Chico Wrongful Death Lawyers

Pursuing Justice on Behalf of Your Family

There are few life experiences as traumatizing and debilitating as losing someone you love suddenly in an accident. No one is prepared for a family member to leave them, and certainly no one is financially prepared to pay for the damages accrued in the accident, from medical bills to lost income to property damage. You may be feeling helpless, angry, lost, and a variety of other emotions that are understandable. In this overwhelming time, you can lean on the trusted Chico wrongful death attorneys at Peters, Habib, McKenna, Juhl-Rhodes & Cardoza, LLP. In addition to handling personal injury claims for the injured, we also have decades of experience settling claims for families who are looking to reach closure and move on with their lives. Though nothing can replace what you’ve lost, we can pave a way to a better future for your family by securing the financial compensation you’re entitled to.

Contact us online or by phone at (530) 342-3593 if you or your family wish to file a claim after your loved one was killed. We can put our 125+ years of firm experience to work for you.

What is Considered Wrongful Death in California?

California’s wrongful death laws allow the family members of the deceased person to file claims and receive compensation when another party is found responsible for the death of their loved one. At-fault parties can be held liable for damages as a result of negligence, like a car accident caused by distracted driving, and malice, as in murder.

Proving that a person or entity is responsible for someone’s death requires the existence of several elements. It’s important to hire an attorney who has handled wrongful death cases before and knows what evidence to collect to prove those elements.

In order to have a successful wrongful death claim, you must prove that:

• Someone has died
• The death was caused by another’s negligence or intent to cause harm
• Surviving family members are suffering damages as a result of the death
• A representative of the deceased’s estate has been appointed

Under California’s statute of limitations, the surviving family members have two years from the date of death to file a claim and pursue financial compensation.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Each state has its own laws dictating who can legally file a wrongful death claim on behalf of their loved one. In California, the deceased’s surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children can file a claim to recover damages, though someone who can prove they were financially dependent on the deceased can file a claim, too.

While family members can recover damages accrued by their loved ones such as medical bills, lost income, and property damage, they can also be awarded compensation that will cover their own expenses, from funeral and burial bills to loss of financial support, to loss of companionship and affection. Your family deserves a fighting chance at healing. Our attorneys are here to lend our 100+ years of experience as a firm and resolve your case efficiently.

Our Chico wrongful death attorneys can handle your case and collect evidence needed to hold negligent parties responsible while your family concentrates on healing. Call us to learn more at (530) 342-3593.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death

Any accident can result in death depending on the circumstances, though car accidents are the most common cause because of both the number of drivers in our country and how often they drive. Over 6 million car accidents occur in the U.S. every year and are the result of at least one driver’s negligence. Common causes of car accidents include reckless driving, distracted driving, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Beyond car accidents, other common causes of wrongful death claims include:

• Medical malpractice, which occurs when a doctor or medical professional fails to provide their patient with the standard duty of care and can worsen their injuries or health through a surgical error, misdiagnosis, or a failure to diagnose.

• Workplace accidents, which can include anything from a slip and fall on wet flooring to being injured by a defective product. Workers in more dangerous jobs like construction or manufacturing are more like to get seriously injured or killed on the job.
• Truck accidents, which can be caused by the same factors that cause car accidents but result in far more serious damages due to the size and weight of semis, big rigs, and other commercial vehicles.

A wrongful death claim can be filed when an individual is killed in an accident, as well as if they were initially harmed in the accident but passed away from their injuries in the hours, days, and weeks following.