San Bernardino Wrongful Death Lawyer

Secure Fair Compensation After Fatal Accidents in California

Not all accidents result in personal injury claims. Some cases are much more serious and result in the loss of a life. Nothing can truly compensate for the death of a loved one, but even so, the person responsible for causing the terrible accident should be held accountable for their negligence. We can help you hold that individual responsible.

At Vetchtein Law, our San Bernardino wrongful death lawyers have helped numerous California families who have lost someone to negligence receive the compensation they need to pay for funeral expenses, medical bills, and more.

While filing a lawsuit cannot bring back your loved one, it can help you achieve justice on their behalf and allow you and your family to make it through this harrowing situation with as little hardship as possible.

Navigate This Page

• Leading Causes of Wrongful Death
• Understanding California's Wrongful Death Laws

Contact our firm now at (888) 963-9999 to learn more about how our wrongful death attorney in San Bernardino can assist you during this time by scheduling a free case evaluation. We are available 24/7 for all your legal needs.

Who is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Claim?

In California, the law specifies who is eligible to file a wrongful death claim. The surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children of the departed are typically the first in line. If none of these relatives exist, the right to file may extend to other family members, like parents or siblings, who were financially dependent on the deceased.

The following groups could be eligible to file a wrongful death claim:

• Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner: The partner or registered domestic partner of the deceased has the direct right to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
• Children of the Deceased: The children of the deceased, including legally adopted children, are eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim.
• Parents or Siblings: If there is no surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children, other family members, like parents or siblings, could be able to file a claim if they can establish financial dependency on the deceased.
• Other Dependents: In some cases, other individuals who were financially dependent on the deceased may also be qualified to file a wrongful death lawsuit, including stepchildren or putative spouses (someone who thought in good faith that they were married to the deceased).

It’s important to understand that wrongful death claims are time-sensitive. In the state of California, the statute of limitations generally demands that the claim be filed within two years of the initial date of death. Neglecting this deadline can result in losing the right to pursue compensation, making it essential to consult a wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible.

Leading Causes of Wrongful Death in San Bernardino

In the state of California, wrongful death is defined by law as “a cause of action for the death of a person caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another.” In other words, if you have lost a loved one due to someone’s reckless or careless action (or, in some cases, inaction), you can sue them for financial compensation.

Common causes of wrongful death in California include:

• Airplane accidents
• Animal attacks
• Bicycle accidents
• Construction accidents and other work mishaps
• Defective products
• Drunk driving accidents
• Motor vehicle accidents involving cars, trucks, and motorcycles
• Pedestrian accidents
• Premises liability accidents
• Train accidents

Understanding California's Wrongful Death Laws

In the state of California, the surviving family and dependents of a wrongful death victim have the ability to file a claim for compensation within two years of the date of the accident.

Such claims can request compensation for economic and non-economic damages, such as:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Property damage
• Loss of income
• Pain and suffering
• Grief counseling costs
• Loss of consortium

Some of these damages can be easily calculated by examining bills and bank statements. Noneconomic damages are not so simple, however, which is why you will need to retain the counsel and representation of a skilled San Bernardino wrongful death lawyer.

Wrongful death claims are complex, and without proper representation, you may be denied fair compensation for your loss. Only an attorney with experience in wrongful death cases will be able to fight for a full recovery of all your present and ongoing damages.

California's Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations

In the state of California, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the date of the deceased's passing or from the date the injury occurred that eventually led to death.

Statutes of limitation exist not only in California but in other states too, so it is prudent to speak with local counsel to ensure you have all the relevant information before proceeding. Our knowledgeable lawyer will ensure that the legal process is completed in an orderly manner and that any applicable deadlines are not missed.

Get Help from a Compassionate San Bernardino Wrongful Death Lawyer

As a family member of someone who was killed in an accident, you should not hesitate to fight for justice. Vetchtein Law holds membership with the American Association for Justice (AAJ) and the American Bar Association, as well as the State Bar of California.

By hiring our firm, you will partner with a wrongful death attorney who possesses the experience and determination to win your case.

Call our San Bernardino wrongful death lawyer at (888) 963-9999 or fill out our online form for dedicated support. Free consultations are available.