Maison Law can help you and your family through a wrongful death claim in Turlock. A fatal accident is something no family in Turlock wants to go through, but unfortunately, any type of accident can turn deadly under the right conditions.
Turlock is a close-knit community, and when someone dies in a car accident, there’s a good chance that quite a few people know who they were or someone who knew them. Our Turlock wrongful death lawyers know how devastating the loss of a loved one can be, and we’ve made it our mission to help victims of accidents work through the complexity of the legal system and move forward. Set up a free consultation today to learn more.
How a Lawyer Can Help Your Family After a Fatal Accident
It’s hard enough just being in a regular accident in Turlock, but when it turns out to be fatal, it brings a whole new level of grief and stress.
Even when it happens, the last thing on your mind is filing a wrongful death claim. For now, you’re just trying to get through each day.
But while your family is trying to process this loss, the insurance company may already be working to protect itself and the people it insures. Having someone on your side can take some of that pressure off. Our team can:
- Take a closer look at how the accident happened and what went wrong
- Gather accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and other important evidence
- Figure out who could be legally responsible for your loved one’s death
- Deal with the insurance company so your family isn’t pushed into making decisions before you’re ready
- Handle the wrongful death claim and keep things moving forward
The point isn’t to make an already difficult time more complicated with a drawn-out legal process. It’s to help your family understand your options and handle the legal side of things without having to manage everything on your own while you’re grieving.
Type of Accidents in Turlock that can Result in a Wrongful Death Claim
The people of Turlock are on the go, and they are hard workers. While this is a good thing, it also puts them at risk of accidents and unfortunately, fatalities. Some of the ways people are victims of wrongful death in Turlock are:
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Crashes
- Farm Truck Accidents
- Farm Machinery Malfunctions
- Riding Bicycles
- While out walking
- A Hit and Run Accident
- Drunk Driver
- Rideshare Accidents
- Slip and Fall Injuries
- Defective Product
- Workplace (Due to third party’s negligence)
Who Can Claim Compensation for a Wrongful Death?
Under California law, only the close family members—usually those living with the deceased—can make a legal claim for compensation against the person who negligently caused the loved one’s death. Those who can make a wrongful death claim are:
- The spouse married to the deceased at the time of death.
- The domestic partner of the deceased if domiciled at the time of death.
- The surviving children (minor and adult).
- A dependent minor living with the child at the time of death.
- Grandparents and siblings not living with deceased under some circumstances
The claim itself has to be filed by a representative of the deceased. This doesn’t have to be an attorney, just someone who represents all those seeking compensation.
Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim
The law allows for certain losses to be compensated. In a typical auto accident where the victim lived, he or she will claim injuries and losses that happened to them. However, when the victim dies, the losses that can be claimed are those suffered by the surviving family members based on how the death impacted their life.
- Outstanding medical bills from the victim’s treatment
- Loss of financial support (present and future earnings)
- Loss of benefits like retirement
- Mental pain and anguish of survivors
- Value of goods and services that would have been provided
- Loss of companionship and guardianship
- Loss of care and nurturing
- Loss of consortium (deceased’s spouse)
- Punitive damages if the death was intentional or due to gross negligence
Contact Our Turlock Wrongful Death Lawyers Today
After an accident involving a serious injury in the Central Valley, contact attorney Martin Gasparian for a free consultation and case evaluation. Mr. Gasparian takes a hands-on approach to every case. He believes that every client should work directly with their lawyer, get honest advice, and personalized attention to detail. Contact Mason Law today to learn more about your legal options.
