San Francisco Wrongful Death Attorneys
Losing a loved one in a sudden and unexpected accident is a tragic, life-altering event. When an accident is caused by the negligent or unlawful conduct of another person or party, the loss is even more devastating. Surviving family members of victims of a fatal accident are left with not only grief and sadness, but many unanswered questions concerning why the accident occurred and who was ultimately responsible.
With more than 70 years of wrongful death litigation experience, the San Francisco personal injury attorneys at Estey Bomberger have represented hundreds of parents, children, siblings, and other family members in wrongful death claims, advocating their rights and fighting to get them the justice they need and deserve. The level of personal attention our San Francisco wrongful death attorneys dedicate to each and every case ensures that our clients receive the maximum compensation possible for the loss of a family member.
What is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim may arise from any death that can be attributed to the negligent actions of another. The following are just a few examples of situations in which a wrongful death claim may arise:
- A pedestrian run over and killed by a drunk driver
- A driver killed in a head-on collision car accident caused by a wrong-way driver
- A passenger crushed to death by the roof of an SUV in a rollover accident
- An elderly person dying of a bedsore due to negligent care at a nursing home
- A passenger killed in a commercial airplane crash
- A construction worker crushed to death by defective scaffolding.
At Estey Bomberger, our attorneys hold liable any individuals, groups or corporations who are responsible for the death of someone you love. We have recovered millions in verdicts and settlements for wrongful death claims involving fatal auto accidents, criminal acts, medical negligence, negligent supervision of a child, exposure to hazardous substances, and other fatal accidents.
How Much Is Your Wrongful Death Claim Worth?
One of the most frequently asked questions about wrongful death claims is "How much is my case worth?" That is question cannot be answered simply, and there is no magic formula to determine how much a potential claim is worth. Every accident and potential claim is different, with dozens of unique variables. How much you may be entitled to for the loss of your loved one will vary depending on many factors, including how an accident occurred, the victim's age and occupation, the victim's anticipated future earnings, who was at fault for the accident, the amount of insurance the at-fault party has, and many other factors. An experienced San Francisco injury attorney can review your potential claim and give you an idea of how much your claim may be worth. Wrongful death damages may include anticipated future earnings of the decedent, funeral and burial expenses, loss of love and companionship, and other financial contributions.
California Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations
Like all California personal injury claims, victims have only a limited amount of time to file a claim for wrongful death. In most cases in California, the time period is two years. However, in instances where a government entity is involved, families may have as little as 180 days (six months) to bring a claim. Once a statute of limitations has passed, plaintiffs are barred from pursuing any legal action. For this reason, it is imperative that you speak to a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
Because of the complex nature of California wrongful death claims, seeking legal representation soon after an accident is essential for family members to protect and preserve their legal rights. The first step in pursuing a wrongful death claim is talking to an attorney and understanding exactly what happened, and who may be responsible and liable. To talk to a San Francisco wrongful death attorney at Estey Bomberger about a potential claim, please contact our office at (415) 877-1334, or fill out the case review form on our website. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day to discuss your legal rights and answer your questions. All consultations are free, with no obligation. We will not charge any legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.