Compassionate Legal Help for Wrongful Death Cases in Tustin
Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is one of the most painful and overwhelming experiences a family can endure. Amidst grief and emotional shock, many people are unaware that they may have the right to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim. While no legal action can ever replace the life lost, it can provide financial security and a sense of accountability for the responsible party.
If you are facing this difficult situation, an experienced Tustin personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options and guide you through the legal process with care and compassion.
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in California
California law allows certain family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit when a person dies as a result of another’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. The goal of a wrongful death claim is to compensate surviving family members for the losses they have suffered as a result of their loved one’s untimely death.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
California’s wrongful death statute allows the following individuals to bring a claim:
The decedent’s spouse or domestic partner
The decedent’s children
Grandchildren of any deceased child of the decedent
Other minor children who were dependent on the decedent for at least 50 percent of their support
Any person who would be entitled to the decedent’s property by intestate succession
In cases where multiple people are eligible to file, they may choose to file jointly or through a representative of the decedent’s estate.
Damages Available in a Wrongful Death Case
Surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for a variety of economic and non-economic losses, including:
Loss of love, companionship, affection, and moral support
Loss of consortium for a surviving spouse
Loss of future financial support
Loss of household services the decedent would have provided
Funeral and burial expenses
Each claim is unique, and the amount of compensation depends on the individual facts of the case, including the decedent’s life expectancy, earning capacity, and relationship with the surviving family members.
Key Factors in a Wrongful Death Case
Wrongful death cases can be emotionally and legally complex. Some of the key challenges include:
Determining whether to bring the claim in the name of individual heirs or as part of the decedent’s estate
Establishing the decedent’s expected life span based on health, occupation, lifestyle, and age
Calculating the financial support that would have been provided over time
Assigning value to non-economic losses such as emotional support, companionship, and love
These cases require not only legal skill but also sensitivity and respect for the grieving process. Gary A. Peterson understands the emotional toll these cases take and is committed to handling every wrongful death case with compassion, dignity, and thorough preparation.
Speak with a Tustin Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
The death of a loved one due to another’s negligence is a tragedy no family should have to endure. While financial compensation cannot undo the loss, it can provide stability, protect your future, and hold the at-fault party accountable.
Gary A. Peterson has years of experience helping families pursue justice in wrongful death cases and will work tirelessly on your behalf.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you have lost a loved one in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact the Law Office of Gary A. Peterson today. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to help you understand your rights and legal options. Call now to speak with a compassionate and experienced Tustin wrongful death attorney.
