Losing someone you love is always painful. When the loss happens because of another person’s mistake, that pain can be even worse, knowing that the death shouldn’t have happened. You suddenly find yourself dealing with grief and also questioning whether you may have a legal claim and what your rights are. In Long Beach, wrongful death laws exist to support those left behind.
If you’re struggling to make sense of it all, a wrongful death lawyer in Long Beach from our firm can help. Let us assist you in this difficult time so you can focus on driving. Reach out today to schedule your free case evaluation with a Long Beach wrongful death lawyer from our firm.
Why Choose Our Wrongful Death Attorney in Long Beach?
No family should face the pain of losing a loved one alone, and you don’t have to handle the legal math without help. Grey Law is here to give you dedicated support every step of the way. Here’s why we’re the right choice:
- Throughout our career, we’ve been successful in more than 96% of our cases
- There are no upfront costs whatsoever – we only get paid if you get paid
- We have helped clients receive tens of millions of dollars, so they aren’t left struggling after losing someone
Let us help you during this difficult time. Reach out today to schedule your free case evaluation.
How Legal Counsel Strengthens a Long Beach Wrongful Death Case
Losing a family member changes life forever. Trying to take legal steps during this time can be overwhelming. When an experienced legal team gets involved, they can reduce the stress you and your family are facing by taking the following steps:
- Investigating how the death occurred, including speaking to witnesses, medical professionals, and law enforcement.
- Speaking with insurance companies to negotiate an appropriate financial settlement.
- Making sure your claim is filed within the statute of limitations so you don’t miss your chance to get justice.
When you trust a lawyer with your case, it lets you focus on grieving and healing with your family.
What is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is a type of lawsuit you can file when someone dies due to another person or company’s actions. This could be because of negligence or intentional harm.
377.60. A cause of action for the death of a person caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another may be asserted
The main goal is to get compensation for things like lost income, funeral costs, and the emotional pain that families experience after a loss. Even though money will not make up for your loved one, a claim helps hold responsible parties accountable.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?
In California, the law determines who is permitted to file a wrongful death claim after a person passes away. Below is a breakdown of who may be allowed to bring this type of lawsuit, in order of priority.
- A surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children of the person who died.
- If none of those exist, then anyone who would inherit from the deceased under California’s laws for dying without a will.
- Anyone dependent on the deceased, including:
- A spouse who thought the marriage was real, but legally it was not.
- Children of that spouse, stepchildren, or parents who relied on the person who died for financial support.
- Minors who lived with the person who died for at least 180 days before the death, and who got at least half their support from that individual.
(a) The decedent’s surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, and issue of deceased children, or, if there is no surviving issue of the decedent, the persons, including the surviving spouse or domestic partner, who would be entitled to the property of the decedent by intestate succession.
(b) Whether or not qualified under subdivision (a), if they were dependent on the decedent, the putative spouse, children of the putative spouse, stepchildren, or parents. As used in this subdivision, “putative spouse” means the surviving spouse of a void or voidable marriage who is found by the court to have believed in good faith that the marriage to the decedent was valid.
(c) A minor, whether or not qualified under subdivision (a) or
(b), if, at the time of the decedent’s death, the minor resided for the previous 180 days in the decedent’s household and was dependent on the decedent for one-half or more of the minor’s support.
These rules exist to make sure the people most affected by the loss are the ones who can take legal action.
Contact Grey Law to Book a Free Case Evaluation with a Long Beach Wrongful Death Lawyer
Coping with a sudden loss can change your entire life, and it comes with a lot of questions, sometimes regarding legal recourse. In these situations, having a legal professional by your side to explain your rights and what you should do next to seek justice is invaluable. Reaching out might feel difficult, but support is there for you when you’re ready. Call us today to set up your free consultation with a Long Beach wrongful death lawyer from Grey Law.