You might think nothing could be worse than suddenly losing your loved one. However, learning that their death was entirely preventable and could have been avoided makes the heartbreak even more painful.
When someone else did something that led to your loved one’s premature death, a compassionate personal injury attorney can help you hold them financially accountable. While no amount of money can give you back your deceased loved one, a financial settlement could help your family move on from the trauma and rebuild your lives. A Stockton wrongful death lawyer will help you navigate your legal options and understand your family’s rights—call today.
Potential Recoverable Damages in a Stockton Wrongful Death Claim
The value of a wrongful death claim varies. In calculating a damages award, the court often considers several factors, such as the cause of death. The court might also consider whether the victim suffered before dying, as well as their health and age at the time of their death. While any loss is tragic, the court will likely award less money to the family of a 95-year-old man who had cancer than they would to the family of a healthy 25-year-old.
Many wrongful death suits grant compensation for the following:
- Medical bills before the decedent’s death, including expenses for emergency care visits and surgeries related to the incident that caused their death
- Funeral costs
- Loss of income, particularly if the deceased contributed to the household finances – Families could pursue compensation for the earnings their loved one could have reasonably been expected to provide had they not died.
- Pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and the emotional trauma of surviving family members
Every legal case is different, but working with a legal representative who can give a grieving family’s case the attention it needs is critical to maximizing the potential value of their claim. A skilled attorney in Stockton will take the time to learn every detail about the deceased victim and their family to pursue a settlement that is as fair as possible, given the emotional circumstances.
Causes of Wrongful Death in Stockton
Family members could be eligible to file suit anytime someone else’s actions or inactions lead to their loved one’s untimely death. Events that might justify negligent death claims include the following:
- Motor vehicle crashes
- Slip and falls
- Drownings
- Domestic assaults
- Murder
- Elder abuse
- Medical malpractice
- Lack of security leading to violent criminal acts
- Exposure to toxic substances
- Use of dangerous products
- Workplace accidents
A hardworking attorney can help families who have lost loved ones due to a tragic accident caused by someone’s negligence pursue a claim in court. These legal representatives know how to skillfully investigate accidents to determine what happened and who is legally to blame.
Work with an Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney in Stockton
When you lose a loved one in a devastating accident, you are likely overwhelmed with grief and financial hardships. Likewise, when you suspect someone else’s actions led to your loved one’s death, you probably have many unanswered questions. A Stockton wrongful death lawyer can help you search for answers and fight for justice on your loved one’s behalf.
With our tenacious legal team members, you can hold the responsible parties legally accountable for their wrongful actions. Call today to learn more, and let us begin working on your claim.