The pain that results from the sudden, accidental death of a loved one is unimaginable. But when someone else’s negligence causes a death, the situation can be even more shocking for those left behind. Not only are they without their loved ones, but they may also be left with a mountain of expenses and a source of income for their household.
With bills to pay, kids to raise, and countless other responsibilities to handle, securing an experienced and compassionate legal team can make a significant difference to your overall well-being.
As personal injury attorneys, we help loved ones and families find the justice they deserve. If you have lost a loved one under these circumstances, you need an experienced wrongful death attorney by your side. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation so you can get your questions answered. Call our office at (916) 418-1819 to schedule your appointment and learn your options.
Learn more about our Sacramento Wrongful Death Attorney Services.
Accidental Death and Wrongful Death
Unintentional injuries, or accidental deaths, were the third most common cause of death in the U.S. in 2022, accounting for more than 227,000 deaths. This number represents about seven percent of all recorded deaths in the country. Unintentional poisoning (Including drug overdoses), slips and falls, and vehicle accidents are the three most common causes of accidental deaths.
An accidental death becomes a wrongful death if it was caused by another person’s negligence or misconduct, including intentional harm.
The Decision to Pursue a Wrongful Death Claim
If you are weighing the idea of filing a wrongful death claim, remember there is no wrong or right answer. It is a highly personal decision with many factors affecting it.
First, you must consider both the emotional and financial impacts the loss of your loved one has had on you and your family. Many of our clients describe the sense of justice they felt when the ordeal was finally over and that pursuing the claim was worth it for that reason alone. Then, there is the obvious monetary compensation for expenses and other financial hardships. Moving forward without the stress of bills and loss of income hanging overhead can help relieve at least some of the pressure of an otherwise very challenging time.
That said, filing a claim can be emotionally challenging, requiring significant time and effort. Therefore, one of the most critical decisions you can make if you go forward with a wrongful death claim is choosing an attorney with ample experience in this complicated area of personal injury law. In addition to experience with the legal process, including ample trial experience, if the claim eventually ends up in court, a skilled wrongful death attorney will be a compassionate listener and keep the lines of communication open at all times.
The following questions may help you navigate the decision process and consider your options:
- Financial Responsibilities: Has losing a loved one resulted in you carrying all of the financial responsibilities for children or other family members? How has the loss of your loved one impacted your ability to provide for them financially?
- Emotional Hardship: Has the loss of your loved one caused undue emotional hardship for others left behind, such as children? Could a wrongful death claim provide the resources needed to promote their emotional well-being and gain closure?
- Time and Trust: Can you devote some time to finding an experienced and skilled wrongful death attorney, and can you trust them?
- The Alternative: Can you afford not to pursue a wrongful death claim? In other words, are you in a position where you can afford to walk away from a successful outcome, emotionally or financially? How important to you is it for the person responsible for your loved one’s death to be held accountable in the eyes of the law?
Other Factors: Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
While the financial stability that compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, funeral costs, and future earnings of your lost loved one can provide, emotional benefits also exist with regard to filing a wrongful death claim:
- A sense of closure and justice: Nothing will bring back your loved one, but the healing benefits of knowing you have done everything possible to bring the responsible party to justice and honor your loved one’s life cannot be overstated.
- Emotional support for others: In cases where children or a spouse are left behind, the connection and support of others affected can significantly impact the healing process.
- Long-term coping Resources: The financial compensation to be gained from a successful wrongful death claim expands your and your children’s access to therapeutic resources in the future as the grieving process changes over time.
Consulting with an experienced attorney can help you uncover the answer that’s right for you.
If you have lost a loved one and need answers to your questions about filing a wrongful death claim, call our offices at (916) 438-1819 to schedule a consultation. There is no charge; if we take your case, you pay nothing unless you win.