Santa Barbara Attorneys Compensate Survivors for Wrongful Death
California law firm helps win justice for victims’ families
There is no more devastating occurrence than losing a loved one in a tragic event. When the death was caused by another person’s negligent, reckless or deliberate behavior, you may have the right to recover money damages through a wrongful death lawsuit. For over four decades, Pulverman & Pulverman, LLP in Santa Barbara has assisted bereaved families in California’s Central Coast area in bringing such claims. While no amount of money can fully make up for the loss, a financial recovery can help you resume your life with a measure of financial security and with the satisfaction of holding the wrongdoer accountable.
What is considered wrongful death?
Wrongful death is defined in California law as “the death of a person caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another.” Eligible family members can file a lawsuit seeking financial compensation for their resulting losses. A personal injury attorney from our firm is prepared to assist in wrongful death actions rising from auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, workplace accidents and the full spectrum of other fatal events.
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in California?
A deceased person’s surviving spouse or domestic partner, their children or their grandchildren have first priority in filing wrongful death lawsuits. Parents, siblings and other dependents may file if there is no one in the first priority group. We can advise you about your eligibility to file a wrongful death lawsuit and represent you through the process. Do not delay in seeking legal counsel, since there is a two-year statute of limitations, starting on the date of death for filing.
What types of damages are available in a wrongful death lawsuit?
Damages available in wrongful death cases in California include the following:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of financial support and benefits
- Loss of emotional support
- Loss of consortium and companionship
Our attorneys will help you determine all the current and future damages arising from your family member’s death so as to maximize your recovery.
What are survival actions?
While a wrongful death lawsuit is meant to compensate family members for their losses resulting from the death, a survival action is one that the decedent could have brought or continued had they not been killed. The personal representative of the decedent files the survival action, essentially standing in the shoes of the decedent. Damages in a survival action can include the medical costs of treating the deceased before death, the pain and suffering the decedent went through before death and any financial losses they experienced from not working prior to death. Any pending lawsuit the decedent had commenced can also be pursued. Proceeds from a survival action are paid to the decedent’s estate and are distributed to estate beneficiaries. We will counsel you on the availability of this remedy.
Contact an experienced California wrongful death attorney
At the California law firm of Pulverman & Pulverman, LLP in Santa Barbara, we bring legal knowledge, sensitivity and compassion to assisting clients in wrongful death and survival cases. To speak with an attorney in a free consultation, call 805-962-0397 or contact us online.
