If you have lost a loved one in an incident like one of these, you may be entitled to compensation. While recovering damages won’t make up for the loss of the person in your life, you can feel better knowing you’re holding the responsible party accountable and giving yourself a chance at maintaining some sense of normalcy in your life. A San Bernardino wrongful death lawyer can help you through this process.
Navigating a wrongful death claim can be confusing, especially if you’re trying to handle everything on your own. Instead of balancing the emotional toll of losing a loved one and filing a claim, let a San Bernardino wrongful death lawyer at Gonzales Law Offices help. We offer comprehensive legal services and support to get you through every stage of the claims process.
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The death rate in San Bernardino County has been fairly stable in recent years. From 2019-2023, approximately 17,674 people died annually. The premature death rate in the county in recent years has been around 515.4 per 100,000 people, which includes anyone who has died before the age of 75. The third leading cause of death in California is accidents.
Wrongful death cases can be the result of premature deaths from accidents where the other party’s misconduct or negligence causes the victim’s passing. At Gonzales Law Offices, we have experience handling unique wrongful death claims. Some cases we’ve worked on in the past include:
If you have lost a loved one in any of these ways, you may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim to recover damages for your losses. One of our San Bernardino wrongful death lawyers from Gonzales Law Offices can help you through it.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in San Bernardino
When you file a claim, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re heading straight to court. In fact, most wrongful death cases in California settle out of court through negotiations. You can expect to work with the at-fault party, or more likely their insurance provider, to reach an agreeable settlement amount for the accident.
Your attorney can negotiate with them on your behalf to secure the amount you deserve. If you’re unsuccessful in the negotiation process, you can take your claim to the San Bernardino Superior Court.
If you haven’t hired a San Bernardino wrongful death lawyer at this point, now is when you likely want to have one on your side. Litigation can be more time-consuming and confusing, and having solid legal representation can make all the difference.
If you are considering filing a wrongful death claim, it’s important to note that you must do so within two years of the decedent’s death. Otherwise, the other party can file a Motion to Dismiss, and it is likely to be granted. If the party you’re filing against is a government entity of any type, you must also submit a Notice of Claim within six months of the victim’s death.
Our team at Gonzales Law Offices has over a decade of experience navigating both personal injury claims and wrongful death claims after slip and fall incidents. We can evaluate your case, bolster your claim, and help you secure the maximum compensation.
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
What Are the Odds of Winning a Wrongful Death Case in San Bernardino?
It can be challenging to win a wrongful death case in San Bernardino, especially if you’re representing yourself. A successful claim requires solid evidence that proves some form of misconduct or negligence on behalf of the other party to establish that they are at fault for the death of the victim.
This can be difficult to obtain without the right legal resources. That’s why it’s often highly recommended to work with a San Bernardino wrongful death lawyer.
What Is the Average Settlement for Wrongful Death Cases in San Bernardino?
You can expect the settlement amount for wrongful death cases to vary widely from case to case. The level of the victim’s pain and suffering before their death and the impact on their surviving family members can affect the overall settlement amount.
Your ability to establish the other party at fault can also determine how much you may win in a settlement. A San Bernardino wrongful death lawyer can work with you to secure the most compensation.
What Is the Updated Law in California for Wrongful Death Claims?
California passed Senate Bill 447 in 2022, which allows people to recover damages for pain, suffering, or disfigurement. Before the passing of this bill, plaintiffs could seek to recover losses or damages that the decedent suffered before their death. This included penalties, punitive damages, and exemplary damages that the decedent could have recovered if they were still alive. Now, they can also recover the decedent’s non-economic damages.
How Do I Prove Wrongful Death in San Bernardino?
Proving fault in a wrongful death case ultimately comes down to the strength of evidence you can provide. Wrongful death cases typically involve proving that the other party’s misconduct or negligence caused the death of the victim.
To do this, you must be able to present proof of the cause of the incident as well as other key pieces of evidence that support your claim. A San Bernardino wrongful death lawyer can help you gather all this.
Connect With a San Bernardino Wrongful Death Lawyer to Discuss Your Case
If you are looking to file a wrongful death case after losing a loved one, it’s important to file within the time limit, have all the right information, and be prepared to negotiate for your settlement. The good news is you don’t have to do it all on your own.
A San Bernardino wrongful death lawyer at Gonzales Law Offices can guide you through every step of the legal proceedings to help with any challenges along the way and secure the settlement you deserve. Give us a call to set up an appointment with our team today.
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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