If you have lost a loved one to a wrongful death, you need a compassionate law firm on your side.
Losing a loved one is an earth-shattering moment. If the void it leaves behind is due to the negligence of another person, whether the act was intentional or unintentional, you may be eligible for wrongful death compensation. Khalil Law Group in Orange County, CA, may be able to help.
While no amount of money will bring someone back, it can help ease your financial worries so you can at least grieve properly and begin to heal.
According to California state law, a person must have a significant relationship with the wrongful death victim. Significant may be interpreted differently depending on the person, but for California law purposes it means:
If you are a survivor with one of these significant relationships, you are entitled to seek compensation if the damages were caused by another’s failure to act, reckless behavior, negligence, or criminal action.
Taking advantage of an initial, free consultation with wrongful death attorneys at Khalil Law Group is one place to start.
A variety of incidents can lead to severe personal injury resulting in death. The attorneys at Khalil Law Group in Orange County often see wrongful death lawsuits caused by:
If you choose to proceed with filing a wrongful death lawsuit, you will have to show that the negligence of the defendant caused your family member’s death. Under California law, in simple terms, negligence means someone else had a duty to act using reasonable care yet failed to do so.
During a free consultation, a wrongful death lawyer at Khalil Law Group can guide you through the intricacies of your wrongful death claim, gathering critical information and applying their knowledge to make your case against the defendant.
Your attorney will recommend the amount of compensation you should seek for your wrongful death claim. This compensation may include recovery for loss of income, future earnings, medical expenses, loss of your family member’s services in the home, and funeral expenses. You may also ask for non-economic damages for loss of affection and support from your loved one. The jury at your wrongful death trial will determine an award amount.
In addition to economic and non-economic damages, California law gives the plaintiff the opportunity to seek punitive damages in wrongful death claims, hoping to discourage future negligent acts on the defendant’s part.
One of your lawyer’s duties is to make sure documents regarding your case are filed in a timely fashion. In California, wrongful death claims have a two-year statute of limitations. This means you need to file your suit two years from the date when you lost a loved one. After the statute of limitations expires, you may give up any rights under civil laws regarding wrongful death claims.
While you, your family members, and other loved ones are dealing with the significant emotions of your loss, your lawyer can deal with navigating matters of law based on experience with wrongful death cases.
You will want a compassionate, trusted lawyer by your side at this tumultuous time—someone who treats you like a person, not a number. Khalil Law Group is here to help. Read our reviews to learn more about the results we have achieved for our past clients.
All wrongful death claims are unique, so we cannot give you a definitive timeline. On our end, Khalil Law Group will work efficiently to keep your case moving following our initial consultation. We will need to conduct an investigation, talk to any witnesses, and consult with experts. This discovery process takes time.
Some cases are more straightforward and clearer cut than others. These cases will likely take less time than more difficult, complex cases.
In addition to the discovery process, which takes several months, the court will schedule a number of hearings prior to the trial. Depending on the judge’s and court’s calendar, your wrongful death case may not go to trial for several years.
The majority of cases settle out of court. This settlement process can also be lengthy as negotiations and paperwork go back and forth between attorneys and their clients.
Often, if an insurance company is involved, it will push for a quick settlement in order to save on legal fees. The insurance company may want to settle if the defense is weak or if the damages are not significant. On the other hand, the company may take time to negotiate if it is facing a large payout for a client’s negligence.
In California, a wrongful death lawsuit may stretch out for months or years.
You may feel that it is difficult to find closure or peace of mind during this time. This is one reason why having a caring, knowledgeable wrongful death attorney by your side throughout this process is so vital.
Khalil Law Group serves clients in Orange County, and throughout Southern California. We have lawyers in practice areas including personal injury, wrongful death, workers compensation, real estate, estate planning, business formation, and business litigation.
Learn more about our firm and our team of attorneys.
If you’re searching for a wrongful death attorney in Orange County, CA, contact the dedicated team at Khalil Law Group.
We offer a free consultation to discuss the facts surrounding the loss of your loved one due to someone else’s negligence. Reach us by phone at (714) 617-5189, email info@khalillegal.com, or fill out the form on our website.
A wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct of another party. This can happen in situations such as car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace incidents, defective products, and criminal acts.
Under California law, the following individuals may file a wrongful death claim:
Wrongful death lawsuits seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, including:
The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim in California is two years from the date of the person’s death. If the lawsuit is not filed within this timeframe, the right to seek compensation may be lost.
However, if the wrongful death was caused by medical malpractice, a different timeline may apply. It is best to consult a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible to ensure compliance with filing deadlines.
To win a wrongful death lawsuit, you must prove:
An experienced wrongful death attorney can gather evidence, medical records, expert testimony, and witness statements to build a strong case.
Yes. A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil case, separate from any criminal case (such as homicide or manslaughter). Even if the responsible party is not convicted in a criminal trial, you can still pursue civil compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.
A well-known example is the O.J. Simpson case, where he was acquitted in criminal court but found liable in a wrongful death civil lawsuit.
California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you may still recover damages even if your loved one was partially at fault. However, the compensation may be reduced based on their percentage of responsibility.
For example, if the deceased was found to be 30% at fault, the total settlement would be reduced by 30%. A wrongful death lawyer can help determine how comparative negligence applies to your case.
The timeline for a wrongful death case varies depending on:
Some cases settle within a few months, while others may take a year or more if they go to court. Our wrongful death attorneys at Khalil Law Group work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while ensuring maximum compensation.
Yes. Wrongful death cases involve complex legal and financial issues, including:
A wrongful death lawyer ensures that you receive fair compensation and are not taken advantage of by insurance companies or defendants.
At Khalil Law Group, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:
This ensures that families can seek justice without worrying about legal fees.
If you need any helps, please feel free to contact us. We will get back to you with 1 business day. Or if in hurry, just call us now.
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