Maison Law helps families in Fresno through the wrongful death claims process after a fatal accident. It’s an incredibly difficult time, but you and your family have legal options that can help you move forward. But that’s going to require important documents and evidence. If you decide to move forward with a wrongful death claim, our team can guide you through each step. To learn more, reach out today for a free consultation.
Can I File a Wrongful Death Claim in Fresno?
It’s incredibly hard to face the prospect of losing someone you love in an accident in Fresno. Whether it’s a car accident on Shaw Avenue or being struck by a car while walking downtown, an accident can turn fatal very quickly. When it happens because of someone else’s negligence, the law allows for a “wrongful death” claim to be filed.
But there’s a few key distinctions. First, only certain people can file it:
- Spouses or domestic partners.
- Children
- Parents, stepchildren, or other close relatives if there are no children or spouses.
With that taken care of, the actual claim can be filed through either an insurance claim or lawsuit. Like any other claim, it’s about getting “damages” from the person responsible, but in a wrongful death claim, these damages are a bit different. They typically include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills for care received before death
- Lost income your loved one would have provided
- Loss of future earnings or benefits
California law still only gives you two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Missing this window can prevent a claim from being filed. Other factors are going to play into your family’s damages, from the health of your loved one at the time of the accident to how many dependents there are. On top of that, insurance companies often handle settlement offers first, but having skilled help from our team will make sure that your family’s losses are fully considered. A big part of that is the documentation that’s needed.
How Do I Get Documents From the Coroner After a Fatal Accident?
After you lose a loved one in a fatal accident in Fresno, there are practical things to handle—medical bills, funeral costs, and legal questions. That’s where the wrongful death claim comes in, but you’re going to need proof and documentation. Usually, this includes things like:
- Death certificate – This official record lists the date, location, and cause of death. You’ll likely need multiple certified copies for your wrongful death claim. Death certificates are issued through the Fresno County Recorder’s Office, not the coroner. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person, with ID and a small fee required.
- Coroner’s report – The coroner’s report is going to summarize the investigation, including cause and manner of death. It can be key evidence in a wrongful death claim. To get it, you’ll need to put in a written request to the Fresno County Coroner’s Office with proof that you are the next of kin. Fees and processing times usually apply, so it’s better to act quickly.
- Autopsy report – If an autopsy was performed, this report details injuries and medical cause of death. Requests must show you are next of kin, and processing can take weeks or months.
- Release of personal effects – If belongings were collected during the investigation, paperwork must be completed before they’re returned. Forms are provided by the coroner’s office, and ID is required.
These documents can contain graphic details and medical terminology, which can add to your family’s pain and stress. That’s where our team can request the records, review them carefully, and explain what matters in plain language.
How Maison Law Helps Families in Fresno After a Fatal Accident
You don’t have to have a lawyer to file a wrongful death claim, but the process can be overwhelming—especially when you’re dealing with a loss in Fresno. At Maison Law, we can help you and your family by:
- Explaining your options – We look at your situation, explain whether a wrongful death claim applies, and outline the best next steps for your family.
- Gathering evidence – From medical and coroner records to accident reports and witness statements, we make sure nothing important is missed.
- Managing insurance and negotiations – Insurance companies often control the first offers. We handle all communications, request investigative reports, and work to make sure your family’s losses are fully considered.
- Going to court – If the case goes to trial, we manage filings, attend hearings, and present your case before a judge or jury.
Losing someone in Fresno is stressful enough without also trying to deal with insurance companies or other lawyers on your own. We handle the legal side step by step, so your family can focus on moving forward while knowing you have support every step of the way. To get started, set up a free consultation today.
