Helping Families Recover Damages After Losing a Loved One

No one expects to lose their loved one in a car accident, malpractice claim, or any other accident. However, sometimes the unthinkable happens, and you are faced with a loved one’s death. At these times, you need a law office on your side to explain your rights and fight for you.

Our legal team understands the legal process when recovering damages for wrongful death in California. We have the know-how and dedication to get the results you need. Whether that means recovering medical and funeral expenses, compensation for emotional distress, lost income and wages, or other damages, we can help. We will walk by your side so you will know what to expect at each step and have the confidence that hiring an experienced wrongful death attorney can bring.

Every second counts when you are suffering because of another person’s negligence. California’s statute of limitations may make it impossible to collect compensation if you wait too long. You should also act quickly while gathering evidence and proving fault is still possible. Reach out to our Fresno wrongful death lawyers immediately to take advantage of our free consultation offer. You can call us at 559-545-0383 to speak with our legal team right away.

What Damages Can You Help Me Recover?

If you are suffering because of a lost loved one, you have our deepest sympathies. We recognize that no sum of cash can bring your loved one back or undo the suffering your family is experiencing. However, you have legal rights that should be respected at this challenging time. For example, your family has the right to compensation if your loved one was killed because of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. This includes both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Our team of attorneys helps family members collect economic damages after losing a loved one. These damages include items that are easily calculated and for which you may receive a receipt.

Some examples of economic damages include:

• Past and future medical bills
• Past and future lost wages
• Property damage
• Funeral and burial expenses

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are often overlooked in personal injury cases. However, they are just as important when making a recovery. Non-economic damages include injuries that are difficult to quantify but still affect the victim’s life.

Non-economic damages in a California wrongful death claim may include:

• Past and future pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium
• Mental distress and anguish

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages may also be awarded when the person responsible engages in criminal behavior, such as drunk driving or committing another crime.

We promise to use all of our experience, talent, and dedication to get you the best possible results in your California wrongful death claim. You deserve more than what the insurance company is probably offering. We can help you get compensation for the full range of damages under California law. Call our team of attorneys today to discuss bringing a wrongful death claim following the death of your loved one.

Who Can File for Wrongful Death in California?

Understanding California law is crucial when seeking compensation for any personal injury. This is especially true when filing a wrongful death claim. Special rules govern who may seek compensation, and a judge may have the final say when it comes to determining whether a person is eligible to file a wrongful death claim.

Some individuals who are usually eligible for compensation in California include:

• Surviving spouse
• Parents
• Surviving children
• Next-of-kin, including extended family members when appointed by the court
• Domestic partner
• Another personal representative if no relatives are still living

To more fully understand whether you are eligible for damages, please reach out to the legal team at Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian. We are standing by to help you learn how the law applies in your unique case and to get the full compensation you deserve. Call our legal team right away for a free consultation where we can go over the details of your case and help you understand what to expect during the legal process.

What Accidents Qualify for a Wrongful Death Claim?

If you are suffering from the sudden loss of a family member, you may wonder whether you qualify for reimbursement for damages. The good news is that if the death was caused by another person’s negligence or wrongful act, chances are you can bring a wrongful death claim to recover damages. This includes many different types of accidents and criminal behavior.

Some of the most common accidents handled by our law firm include:

• Car accidents
• Workplace accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Brain injuries
• Drowning accidents
• Spinal injuries
• Dog bites
• Drunk driving accidents

Please remember that the family’s rights are crucial when recovering from the tragic loss of a loved one. We believe that a favorable outcome includes recovering both economic damages and non-economic damages, and we will fight vigorously for you to get the money you need to recover from your loved one’s death.

Our wrongful death lawyers work tirelessly to uncover evidence, including accident reports, medical records, surveillance footage, accident reconstruction expert testimonies, statements from medical representatives, and more, to establish a strong case in your favor. We will do everything possible to get you the financial support you need following an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. Call our Fresno, CA, law office right away to discuss your wrongful death claim with our compassionate, skilled team.

How Is Wrongful Death Compensation Paid Out in California?

Fresno wrongful death claims are usually resolved in one of two ways. You may accept the payment in a lump sum or receive smaller payments over time, depending on your circumstances. A wrongful death lawyer is an excellent source of information regarding how payments work and for advice on which choice is better for you and your family.

