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 that 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.

Losing a loved one is devastating, but you don’t have to face the legal aftermath alone. Contact our experienced Riverside wrongful death attorneys for a free consultation, and let us help you pursue the justice and compensation your family deserves.

Why Choose Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP For Your Riverside Wrongful Death Case?

Proven Track Record: We have a history of securing substantial settlements and verdicts in wrongful death cases, demonstrating our commitment to achieving justice for our clients.

Extensive Experience: Our attorneys possess deep knowledge of California wrongful death laws and have years of experience handling these complex cases in Riverside and surrounding areas.

Compassionate and Personalized Approach: We understand the emotional toll of losing a loved one and provide empathetic support, guiding you through the legal process with sensitivity and respect.
Skilled Negotiators and Litigators: We are adept at negotiating favorable settlements and are prepared to aggressively litigate your case in court if necessary to secure maximum compensation.

Contingency Fee Basis: We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Strong Local Presence: Our Riverside injury attorneys have a strong understanding of the Riverside community and legal landscape, allowing us to represent your interests.

Our Riverside wrongful death lawyers understand the pain and uncertainty you’re experiencing. We’re here to answer your questions, guide you through your legal options, and fight to hold the responsible parties accountable—at no upfront cost to you.

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Past Wrongful Death Case Results

Doe v. Roe

Achieved a $92,200,000 settlement for the wrongful deaths of two children and severe burn injuries to the plaintiffs due to corporate negligence.

Barber v. Mossy Ford

Secured a $14,465,864 verdict against a Ford dealership for the wrongful deaths of two adults, marking a record in San Diego County.

Cisler v. Capistrano Unified School District

Obtained a $10 million jury verdict for the wrongful death of a 3-year-old child who was strangled to death on a bus ride home from preschool.

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

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.

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.

What Are The Common Causes of Wrongful Death In Riverside?

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.

Time matters in wrongful death cases. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a Riverside wrongful death attorney today. We’re ready to help your family seek closure and secure the financial recovery you need to move forward.

How Do I Prove A Wrongful Death Case In California?

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.

What is The 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.

What Type Of Compensation Is Available For A Riverside Wrongful Death Case?

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 non-economic 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.

Riverside Wrongful Death Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action in California?

A wrongful death claim seeks compensation for the losses suffered by the deceased’s family members, such as loss of companionship and financial support. A survival action, on the other hand, allows the deceased’s estate to recover damages the deceased could have claimed had they survived, such as medical expenses and lost wages incurred before death.

Can a sibling file a wrongful death lawsuit in California?

In California, the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit is typically reserved for the deceased’s surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, or, if none exist, those who would be entitled to inherit under California’s laws of intestate succession. Siblings may have standing if they are legal heirs and there are no closer relatives.

What types of damages are recoverable in a wrongful death case?

Recoverable damages may include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and the value of household services the deceased would have provided.

How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in California?

Generally, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in California is two years from the date of death. However, certain circumstances can alter this timeframe, such as claims against government entities, which may require filing within six months.

What evidence is needed to prove a wrongful death claim?

Evidence may include medical records, witness statements, expert testimonies, accident reports, and documentation of financial losses to establish negligence and the impact of the loss.

Can wrongful death claims be settled out of court?

Yes, many wrongful death claims are resolved through settlements without going to trial, which can save time and legal expenses for all parties involved.

How does comparative negligence affect a wrongful death claim in California?

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning that if the deceased was partially at fault for the incident leading to death, the recoverable damages may be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to them.

Are wrongful death settlements taxable?

Generally, wrongful death settlements are not considered taxable income by the IRS. However, certain exceptions may apply, and it’s advisable to consult with a tax professional regarding specific circumstances.

What is the process for filing a wrongful death claim in California?

The process typically involves determining eligibility to file, gathering necessary evidence, calculating damages, filing the lawsuit within the statutory deadline, and either negotiating a settlement or proceeding to trial.

How do I choose the right wrongful death attorney?

Consider factors such as the attorney’s experience with wrongful death cases, track record of settlements and verdicts, client testimonials, and their approach to handling sensitive cases.

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!