Maison Law guides families through the incredibly difficult process of filing wrongful death claims after fatal accidents in Redding. It’s a situation nobody wants to face, but given the many different kinds of accidents that can happen here, it’s an unfortunate reality. And when it happens because somebody else was careless, it only adds to the grief. Our team can help you and your family. Set up a free consultation today.
Does My Family Need to Get a Lawyer For a Wrongful Death Claim?
You might be surprised to hear that you don’t have to hire a lawyer to file a wrongful death claim in California. But the truth is, these cases are often far from simple. Insurance companies, businesses, and even the people involved can move fast to protect themselves—and without guidance, it’s easy for your family to get left behind.
So while it’s not a requirement, you and your family already have a lot to cope with. Trying to handle deadlines, insurance calls, and paperwork on top of your grief can be too much. That’s where our lawyers can help by:
- Looking into what happened, from police reports to expert opinions
- Gathering important evidence, like medical records, witness accounts, and photos
- Figuring out who’s responsible—whether it’s a driver, employer, property owner, or more than one party
- Handling insurance negotiations so your family isn’t pressured into a low offer
- Standing by your side in court if the case goes that far
- Keeping the process organized and manageable, so your focus can stay on your family
Getting a lawyer is about having someone in your corner. It gives you or your family room to grieve and begin to heal, knowing there’s someone looking out for your family every step of the way.
What Kind of Information Helps a Wrongful Death Claim?
Thinking about gathering evidence or information after a fatal accident–especially one involving you or a loved one–feels a bit cold, but the reality is these details are important for moving forward. More to the point, the information and evidence often shows the truth of what happened—and why it never should have happened. So, while every situation is different, here’s the basic building blocks of what you’ll need:
- Accident reports – Police or accident reports give an official account. For example, a police report from an intersection like Cypress Avenue and Hilltop Drive can show exactly how a fatal t-bone collision happened.
- Medical records – Hospital notes and doctor summaries are going to link the death to the accident itself. Even if the notes are hard to read, they matter.
- Witness statements – Neighbors or passersby sometimes see what official reports miss. An objective, third-person statement can add credibility to your family’s story.
- Pictures/videos – Visual evidence captures details words may miss. Security footage from a nearby business or traffic camera can be invaluable in these types of situations.
- Financial records – Pay stubs, bills, and budgets show how the loss affects your family’s future.
With this information, it’s about showing both what happened and how it is going to continue to impact your family. Part of our job is gathering, organizing, and protecting this information while also helping you or your family actually go through the process of filing the claim. And that starts with figuring out who’s responsible.
Who Pays For Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is about showing that someone didn’t act safely, and that their carelessness directly led to a tragic loss. Figuring out who is responsible isn’t always straightforward, and in many cases, more than one person can be involved. Usually, though, it falls on:
- Drivers – A moment of distraction or impairment can have deadly results. Drivers (and sometimes their insurance) may be responsible for medical bills, funeral costs, and lost income.
- Employers – If safety rules aren’t followed on the job, employers or their insurance may need to cover losses when a fatal accident occurs.
- Property owners – Broken railings, uneven sidewalks, or poorly maintained spaces can all cause to deadly accidents. Property owners or their insurance may be responsible.
- Government agencies – Unsafe roads, intersections, or construction zones can lead to all kinds of fatal accidents. The responsible agency may have to help cover costs.
Again, with so many potentially responsible people sharing responsibility for what happened, it’s important to get as much evidence as you can early on. From there, it’s about knowing what you can do for your family.
What Can a Wrongful Death Claim Do for My Family?
A wrongful death claim isn’t about putting a price on your loved one’s life. It’s about helping your family get through the very real financial and emotional challenges that come after a sudden loss. That’s the main objective of a wrongful death claim, but at least in practice, it’s a bit different than a normal injury claim.
First, California law outlines who can file a wrongful death claim. Usually, this includes:
- A spouse or domestic partner
- Children
- If there’s no surviving spouse or children, parents, siblings, step family members, or someone named in the will (if there is one.)
Every family situation is different, and sometimes multiple family members may be involved in a claim. And while no legal action can undo the loss, the next step is actually filing the claim through either:
- An insurance claim out of court.
- A wrongful death lawsuit.
Once it’s filed, the “damages” are also a bit different than normal, covering things like:
- Medical costs tied to the fatal injury or illness
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost income and support the deceased would have provided
- Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
- Emotional suffering caused by grief and stress
Most wrongful death claims in California need to be filed within two years from the date your loved one passed away. If a government agency is involved, that timeline can be even shorter. Moving quickly isn’t just about meeting a deadline—it’s about starting to gather the information and evidence that can show what really happened.
How Do Fatal Accidents Most Often Happen in Redding?
It can be hard to even think about the details of the accident while you’re grieving, but understanding how these tragedies happen can help make sense of a loss that feels senseless. In Redding, fatal accidents can happen in a lot of different ways—on busy streets, rural highways, or even in places you might feel are “safe.” It’s really unfortunate and hard to face, but fatal accidents usually involve:
- Car accidents – Intersections like Cypress Avenue and Hilltop Drive have seen collisions that turned deadly in seconds.
- Motorcycle accidents on I-5 or Highway 299 – Riders are especially vulnerable when drivers make unsafe lane changes or fail to see them.
- Pedestrian accidents downtown – Crosswalks near Market Street or the Sundial Bridge can be dangerous, particularly with heavy foot traffic from students and visitors.
- Big rig collisions – Large big rigs moving through I-5 interchanges or Eureka Way carry massive impact when there’s a collision.
- Unsafe property conditions – From construction sites near Keswick Dam Road to poorly maintained apartments downtown, hazards that aren’t taken care of can lead to tragedy.
Each case has its own story. A wrongful death claim helps uncover why it happened and holds the right parties accountable. And our team will be there to be by you and your family’s side from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you have to file a wrongful death claim in Redding?
Most wrongful death claims in California must be filed within two years from the date of death. Claims against government agencies may have shorter deadlines, so it’s best not to wait.
Can you file a claim even if no one was charged with a crime?
Yes. Wrongful death claims are civil, not criminal. That means you don’t need a criminal charge to hold a person, business, or agency responsible.
Do wrongful death cases in Redding always go to trial?
Not necessarily. Many cases settle outside of court. But having our team prepared to take a case to trial often encourages insurance companies to offer fairer settlements.
How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death lawyer?
Our firm works on a contingency basis. You pay nothing upfront and our fee comes out of whatever result we get for your family. This is so your family isn’t taking on extra financial risk while filing the claim.
Maison Law Helps Families in Redding Through the Wrongful Death Process
Losing someone you love in an accident is always devastating, but even more so when it was preventable. In this situation, you and your family don’t have to face the legal process alone.
Our team of Redding wrongful death lawyers at Maison Law will handle the legal burden so you can focus on what matters most: your family. When you’re ready, reach out for a free consultation.
