If you have lost a loved one because of someone else’s wrongdoing or negligence, you might consider filing a wrongful death claim to recover for your loss. At Gonzales Law Offices, we know that there is no amount of monetary compensation that could fully replace what you have lost. Legal action and compensation is a method that can be used to seek justice. Fighting for compensation in a wrongful death case can often be accomplished by the legal assistance of a Fontana wrongful death lawyer.
The wrongful death of a loved one involves more than just physical loss. Emotional losses are one of the most difficult aspects of a wrongful death case because you cannot change what happened or prevent the accident from having occurred.
If you need help pursuing your claim, Mark Gonzales at Gonzales Law Offices can take over legal matters for you during this difficult time. Contact us today for dedicated support.
What Is a Wrongful Death?
In general, a wrongful death is considered to be any death caused by someone’s wrongful actions or their failure to act. Thus, someone is believed to have died a preventable, wrongful death if legal negligence is the cause of their death.
Wrongful death cases are a form of civil court case in which a surviving family member of the decedent can sue the responsible party for damages. These cases are handled in a civil court rather than a criminal court because the death was accidental and not intentional. Negligent parties who caused another individual’s death may be held liable for their actions.
There are limitations to the time frame to pursue a claim. Thus, it is important to consult a trusted attorney as soon as possible following the preventable death of a loved one. That way, you can protect your rights and build a strong case right from the start and before the evidence disappears.
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To prove someone else is responsible for the wrongful death of another, you must establish negligence. Proving negligence requires showing:
Someone owed your family member a duty of care to keep them safe
The party responsible for keeping your family member safe breached their duty of required care and failed to keep your family member safe
The breach of the owed duty to keep them safe resulted in their unexpected death, which is usually accomplished by an investigation into the death and thorough expert testimony
The death of your family member resulted in measurable damages
Gonzales Law Offices understands the complexities of Fontana’s wrongful death law. We can build a strong case by consulting with experts and establishing the negligence of the at-fault parties. For your family’s loss, we can pursue the maximum recovery available for your wrongful death claim.
How Do Wrongful Deaths Usually Happen?
Many circumstances can result in a wrongful death case. Common causes of wrongful death claims include:
There are many different ways that a wrongful death can happen, and if you don’t see the reason your loved one passed away on this list, it is still important to contact a knowledgeable attorney to discuss your incident.
Even though wrongful death cases are often the result of an accident, the liable party should still be held accountable for his or her negligent actions.
What Types of Compensation Can Be Recovered in Fontana for Surviving Family Members?
When a family loses a family member because of someone’s wrongdoing or negligent action, money can never really compensate for their loss. However, a wrongful death case can often provide financial stability and necessary justice for the remaining family members. Often, family members seek both economic and non-economic losses.
Economic damages are actual, quantifiable amounts, which can include:
Medical bills paid before the family member passed
Funeral and burial costs and expenses
An amount of lost expected earnings of the deceased
An amount of recovery for lost inheritance
An amount of lost benefits (like a pension plan or health insurance)
A number of lost services the deceased would have provided had they not passed away
Concrete evidence is typically necessary in order to calculate the amount you might recover for economic damages. An experienced Fontana attorney familiar with wrongful death cases can help determine the value of your economic damages and ensure you have included all appropriate costs in your recovery.
Also, your claim likely would include recovery for non-economic damages, which are intended to provide compensation for incalculable losses suffered. These losses often include the following:
Pain and suffering of the victim before their passing
Pain and suffering of the surviving family members
Your loss of companionship, care, and comfort
The emotional distress experienced by the remaining family members
Loss of support and guidance for any surviving children
Although these losses can be hard to calculate, they are often a major part of any California wrongful death case. An experienced attorney can ensure you are building a strong non-economic loss case. If you are able to obtain compensation for your loved one’s death, much stress and several financial burdens can be alleviated. Gonzales Law Offices can help you fight for the compensation to which you are entitled.
Contact an Experienced Attorney for a Wrongful Death Case
Each wrongful death claim needs a nuanced approach tailored to the specific circumstances surrounding the death of a loved one. Gonzales Law Offices can seek appropriate compensation on your behalf.
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
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During fiscal year 2020–2021, there were 44,554 wrongful death filings related to motor vehicle incidents across the United States. Of these cases, 32,777 proceeded to jury trials, while 16,317 were resolved through court trials without a jury. These numbers highlight the high volume of fatal motor vehicle cases that lead to legal proceedings each year, reflecting the ongoing need for accountability and justice in wrongful death claims.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal accident, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. Contact a Fontana wrongful death lawyer today for compassionate guidance and determined representation. schedule your free case evaluation now.
FAQs
How Much Can You Claim in a Wrongful Death Case in Fontana, California?
The amount you might expect to recover for a wrongful death claim in Fontana depends on several important factors, including economic (like expenses and lost wages) and non-economic damages (based on the family’s emotional losses). Also, the strength of the case and the degree of negligence of the at-fault party can influence the value of a wrongful death case. A seasoned wrongful death attorney can further discuss the amount you might recover for your own case.
What Types of Evidence Help Bolster a Wrongful Death Claim?
The types of evidence that usually help bolster a wrongful death claim include medical records, police reports, expert testimony, evidence to prove negligence, and documents concerning damages. If you have other questions about the types of evidence needed to support a wrongful death claim, contact Gonzales Law Offices today to discuss your factual circumstances.
How Much Does a Wrongful Death Lawyer Cost in Fontana?
The amount a wrongful death lawyer in Fontana costs depends on whether your attorney’s fee agreement includes any upfront costs. If they use a contingency fee agreement for your case, you usually give them a percentage of the settlement or award from a trial if you win your case. If you lose, you typically don’t pay any costs or fees.
Gonzales Law Offices never requires an upfront fee. We only receive a portion of your settlement if we are successful with your case.
What Is the Time Frame to Bring a Wrongful Death Claim in Fontana, CA?
Each state has its own time frame within which a wrongful death claim needs to be filed after the date of death. In Fontana, the California statute of limitations applies, which means you typically have two years to initiate a claim. However, the deadline to file can vary based on the circumstances. It’s important to consult a knowledgeable wrongful death attorney to pursue compensation for your loss in a timely manner.
Contact an Experienced Fontana Wrongful Death Lawyer at Gonzales Law Offices
In many cases, wrongful death claims can be handled out of court with a settlement. If we are able to agree on a settlement amount, you can typically avoid the time and expense of going to court to resolve your case.
If negotiation is not a possibility, we can take your case to trial. Rest assured, our dedicated attorney is a zealous advocate in the courtroom and can aggressively advocate for your wrongful death case. Our firm can use our high-tech resources and proven abilities to prepare a solid case to ensure that your legal goals are achieved.
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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