Perris Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one unexpectedly due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions is devastating. A wrongful death lawyer in Perris, CA, can provide compassionate guidance and experienced legal representation from a Perris personal injury attorney to help you seek justice and compensation. Contact Hanson & Mouri to arrange a free consultation today. 

Why Choose the Perris Wrongful Death Lawyer at Hanson & Mouri?

Our firm is dedicated to providing personalized legal support and aggressive advocacy for families in Perris.

• Compassionate Representation: We understand the emotional toll of losing a loved one. Our team handles each case with care, respect, and sensitivity, keeping your family’s best interests at the forefront.
• Personal Attention: We work directly on your case, ensuring your concerns are heard and addressed with care and respect.
• Clear Communication: We keep you informed about significant developments in your case and strive to return all calls promptly, often by the end of the next business day.
• Trial-Ready Approach: While many cases settle out of court, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. That way we are ready to fight for your family in any situation.

What Is a Perris Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim arises when someone’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions cause another person’s death. California law allows surviving family members to file a claim to seek compensation for the financial and emotional losses associated with their loved one’s passing. Common examples of wrongful death cases in Perris, CA include:

Car Accidents

Fatalities caused by reckless, distracted, or drunk driving.

Truck Accidents

Catastrophic collisions due to driver fatigue, improper maintenance, or overloaded cargo.

Motorcycle Accidents

Deaths resulting from unsafe driving or failure to yield.

Medical Malpractice

Fatal errors such as misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, or medication errors.

Workplace Accidents

Deaths caused by unsafe conditions, inadequate training, or defective equipment.

Premises Liability

Fatal accidents due to hazardous property conditions, such as slips, falls, or structural failures.

Product Liability

Deaths caused by defective products, such as unsafe vehicles, machinery, or medications.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

Under California law, specific individuals are eligible to file a wrongful death claim. These include:

• Spouse or Domestic Partner: The legal spouse or registered domestic partner of the deceased.
• Children: Biological or adopted children of the deceased.
• Parents or Siblings: If there are no surviving spouses or children, other close relatives may be eligible to file.
• Individuals Financially Dependent on the Deceased: Stepchildren, putative spouses, or other individuals who depended on the deceased for financial support.

A Perris wrongful death lawyer can help determine who is eligible to file a claim.

Damages in a Perris, CA Wrongful Death Case

Wrongful death claims seek to compensate surviving family members for the financial and emotional losses caused by their loved one’s death. Recoverable damages include:

• Economic Damages:
  • Medical expenses incurred before the deceased’s death.
  • Funeral and burial costs.
  • Loss of the deceased’s financial contributions, such as wages, benefits, and future earnings.
  • Value of household services the deceased provided, such as childcare or home maintenance.
• Non-Economic Damages:
• • • Loss of companionship, love, and support.
    • Emotional pain and suffering experienced by surviving family members.
    • Loss of guidance and mentorship, particularly for children.
• Punitive Damages: In some cases, courts may award punitive damages to punish particularly egregious behavior, such as drunk driving or gross negligence.

Every case is unique, and the specific damages available depend on the circumstances of your claim.

California Wrongful Death Laws

Understanding the laws governing wrongful death claims is crucial for families seeking justice. Key aspects of California’s wrongful death laws include:

Statute of Limitations
California allows surviving family members two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit or “action for assault, battery, or injury to, or for the death of, an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another” (California Code of Civil Procedure sections 335.1). Missing this deadline may result in losing your right to compensation.

Shared Fault
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. California Civil Code Section 1714(a) states that “everyone is responsible…for the result of his or her willful acts,” unless the victim “brought the injury upon himself or herself.” 

Therefore, if the deceased was partially at fault for the incident, the damages awarded to the family may be reduced by the deceased’s percentage of fault. For example, if a family is awarded $500,000 but the deceased was found 20% to blame for their accident, the family would receive 80% of the award or $400,000. 

How Do You Prove a Wrongful Death Claim? 

Proving a wrongful death claim requires establishing these four elements:  

• Duty of Care: Show the defendant (at-fault party) owed the deceased a legal obligation (e.g., safe driving, providing competent medical care).
• Breach of Duty: Prove the defendant acted negligently or wrongfully, violating their duty.
• Causation: Demonstrate that the defendant’s actions directly caused the death (e.g., through accident reports or expert testimony).
• Damages: Provide evidence of financial and emotional losses, such as medical bills, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship.

Strong evidence, such as medical records, accident reports, and witness testimony, is essential to prove these elements successfully.

Why You Need a Perris Wrongful Death Lawyer

Handling a wrongful death claim on your own can be overwhelming, especially while grieving your loss. A Perris wrongful death lawyer provides the following essential support:

Comprehensive Investigation

Perris motorcycle accident lawyers conduct thorough investigations to determine the cause of death and identify all responsible parties. This may involve gathering evidence such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements.

Navigating Complex Laws

Wrongful death cases involve strict legal procedures and deadlines. A lawyer ensures your claim complies with California’s legal requirements.

Valuing Your Claim

An attorney calculates the full extent of your family’s losses, including both current and future economic and non-economic damages, to ensure you seek appropriate compensation.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurers often try to minimize payouts. A Perris car accident lawyer negotiates aggressively on your behalf to secure a fair settlement.

Litigating in Court

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a wrongful death lawyer is prepared to take your case to trial and advocate for justice in court.

Speak to a Perris Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

Call (951) 688-0006 or contact Hanson & Mouri online today for a free consultation. Let us help you seek the compensation your family needs to move forward.