Our attorneys at Maison Law are here for you and your family after you have lost a loved one in a Hollister accident. We understand that dealing with the aftermath of a fatal accident can be a confusing and devastating process. If you have suffered such immense losses, you should be able to take time to grieve your losses without worrying about where to turn financially. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for a no-obligation case review to get started.
Should You Have an Attorney After a Fatal Accident?
It is true that there is no legal requirement to hire a lawyer after an accident as you navigate the legal system. Some types of personal injury cases can be handled on your own, especially if minor injuries or mere property damage were involved. However, in cases involving a wrongful death, things can become more complex than expected. You may need the assistance of an attorney to protect your family’s rights and walk you through these complicated matters.
Here are some aspects that we can help you with as you move forward with a claim at Maison Law:
- Investigate the accident from start to finish to better understand how it happened
- Gather vital evidence such as police reports, medical records, photographs, and more
- Negotiate with insurance and take your claim to trial if settlement cannot be reached
- Work with accident reconstruction experts
- Ease your family’s burdens so that you can properly grieve during this difficult time
Who is Eligible to File a Hollister Wrongful Death Claim?
Many individuals wonder if they are able to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of their loved one. If you are a friend of the family or a very distant relative, it is likely that you will not be able to. There are several parties who are typically eligible to file a claim after a loved one has been taken from them prematurely:
- A living spouse/domestic partner
- Living children
- Parents of the deceased
- A personal representative of the individual’s estate
In some cases, a loved one may pass away without a will in place. In these cases, California uses a process known as “intestate succession.” This means that several parties may be able to successfully file a claim such as parents, siblings, cousins, stepchildren, and more. It can be challenging to understand what rights and options you have as a family member, which is why you can benefit from speaking with a knowledgeable attorney at this time.
Fatal Accident Dangers in Hollister
When the individuals and entities around us act in a careless manner, lives can be taken within seconds. Too many victims have their lives taken each year due to recklessness by individuals, businesses, property owners, landlords, workplaces, and more. Here are just a few of the wrongful death cases we commonly take on each year at Maison Law to support families of loved ones:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Some car accidents involve little more than property damage but others are incredibly serious and even life-threatening in some cases. Car accidents can include many types of collisions we see every day in Hollister such as pedestrian, bicycle, and even truck accidents.
- Slip and Falls: Falls can occur anywhere, from grocery stores to restaurants. When somebody falls on another person’s property, the injuries can be devastating and long-lasting. Property owners, employees, and more can be at fault.
- Workplace Accidents: Workplace accidents can happen anywhere such as construction zones, farms, manufacturing plants, and more.
- Theme Park Accidents: When an accident occurs at a theme park where you were expecting to have fun with your family, the owner of the park could be liable for resulting damages.
- Product Liability Cases: We use a variety of products in our everyday lives, from tools to home appliances. These products can malfunction due to defects, which means that a designer, manufacturer, or retailer of the product could be held accountable.
- Medical Malpractice: If a careless medical mistake takes place that causes serious injuries or costs a loved one their life, medical malpractice could be at play. Parties who could be at fault include doctors, surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, and more.
- Dog Bites: If a dog attacks an adult or child, the dog owner could be held liable.
- Swimming Pool Accidents: There are many hazards that can take place at pools, from slips to drowning events.
- Nursing Home Cases: When neglect from staff members or management occurs at a nursing home, a loved one’s life could be at risk.
Holding liable parties accountable for the loss of your loved one is not always easy to do. This is especially true if large insurance companies or corporate attorneys are trying to work against you. Speaking with our attorneys at Maison Law can help you get back on your feet if you have lost a loved one in any one of these types of accidents.
What Damages Are Available in a Wrongful Death Claim?
Families are left with a wide array of financial hardships after a loved one has been taken from them prematurely due to an accident. There are several types of damages that you could be eligible for if you have lost someone close to you due to another party’s negligence:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost income in a household
- Loss of care and guidance
- Medical bills your loved one incurred before their passing
- Financial support for parents who have lost a child
- Punitive damages in certain cases
- Pain and suffering
These damages can be critical for supporting close relatives who have been left behind. It is important that you and your attorney explore all damages that could be available for your family to get back on your feet during these difficult times.
Contact a Hollister Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
After a fatal accident, families should be permitted time to grieve their losses without financial worries. However, bills and hardships continue to pile up against families. This means that filing a lawsuit may be the next necessary step for you and your family.
At Maison Law, our experienced Hollister wrongful death lawyers are here to help you during this difficult time in your life. We offer you a free and completely confidential case review with particular compassionate attention to the circumstances of your claim. We believe that you should never have to suffer consequences financially after somebody else has made a mistake. Please contact us today for a confidential case consultation to get started.
