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Riverside Wrongful Death Attorney

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Accidents that claim the life of a loved one are traumatic events that stay with you throughout your life and which are seemingly impossible to fully recover from. You should not be forced to cover the financial and emotional aspects of the loss of a loved one. The responsible party for the accident should be held liable for the suffering caused by their actions, both financial and emotional. If you have lost a loved one in a terrible accident, do not hesitate to contact a Riverside wrongful death attorney who can help guide you through the claims process and aid you in receiving fair compensation.

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Our trial lawyers are adept at handling complex legal processes related to wrongful death cases, including calculating lost income, funeral expenses, and other wrongful death damages. Our personal injury lawyers in Riverside will provide vital assistance to putative spouses and dependents, ensuring their rights are protected and advocating for fair compensation for their loss.

Meet Brian Panish, Adam K. Shea & Rahul Ravipudi – Your Riverside Wrongful Death Lawyers

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At Panish | Shea| Ravipudi LLP, our partners Brian Panish, Adam K. Shea & Rahul Ravipudi have consistently earned recognition for excellence from fellow trial lawyers, legal organizations, and national publications. The firm has been honored with a “Tier 1” ranking in Plaintiffs Personal Injury Litigation by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers®, the highest level awarded. Additionally, the National Law Journal ranks us among the nation’s top 12 Plaintiff’s law firms.

With billions secured in settlements by our top Riverside lawyers, we’re confident we can handle any case you have for us. Let us help you receive the compensation and the justice that you deserve.

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Who Can Legally File A Riverside Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

In California, a wrongful death claim can be filed by specific individuals who are directly impacted by the loss of a loved one due to negligence or intentional actions. The primary parties eligible to file are the deceased person’s spouse, domestic partner, and children. If these individuals are unable or unwilling to file, other family members may qualify, such as parents or siblings, particularly if they inherit property from the deceased.

Additionally, individuals who were financially dependent on the deceased, such as stepchildren, putative spouses, or others who relied on the deceased for support, may also file a claim. In certain situations, a group of individuals who share similar interests or compensation requests can file a wrongful death claim together, even if their specific requests are not identical.

It’s important to consult with a Riverside personal injury attorney to understand your eligibility and pursue justice for your loss.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death In Riverside

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Wrongful death accidents are often the result of the negligence of a person involved in the accident. These accidents can take the following forms:

Car Accidents: Our Riverside car accident attorneys note that major causes of vehicle deaths include speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving. Injuries range from whiplash to severe head and spinal injuries.

Work Injury: Injuries occur due to machinery, falls, or unsafe working conditions. Common Riverside work injuries include broken bones, back injuries, and burns.

Truck Accidents: Due to the size of commercial trucks, these accidents can cause serious injuries, including brain trauma, fractures, and spinal cord injuries. Common causes include driver fatigue and improper cargo loading. Talk to a truck accident lawyer in Riverside today.

Motorcycle Accidents: These accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection for riders, such as broken bones, road rash, and head injuries. Speak to a Riverside motorcycle accident attorney today for more information.

Construction Site Accidents: Workers may suffer from falls, equipment accidents, or being struck by objects. Injuries can range from fractures to head trauma.

Slip and Fall Accidents: Caused by hazards like wet floors or uneven surfaces, these Riverside slip and fall accidents often lead to sprains, fractures, or back injuries.

Proving a Wrongful Death Claim in California

Proving a Riverside wrongful death case

To win a wrongful death claim in Riverside, you must prove the defendant’s negligence. This involves showing that the defendant had a duty of care, breached that duty, and directly caused the deceased’s death.

A duty of care means the defendant had an obligation to ensure others’ safety. For example, a store is liable if a heavy object falls and kills a customer because they have a duty to keep the premises safe.

You must also prove that the defendant’s actions directly caused the death. In cases like car accidents, other factors, such as mechanical failure, could complicate liability. Strong evidence is needed to show that the defendant’s negligence was the primary cause of death.

Unlike criminal cases, a civil wrongful death lawsuit requires a majority of the jury to be convinced by the evidence, and the plaintiff must prove the defendant’s duty, breach, and direct causation.

California Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations

If your loved one died due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. In California, the statute of limitations for filing such a claim is two years from the date of death. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to file a lawsuit, though there are some exceptions. It’s important to consult a Riverside wrongful death attorney to understand the specifics of your case.

Navigating the statute of limitations can be complex, so seeking legal help is crucial to ensure your claim is filed on time. A personal representative can play a key role in securing compensation for your family’s loss. Delays in filing can hinder your ability to seek justice, so it’s important to act promptly. Skilled legal representation will help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Compensation for Wrongful Death in California

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Wrongful death actions should be brought shortly after an accident occurs in order to ensure that you meet the limitations period. Wrongful death actions not only cover the financial repercussions caused by the loss of a loved one but also cover the emotional and long-lasting impact the loss of a loved one has on a person. A loved one can recover the following economic and noneconomic damages in a wrongful death action:

  • Medical bills
  • Future earnings
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of consortium (companionship)
  • Mental anguish
  • Pain and suffering

Our team of experienced wrongful death lawyers will be able to best guide you through the recovery process and help ensure that you will receive the compensation amount you are entitled to for your loss. Nothing will bring back your loved one, but a wrongful death action can help begin the healing process.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Riverside Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

By partnering with a Riverside wrongful death lawyer, you can gain the peace of mind and representation necessary to achieve a fair resolution for your case while focusing on healing and honoring the memory of your family members.

Bringing a wrongful death action may additionally ease the long process of slowly moving forward. The wrongful death attorneys of Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP are experienced in handling Riverside’s wrongful death actions and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for the actions of the person who caused the accident.

Contact our dedicated team of wrongful death attorneys serving Riverside today for your initial free consultation! (951) 363-2410

What Do Recent Wrongful Death Case Clients Have to Say About Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP?

“Looking back over our trial, one thing really stands out from all the other details and events. The dedication, hard work and thorough investigation done by the attorneys and staff made all the difference in enabling the jury to speak in our favor. The care that was given, and the respect that was shown to our family, will never be forgotten. The trust we put in them was not misplaced and we know why their organization is ranked among the best in the country. Not only has their work made a difference in our lives, but also in the lives of those with various ‘challenges’ nationwide! We pray that their efforts continue to help justice be served!” – Colen Cuthbertson

How Can We Help You?

If you have a legal matter you would like to discuss with an attorney from our firm, please call us at (310) 477-1700 or complete and submit the e-mail form below, and we will get back to you.

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