Every accident in Tulare is challenging in its own way, but fatal accidents are much heavier. When you lose somebody you love, it’s incredibly difficult to even know what to do next.
Welcome to Maison Law. We have the answers you’re looking for and want to help you through this difficult process. Get a free case review today—it can help you find some closure and stability moving forward.
Should You Get a Lawyer?
Losing someone you love in an accident is something no one prepares for. And when it happens in Tulare, it can turn your whole world upside down. While you’re not required to hire a lawyer to bring a wrongful death claim, having someone on your side can take a huge weight off you and your family’s shoulders.
These cases often involve sensitive details, legal deadlines, and a lot of moving parts. That’s where we come in—to make the process more manageable, and to stand up for your family every step of the way by:
- Investigating what led to the accident
- Figuring out who’s responsible for what happened
- Gathering the evidence that supports your claim
- Explaining the next steps
- Handling communication with insurance companies
- Preparing and presenting your case if it goes to court
You’ve already been through more than enough. We’re here to make sure the legal process doesn’t add to the burden. With care, clarity, and steady support, we help you understand your options and move forward. Every situation is different, but there’s usually the same starting point: figuring out who’s responsible.
Who’s Responsible for Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim?
In Tulare, a wrongful death claim works a lot like other personal injury cases when it comes to figuring out who’s responsible. Even though the loss is deeply personal and incredibly painful, the law still looks at the same basic question: Was someone careless, and did that carelessness lead to the death?
To build a claim, we look at whether someone had a legal duty to act safely, and whether they failed to do that. If so, they can be held legally responsible. In real life, it’s rarely simple—but here are some common examples of people or groups who might be liable in a wrongful death case:
- Drivers who cause fatal car or truck accidents
- Companies that make unsafe vehicles or parts
- Employers when accidents happen on the job
- Doctors, surgeons, nurses or hospitals in malpractice cases
- Criminals whose actions cause fatal injuries
- City or county governments that don’t fix dangerous road conditions
- Store owners who sell hazardous products
- Landlords or property owners who ignore serious safety risks
Obviously, every claim is different. So, figuring out who’s responsible and has to pay for your family’s damages is going to depend heavily on what actually happened. That said, once you have a better idea of who’s responsible, you can move forward with the claims process.
How Does a Wrongful Death Claim Work?
As difficult as it can be to think about, there’s still a legal path in place when there’s a fatal accident. And it’s designed to help families recover the financial and emotional losses that come with such a devastating event.
However, the process is a bit different with what’s called a “wrongful death” claim. You’ll first run into this when you go to actually file it. In California, only certain people can actually file a wrongful death claim, like:
- A spouse or domestic partner
- Children
- People named in the will
In some cases, parents, siblings, or stepchildren (if closer family members aren’t available)
Once that’s sorted out, the process usually involves filing an insurance claim or, if needed, a lawsuit. The main difference from a standard injury claim is the types of damages involved. These usually involve:
- Loss of financial support and guidance
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical expenses related to the accident
- Emotional pain, grief, and loss of companionship
- Future income and benefits your loved one would’ve provided
There’s still a two-year window to file a claim in California, so it’s important to act quickly. At the same time, we understand your family needs space to grieve. We’ll help you take the right steps at the right time so that everything stays on track. But there’s also the steps you and your family need to take after the accident itself.
What Can You Do to Protect and Strengthen a Wrongful Death Claim?
It’s hard to think about you or someone you love being involved in a fatal accident. And given all the different kinds of accidents that can result in fatal injuries, it makes it even more problematic. But the reality is that certain things need to be done in the aftermath to protect and strengthen a potential wrongful death claim:
- Report the accident – Whether it happened on the road, at work, or on someone’s property, make sure it’s documented. This means calling 911 for a vehicle accident or reporting what happened to the property owner or management. If it involved a dangerous product, keep receipts or packaging.
- Gather key evidence – You also need to get as much information as you can in terms of evidence. Take pictures and videos of the accident scene, as well as anything that might have contributed.
- Keep track of any expenses – Keep track of medical bills, funeral costs, and anything else related to the accident. This will be important financial and legal proof for your claim.
- Be careful with what you say – When speaking with insurance companies or others involved, stick to the facts. If you weren’t there at the scene, what you say can still impact the claim, so don’t speculate or make statements that could be misunderstood.
Of course, not every family can do all this alone—especially during such a difficult time. That’s why we’re here: to take the pressure off and make sure your family’s case is handled with care, clarity, and respect. You don’t need to have it all figured out—we’ll help you through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a wrongful death claim different from an injury claim?
Yes, although they’re pretty much the same. Basically, a wrongful death claim is filed on behalf of a family who’s lost someone. Only certain people can file it in California, and the damages deal with the losses that come about because of the accident.
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Tulare?
Under the law, only a spouse, domestic partner, or child can file a wrongful death claim in California. If there’s no one in that group, someone named in the will or certain other close relatives may be able to.
How long do I have to file wrongful death claims?
Even with a fatal accident, you and your family only have two years from the date of death to file a claim.
Legal Support for Tulare Wrongful Death Claims
Losing someone you love is heartbreaking—and when it happens suddenly because of someone else’s actions, the pain is even harder to process. A wrongful death can leave your family overwhelmed with questions, responsibilities, and grief. You don’t have to go through it alone.
Our team of Tulare wrongful death lawyers at Maison Law is here to stand up for you with steady support and guidance. While no legal action can undo what happened, we can help you take meaningful steps forward. From handling the paperwork to talking to insurance companies, we make the process easier—so your focus stays where it belongs: on healing. Reach out today for a free, no-obligation case review.
