Fresno Wrongful Death Lawyer

If you have lost someone you love because of another's negligence or misconduct, turn to Manock Law for help seeking the compensation you need to rebuild your life after tragedy. Of course, no amount of money can make up for the loss of your loved one. However, you should not have to grieve while worrying about covering medical bills, funeral costs, and other related expenses. Request a free consultation to learn how our firm can support you in this difficult time. 

Start with Manock Law by calling (559) 975-1153 or reaching out online. Our Fresno wrongful death lawyer represents clients throughout Fresno, Tulare, and Madera counties and beyond.

What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

A wrongful death lawsuit is a legal action taken by the surviving family members of an individual who has passed away because of someone else's negligence or recklessness. 

In California, a wrongful death case is a civil claim, which means it is separate from any criminal charges the at-fault party may face. The goal is to hold the responsible person or entity financially accountable for the harm their conduct caused to the family. This typically requires proving that the other party owed a duty of care, that they breached that duty, and that the death was a direct result of that breach. In a wrongful death matter arising from a serious crash in Fresno or a dangerous condition on someone’s property, this proof often comes from medical records, witness statements, and other evidence that our team can help you understand and organize.

Examples of situations that may necessitate a wrongful death lawsuit include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Car accidents caused by a drunk driver
• Medical malpractice resulting in death
• Product defects causing fatal injuries
• Workplace accidents 
• Premises liability mishaps caused by a property owner’s negligence

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

Under California law, specifically California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, certain individuals have the legal right to pursue a claim on behalf of the deceased. 

In many Fresno cases, questions arise when families are blended or when multiple relatives feel they have suffered a loss. California’s statute sets out a clear order of priority so that courts in Fresno County Superior Court and other local venues can determine who is entitled to bring the claim. In some situations, eligible relatives may choose to pursue the case together so that everyone’s relationship to the deceased person is recognized in a single lawsuit. Our firm can help you review your family’s situation, compare it to the statute, and understand whether you should be the person filing or whether you may be included as a claimant in another relative’s case.

Those who can bring such a claim include:

• The deceased's surviving spouse or domestic partner
• Children of the deceased
• Parents or siblings of the deceased (if they have no immediate descendants)

Are you wondering if you can make a wrongful death claim? Feel free to contact our firm for further information. In a free consultation, we can assess the viability of your claim and your next steps for moving forward. 

Available Compensation in Fresno Wrongful Death Cases

Losing a loved one can bring about significant financial strain, all on top of immeasurable emotional pain. In this challenging time, filing a wrongful death claim may provide some measure of relief by compensating for economic and non-economic losses. 

In a civil case, compensation is intended to place your family, as closely as possible, in the position you would have been in if the death had not occurred. For families in Fresno and the surrounding communities, this often means looking carefully at the support the deceased provided, the role they played in day-to-day life, and the future plans they had with their spouse, children, or other relatives. As your case progresses, you may need to gather documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, benefit statements, and proof of services your loved one regularly provided so that your losses can be clearly documented and presented to an insurance company or in court.

Damages you may recover in a wrongful death case can include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support 
• Loss of companionship and care
• Loss of household contributions (such as childcare)
• Other damages specific to your case

How a Wrongful Death Case in Fresno Typically Proceeds

After a fatal incident, families are often unsure what will happen if they decide to pursue a wrongful death claim. While every situation is unique, most cases in the Fresno area follow a similar path from the first consultation through resolution. Understanding these general stages can help you decide whether to move forward and can reduce some of the uncertainty you may be feeling. It also allows you to plan for how much time and energy you may need to devote to the legal process over the coming months.

Wrongful death matters usually begin with an investigation into what happened and who may be legally responsible. This can include gathering police reports, medical records, photographs, and witness statements, as well as reviewing any available information from agencies in Fresno County that responded to the scene. Once there is a clear picture of the facts, a formal claim is typically submitted to the at-fault party’s insurance company, outlining how the death occurred and the types of losses your family has suffered. Many claims are then resolved through insurance negotiations, but if the insurer will not make a fair offer, a lawsuit may be filed in the appropriate Fresno County court so that a judge or jury can ultimately decide the outcome.

Throughout this process, there will be important deadlines and procedural rules that must be followed under California law. For example, there is a statute of limitations that sets the time limit for filing a wrongful death lawsuit, and special notice requirements may apply if a government entity is involved. By working with a legal team familiar with local courts and procedures in Fresno, you can feel more confident that these requirements are being addressed while you concentrate on healing and supporting your family.

Get in touch via our online contact form or call (559) 975-1153 today. We look forward to learning about your situation and extending a helping hand.