Sherman Oaks Wrongful Death Lawyer

When an individual has died due to the negligence or misconduct of another, the surviving family members of the victim may file a wrongful death claim. This allows the family members to collect damages on their loved one’s behalf. The intent of a wrongful death claim is to recover compensation for the families who have suffered financially and emotionally. While there is no amount of money that can make up for the loss of a loved one, our goal is to help families recover a settlement for the losses endured.

If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence or misconduct of another, it is best to consult with a wrongful death attorney in Sherman Oaks. At Okhovat Law Firm, our team has recovered compensation for the families who have suffered the loss of a loved one to help with financial burdens. We understand that dealing with a wrongful death is extremely difficult, and we are here to help you get through this devastating time. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the legal help you need and deserve. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not have to pay a thing unless we win your case. Additionally, we offer free consultations. Feel free to contact us any time to speak to a highly experienced wrongful death compensation lawyer in Sherman Oaks.

Types of Damages Recoverable in a Sherman Oaks Wrongful Death Claim

There are a wide range of damages that families can collect in a wrongful death claim. Here are some examples of what our Sherman Oaks lawyer for wrongful death earns for clients in the courtroom:

• Medical expenses connected to the death
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of the victim’s expected earnings
• Loss of benefits (pension plans, medical coverage, etc).
• Loss of inheritance due to the victim’s death
• Value of goods and services the victim would have provided
• Damages for the survivor’s mental anguish
• Loss of care, protection, guidance, and more from the deceased
• Loss of love and companionship from the deceased
• Loss of consortium from a deceased spouse
• Punitive damages

If you have lost a loved one due to wrongful or preventable death, you may be entitled to the damages mentioned above. Contact our team to learn more how we can help you through this difficult time. We will help you with every aspect of your case, so you do not have to worry about the additional legal stresses.

Common Types of Wrongful Death Cases

Like all other cases, no two accidents are the same. There are a number of scenarios in which a wrongful death can arise, including but not limited to:

• Car accidents caused by negligent drivers
• Car accidents caused by drunk drivers
• Pedestrian accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Truck accidents
• Nursing home abuse or neglect
• Slip and fall accidents due to an unsafe property
• Product liability
• And more

While these are just to name a few, there are a wide range of different scenarios that can occur.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
In California, only certain people can file wrongful death claims. They are typically limited to blood, or adoptive, family members and those who were financially dependent on the deceased. They include:

• Surviving spouse
• Adult children of the deceased
• Family members acting on behalf of a minor whose parent was killed
• Grandparents, siblings, aunts, and uncles, if the deceased was without a spouse or children

If you were not yet married to the deceased at the time of their death, you can still file a wrongful death lawsuit for a partner, but it’s a more difficult road. You will have to demonstrate to the courts the length and significance of your relationship. You will also need to prove that you were financially dependent on the deceased, whether it’s through a joint bank account or shared bills.

Contacting an Attorney

If you believe your loved one’s death was caused due to the negligence or misconduct of another, you may be entitled to compensation and justice for your losses. Contact us today to speak to our reputable team of wrongful death lawsuit lawyers. We will help you every step of the way.

Wrongful Death FAQs

What are the two kinds of wrongful death recognized by law?
California state law splits wrongful death into two types, intentional and negligent. Intentional wrongful death suits are for when someone deliberately causes the death of your loved one and negligent wrongful death claims are when someone fails to exercise a reasonable duty of care, which results in someone dying.

Are pain and suffering recoverable too?
In most personal injury cases, pain and suffering are recoverable. But, per the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.61, it is not. Pain and suffering do not get considered as one of the damages.

Can I settle outside of a lawsuit?
Settling outside of court actually saves the plaintiff more money in the end, so we always try to settle instead of fighting it out in court. Going to court means additional fees and the chance that you’ll win nothing at all from your settlement, so we try to settle out of court.

How long will a wrongful death case take?
Don’t be surprised if your wrongful death case takes up to two years to settle.