Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?

In the event of a loved one’s wrongful death, certain family members have the right to seek compensation and justice under California law. Specifically, spouses, domestic partners, and children are entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

In cases where these individuals are not present, other relatives, financial dependents, and even those who provided emotional support may also be eligible to file a claim. Here’s what to know about who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in California from our Los Angeles wrongful death lawyers.

Financial Dependents and Providers

You may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim if you’re a spouse, domestic partner, or minor related to the deceased, as these relationships often imply financial dependence or provision. Similarly, putative spouses and parents may also have a valid claim as financial dependents or providers.

When multiple potential people could file the lawsuit, California recognizes a hierarchy of who gets priority. In general, spouses and children get the highest priority for starting wrongful death claims.

Spouses, Putative Spouses, and Domestic Partners

You may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit as a spouse, putative spouse, or domestic partner if you were financially dependent on the deceased. Domestic partner rights are recognized in California, and you may be able to file a claim regardless of your marital status. 

This means you can pursue compensation for your loss, even if you were not married to the deceased. As a spouse, you may be able to recover spousal claims, including loss of consortium and companionship. You may also recover compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills, and other related costs.

Children

The loss of a parent or guardian can be a devastating experience for children and minors, leaving them with emotional scars and uncertain financial futures. As a child, you may be wondering how you’ll cope with the loss and how you’ll be taken care of. 

Some of the ways we can help include:

• Providing child advocacy and legal representation to help you with the legal process.
  
• Working to secure financial compensation to ensure your financial future is protected.
  
• Offering guidance and support to help you cope with the emotional impact of your loss.

Parents

As a parent, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit in California if you relied on the deceased for financial support. This is especially true if you were dependent on the deceased for emotional support as well.

As a parent, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. These include:

• Financial support you would have received from the deceased
  
• Damages for emotional support and companionship
  

Parents of a Deceased Child

As a parent who’s lost a child, you’re likely experiencing unimaginable grief and emotional pain, and the weight of your loss is compounded by the significant financial burden that has been thrust upon you. 

You may be struggling to come to terms with the loss of your child’s future income and contributions, and filing a wrongful death lawsuit can be a crucial step in seeking justice for your child and relief from the financial burdens that have been unfairly placed upon you.

Grief and Emotional Pain

Losing a child is a devastating blow that can leave parents reeling in a vortex of grief and emotional pain.  The emotional toll of losing a child can manifest in various ways. You may experience feelings of anger, guilt, sadness, and frustration, which can be intense and overwhelming. 

It’s essential to allow yourself to feel these emotions and to seek support from loved ones, support groups, or mental health professionals. Some key reminders to keep in mind as you cope with your loss include:

• Remember that you don’t have to go through this alone; seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
  
• Our team is here to support you every step of the way, helping you to focus on your emotional well-being while we handle the legal aspects of your case.
  
• We recognize the overwhelming emotional toll of losing a child, and we’re committed to providing you with the emotional support you need during this difficult time.

Financial Burden Relief

As a parent, you’re not only grieving, but also worrying about how to pay for funeral expenses, medical bills, and other costs associated with your child’s passing. The financial strain can be crippling, making it difficult to focus on the emotional healing process.

We can connect you with financial assistance options and support resources to help cover funeral expenses, medical bills, and other costs associated with your child’s passing while your claim is in process.

Justice for Your Child

No parent should have to endure the loss of their child due to someone else’s negligence. At J&Y Law, we empathize with the pain and suffering you’re going through, and we’re committed to helping you get the justice your child merits.

Our team of lawyers will work diligently to gather evidence and build a strong case on your behalf, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

• We’ll help you hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
  
• Our team will work tirelessly to gather evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.
  
• You can trust that we’ll prioritize your needs and keep you informed every step of the way.

See if You Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California

Understanding who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in California is crucial. By knowing your rights and the eligibility rules, you can ensure that your loved one’s memory is honored and that those responsible are held accountable without wasting precious time.

We can guide you through the process and help you obtain the justice you deserve. Remember, time is of the essence, so don’t hesitate to take action and protect your rights. Contact J&Y Law for a free consultation to discuss your case.