Irvine Wrongful Death Lawyer

Experiencing the loss of a loved one is heartbreaking, and when that loss is due to someone else’s actions or negligence, the pain can feel even more overwhelming. In California, families who have lost a loved one due to wrongful death may have the legal right to seek justice and compensation.

Wrongful death claims are designed to help families address the financial and emotional burdens caused by the loss, covering damages like funeral expenses, lost income, and the loss of companionship. These claims provide a way to hold responsible parties accountable, offering families the resources needed to begin healing. Compassionate legal support is available to guide you through every step of the process and ensure your loved one’s memory is honored. Contact the Law Office of Daniel Deng to schedule a free in-depth case evaluation with one of our Irvine wrongful death lawyers.

What Services Does an Irvine Wrongful Death Attorney Provide?

Our wrongful death attorneys provide a wide range of compassionate and strategic legal services to help families navigate what is often the most emotional and challenging time of their lives. Some of the services we offer are:

Case Evaluation

We will assess the strength and viability of your wrongful death claim by investigating the circumstances and determining if negligence, misconduct, or wrongful actions led to your loved one’s death.

Evidence Collection and Investigation

We gather critical evidence like medical records, police reports, eyewitness statements, and expert opinions to build a solid case.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies is often a cumbersome and stressful experience after a wrongful death. We will handle all communications with insurance companies to ensure families receive fair compensation and avoid low settlement offers.

Calculating Damages

It’s crucial to your wrongful death claim that you have a full picture of financial loss and damages. Our wrongful death attorneys will evaluate the potential financial and emotional damages to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship, ensuring you and your family receive full support for your loss.

Representation in Court

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will represent you in court and advocate for justice.

Providing Emotional Support and Guidance

Compassionate guidance is integral, and we help families understand their rights and legal options while also giving them the space to focus on healing.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death Cases in Irvine

In California, wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another person or entity. This legal concept allows the deceased’s surviving family members to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for their losses. Common causes of wrongful death include:

Motor vehicle accidents, including car, bicycle, truck, pedestrian, and motorcycle accidents
Workplace accidents, such as construction site accidents
Product liability accidents, which are caused by defective products
Premises liability incidents, like swimming pool accidents, slip and falls, and inadequate security

Steps Involved in Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Irvine

Pursuing a wrongful death claim in Irvine requires grieving families to navigate an incredibly complex California legal system. One of the first considerations is whether or not you are eligible to file a claim. The following people have legal standing to file a wrongful death claim in California:

Domestic partners
Spouses
Adult children
Parents

Not all of these family members are able to pursue a claim in every situation. For instance, some relatives may only be able to file a wrongful death claim if they were financially dependent on the deceased. Consulting with a wrongful death attorney is the best way to determine if you have standing to file a claim.

Another pivotal part of an Irvine wrongful death claim is establishing the following elements:

Negligence
Causation
Damages

In order to recover compensation for wrongful death, you must be able to demonstrate that the other party acted negligently or wrongfully. It must also be proven that the at-fault party’s actions directly caused your loved one’s death. The final aspect is establishing damages and losses that were incurred as a result of the death. You may be able to recover compensation for funeral expenses, burial costs, medical expenses of the deceased, loss of companionship, emotional distress, and loss of financial support.

Each wrongful death case will progress differently depending on the cause of the wrongful death, the parties involved, the extent of the damages being claimed, and the overall complexity of the case. Typically, the process of a wrongful death claim will involve the following steps:

Investigation to gather evidence
Filing the claim
Negotiating for a fair settlement
Filing a lawsuit if no settlement is reached
Litigating in court

How Compensation Is Determined in an Irvine Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Wrongful death cases can include a variety of economic and non-economic damages, and some situations may warrant punitive damages. Economic damages refer to tangible losses that are quantifiable, like medical bills and funeral costs. Non-economic damages are subjective and more difficult to place a monetary value on, including loss of companionship and emotional distress.

In certain cases, punitive damages may also be awarded. These are not meant to compensate the family for their losses but rather to punish the at-fault party for particularly egregious behavior and deter similar conduct in the future. To receive punitive damages, the plaintiff must generally prove that the defendant acted with malice, oppression, or fraud.

The Law Office of Daniel Deng has extensive experience representing clients in Irvine in their wrongful death claims, and we can help you determine which damages are appropriate in your case.

Tips for Choosing the Right Wrongful Death Lawyer in Irvine for Your Case

Choosing the right wrongful death lawyer in California is a crucial step in pursuing justice for your loved one and securing the compensation you deserve. You may want to consider the following factors when choosing a wrongful death attorney:

Experience
Success rate
Reputation
Credentials
Approach and strategy
Communication
Resources

During your consultation or case evaluation, you will be able to assess whether an injury attorney is a good fit for your case. In addition to the above qualifications, you may also want to consider how the lawyer makes you feel. Are they supportive? Are they compassionate? Do they sincerely care about helping you? These elements can make a big difference in how you navigate the upcoming legal battle and in the outcome of your claim.

The Law Office of Daniel Deng provides tireless, compassionate representation to all of our clients pursuing wrongful death compensation. We know that this time in your life is likely one of the most difficult experiences you’ll ever face, and our goal is to ensure you feel supported as we advocate for your right to financial recovery.