Westminster Wrongful Death Lawyer

Learning that a loved one’s death was preventable can lead to calls for answers and accountability. Wrongful death claims are understandably highly emotional cases that often involve complex legal considerations. If your family suffered the ultimate loss due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful acts, you can rely on a Westminster wrongful death lawyer to manage that case with a focus on securing the compensation your family is owed.

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Wrongful Death Attorneys Focused on the Justice Your Family Deserves

The personal injury lawyer at Easton & Easton provide comprehensive legal services focused on providing our clients with the resources they need to rebuild after the tragic loss of a loved one. Our lawyers bring more than 100 years of combined legal experience and a track record of success in court. The results-driven approach we take to cases has allowed our team to reclaim more than $2 billion for our clients, including hundreds of millions in recent years.

*Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits.

When you work with our firm, you gain the unwavering support of advocates who care about the outcome of your case and making sure that your family receives the accountability that it deserves. Our history of securing large settlements and court verdicts has earned our lawyers numerous recognitions by groups like Super Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America. Trust Easton & Easton to your family with the steady and compassionate support you deserve.

**Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.

Common Causes of Wrongful Deaths in Westminster

Wrongful deaths can occur in Little Saigon, Westminster Civil Center District, the Goldenwest Area, and elsewhere in the city. Due to the high volume of traffic in the area, a wrongful death could result from a driver’s negligence or misconduct on the road. In 2023, there were 562 people who were injured or killed in Westminster, and 39 cases involved alcohol.

Crime is another potential cause of a wrongful death. The city sees a violent crime rate of 4.54 per 1,000 residents in a typical year, and assaults can cause fatal injuries. Even when an assailant is taken to Westminster City Jail, located at 8200 Westminster Boulevard, or another holding facility, that suspect can still face civil liabilities. The criminal and civil courts are separate venues for dispensing justice, and cases can run concurrently.

Medical Malpractice

One in three medical doctors will face a malpractice claim during their careers, and those cases can involve accusations that the doctor’s negligence led to someone’s death. Other causes of wrongful deaths include defective products and premises liability claims. If a hazard causes someone to fall, and they succumb to injuries from that fall, a slip and fall lawyer can help the family hold the property owner liable for that preventable death.

Attempts to deliver life-saving care may be given at Kindred Hospital Westminster, located at 200 Hospital Circle, and Garden Grove Hospital Medical Center, which can be found at 12601 Garden Grove Boulevard. After a preventable death, family members can still be left burdened with medical bills and other expenses.

What Qualifies as a Wrongful Death?

A wrongful death can happen when a person loses their life due to the reckless, negligent, or intentional actions of another party. Rather than facing criminal charges, which is a possibility in certain cases, the at-fault party is named as the defendant in a civil claim. This claim is brought forward by surviving family members who are eligible to file for compensation for the losses tied to that death.

These claims can arise from a wide range of incidents, including motor vehicle collisions, unsafe property conditions, and workplace accidents. To qualify as a wrongful death, certain elements must be established. First, there must be a duty of care owed to the deceased party, such as a driver’s obligation to operate a vehicle safely or a property owner’s responsibility to maintain safe conditions. Second, that duty must have been breached through careless or wrongful actions.

Third, the breach must be directly linked to the death. This means that the party seeking compensation must show that the deceased party would still be alive were it not for the actions or negligence of the defendant. The final element is measurable damages. This means that the party seeking compensation must show that they suffered compensable harm due to the loss of their loved one.

How Can I Be Compensated for the Loss of a Loved One?

Beyond the emotional toll of an unexpected death, the loss of a loved one can lead to financial stress. Attempts to give life-saving care can lead to steep medical bills that must still be paid. Funeral expenses can reach into the tens of thousands of dollars. The loss of earning capacity for a family can also be significant when the deceased party financially contributed to the family.

When you work with a wrongful death attorney, you and your loved ones can pursue compensation for the tangible and intangible harm you suffered. While the wrongful death settlement in California varies by case, the claims process typically focuses on economic and non-economic damages. Medical bills, lost earning capacity, funeral expenses, and other economic damages can be calculated using receipts and copies of bills. A wrongful death claim can also account for the pain and suffering your family endured.

