Justice For The Survivors Left Behind
A wrongful death is a fatality caused by someone’s negligence, reckless behavior or intentional act. The lawsuit is brought by the family of the deceased to compensate the living for the loss of that person’s measurable contributions.
Michael D. Payne has helped many families in the Los Angeles area get civil justice for a preventable loss of life. For compassionate service and aggressive representation, call us to explore your possible wrongful death action resulting from:
- An auto collision or truck accident
- A crash caused by a drunk driver
- A motorcycle crash
- A construction accident or another work-related death
- Medical negligence such as a surgery mistake or failure to diagnose cancer
- A bar fight or shooting
- A fire or explosion
We work with experts in accident reconstruction, medical forensics and other fields to identify the liable parties and demonstrate how they contributed to the death. The Law Offices of Michael D. Payne is not afraid to take on trucking companies, health care entities, landlords, construction firms or their insurers.
Who Can Bring A Wrongful Death Action?
Under California law, the spouse or domestic partner, or children of the deceased, have standing to sue for wrongful death. Next of kin such as grandchildren, stepchildren or parents may have standing if they were dependent on the deceased.
What Is The Goal Of A Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
One purpose is to hold the negligent party publicly accountable and hopefully prevent a similar tragedy. The main purpose is to compensate the survivors for tangible losses. Monetary damages for wrongful death may include:
- Hospital bills from emergency medical care
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of income, including projected earnings, had the person lived
- Loss of companionship, love, support and marital consortium
- Loss of the person’s household services
The person’s estate can also bring a separate survival action for damages such as pain and suffering the deceased endured before dying.
Take Action To Preserve Your Claims
We know you are grieving, and there may not seem to be any urgency once your loved one has passed away. However, it is important to investigate before evidence disappears and witness memories fade. There is also a two-year statute of limitations to bring a wrongful death suit. Once that deadline expires, you cannot bring legal action.
The Law Offices of Michael D. Payne provides a free consultation and case evaluation. If we take your case, we work on a no recovery, no fee basis. This means you owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation. Call 1-888-964-1530 or contact us online. We handle wrongful death cases throughout the L.A. area and Southern California, with four office locations.