Rebuilding After a Wrongful Death

Wrongful death. You hear the term and you feel sorry for the family going through the devastation of senselessly losing a loved one. You wonder how justice can ever be served. Can it be served at all? What if the family that's hurting is yours?

California state law defines wrongful death as a fatality caused by "the wrongful act or neglect of another.” It may have been medical malpractice, an unsafe product, a work-related death, a careless driver, or another situation that caused the unnecessary demise of someone you love.

Whatever the case, you may already be in the midst of a criminal trial; however, criminally punishing the wrongdoer is only part of the process. A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil action, and can be filed by surviving dependent family members trying to recover financially. Medical bills, funeral expenses, loss of potential future income or inheritance are only a few examples of things that may be reclaimed.

A lawyer who specializes in this type of litigation is truly invaluable. While a lawsuit may not seem urgent during this time of overwhelming hurt, losing rightful monetary compensation because the proper action wasn't filed within the appropriate time frame will only expand the damage.

While no amount of money can ever make up for the loss of your loved one, the security of your future and the comfort of the responsible party being brought to justice can help to provide a sense of closure.