A death suffered due to someone else’s negligence is a devastating and frustrating experience. When grieving the loss of your loved one, often the last thing you wish to do is deal with complex legal procedures and deadlines. If someone you know has unfortunately passed away due to the fault of another in San Bernardino County, hire a skilled Rancho Cucamonga wrongful death lawyer today to get the justice and compensation you deserve.
The team at Gonzales Law Offices is dedicated to successfully representing our clients to their satisfaction. Founding Attorney Mark Gonzales has litigated thousands of personal injury cases for Californians, with claims ranging from wrongful death to premises liability. Recovering over a million dollars for our clients, we provide unique and invaluable insight into any personal injury claim. For wrongful death cases in Rancho Cucamonga, place your trust in our team.
Statute of Limitations on Wrongful Death Claims in California
In California, you only have two years from the time of the incident to file a wrongful death claim. After the statute of limitations has expired, the claim is no longer eligible to be awarded compensation. To proceed with a wrongful death case in Rancho Cucamonga, you must file your claim through the San Bernardino County Superior Court at 8303 Haven Avenue.
In a wrongful death claim, evaluation of all available and relevant evidence is extremely important to prove that the death was, in fact, wrongfully caused. Evidence in these cases must prove that the offender engaged in explicitly negligent behavior. When clearly negligent actions are taken, that person is breaching their duty of care. Evidence reviewed in these cases may include, but is not limited to:
Autopsy reports
Medical records
Police reports
Accident reports, in cases of vehicular collision
Eyewitness and professional testimonies
Causes of Wrongful Death
If you are grieving the loss of a loved one due to negligence, you are not alone. In 2024, unintentional injuries were ranked the third leading cause of death in America. These deaths are caused by willful neglect, but the actual circumstances may vary. Some situations that may lead to a wrongful death are:
Criminal acts such as DUI, assault, manslaughter, and/or sexual assault
Assault & battery
Nursing home abuse/neglect
Workplace fatalities
It is important to note that even if criminal charges are acquitted, compensation can still be awarded through civil court proceedings.
Damages Recovered in Wrongful Death Cases
Wrongful deaths are extremely traumatic for the victim’s family, often leaving them confused and mourning, with nowhere to turn. While no amount of money can make up for this senseless tragedy, skilled legal counsel may be able to help you receive the compensation you are entitled to. Several forms of damage can be recovered in wrongful death claims, such as:
Financial damages and wages lost
Medical bills and funeral services
Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Emotional distress
A wrongful death is an extremely difficult situation to cope with, especially if the death may lead to your financial ruin. An attorney will review your case and the relevant documentation to help you achieve the outcome you deserve.
Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer
If someone you know has passed away due to the carelessness and neglect of another, it is imperative to hire a wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible. These cases are difficult to litigate and may require extensive time spent in court. The right legal counsel can handle the many legal complexities of your wrongful death claim, allowing you to focus on what is more important- you and your family.
Meet Attorney Mark Gonzales, Esq.
Lead Counsel, Gonzales Law Offices
Since 2007, Mark has represented injured clients across Southern California in car, motorcycle, and truck accidents, traumatic brain injuries, wrongful death, and premises liability. His time in insurance defense gives him inside perspective he uses to help clients take on powerful carriers. He has recovered over a million dollars for clients in difficult cases.
Bar: State Bar of California
Affiliations: CAALA, LACBA
Education: University of La Verne College of Law
Offices: Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino, Ontario
Free Consultation No Fees Unless We Win Se Habla Español
Many wrongful death and personal injury cases do end up settling outside of court. Whether your case is litigated in court or settled through an alternative dispute resolution method is dependent on several factors. For a case to settle out of court, both parties ultimately must agree, which can hinder reaching an agreement. Your attorney will help examine the unique details of your case and counsel you on how to move forward.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
In Rancho Cucamonga, California, there are several individuals who are permitted to file wrongful death claims on the deceased’s behalf. This is often the surviving spouse, life partners, immediate family, or children of the deceased. To see if you are eligible to file a wrongful death claim for a loved one, consult with an attorney.
