WRONGFUL DEATH
We are a team of experienced lawyers who fight for those affected by personal injury and wrongful death. We fight for your rights with dedication, demanding just compensation for your suffering and loss. We understand the complexities of these cases, providing compassionate support and determined advocacy. At Lawyers Who Fight, we stand as your supporters, navigating the legal battlefield to secure the justice you deserve. When life takes an unexpected turn, trust us to be your advocates, ready to fight for your rights and bring about the resolution you need. You can contact us for a free meeting to talk about your situation. As you recover, we fight for you.
Find the Right Wrongful Death Law Firm for You
Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful act is a heart-wrenching experience. Seeking justice and compensation for your loss is crucial, and choosing the right wrongful death law firm can make all the difference in this process. This overview will guide you through the essential factors to consider when selecting your California wrongful death attorney, the challenges faced in wrongful death cases, and how the law firm can help you obtain the justice you deserve.
Key Takeaways
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Wrongful death law firms specialize in representing families who have lost a loved one due to negligence or intentional acts.
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It is important to consider factors such as track record, client reviews and fee structure when choosing the right wrongful death law firm for you.
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Testimonials and case results provide insight into a firm’s ability to secure justice and compensation for their clients.
The Importance of Experience in a Wrongful Death Attorney
When selecting a wrongful death lawyer, experience is of the utmost importance. Attorneys, like those with Kennedy and Associates:
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Are well-versed in the legal process
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Have expertise in evidence collection
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Possess negotiation skills to achieve the most favorable result for their clients
Comprehending the legal process is vital for an experienced wrongful death lawyer with Kennedy & Associates. We possess an in-depth understanding of the legal process to attain the best possible result for our clients.
Gathering evidence is of paramount importance for a wrongful death attorney. To obtain the most advantageous result for our clients, it is necessary to comprehend the process of evidence gathering. That's why we aim to collect pertinent evidence, such as:
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Medical records
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Police reports
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Witness statements
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Other relevant documents
By gathering and presenting this evidence, our attorney can build a strong case for our clients.
Negotiation skills are equally important for a wrongful death attorney with Kennedy & Associates, as we have a better understanding of the legal process, evidence gathering, and negotiation tactics to secure the most beneficial outcome for our clients. In many cases, a fair settlement can be reached without going to court, saving time and resources for all parties involved.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Wrongful Death Law Firm
When choosing a wrongful death law firm like Kennedy & Associates, various factors should be taken into account, such as:
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Track record: A track record can provide insight into the experience and ability to secure favorable outcomes in wrongful death cases. Kennedy and Associates has been successful in wrongful death cases for decades.
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Client reviews: Reviews can be an invaluable source of information on the firm’s communication style, responsiveness, and overall client satisfaction. Kennedy & Associates has earned dozens of 5-star reviews on Google and other platforms.
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Communication style: Effective communication is crucial in navigating a wrongful death case. Call Kennedy & Associates today to see if our communication style is a fit for you and your case.
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Fee structure: Pricing is important to understand the firm’s fee structure and any additional costs that may be involved. Kennedy & Associates operates on a contingency basis. You will not pay our firm unless we secure a successful outcome for your case. This can provide peace of mind and allow you to focus on healing and moving forward after the loss of your loved one.
Selecting a law firm like Kennedy & Associates that focuses on wrongful death cases and has a robust standing in the field is of paramount importance. This ensures you get the necessary experience, knowledge, and resources to represent your best interests and secure the compensation you deserve. For all these reasons, that's why working with Kennedy & Associates would be an excellent choice in working on your wrongful death claim.
Understanding Wrongful Death Law Firms
Wrongful death law firms like Kennedy & Associates specialize in representing families who have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or intentional acts, helping them seek justice and compensation for their loss. To achieve the best outcome in your case, you should choose a wrongful death lawyer with:
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considerable experience
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profound knowledge of the legal process
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expertise in evidence collection
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strong negotiation tactics
A wrongful death claim arises when a family member’s death is caused by a wrongful act, such as a car accident, medical malpractice, or a workplace hazard. California wrongful death lawyers like those with Kennedy & Associates have the expertise to navigate the complex legal landscape of these cases, including filing a wrongful death lawsuit, and help families hold the at-fault party accountable for their actions.
One should bear in mind that wrongful death cases are distinct from personal injury cases. While both involve the victim’s suffering due to someone else’s negligence or intentional acts, wrongful death claims focus on the impact of the family member’s death on their loved ones, whereas personal injury cases center around the victim’s injuries and their effects on their life.
How a Good Wrongful Death Law Firm Can Help You Win
A good wrongful death law firm can help you win by:
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Building a strong case
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Gathering evidence
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Proving negligence
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Negotiating a fair settlement or representing you in court if necessary
Constructing a convincing argument is vital, as it must withstand any opposing party’s rebuttals. This involves presenting a clear and compelling narrative of the events leading to your loved one’s death and demonstrating how the responsible party’s negligence or intentional acts caused their untimely passing. Building a convincing argument is one of our specialties at Kennedy & Associates.
Collecting relevant evidence is equally vital in demonstrating negligence and determining causation. This may include:
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Medical records
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Police reports
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Witness statements
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Other relevant documents
These can help to paint a clear picture of the events leading up to the wrongful death. In some cases, expert witnesses may be required to provide testimony regarding the risks that led to the incident.
A good wrongful death law firm like Kennedy & Associates will negotiate with the responsible party and insurance company to secure the most advantageous settlement for our client. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our wrongful death attorney will proceed to trial, where we will advocate on behalf of our client in court.