Lump Sum Settlement

As the name suggests, a lump sum payment is given to the decedent’s family members all at once. This can make it possible to pay for large hospital bills, pay off the deceased person’s debts, pay funeral expenses, and cover other large expenses. However, you should be aware of the tax implications when requesting a lump sum settlement. Talking to an attorney can help you know what to expect so you can make the best decision for your unique situation.

Structured Annuity Settlement

Another option that some people choose is to use a structured settlement. With a structured annuity, the payment is distributed in payments as decided between the parties. This may be monthly, annually, or in a unique arrangement determined in the settlement. Using a structured annuity can offer some advantages, such as a steady stream of income to provide for the family. This method may also provide tax relief. Contact our legal team right away for help making these critical decisions at such a difficult time.

How Do the Courts Calculate Wrongful Death Settlements?

Wrongful death cases include damages often associated with other personal injuries. For example, the family members can recover economic damages, including medical expenses, hospital charges, emergency transportation, loss of income, and property damage. Our law firm also seeks non-economic damages, such as loss of companionship, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and more in a Fresno wrongful death claim.

Furthermore, California law compensates victims for emotional and relational losses when a loved one dies suddenly in an accident. These additional damages may include loss of consortium, loss of sexual relations, and loss of closeness to a person with whom you had a strong bond. Your wrongful death attorneys should include these damages when seeking compensation for wrongful death.

Finally, wrongful death lawsuits may award victims for funeral and burial costs, within reason. Contact our legal team to learn more about the damages you may be compensated for in your unique scenario. We can discuss your needs and goals in a free case evaluation at no risk.

Our Fresno wrongful death lawyers will stand by your side as we seek every bit of compensation you deserve after losing your loved one. We will employ our honed negotiation skills to get you a fair settlement that matches your current and future needs. We recognize the immediate and long-term financial needs of victims and will fight aggressively for your best interests in your wrongful death lawsuit.

How Can I Choose the Right Wrongful Death Attorney?

Choosing a wrongful death lawyer is critical when seeking compensation for the death of a loved one. You should act quickly and carefully to be sure that your attorney has the skills necessary to get the required results. This includes conducting a thorough investigation to determine the at-fault party and the extent of damages.

Your wrongful death attorney should also be confident in negotiating with the insurance company and the other party to reach an agreement that meets everyone’s needs. A good wrongful death lawyer in Fresno will dedicate their time and energy to their clients, fighting aggressively to assist surviving family members as they seek compensation in full.

Some tips that can help when searching for the right attorney include:

• Ask questions when you have doubts or concerns
• Be honest about your situation and answer questions thoroughly
• Make sure the attorney has enough experience to handle your wrongful death claim
• Search for a law firm that treats you with compassion and respect

Reach out to our knowledgeable, compassionate legal team right away to learn more about how we can help file a wrongful death claim and get you the money you need to recover and move on after the tragic death of your loved one.

What Do Your Attorneys Charge in a Wrongful Death Case?

The attorney’s fee for a wrongful death case depends on several factors. The best way to determine how much you can expect to pay is to discuss your unique situation with our Fresno wrongful death lawyers. Call our law office as soon as possible to schedule a free case review and determine whether pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit is right in your circumstances.

After discussing your case details, we can help you understand what damages you can expect to receive and how much we will charge. With a free, confidential case evaluation, you have nothing to lose by calling Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian right away.

How is Liability Proven in a Wrongful Death Law Case?

Proving liability is essential when seeking damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. To recover compensation, you need to demonstrate that the other party engaged in negligence or intentional actions that led directly to your loved one’s death. This may include an employer who failed to provide a safe workplace, a medical professional who acted irresponsibly, or a driver who caused a crash that killed your loved one.

An attorney is an excellent resource in uncovering evidence and building a claim that proves your loved one was killed because of the at-fault party’s actions. Contact our law group immediately to prove liability and recover the wrongful death damages you deserve.

Should I Hire Your Team of Fresno Wrongful Death Lawyers?

If you are the family member of someone who died or you are the decedent’s personal representative, you should not delay in seeking legal advice from our wrongful death attorneys. We have over 75 years of combined experience, making us the allies you need in your wrongful death lawsuit.

We promise to leverage our experience, honesty, skill, and dedication to recover damages for medical expenses, household services, lost income, emotional trauma, and more. Let us handle the legal details so you can focus on recovering and spending time with loved ones. Call 559-545-0383 immediately to get the compensation you deserve at this difficult time.