Los Angeles is a busy city, and as people rush from here to there, accidents are bound to happen. When they do, they are sometimes so serious, and the victim does not survive. The majority of accidents are caused by the negligence of another person. Negligence is an act or a failure to act that results in harm to another person. If another person’s negligence has caused the death of a loved one, our Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer can help you file a claim and recover the compensation you deserve.
Wrongful Death Cases Are Not Criminal CasesIt is not uncommon for a wrongful death to result in a criminal case. For example, when someone murders another person, that is both a criminal offense and an act of negligence or recklessness for which they can be held liable. Criminal cases are vastly different from civil cases.
During a criminal case, the prosecution for the state will try to prove the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If they are successful, the defendant will face many penalties, including jail time and high fines. None of these consequences help families move on from the wrongful death, though. Those restitutions are made to the state, not the relatives of the victim.
The only way for family members to recover compensation that can help with their losses, such as funeral and burial expenses, is to file a wrongful death civil claim with the help of a wrongful death attorney in Los Angeles. These cases are heard in civil court, although they are still often heard and decided on by a jury. The vast majority of cases settle outside of the courtroom before this point.
Only Certain People Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Los AngelesOnly accident victims can file a personal injury claim when they are injured, and only certain individuals can file a wrongful death claim, as well. These claims are intended to help surviving family members offset the financial burden caused by the death and so, only the following people are entitled to file a claim.
Sometimes, the deceased will not have any of the above surviving family members. In these cases, siblings and children of the siblings of the deceased can file a claim, with grandparents of the deceased given the next priority. If the deceased did not have any of these surviving family members, their next of kin may file a claim.
Call Our Wrongful Death Lawyer in Los Angeles for Help With Your ClaimIf your loved one has been killed due to the negligent or intentional acts of another person, our Los Angeles wrongful death attorney at Brod Law Firm can advise you of your legal options. Our seasoned attorney will investigate the death, collect important evidence to prove your case, and hold the liable party accountable for paying the full compensation you deserve. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.