Santa Monica Wrongful Death Attorney

Helping You Through This Difficult Time - Wrongful Death Claims

Losing a loved one is a devastating experience, especially when their death was caused by someone else's negligence or wrongful actions. If you have lost a family member due to the reckless behavior of another party, you may be entitled to seek justice and compensation for your losses.

At Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP, we understand the emotional and financial toll that wrongful death can have on your life. Our compassionate team of Santa Monica wrongful death lawyers is here to provide you with the dedicated legal support you need during these difficult times.

Call our office today at (866) 634-4525 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

What is a Wrongful Death?

In all states, the death of a loved one is one of the most difficult life events a person can go through. When a death is caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of another person or entity, the loss can be even more devastating. In California, a person can bring a claim against a wrongdoer if their loved one died as a result of a "wrongful death."

Under California law, a wrongful death occurs when:

• A person is killed due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another person or entity
• The deceased person is survived by a spouse, child, or dependent parent
• The deceased person had a cause of action against the person or entity that caused their death

In other words, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another person or entity, and their death causes financial harm to a surviving family member, such as a spouse, child, or dependent parent.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?

In California, a surviving family member can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the deceased person's estate. The surviving family member's role in a wrongful death lawsuit is to represent the interests of the deceased person's estate. In a wrongful death lawsuit, the family members do not seek to recover damages for their own losses; they seek to recover damages for the estate's losses.

Generally, the following individuals are eligible to file a wrongful death claim:

• The surviving spouse or domestic partner of the deceased.
• Surviving children of the deceased (including adopted children).
• If there is no surviving spouse or children, other dependents who were financially dependent on the deceased person.
• If none of the above exists, other individuals who may be entitled to the deceased person's property under California's intestate succession laws.

Damages in a California Wrongful Death Lawsuit

In a California wrongful death lawsuit, the family members of the deceased person's estate can seek to recover compensation for all of the damages they have suffered as a result of the death of their loved one. In a successful wrongful death lawsuit, the jury will award damages to the estate's representatives for all of the losses they have suffered.

These damages may include:

• Economic damages: These cover financial losses resulting from the death, such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, and loss of future income.
• Non-economic damages: These compensate for intangible losses like pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional distress caused by the death of the loved one.
• Punitive Damages: In cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm, the court may award punitive damages to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.

Why Hire our Santa Monica Wrongful Death Lawyer?

A wrongful death lawsuit can be an extremely complex case to bring. The defendant will likely have insurance coverage that will hire an attorney to defend the case. In addition to the defendant's attorney, the deceased person's family may also have to hire an attorney to ensure the estate's interests are protected.

At Greene, Broillet & Wheeler, our Santa Monica wrongful death attorneys have the experience and know-how to represent the interests of the deceased person's family in a wrongful death lawsuit. We have the resources and the knowledge necessary to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Contact Greene Broillet & Wheeler today to schedule a free consultation with our Santa Monica wrongful death lawyer. Let us help you obtain the justice and compensation you deserve during this challenging time.