Orange Wrongful Death Lawyer

An unexpected death in the family is always an unimaginable loss. Learning that your loved one’s death resulted from someone else’s negligence or misconduct can lead to a search for answers and accountability. As you pursue justice and compensation, an Orange wrongful death lawyer can provide you with the legal support and advocacy that your case deserves. With the right strategy, your family can be compensated for the harm and suffering you endured.

Injury Lawyers Helping You Recover After an Injury

The aftermath of a wrongful death can lead to grief and unexpected financial worries. As you deal with funeral costs and other urgent tasks, bills can mount, adding stress to an already difficult situation. During a difficult time, justice can come in the form of financial compensation. At every step of the process, the wrongful death lawyers at Easton & Easton can provide reliable support based on our more than 100 years of collective courtroom experience.

We understand the stress and emotional challenges you are going through because we have worked with many families as they pursued accountability through the civil courts. To date, we have helped our clients reclaim more than $2 billion in compensation from settlements and favorable court verdicts. When you work with our firm, you gain the unwavering support of legal advocates who care about your case and making sure that justice is served for your family.

Understanding Wrongful Deaths in California

Not every death qualifies as a wrongful death in California. When someone dies of natural causes or due to their own negligence, there is typically no reason for surviving loved ones to take legal action. Wrongful death claims relate to cases where someone’s death is caused by another person’s negligence or wrongful acts. Common examples include:

• Fatal car accidents caused by distracted, impaired, or reckless drivers
• Truck collisions involving negligent trucking companies or drivers
• Motorcycle or bicycle accidents caused by motorists failing to yield
• Pedestrian fatalities in crosswalks or along roadways
• Medical malpractice, including surgical errors or misdiagnosis
• Dangerous or defective products that cause fatal injuries
• Workplace accidents resulting from unsafe conditions or a lack of training
• Fatal falls or injuries caused by unsafe property conditions (premises liability)

Given the high volume of traffic in and around Orange, many wrongful death claims result from fatal collisions. In 2023, 744 people were injured or killed in vehicle crashes, and 78 of those collisions were tied to drunken driving. Fatal collisions can occur around East Katella Avenue, South Batavia Street, and elsewhere in Orange.

Although many wrongful death claims result from negligence, intentional acts of misconduct can also lead to a wrongful death claim. The rate of assault in Orange is 2.321 per 1,000 residents, and assailants can face both criminal charges and civil liabilities. Slips and falls may not sound like serious causes of harm, but they can prove fatal. Falls are the leading cause of preventable death for people 65 and older in California, and slips led to 114,427 hospitalizations in 2023.

After a car collision, assault, fall, or other cause of fatal injury, attempts to give life-saving care are typically given at UCI Medical Center, located at 101 The City Drive South, or Providence St. Joseph Hospital — Orange, located at 1100 West Stewart Drive.

Establishing Fault After a Preventable Death

Before your family can file a wrongful death claim with the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, you will need to establish fault. Surviving family members must show that another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct directly caused the death. This process begins with identifying the responsible party, which could be a driver, property owner, employer, medical provider, product manufacturer, or another individual.

Evidence plays a central role in establishing fault. Police reports, medical records, autopsy findings, and other documentation and evidence can link the at-fault party’s actions to the death. One important element of a wrongful death claim is showing that the death was caused by another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct, rather than natural causes.

A wrongful death claim should also demonstrate that the responsible party failed to act with reasonable care. This could involve showing that a driver was distracted, a property owner ignored a known hazard, or a company failed to follow safety regulations. By gathering strong evidence and clearly linking the wrongful acts to the death, families can build a claim that holds the negligent party accountable for the harm they cause.

Hardships Families Can Suffer After the Death of a Loved One

A wrongful death can cause immediate and lasting emotional anguish. Whether the deceased loved one provided financial support or managed the household, the loss of their support can lead to serious hardships and financial struggles. Burial costs can easily reach into the tens of thousands, and the lost income from a wrongful death can add financial stress to an already emotionally overwhelming situation.

When you work with an experienced wrongful death lawyer, you can be compensated for the lost companionship and lost earning capacity your family suffers following an unexpected death.

Understanding the Wrongful Death Claims Process

The wrongful death claims process in California begins when an eligible family member files a civil claim against the party responsible for the death. Typically, spouses, children, and sometimes other dependents have the right to bring a claim. The process starts with an investigation to determine how the death occurred and who may be liable. This often involves reviewing medical records, accident reports, and other key evidence.

Once sufficient evidence is gathered, a claim may be presented to the at-fault party’s insurance carrier. Many cases are resolved through negotiations, but if a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to court.

California law generally allows you two years after the death date to file a claim for wrongful death, although some exceptions apply. Throughout the process, damages may include funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the lost companionship experienced by surviving family members.

Compensation You May Be Owed

In a California wrongful death claim, surviving family members may be entitled to recover compensation for both financial and non-economic losses. Economic damages often include payment of the funeral and any burial expenses, medical costs from the final illness or injury, and the monetary loss of the decedent’s financial support and expected income. These damages are meant to address the measurable financial impact the loss has placed on the family.

Non-economic damages may also be available. These can include the lost companionship, care, comfort, and emotional support that the deceased would have provided. In some cases, families may also recover for the loss of guidance or household services. The value of these damages depends on the circumstances of the case and the relationship to the deceased. Pursuing full compensation can help families regain financial stability after an unexpected loss.

Challenges You May Face Without Strong Legal Representation

Even when it is abundantly clear to your family who caused the death of your loved one, the process of holding the negligent party accountable in court requires clear and compelling evidence. If you do not secure legal representation, you may fail to meet the burden of proof that is needed to secure compensation through a wrongful death claim.

Why You Should Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer

In the aftermath of a wrongful death, it is only natural to demand answers and seek accountability. When you hire a wrongful death lawyer, you gain the support of an attorney who understands the state’s wrongful death laws and how to manage your wrongful death claim. An Orange wrongful death attorney can gather the right types of evidence so there is no question about who caused the death of your loved one.

Legal representation can keep the claims process focused on your family’s losses. If the negligent party attempts to dispute liability or fails to offer you a fair settlement, your attorney can rely on the evidence they gathered to make sure that the defendant is held accountable for the role they played in the death of your loved one.

Read Our Reviews

At Easton & Easton, our team has earned an average client review rating of 4.9 stars from past client feedback.

“I appreciate the services of Easton & Easton because they were timely in returning my calls and emails, they were truthful, and they followed through with each and every task. I was able to trust my case in their expert hands. Especially impressive was receiving a call back from Travis Easton, even while he was on a vacation!” Lisa L.

“I have been working with Easton & Easton Law, and they make the entire process feel smooth and professional from start to finish. Legal matters can be stressful, but their team truly understands your situation and gives you confidence that you are in good hands.” F.D. 

Client testimonials reflect individual experiences and do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Protect Your Right to Fair Compensation. Contact Easton & Easton Today

A wrongful death can lead to unimaginable grief, but it doesn’t have to leave your financial future in question. As you deal with the personal loss of a loved one, the attorneys at Easton & Easton can take decisive action that can lead to the accountability and compensation that your family deserves. Our legal team can handle the complexities of the wrongful death claims process so you can focus on your family and rebuilding.

What sets our law firm apart is our focus on the rights and interests of our clients. We do not pressure the people we represent to accept unfavorable settlement offers, and we are willing to go to great lengths to secure a fair settlement or court verdict that truly reflects the harm you endured. Trust our legal team to provide you with unwavering support when it matters most. Contact our office today to learn how we can help you recover after the ultimate loss.