reckless acts of others can be especially painful. If someone close to you has been killed due to the negligence of another person, you need an experienced wrongful death attorney.
The wrongful death attorneys at The Sevey Law Firm understand what you are going through. We fight for justice on behalf of those who are suffering and have compensated millions of dollars in damages for wrongful death victims' families.
If you or someone you know is considering filing a wrongful death claim, our experienced team of professionals can help guide you through the process. Contact us today for a free consultation.
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, no amount of money can truly compensate for your loss. Yet, the law recognizes the need for financial recovery to help families cope with the economic and emotional impact of their loss.
A confusing factor when it comes to wrongful death claims is what kind of damages victims' families may be entitled to. While the details of each case are unique, some general guidelines can be used to determine what to expect. The majority of losses fall into either one of two categories:
Our client’s husband was killed when he swerved on the freeway to avoid a ladder that fell out of the back of the defendant’s pickup truck, leading to a $2,250,000 wrongful death settlement. The defendant denied the ladder was his or that it came out of his truck.
Our investigator was able to trace the ladder to the defendant, who had fled the scene. The defendant claims the ladder was stolen on the morning of the accident. The defendant later admitted he lied, and that the ladder did come out of his truck.
The victim, in this case, was Mr. Castro, an 82-year-old man with stage four prostate cancer. Our clients were his heirs. Mr. Castro had fallen at a Home Depot store. The defendant, who was driving slowly, did not see him on the ground and ran over both of his legs. Mr. Castro was placed in an elderly home and passed due to his injuries within five months. We hired a Urologist to estimate his life expectancy if he had been able to seek treatment. The timeframe was limited to four years. We settled at mediation for $750,000.
Wrongful deaths can occur in many ways — some being quite common, while others are unique and can be difficult to comprehend. No matter how it happens, the results are always the same — pain, suffering, and an incredible sense of loss for everyone involved. While not meant to be a definitive list, here are some of the types of fatal incidents we handle the most at The Sevey Law Firm:
In the past, laws were much stricter regarding who could file a wrongful death suit — limiting the types of suits to spouses and blood relatives only. However, the courts have recently become much more open as to who can claim these types of losses.
Although it varies on a case-by-case basis, typical entitlements go to spouses and children of the deceased, parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, and grandparents.
The recent expansions previously mentioned also include domestic partners and stepchildren. Basically, anyone who can claim to have been a dependent at the victim’s time of death is eligible to file suit.
Wrongful death cases are tricky. Although the cause of death is usually obvious, proving the fault or negligence of others can be much more difficult. That is why you need to work with an injury law firm experienced in these types of complex cases.
We take the trust you place in us seriously and work hard to ensure you and your family are properly compensated in your time of need.
If you need assistance with a wrongful death case where someone is found responsible, our Roseville wrongful death attorney, Jeff Sevey, can help you recover financial losses. Jeff works tirelessly so that at fault parties are held accountable for the death and accident caused.
At the Sevey Law firm, there is no charge to talk to us, and you will never pay a dime in fees until we win your case. Contact us today for a free consultation.
A wrongful death suit is a court action brought by surviving family members when a person dies due to negligence or wrongful actions.
Restitution may include economic damages (such as lost wages, funeral expenses, and medical bills) and non-economic damages (such as loss of companionship and emotional distress), often resulting in a wrongful death settlement.
Personal injury cases of wrongful death generally can be filed within two years from the date of death. If you lost a close relative, contact a Roseville wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible.
A wrongful death claim is an action filed in a civil court seeking financial compensation, while a criminal case is trying to convict the wrongdoer through the justice system.
Common examples include car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, bicycle accidents, and medical malpractice.
An experienced wrongful death attorney can investigate the accident, recover evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for fair compensation on your behalf.
California follows comparative negligence rules, meaning you may still receive damages, but they may be reduced based on the deceased's level of fault.
The duration varies depending on the complexity of the case, but it can take anywhere from several months to a few years to resolve.
Punitive damages are additional compensation awarded in cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm, meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
Insurance companies often try to reduce payouts in cases involving an unexpected death. They may offer quick, low settlements or dispute liability. Our experienced Roseville wrongful death lawyers know how to reach an agreement with insurance companies to ensure you are paid fair compensation for your loss.
Yes, you can still file a claim even if the deceased didn't have a will. The court will determine the appropriate beneficiaries according to California law.