Fresno Wrongful Death Lawsuits

An accidental death lawsuit in Fresno requires a skilled attorney

You need the skills of an experienced Fresno wrongful death attorney to mount a successful Fresno wrongful death lawsuit.  You should seek out a law firm with extensive experience in wrongful death lawsuits in Fresno.  When the time comes to seek damages for a wrongful death, having an attorney with a proven track record is your best bet for successfully resolving a Fresno wrongful death lawsuit.

Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit?

Under California wrongful death statutes and laws, only the heirs and dependents of the deceased are authorized to seek damages for the wrongful death of the decedent.  Claimants include the surviving spouse, children, dependent stepchildren, dependent minors living in the home of the deceased for at least six months, and dependent parents.  If there are no heirs, then claimants include those who would be entitled to inherit the estate of the victim under the law of intestate succession.  If none of these relatives exist, the next of kin may file a wrongful death suit.

Damages in a wrongful death lawsuit in Fresno

The damages in a wrongful death lawsuit in Fresno are different than the damages usually recoverable in a personal injury claim.  The injured parties in a Fresno wrongful death lawsuit may seek compensation for the loss of love, companionship, and moral support of the decedent, as well as the financial support and household services which the claimant would have received had the victim lived.

Claims for the deceased’s medical expenses, lost income, and property damage belong to the estate of the deceased which may bring a “survival action” on behalf of the estate.  Damages recovered in a survival action pass to the estate of the deceased.  In some cases, punitive damages may be recovered in a survival action provided the deceased survived the accident, however briefly, or if the property of the victim was damaged or lost before death.

If you have any questions about Fresno wrongful death lawsuits, or wish to bring a Fresno accidental death lawsuit, contact The Law Office of Rick Berman & Eric Schweitzer.  Let us put our years of effective representation to work for you.