Wrongful death laws provide a person's beneficiaries to file a lawsuit to recover damages on behalf of the loved one if the he died due to the negligence or carelessness of another person. Wrongful death lawsuits may be based upon drunk driving accidents, the manufacture of defective products, the construction of an unsound building, or failing to diagnose a fatal disease.

Among the types of damages that may be recovered under California's wrongful death law are:

• Future earnings that the deceased would have earned;
• Lost pension or retirement benefits;
• Medical bills;
• Funeral costs;
• Loss of inheritance;
• Pain and suffering suffered by the survivor
• Loss of companionship; and
• Punitive damages if the conduct is very egregious.

It takes quite a lot of time and thought to prove such intangible damages as emotional and physical loss of love, support, companionship, and care from a loved one who has passed on. It is not enough to simply tell others of your loss and expect them to understand. The loss has to be demonstrated to jurors and they have to be taught what the loved one meant to those around him. Through the words and documents of family members, friends, and co-workers left behind, our office will tell the story of the value of the life that has been lost—and the cost to those that have been left behind.

Our office will also hire experts to calculate the real financial loss to the family, including the  medical coverage, retirement benefits, loss of earnings, lost educational support, and lost life and health insurance opportunities. There are a number of hidden financial losses usually overlooked by the inexperienced attorney, such as the cost of caring for the home, children, and parents. Calculating the full spectrum of loss creates a complete picture for the jury about the scope and extent of the damages suffered by those that survive.

If you live in San Diego County or anywhere in California and have lost a loved one as a result the negligence of another, call us at 888-233-5020 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.