Most court claims do not go to trial. If they do, a judge or jury can award punitive damages. These aim to punish the defendant for misconduct or blatant disregard for the safety of others. The key to securing a fair settlement or court verdict is to collect the right types of evidence and to work with an experienced lawyer who can manage your case with a focus on securing the compensation your family is owed.

What to Expect During the Claims Process

The claims process typically begins with an investigation into the circumstances of the incident, including gathering records, witness statements, and other supporting evidence. A claim is then filed with the responsible party’s insurance company. From there, negotiations may take place to resolve the matter through a settlement. It is also vital to understand the wrongful death statute of limitations to ensure your legal rights are preserved.

If a fair resolution is not reached, the case may proceed to litigation, which includes discovery, depositions, and potentially a trial. Throughout the process, documentation of damages such as medical costs, lost income, and related losses plays a central role in determining the value of the claim and its outcome.

Reviews From Those We’ve Helped

Easton & Easton appreciates the trust our clients place in us.

“Im so happy with their service they were like a second family to me through my case. Saul is a caring hardworking person also he was really patient with me he always had the time to explain everything to im so glad i had him as attorney thank you Saul Wolf” 🙂 Grace G. 

“Love working with Easton and Easton, especially with Katie who personally gives white- glove treatment to every aspect of the case. I highly recommend this firm with personal injury cases.” Reneee J. 

“Easton & Easton has helped me tremendously throughout the last year in my case. Katie Rea especially has helped me understand the process and any next steps. It can be very confusing sometimes, but she always stays on top of everything. She truly cares about my well-being.” Izzy M. 

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

Why You Should Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer

In the aftermath of a preventable death, the surviving loved one can face profound grief and a desire for answers and accountability. The decision to hire a wrongful death lawyer can play a key role in shaping the outcome of a wrongful death claim so that the at-fault party is held accountable for the harm they cause.

California’s wrongful death laws provide legal recourse for surviving loved ones and dependents to pursue compensation through the courts. Throughout that process, a Westminster wrongful death attorney can provide trusted and focused support by gathering evidence and addressing challenges at every step.

FAQs

What Is the Success Rate of Wrongful Death Cases?

There is no general success rate for wrongful death claims because each case is decided on the merits of the evidence and facts of the claim. That said, the chances of securing a fair settlement can increase substantially when the plaintiffs secure strong legal representation. Civil court claims require anyone seeking compensation to prove their case by a preponderance of the evidence.

What Type of Lawyer Handles a Wrongful Death Claim?

The type of lawyer who handles a wrongful death claim is known as a wrongful death attorney or personal injury lawyer. Not all lawyers in California practice personal injury cases, and not all personal injury attorneys have experience managing complex wrongful death claims. By working with a lawyer who understands the unique steps required for a successful claim, you can greatly improve your chances of securing the accountability you deserve.

What Must Be Proven in a Wrongful Death Case?

A wrongful death claim requires proof of four key elements. First, it must be shown that the defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased. Second, there must be evidence that this duty was breached through negligence, reckless actions, or intentional conduct. The third element is breach of that trust, while the last step involves proving that the death caused harm to the individuals seeking compensation.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim can lead to compensation for the tangible and intangible harm you endured. Tangible losses include things that can be readily measured by using receipts and bills. Medical expenses and lost income are two examples. Intangible losses cover things commonly referred to as pain and suffering. When combined, these types of losses can account for the full scope of harm that a family suffered due to a wrongful death.

Take the First Step Toward Justice and Accountability By Contacting Easton & Easton Today

Losing a loved one due to another party’s negligence can leave families facing emotional loss and unexpected financial strain. A wrongful death claim provides a path to recover damages tied to medical expenses, lost income, and the long-term impact of that loss.

The injury team at Easton & Easton approaches wrongful death claims with careful attention to detail and compassion that these cases deserve. These claims are personally handled by one of our award-winning lead attorneys who works to build a strong case supported by clear evidence and methodical preparation. Trust our team to pursue a recovery that reflects the full scope of your loss. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.