Can Multiple Parties Be at Fault in Wrongful Death Cases?
The parties held at fault in wrongful death cases are those found responsible for contributing to the conditions that caused the victim to pass away. The most common situations where multiple parties are found to be at fault for a wrongful death are multi-car pileups, medical malpractice, and workplace incidents. In these situations, there were several parties who all displayed negligent behavior leading to the death.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a California Wrongful Death Lawyer?
The cost of a wrongful death attorney in California is dependent on many aspects of the wrongful death claim. The experience of your lawyer, the unique details impacting your case, and whether the case is litigated in court could play a role in the costs you could incur. Speaking with your attorney during an initial consultation can help estimate your costs.
Rancho Cucamonga Wrongful Death Lawyer
Losing a loved one can be difficult, but it can have an even greater impact when it is because of the negligence of others. If you have lost a loved one to such circumstances, you deserve the answers you need. Contact Gonzales Law Offices today and let our knowledge and experience help you navigate the difficult road ahead. Our team can focus on helping you recover financially while you and your family focus on each other.
Rancho Cucamonga Wrongful Death Lawyer Reviews
★★★★★
“On April 9th 2024, I was in a very severe accident caused by a reckless driver. I had contacted Gonzalez law firm in which Mrs. Marilyn explain the procedures, and helped me through process. They were very responsive and answered any questions that arose. They were very attentive and if I needed any additional help, they were willing to get me the necessary help I needed. They were very helpful and would highly recommend this law firm.” – Carmen Villalobos
★★★★★
“I am extremely pleased with Gonzalez law. Mr. Mark Gonzalez himself is a very well rounded and educated lawyer in his field. He was communicative, concise, and efficient with handling my personal injury case. I am grateful to have him as my lawyer. His staff was informative and helpful with getting through my process and the he decision to choose this firm was the best decision I could have made. Thank you Mr. Gonzalez and your team! Continue to serve the community well. It is very much appreciated!” – Roza Keflom
★★★★★
“Great Experience. Once I entered you can feel they care. They talk with Experience and knowledge. Thankful to be represented by this law firm! Will recommend.” – Edward SerranoWB
I could not be more happy with the help Mark Gonzales provided. He was there for me every step of the way. He explained each step in a way that was easy for me to understand. He was available to me when ever I had a concern. His staff made me feel like I was family. I highly recommend Mark to anyone who needs legal help!
Robert R.
Mark helped me recover all my expenses due to my car accident. The insurance company tried to slow the process and doubted that I was even injured. Mark fought for me and gave me peace of mind. I felt like I had an army on my side since his staff worked tirelessly for me. They got the insurance company off my back and helped me get back on my feet faster than I expected.
April F.
Mark did a fantastic job for me when I slipped in a restaurant. I owner had the nerve to claim it was my heels, when clearly the floor was damaged and caused me to fall. He tried to make himself look like the victim of a scam. Mark put an end to that real fast. He took control of everything for me. He helped me get my medical costs paid as well as compensation for the lost time at work.
Dottie F.
The Law Office of Mark Gonzales was a smooth experience people were great and professional !! I would recommend them to anyone and if I ever need an injury attorney again I will definitely come back. THANK YOU.
Vanessa M.
The people working here are very nice and helped make a bad experience better. They made the process go smoothly and were always willing to help and answer my questions. The attorney was very personable and willing to help. The office makes sure you are comfortable and that you understand the process. I highly recommend them.
Elizabeth R.
I would like to thank the attorney Mark Gonzalez and his staff for the prompt results representing my family with our case, I would highly recommend his office, thank you in advance.
Jose G.
I want to highly recommend the lawyer Mark Gonzalez due to his great work. He took my case and won it even though another lawyer had said it was a lost case. Very friendly environment especially with the secretary at the front desk. Thank you!
Marelena R.
Mr. Gonzales did an amazing job in solving my case. I was feeling helpless and all hope lost, but him and his staff got me through it. I wouldn’t consider any other attorney than Mr. Gonzales himself. 100% recommended!
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