Wrongful Death FAQs

Answering Frequently Asked Questions about Wrongful Death in California

The death of a loved one is never easy, particularly if someone else’s negligence may be to blame. Family members often have many unanswered questions about what to do next. At Crane Flores, LLP, our knowledgeable and compassionate wrongful death attorneys in Oxnard are pleased to answer your questions and walk you through the legal process. For your benefit, we have assembled a list of frequently asked questions and answers.

What is a “wrongful” death?

A death is “wrongful” if the person dies because of the negligence or misconduct of another person or entity (company, government agency, organization, etc.). Wrongful death cases can arise from a range of circumstances, including motor vehicle accidents, bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, medical malpractice, slip and fall accidents, and birth injuries.

What is a survival action?

A survival action “survives” the death of the accident victim and must be filed by a personal representative of the victim’s estate. The representative is authorized to pursue damages for any harm suffered by the victim up to the moment of death. This may include medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial losses. If the defendant’s conduct was egregious, punitive damages may also be recovered. The rationale behind a survival action is that the responsible party should not avoid liability simply because the victim died. Any compensation is awarded to the victim’s estate.

Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit?

Only certain people may bring a wrongful death claim. Under California Code of Civil Procedure, Section 377.60, the victim’s surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, or dependent stepchildren are first in line to assert an action. However, if these family members do not exist, claimants may include those who would be entitled to inherit the victim’s estate under California’s laws of intestate succession, including parents, brothers, sisters, and grandparents. A single wrongful death action must be brought on behalf of all potential beneficiaries, and the court divides any damages award accordingly.

What types of damages are available in a wrongful death claim?

Depending on their relationship to the victim, loved ones may recover damages for mental anguish, emotional pain and suffering, loss of society, companionship, comfort, protection, marital care, parental care, attention, advice, counsel, training, guidance, or education. Economic damages may include reimbursement for financial support that the accident victim would have been expected to provide through future work earnings or benefits.

When is the deadline to file a claim?

The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death action is two years. While this may seem like a long time, it is important to consult with experienced wrongful death lawyers in Oxnard or the nearby areas as soon as possible. It is important to order an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death and to take steps to preserve other critical evidence.

Wrongful death cases can be complicated. At Crane Flores, LLP, our lawyers have more than five decades of combined legal experience. We are sensitive to the needs of families dealing with loss, and we provide all clients with the personal attention they deserve.