Expertise in Local Laws and Regulations
In wrongful death cases, compensation may include: Economic damages: Financial losses incurred by the family of the deceased, including out-of-pocket expenses, future income, and lost household services are included in economic damages. In many cases, these damages can help cover medical and funeral expenses, as well as provide financial support to the family members left behind. Non-economic damages: Compensation for the emotional and psychological impact of losing a loved one, including pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and mental anguish are considered as part of non-economic damages. Punitive damages: Additional damages awarded to punish the responsible party for their wrongful actions and deter others from engaging in similar behavior can be awarded as punitive damages. Non-economic damages refer to the intangible losses resulting from the victim’s death, such as pain and suffering experienced by the surviving family members. These damages can help to compensate for the emotional distress and loss of companionship that often accompany the unexpected death of a loved one. In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the defendant has been found guilty of a felony in relation to the death of the loved one. Punitive damages are intended to punish the responsible party for their wrongful actions and serve as a deterrent to others. To ensure your settlement from a wrongful death lawsuit is as advantageous as possible, with all possible damages considered, it's vital to work with an experienced law firm like Kennedy & Associates. Our team has been calculating wrongful death damages for several decades.
The Process of Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
Filing a wrongful death claim involves several steps, including determining eligibility, gathering evidence, proving negligence, and negotiating a settlement or going to trial. In California, the order of priority for surviving family members to bring wrongful death claims is typically the surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, grandchildren (if the children are deceased), and then the decedent’s parents, who are also considered as family member in this context. Gathering evidence is crucial in building a strong case and proving negligence. This may involve: Collecting medical records Obtaining police reports Gathering witness statements Obtaining other relevant documents to establish a clear picture of the events leading up to the wrongful death In some cases, expert witnesses may be required to provide testimony regarding the risks that led to the incident. Once eligibility has been determined, and evidence has been gathered, the wrongful death attorney with Kennedy & Associates will either negotiate a settlement with the responsible party and their insurance company or proceed to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Throughout this process, our wrongful death lawyer will work tirelessly to secure the justice and compensation that the surviving family members deserve.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims
The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims varies by state, but it is generally two years from the date of death, with some exceptions for specific circumstances. In California, if a person’s death was due to medical malpractice, the statute of limitations is extended to three years from the date of the deceased’s passing. Being cognizant of these deadlines and filing a claim within the given timeframe is vital to enhance the chances of success. The discovery rule may extend the deadline of some cases until two years from the date the surviving loved ones were aware or should have been aware of the cause of death. Reasonable diligence should be taken to ensure this awareness as soon as possible. This rule can provide additional time for families to gather evidence and build a strong case, especially if the cause of death was not immediately apparent. Consult with a seasoned wrongful death attorney at Kennedy & Associates promptly after the loss of a loved one to ensure you understand the applicable statute of limitations and file a wrongful death claim with enough time to secure the best outcome.
Common Challenges in Wrongful Death Cases
Common challenges in wrongful death cases include proving negligence, establishing causation, and overcoming defense strategies employed by the opposing party. Proving negligence requires demonstrating that the defendant’s actions or inaction directly caused the death, such as exceeding the speed limit while passing through a red light or operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Determining causation can pose another considerable hurdle in wrongful death cases. This involves demonstrating that the defendant’s negligent actions were the direct cause of the death. In some cases, expert witnesses may be required to provide testimony regarding the risks that led to the incident.
Counteracting defense strategies used by the opposing party is another prevalent hurdle in wrongful death cases. The defense attorney’s role is to assess any evidence presented by the plaintiff and provide evidence in support of their case.
A skilled wrongful death attorney with Kennedy & Associates will work to dispute the legal defenses of the other party to safeguard our client’s right to receive compensation. That's why it's vital to overcome these common challenges in wrongful death cases with one of our experienced attorneys.
Collaborating with Your Wrongful Death Lawyer
Cooperating with your wrongful death lawyer at Kennedy & Associates is vital for a positive result. It will require your contribution and collaboration to collect evidence, comprehend the impact of the loss, and build a persuasive case. By providing your attorney with all relevant information and documentation, you can help us build a strong case and secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Open communication is vital when working with your wrongful death attorney at Kennedy & Associates. Ensure that you keep us informed of any new developments in your case, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification on any legal issues or procedures. Your attorney with Kennedy & Associates is there to support and guide you through this challenging process, and maintaining a strong working relationship is key to achieving a successful outcome.
Besides offering information and support, trust your wrongful death attorney at Kennedy & Associates for their expertise and judgment. Our team has the experience and knowledge necessary to navigate the complex legal landscape of wrongful death cases and will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Testimonials and Case Results
Testimonials and case outcomes can offer insightful understanding of a wrongful death law firm’s success percentage, client contentment, and aptitude to attain positive results in analogous cases. By reviewing testimonials and case results, you can gain a better understanding of the law firm’s expertise, communication style, and overall client satisfaction.
Case results can also demonstrate the law firm’s ability to secure significant compensation for clients, often helping to alleviate the financial burden faced by surviving family members after the loss of their loved one. A strong track record of successful case outcomes can provide peace of mind and confidence in the law firm’s ability to represent your best interests in your wrongful death case.
As you consider your wrongful death claim, reach out to Kennedy & Associates for a free consultation to discuss your case and ask any questions you may have. This can be an excellent opportunity to get a feel for our communication style, expertise, and how we would approach handling your wrongful death claim.
Summary
In conclusion, selecting the right wrongful death law firm is crucial in seeking justice and compensation for the loss of a loved one. By considering factors such as experience, track record, client testimonials, and communication style, you can make an informed decision and choose the best law firm to represent your interests. Remember, our experienced wrongful death law firm at Kennedy & Associates will work tirelessly to build a strong case, gather evidence, prove negligence, and secure the compensation you and your family deserve. Contact Kennedy & Associates today to discuss your wrongful death claim today.