Glendale Workplace Wrongful Death Lawyer

A wrongful death can be a traumatic experience for surviving loved ones. Depending on the circumstances and location of the death, the surviving spouse or another close family member may be able to pursue compensation with the help of a Glendale workplace wrongful death lawyer.

The attorneys at Barry Law Group can help guide you through this difficult period. We understand that no amount of money can diminish the grief you and your family are going through, but we help reduce the financial stress associated with a wrongful death. With our help, you can be compensated for funeral expenses, loss of income, and other financial losses you suffered.

Why Choose Barry Law Group

The death of a loved one creates many hardships for family members who have to plan the funeral service, handle settling the deceased’s estate, and deal with the emotional aftermath of a heavy loss. During those difficult times, the idea of taking on the additional burden of seeking compensation from the at-fault party may seem difficult, if not outright insurmountable.

Barry Law Group can handle the process of seeking compensation for the death of your loved one in Glendale. We can determine whether working with an insurance company or taking direct legal action in court will yield the most positive results for you and your family. Compensation can also afford your family peace of mind in knowing that justice was served and the at-fault party was held accountable for the death of your loved one.

Common Causes of a Wrongful Death in the Workplace

Unfortunately, workplaces can be dangerous places. Many workers are injured while at their place of employment, and some lose their lives. Some of the most common causes of wrongful death in the workplace are:

• Vehicle accidents. These can involve cars, trucks, or heavy equipment. The driver who causes the fatal accident can be held financially liable for the death. The at-fault driver may face criminal penalties and civil liabilities following the accident.
• Physical assaults. Bodily harm by another individual can lead to fatal injuries. If someone is struck or shot, the person who committed the homicide could face criminal charges. Even when someone is criminally charged with homicide, they can still be held accountable in civil court.
• Falls. Certain work environments, like construction sites, are more likely to have fatal falls, but they could happen in any environment where workers are not protected.

Additional potential causes of wrongful death in the workplace include:

• Exposure to harmful substances
• Falling objects
• Fires or explosions
• Equipment failure

Finding Compensation Following the Death of a Loved One

Compensation following a wrongful death generally comes from one of two sources. If the death occurred at work, the surviving loved one can hire an attorney to handle the workers’ compensation claim.

Workers’ compensation programs in California provide compensation for wrongful deaths. In most cases, surviving loved ones do not have the option of suing the employer when workers’ compensation benefits are an option.

If the death is not work-related, surviving family members can hire a wrongful death attorney to file a claim in court. The civil courts can provide relief by compelling the at-fault party to pay for financial hardships their negligent acts caused. Most cases are resolved when both parties come to an agreement on a fair settlement.

Your lawyer can gather evidence that strengthens your family’s claim for compensation. Evidence could include photos, witness testimony, police reports, and other forms of evidence. The size of your eventual settlement can depend in part on the quality of your legal representation.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Average Settlement for Wrongful Death in California?

A: The average settlement for a wrongful death case in California can vary considerably and is largely based on the earning capacity of the deceased, the circumstances surrounding the death, and the ability of your attorney to present a strong case on your behalf. The settlement should compensate surviving loved ones for the financial losses they suffered and, in some cases, the emotional hardships they endured.

Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Case in Court?

A: You may have two years from the date of the loved one’s death to file a wrongful death case in court, as most personal injury cases fall under the two-year statute of limitations. There are few exceptions to this rule, and missing important deadlines can mean that you forfeit the option of using the courts to seek compensation for your loss.

Q: Is Wrongful Death the Same as Negligence?

A: Wrongful death is not the same as negligence, but negligence plays an important role in wrongful death claims in court. The plaintiff’s attorney must often show that the defendant had some duty of care and failed to uphold that duty. One example would be a security guard who did not keep their premises safe on the day that someone was assaulted and murdered on that property.

Q: Who Can Sue for Wrongful Death in California?

A: Family members who can show they suffered harm due to the wrongful death can pursue legal action through the courts. This often includes spouses of the deceased along with children. The civil courts can see that these close family members receive compensation for the future earnings the deceased would have brought to the family. In some cases, parents may be eligible to act as plaintiffs in a wrongful death case.

Q: How Do You Split a Wrongful Death Settlement in CA?

A: There are situations where a wrongful death settlement is split between close family members, such as children, spouses, and sometimes parents. It is possible for all surviving loved ones who have a lawful claim to be represented by the same lawyer, especially if their interests align and they agree on how to proceed with the case. If you have concerns about protecting your share of a wrongful death settlement, you have the right to independent legal counsel.

Schedule Your Wrongful Death Consultation Today

The unexpected death of a loved one can create serious financial hardships for surviving loved ones. In many cases, those untimely deaths allow dependent family members to hire an attorney to pursue compensation through workers’ compensation programs or a personal injury claim in court. The goal of either course of action is to fully compensate surviving loved ones for the financial hardships they suffered from the death of a loved one.

Many families in Glendale have learned to trust Barry Law Group when it comes to handling their wrongful death claims. With strong legal representation, you can receive a fair settlement that covers the financial losses you suffered due to the death and even potential future losses. We can handle your case with compassion and close attention to detail. To schedule your consultation, contact our office today.