Maison Law of Fresno stands by families after a tragic accident claims a child’s life. We demand justice for the family. Maison Law also works to secure financial support for the parents and other family members left behind.
We offer a free and confidential case consultation to all parents and guardians. It’s important that families stay informed of the financial help and emotional support that’s available.
Should Parents Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer After the Tragic Death of a Child?
In many instances, it’s a good idea for families to turn to a skilled, local lawyer when considering a wrongful death claim. A lawyer’s legal experience can make it much easier to hold at-fault parties and their insurance providers fully liable. A lawyer also represents protection if an insurance adjuster tries to change the facts of what happened to avoid blame.
Families may lean on a Fresno Child Accident Lawyer’s help if the at-fault party is a business or a national corporation. These entities can afford powerful teams of lawyers to help them avoid accountability. Parents will want strong legal representation of their own in these cases so they receive every financial protection available, without being tricked into accepting less.
A lawyer provides these benefits and more in a wrongful death case:
- A full investigation into a child’s accident and the collection of all evidence
- Filing a wrongful death claim on behalf of parents
- Handling all communication with insurance companies, giving families time to grieve in peace
- Powerful negotiation skills to make sure your family receives the most in a settlement agreement
- Securing much more for the family’s future than parents could usually win by handling a claim themselves
- Checking over settlement offers to make sure they cover everything the family needs now and in the years ahead
- Rejecting a settlement offer if it doesn’t meet the family’s needs and demanding more
- Filing a lawsuit on behalf of the family if an insurance company refuses to accept complete responsibility for a tragic death
Types of Wrongful Death Cases Involving Children We Help Parents File
Sadly, the type of life-threatening hazards found around Fresno and all major cities often end up targeting child victims most of all. Children are naturally curious and can get themselves into dangerous situations quicker than most anyone else. Their still-developing bodies are also most vulnerable to serious injuries.
Fortunately, California law doesn’t expect children to always use the best judgment. It’s why personal injury laws put the responsibility on drivers, business owners, dog owners, and others to protect children. Motorists, and business and property owners are required to show young people a special “duty of care.”
They must act to prevent children from being exposed to harm. When they don’t, those at fault can be held liable for injury costs and for the expenses that arise when saying goodbye to a cherished loved one.
These are just a few of the most common types of cases our Fresno Wrongful Death Lawyers help families file:
- Fatal Dog Attacks – Dog bite accidents involve children far too often. Dogs that aren’t restrained or housed separately can get into confusing situations when they are allowed to be too close to children. An attack or a bite can occur, putting a young victim’s life in jeopardy. California holds dog owners responsible for a tragic death even if the dog has never bitten anyone in the past.
- Traffic Accidents – Collisions are probably the biggest risk to a child’s life. It’s a hazard they may be exposed to every day as they go to school, play outside, or go to the store. A careless driver on a busy road like Bullard Avenue can ram an SUV with a vulnerable child inside. Reckless truck drivers can put young pedestrians at risk as they get off a school bus or walk up to an elementary school. Children riding bikes in their neighborhoods are at risk when drivers aren’t paying proper attention.
- Premises Liability – Business and property owners owe all guests, customers, and tenants a safe journey while on their properties. A retail chain like Walmart, an apartment management company, or a landlord can create or allow unsafe conditions that claim a young person’s life. A Fresno premises liability lawyer holds an owner or a giant retail chain liable.
- Fun Parks – A fun trip to a place like the Aerozone trampoline park or Blackbeard’s Family Entertainment can expose a child to fast-moving parts, dangerous protruding pieces of metal, and falls from great heights. Children might also be exposed to harmful substances or an electrical shock from an exposed wire. Theme park owners must be held accountable. The City of Fresno may even be liable for a tragic accident at a city park.
- Drownings – A terrible drowning at a public pool like the Fresno Aquatics Center or at an area water park would leave the owners and operators financially responsible for a child’s death. A hotel chain could also be liable if a child is killed due to unsafe conditions at a motel pool. A Fresno drowning accident lawyer would hold a business owner or the City of Fresno fully responsible for a tragedy.
- Defective products. This threat comes from the devices and appliances brought into the home and around our children. These tools, appliances, and even toys that aren’t safe for home use can malfunction or release toxic substances. They can put a child’s precious life at risk. The manufacturers and the retailers who sold the product may have to provide financial support to close relatives. A landlord may also be liable for a fatal accident.
What Kind of Support Can My Family Demand After the Death of a Child?
California law permits families to seek justice and collect support from an at-fault party after a wrongful death. Parents who had a child taken from them would be legally empowered to ask for help with funeral costs and the emotional trauma they’ve been left with.
A skilled wrongful death attorney acting on behalf of parents or legal guardians of the victim would file a claim and make sure it included a full list of every devastating hardship parents and siblings faced after a tragic accident. This should include current damages and the damaging effects that will continue into the future.
These are just some of the benefits parents and guardians should receive after a tragedy:
- Reimbursement for the cost of a funeral and burial
- Money to pay any remaining medical bills, ambulance fees, and accident response expenses
- Support for the loss of companionship that will be felt now and for the rest of the family’s lives. This should include support for the life experiences parents have been robbed of, like a graduation, a wedding, and the birth of grandchildren.
- Support for the emotional devastation families experience and money to get help from mental health professionals if necessary
A Maison Law family representative works to earn this support for families, while causing as little disruption as possible. Parents would be able to mourn their loss, while their lawyer handled the frustrating negotiations with insurance companies.
Wellness Support After the Loss of a Child in Fresno
Families will often require financial support and care to be able to cope with such a terrible loss. It’s understandable that parents will require some professional medical health assistance to guide them through the grieving process.
There are several places grieving families can turn to speak to professional counselors. These groups also allow parents to meet others who have experienced such a loss.
These are just a few of the options available for those in mourning:
- Compassionate Friends — A national non-profit organization that focuses on families that have lost a child. They have online sessions/live chats for parents and adult siblings. They even have a group dedicated to helping grandparents cope with a loss. There’s also a podcast to listen to.
- GriefShare – Grief support groups congregate at several Fresno churches each month. They include Northwest Church, The Bridge, and Campus Bible Church near Fresno State.
- Help for Children Experiencing Grief – Hinds LifeCare offers 12-week programs for parents and children coping with the loss of a loved one. In Fresno, call (559) 248-8579 or email: centerforgriefandhealing@hindshospice.org. for more information.
Contact a Fresno Wrongful Death Lawyer
Consult with an attorney after your family has lost the precious life of a child due to someone else’s mistake. Nothing can bring back someone’s life, but families should seek justice and financial help from those whose negligence led to a tragic fatality.
When your family contacts Maison Law for a free consultation, you’ll talk to a real Lawyer, and you’ll get our full attention. You can also trust that your consultation will remain confidential.
If you decide we can help your family earn more in support, you won’t need any money now. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for your family. Then our fee comes out of the insurance settlement your family receives.
