Bakersfield Wrongful Death Attorneys
Pursue Justice & Reparations with Our Compassionate Legal Team
It’s not unusual for grieving families to experience many personal, legal, and financial challenges after losing a cherished loved one. When the loss is unexpected, these same families often find themselves struggling to afford costly medical bills, funeral expenses, and various court fees associated with the probate process. How can you find closure when you’re trying to manage so many unexpected out-of-pocket expenses?
If your family member passed away due to the negligent actions of a person or corporation, contact the Bakersfield wrongful death lawyers at Campbell Whitten today. Our firm is proud to provide innovative legal services, cutting-edge investigation techniques, and customized litigation strategies the residents of California. We understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for you, which is why we aren’t afraid to litigate against insurance companies, hospitals, and even corporate legal teams if it means maximizing your claim and safeguarding your quality of life.
Call Campbell Whitten at (661) 771-3077 to discuss your case with qualified legal professionals.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in California
In California, a family can file a wrongful death lawsuit and/or a survival cause of action against any at-fault parties directly responsible for their loved one’s death. A wrongful death lawsuit compensates survivors for their economic and emotional losses, while a survival cause of action recompenses the decedent’s estate. The latter action is the only legal way to obtain punitive damages – and not just compensatory damages – from the at-fault party.
You can recover the following monetary damages by filing a wrongful death claim:
Medical expenses
Funeral and burial expenses
Lost wages
Loss of future earning potential
Pain and suffering
Property damages
Loss of financial support
Loss of consortium
Per the statute of limitations in California, a wrongful death claim must be filed within two years of your family member’s passing. However, this timeframe extends to three years if medical malpractice is involved. If you miss the appropriate deadline, the court may refuse to hear your case or the defendant’s legal team will pursue a case dismissal. In either occurrence, your right to compensation may be eliminated.
Wrongful death cases can result from:
Medical malpractice
Motor vehicle accidents
Assault & Battery
Nursing home abuse
Product liability accidents
Industrial accidents
Birth injuries
Of course, there are many legal nuances and exceptions – such as the discovery rule – that can challenge the statute of limitations. For this reason, it’s crucial that you contact a knowledgeable wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. At Campbell Whitten, our experienced lawyers can meticulously review your case, explain your legal options, and help you work with other possible claimants to file a single wrongful death action in accordance to California’s “one action rule.”
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you’re ready to take legal action, contact the Bakersfield wrongful death lawyers at Campbell Whitten today. By holding the negligent party accountable for their choices, you can protect other innocent people from sharing your family member’s fate. A positive case result can also yield restitution that protects you from bankruptcy.
We know that a lawsuit can never make up for the loss of a loved one. Our only goal is to help you pursue a case outcome that provides you with a sense of closure. We consider it a duty and a privilege to handle the legal facets of your case so that you can focus on healing and spending time with your loved ones.
Contact Campbell Whittenat (661) 771-3077 to schedule a free consultation today.