Orange County Wrongful death Lawyers

Answering FAQs About Wrongful Death Claims

If you have lost a loved one in an automobile accident or another type of accident, you may be wondering if wrongful death lawyers in Orange County can help you recover damages. These frequently asked questions will help you understand some of the available legal options and whether they apply to your situation. An experienced wrongful death attorney can help you understand the best course of action to secure justice for the loss of your loved one.

What Is A Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

In general, wrongful death claims occur when a person has been killed through someone else's negligence. There are many legal rules regarding what counts as negligence, but here is the general rule: You have an expectation that your neighbors, doctors, and fellow citizens will act responsibly and avoid unnecessarily harming you. In the case of a car accident, a court may find that a driver was negligent if he or she was intoxicated while operating an automobile. If you have lost a loved one through the negligent behavior of someone else, you may have a claim for wrongful death. You should contact an attorney for additional information about whether you have a valid claim for wrongful death and are able to pursue compensation.

Is A Wrongful Death Lawsuit The Same As Criminal Charges?

No. The government brings criminal charges when criminal laws are broken. Criminal trials are intended to punish the guilty parties. Wrongful death lawsuits, on the other hand, are intended to compensate victims. If you have a wrongful death claim against someone else, you must sue them in court in order to recover compensation from them. It does not matter if the government has already brought criminal charges against that person or if the government intends to do so in the future. Your right to recover damages exists in addition to any criminal penalties that the government assesses against a guilty party.

What Types Of Damages Can I Recover In A Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

If you have lost a loved one in an accident, our Orange County wrongful death lawyers can offer you well-informed advice about the best available options for moving forward. A few general rules, however, apply to most wrongful death suits. In addition to compensation for any medical and funeral costs associated with your loved one's death, plaintiffs can typically also recover compensation for the loss of future income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, loss of future benefits, and more.

Do I Need An Attorney If I Plan To File A Wrongful Death Claim?

The legal rules regarding wrongful death and damages are complex, and there are significant costs associated with filing a wrongful death lawsuit. A lawyer representing you on contingency will be able to cover the costs associated with the lawsuit for you until you receive your judgment. Our Irvine personal injury lawyers can also advise you regarding the specifics of relevant state laws and the details of your claim. Finally, by hiring an attorney to manage your lawsuit, you can devote your full energy to your healing and recovery after experiencing a tragic loss.

Contact Orange County Wrongful Death Lawyers

If you lost a loved one in an accident, contact a local attorney to help you determine whether a wrongful death lawsuit is available to you. For assistance from a trusted law firm, contact The Law Offices of Joseph M. Tosti at (949) 245-6288 and get a free consultation.