At Maison Law, our dedicated and compassionate attorneys are here for your family after you have lost a loved one in a Hayward accident. We are here to support your family during this daunting and sometimes-confusing process as you work toward results. If you have suffered the loss of a loved one caused by a negligent party, please contact us today. We offer you a no-obligation case review that comes at no upfront cost to your family.
Do You Need a Lawyer After a Fatal Accident?
There is no law in California stating that you need a lawyer to represent you after an accident, even one that ends in a fatality. However, attempting to handle your claim alone may come with complications. As you are grieving the loss of a loved one, you should not have to worry about how you will keep up with the bills that continue piling up. You can benefit from having the help of a wrongful death lawyer on your side during these difficult times for you and your family.
At Maison Law, we will do the following as we approach your claim:
- Investigate the circumstances of your accident and guide you through the legal process
- Gather evidence on your behalf such as medical records, police reports, photos, videos, and more
- Negotiate with the insurance company and take your claim to trial if need be
- Ease your family’s burdens by handling the legal process from start to finish
Who Can File a Hayward Wrongful Death Claim?
You can only file a wrongful death claim after the loss of a loved one if you are a certain individual or party. For instance, friends of the victim likely cannot file a wrongful death claim on behalf of their loved one. There are several parties who are able to file a claim on behalf of their loved one, including the following:
- A living spouse or domestic partner
- Living children
- A personal representative of the individual’s estate
When an individual passes away without a will, California uses what is known as “intestate succession.” This means that there are several parties who can file a lawsuit. These include parents, siblings, cousins, stepchildren, and more. To better understand what rights you may have after you have lost a loved one, it is crucial that you seek the help of a skilled legal advocate.
What Types of Accidents Commonly Lead to Wrongful Death Claims?
Hayward, California is made up of many major highways and places to visit such as the nearby Japanese Gardens and Five Canyons Park. The loss of a loved one can happen unexpectedly in a variety of accidents. Some of these common scenarios include:
- Car/Truck accidents
- Motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian accidents
- Product Liability cases
- Exposure to chemicals
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace-related accidents
No matter what led to the accident, there are some steps that you can take to protect your claim as a surviving person who wants to file a lawsuit on behalf of a loved one:
- Report the accident to police so that it is properly documented.
- Collect any evidence that can help you in your claim, such as witness statements and photographs if possible.
- Tell the insurance company about what led to the accident.
- Keep track of any expenses related to the accident, such as incurred medical bills and funeral expenses.
Damages Available in a Hayward Wrongful Death Claim
It can be incredibly life-altering for a family to face the fact that somebody they love has had their life taken from them prematurely in a Hayward accident. Along with the emotions associated with these losses, a family may be facing financial trauma on top of it all. Through a wrongful death lawsuit, a family may be able to recover compensation for a wide array of damages that can help them ease some of their burdens at this time.
Some of the damages that may be available for a family include the following:
- Funeral and burial expenses associated with the loss of a departed loved one
- Medical expenses an individual incurred before their unfortunate passing
- Loss of financial support due to lack of financial contributions
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship and consortium
- Punitive damages if the defendant’s actions were egregious or reckless in nature
It is important that you and your family act quickly to retain your rights after you have lost somebody close to you. This is because California follows a two-year statute of limitations. You have two years from the date of a loved one’s passing to file a claim before you miss out on damages that may be vital to you. We are here for you during these difficult times.
Contact a Hayward Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
You may be feeling unimaginable pain and stress after the loss of a loved one in a Hayward accident. Families may feel unsure about how they can navigate the legal system after one of these accidents. At Maison Law, our Hayward wrongful death lawyers are here for you. Contact us today for a free and confidential legal consultation to get started on this process.
