Bellflower Wrongful Death Lawyer

Bellflower Wrongful Death Attorney

When someone tragically loses a loved one due to circumstances that could have been avoided, it can be one of the most heartbreaking and traumatizing moments for the surviving family members. During such difficult times, trying to hold the responsible party accountable while coping with grief can feel overwhelming. A personal injury lawyer in Bellflower can help alleviate this burden by taking over the legal aspects of your case and ensuring that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

At Canlas Law Group, we understand the position you are in and how it can feel almost impossible to start this legal journey. Fortunately, we have supported countless clients who were once in your shoes. By leveraging lessons learned from previous cases, we can apply the most effective legal strategies possible to your own case to help maximize the amount of compensation you receive from losing your loved one.

What Evidence Can Help Support a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

To successfully support a wrongful death case in Bellflower, you and your attorney will need to legally obtain a significant amount of evidence to prove your loved one died from the responsibility of another person. Some of the most common evidence used in these cases include:

Medical Records and Autopsy Reports

Providing the medical records of the deceased individual can help to illustrate their history of conditions and treatments leading up to their death. This can immediately combat any accusations that the person died from preexisting conditions rather than the alleged offense. Combining this with an autopsy report can help to confirm the exact cause of death. This could be from exposure to a toxic substance or experiencing physical trauma, as a few examples.

Witness Testimonies

Providing a witness testimony to a wrongful death case can be one of the most powerful pieces of evidence to use. Because the attorneys, jury, and judge were not present at the scene of the alleged incident, having someone who was there and can offer a non-biased perspective is of huge value. For example, a witness might be able to describe how a truck driver was speeding before a fatal accident.

Expert Testimony

Similar to how witness testimonies bring insight into an event that others were not present for, expert testimony can provide a greater understanding of a subject that others are not well-versed in. For example, a medical professional might be brought into court to testify how a specific personal injury could have caused a fatal reaction. Expert testimonies can help to clarify details that are beyond a general understanding and be used as evidence.

Accident and Police Reports

Both auto accident and police reports are one of the first pieces of evidence generated once an accident that leads to a wrongful death happens. In these reports, there will be a combination of official and unbiased accounts of what each officer observed. It will also include basic information needed, such as the location of the incident and the time it occurred. It will also state if the alleged perpetrator violated any laws, like speeding or driving under the influence.

Financial Documents

Demonstrating the financial impact someone’s death has had on their surviving family members can significantly increase a final settlement award in a wrongful death case. Common documents used include pay stubs, tax returns, and even employment records of the deceased. This can help show what role their financial contributions played in supporting the entire family. A judge will find this information helpful when assigning a monetary value to a settlement award.

Photographs and Videos

Providing different photos and surveillance footage from the scene of the crime can help combat inaccurate descriptions of what happened. This is because they provide immediate and tangible evidence. For example, it can help the judge and jury to better understand how damaged a car was or how defective a piece of equipment became.

FAQs About Bellflower, CA Wrongful Death Law

Who Has the Authority to File a Claim for Wrongful Death in California?

If someone is related to an individual who was wrongfully killed, they will likely have some type of authority to file a wrongful death claim. In many cases, this is the spouse, parent, or child of the individual. It is the close members of the immediate family that often receive the largest share of a final wrongful death settlement unless the deceased had an established will that says to do otherwise.

How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

From the date of the individual’s passing, family members will have two years to start filing a wrongful death claim. While it might be tempting to put this off, it’s advised to connect with a lawyer as soon as you can so as not to accidentally forfeit your right to compensation by missing important deadlines. While the actual case can go on for as long as needed until a resolution is reached, it needs to be started within California’s statute of limitations.

How Can I Prove Liability in a Wrongful Death Claim?

There are two main tasks that will help to prove liability in a wrongful death claim. The first is to link either the actions or neglectful behavior to the fatal accident. This can be achieved by presenting evidence that is difficult to refute. Then, you must calculate the amount of damage the incident has caused to the surviving family members. This is necessary to guide the court into issuing a final settlement amount that is proportionate to the pain that has been caused.

How Much Does a Wrongful Death Lawyer Cost?

While there is no universal cost to perfectly anticipate how much your attorney will cost before asking them, there are a few factors that can give you some understanding. If your case is riddled with contentious issues that will not be resolved through pretrial negotiations, then your lawyer costs will continue to accumulate as the case advances to trial. The more years of experience your attorney has, the more of a premium you will pay for their effort as well.

Contact Canlas Law Group Today

If you are currently grieving a loved one who has passed away from an alleged wrongful death case, connect with the attorneys of Canlas Law Group today. Whether it’s from a pedestrian accident, motorcycle accident, or an event at work, we can get started on your case right away to help maximize the final settlement figure. Contact us today to get started.