The death of a loved one is a shocking and life-changing event. It can throw your life into turmoil. If the person who died was the primary breadwinner of your household, their death may threaten your very survival. Some deaths are the result of circumstances that no one could have foreseen or prevented. Other deaths owe to the recklessness and irresponsibility of another person. If you believe that your loved one was taken from you because of the inattention and negligence of another, you can file a wrongful death suit. A Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can help you do so.

When is Wrongful Death a Crime?
There are certain instances in which the actions taken by the person who caused the death were so egregious that they constitute a felony crime. Even if a death is ruled an accident, the person whose actions led to it can be prosecuted. If a public prosecutor decides to make such a case, the person responsible can face jail time if convicted. However, you can still make a civil case against them for damages. And you can take them civil court if the prosecution fails to obtain a conviction.

When You Can Sue for Wrongful Death
Any number of circumstances may provide solid ground for a wrongful death suit. These include:

  • Medical malpractice that results in death
  • An automobile accident
  • Exposure to hazardous substances and conditions
  • Accidental death as the result of criminal behavior

If you believe that you have a case, then you should contact a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer. Sitting down with an attorney will allow you to sort through the facts and determine whether you have standing to pursue such a suit. To have your case heard, you must be the spouse, parent, child, or sibling of the deceased. In some states, it is possible for individuals who were financially dependent on the dead person to file a wrongful death suit. And wrongful death lawyers Los Angeles are experts at making the case for long-term partners to file such suits—especially when they have children with the departed.

The Primary Goal of Your Attorney
The main aim of wrongful death lawyers Los Angeles is to get a fair settlement for their client. Los Angeles wrongful death attorneys will calculate the money that you should receive by looking at the age, character, health, earning capacity, and life expectancy of your loved one. Los Angeles wrongful death attorneys also consider the circumstances of dependents when determining the value of the case.

Most wrongful death suits do not go to trial. They are settled out of court. Los Angeles wrongful death settlements are arrived at through a process of negotiation. Los Angeles wrongful death settlements do not bring the person who died back to life and they offer only a small measure of comfort to surviving family members. However, they can help the latter get on with life without too much financial strain and material deprivation.

You should call a wrongful death attorney today to review your options.