Did someone else’s careless actions cause the death of a loved one in San Bernardino, California? You may have grounds to file a wrongful death lawsuit. At Kenny Ramirez Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand how overwhelming this process can be, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Contact us or call today at (909) 515-0646 for a free consultation.
Our San Bernardino wrongful death attorneys have years of experience standing up for grieving families. We’ve recovered over $35 million for clients who’ve faced devastating losses, and we’re prepared to do everything we can to help you pursue the justice and compensation you’re owed.
Why Choose Kenny Ramirez Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers for Help With Your Family’s Wrongful Death Claim in San Bernardino, CA?
Choosing the right law firm can significantly impact the outcome of your case. At Kenny Ramirez Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve built a reputation for tireless client advocacy and compassionate service. Families in San Bernardino turn to us after tragedy because they know we deliver results with integrity.
Here’s what sets our award-winning San Bernardino personal injury lawyers apart:
- Focused experience: We handle only personal injury and wrongful death cases. That focus allows us to stay ahead of the latest legal developments and build stronger cases for our clients.
- Track record of results: We’ve secured more than $35 million for accident victims and their families through negotiated settlements and jury verdicts. This includes many multi-million dollar recoveries.
- Trial-ready approach: Insurance companies know we’re not afraid to go to court. That gives us leverage at the negotiating table and ensures your case is taken seriously.
- Personalized support: We take the time to get to know you, understand your needs, and tailor our legal strategy to your specific goals.
We understand that no amount of money can replace the person you lost. However, financial stability and a sense of accountability may be able to help you and your family move forward as best as possible. Contact our San Bernardino wrongful death attorneys today for a free consultation
What Is Wrongful Death in California?
California defines wrongful death as a death caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another person or entity. The law allows certain surviving family members to file a civil claim to recover damages related to the death.
Common bases for wrongful death claims include:
- Car accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Defective products
- Premises liability
- Construction accidents
- Violent acts or crimes
In most cases, the people who can bring a wrongful death lawsuit include:
- The surviving spouse or domestic partner
- The deceased person’s children
- If no spouse or children exist, others who would inherit under California’s laws of intestate succession (such as parents or siblings)
Wrongful death claims are separate from any criminal proceedings. You can still pursue a civil claim even if the person responsible is not charged or convicted in criminal court. Civil cases have a lower burden of proof, often making it possible to obtain justice through the civil system.
What Is the Value of My San Bernardino Wrongful Death Case?
No two wrongful death claims are exactly alike, and there is no universal formula for determining their value.
That said, several important factors will influence how much compensation you might recover:
- The age and life expectancy of the deceased
- Their income and earning potential
- Their role in the household (financial, emotional, and otherwise)
- The strength of the evidence proving fault
- Whether multiple parties share liability
- Whether your loved one lived for a time after the accident
We understand that putting a dollar amount on a human life feels impossible. Still, damages are the legal system’s way of recognizing loss and making families as whole as possible. We’ll work closely with economists, vocational experts, and others to assess the full value of your claim.
What Compensation Can I Recover Through a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
California law provides two broad types of damages in wrongful death claims: economic and non-economic damages. In some cases, punitive damages may also be available.
Economic damages cover financial losses related to the death, such as:
- Loss of the deceased person’s expected financial contributions
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of household services that the deceased provided
Non-economic damages are more subjective and include:
- Loss of love, companionship, and moral support
- Loss of guidance and training
- Loss of intimacy for spouses or partners
Survival actions may also be filed alongside wrongful death claims. These allow the estate to recover damages the deceased could have claimed had they survived, such as medical bills, lost wages between the injury and death, and pain and suffering.
We will carefully evaluate your case to determine the full scope of recoverable damages and build strong evidence to support each category.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Wrongful Death in California?
California law allows wrongful death claims to be filed against virtually any party whose negligence, recklessness, or intentional act contributed to the victim’s death.
That may include:
- A negligent driver in a fatal pedestrian accident
- A trucking company that failed to maintain its fleet
- A property owner who ignored known safety hazards
- A manufacturer that released a defective product
- A doctor or hospital that committed malpractice
- An employer or contractor that violated workplace safety rules
- A government agency that failed to address known risks
- An individual who committed a violent crime
Sometimes, more than one party shares fault. Our firm will investigate your case thoroughly to identify every liable party and pursue all possible avenues of recovery. Whether liability is straightforward or highly contested, we’ll work to hold the responsible parties accountable.
What Happens if My Loved One Was Partially at Fault?
Under California’s pure comparative negligence law, you can still recover compensation even if your loved one was partly at fault for the incident that caused their death. However, your total recovery will be reduced in proportion to their level of responsibility.
For example, if your family is awarded $500,000 but your loved one is found to be 40% at fault, the total recovery would be reduced to $300,000.
Insurance companies often try to use comparative fault to reduce payouts. That’s why it’s so important to have a skilled wrongful death lawyer in San Bernardino on your side. Our team will challenge unfair blame-shifting and present the strongest case possible to protect your family’s interests.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in San Bernardino?
Hiring a wrongful death lawyer at Kenny Ramirez Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers won’t cost you anything upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means our payment depends entirely on the outcome of your case. You won’t owe us legal fees unless we recover compensation for your family through a settlement or verdict.
There are no hourly rates, retainers, or surprise charges. Our fee is a percentage of what we win for you, and we’ll discuss that percentage clearly before you agree to hire us.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?
Wrongful death claims are subject to a strict statute of limitations in California. In most cases, you have just two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a lawsuit.
However, there are some exceptions. For example:
- If the case involves medical malpractice, the time limit might differ depending on when the injury was discovered.
- If the defendant is a government entity, you must file a notice of claim within six months before proceeding.
If you miss the deadline, you will likely lose your right to recover compensation. Don’t risk your family’s future by waiting too long. Contact our attorneys right away so we can preserve your rights and begin building your case.
Contact Our San Bernardino Wrongful Death Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
The pain of losing a loved one is immeasurable, especially when the death could have been prevented. While no lawsuit can bring your family member back, a wrongful death claim can provide closure, financial relief, and a measure of justice.
At Kenny Ramirez Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers, we treat every case with the care and respect it deserves. With years of experience and over $35 million recovered, our San Bernardino wrongful death attorneys know what it takes to win.
If you’ve lost someone due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct in San Bernardino, California, call our law office today. Your initial consultation is free of charge.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in San Bernardino, CA
Kenny Ramirez Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers
325 W Hospitality Ln Suite 204, San Bernardino, CA 92408
(909) 515-0646