Orange County Wrongful Death Attorney

Understanding Wrongful Death and How Our Firm Can Help

A wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to another party’s negligence or intentional harmful actions. In Orange County, these cases can arise from various situations, including:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: From car crashes to truck collisions, these are the most common causes of wrongful death in Orange County.
• Medical Malpractice: When healthcare providers fail to meet the standard of care, resulting in a patient’s death.
• Workplace Accidents: Especially in high-risk industries where safety regulations are neglected.
• Product Liability: Deaths caused by defective or unsafe products.
• Criminal Acts: Including intentional acts of violence leading to death.

Who Can We Potentially File a Wrongful Death Claim For?

Under California law, specific individuals have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit:

• Surviving spouse or domestic partner
• Children of the deceased
• Grandchildren (if the deceased’s children are also deceased)
• Other dependents who would be entitled to the deceased’s property by intestate succession

The Reeves Law Group can help determine if you’re eligible to file a claim and guide you through the process.

Proving Liability in a Wrongful Death Case

Establishing liability in a wrongful death case requires proving four key elements:

1. Duty of Care: The defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased.
2. Breach of Duty: The defendant breached this duty through negligence or intentional harm.
3. Causation: This breach directly led to the death.
4. Damages: The death resulted in quantifiable damages to the surviving family members.

Our experienced attorneys at The Reeves Law Group have the skills and resources to investigate your case thoroughly, gather compelling evidence, and build a strong argument for liability.

Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases

While no amount of money can truly compensate for the loss of a loved one, a successful wrongful death claim can provide financial stability and a sense of justice. Potential damages the Reeves Law Group can help you recover include:

• Economic Damages:
  • Lost future income and benefits
  • Medical expenses related to the final injury or illness
  • Funeral and burial costs
• Non-Economic Damages:
  • Loss of love, companionship, and guidance
  • Pain and suffering of the surviving family members
  • Loss of consortium for a surviving spouse

The Reeves Law Group will fight tirelessly to ensure you receive fair compensation for all applicable damages.

Time Limits for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim

The general statute of limitations for plaintiff’s wrongful death claims in California is two years from the date of the deceased person’s death based on California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60 CCP. However, there are exceptions:

• Government Entities: Claims against government entities must be filed within six months.
• Medical Malpractice: The deadline can be as short as one year from the date the injury was discovered.
• Minor Children: Minors may have until their 18th birthday to file a claim.

Don’t risk losing your right to compensation. Contact The Reeves Law Group immediately to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe.

What is “Survival Action?”

A survival action is a legal claim seeking compensation for the deceased’s pain, suffering, and losses between injury and death. Unlike wrongful death claims that compensate survivors, survival actions are filed on behalf of the deceased’s estate, continuing a lawsuit the deceased could have pursued if alive.

Key points:

• Filed by the estate’s executor or administrator
• Compensates for the deceased’s pre-death suffering
• Distinct from wrongful death claims
• Involves the deceased’s estate, executor, defendant, and court
• Aims to provide financial restitution for the deceased’s experiences

The process involves the executor managing the claim, alleging the defendant’s responsibility, and filing in court to compensate the estate for the deceased’s pre-death suffering.

How The Reeves Law Group Can Help

When you choose The Reeves Law Group as your Orange County wrongful death attorney, you’re gaining a dedicated legal team that will:

• Conduct a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death
• Gather and preserve crucial evidence to support your claim
• Handle all communications with insurance companies and opposing counsel
• Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
• Prepare your case for trial if a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached
• Provide compassionate support and clear communication throughout the entire process

We understand that no legal action can bring back your loved one, but we believe in holding negligent parties accountable and helping families secure the financial stability they need to move forward.

Contact The Wrongful Death Lawyers at The Reeves Law Group

If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, don’t face this challenging time alone. The wrongful and preventable death attorneys at the Reeves Law Group are here to provide the expert legal representation and compassionate support you need.

Our law office has arguably one of the highest-powered plaintiff attorneys in Orange County and perhaps California, and he understands the nature of these tragic and complex lawsuits, and has helped numerous clients through the difficult circumstances brought about by these tragic losses.

If you have lost a loved one to a fatal accident, you may seek compensation for your loss. Call (714) 550-6000 or contact us for a free immediate consultation regarding your potential civil suit and monetary compensation that may be available.

Let The Reeves Law Group fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves. Together, we can honor your loved one’s memory and secure your family’s future.

We serve all of Orange County, including Santa Ana, Anaheim, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Orange, Fullerton, Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo, Westminster, and surrounding communities. We extend our services to victims of wrongful and preventable death in surrounding areas of Southern California.