The death of a loved one in an unexpected accident in Sacramento is a devastating tragedy that can be difficult to cope with under any circumstances. However, it can be even harder to come to terms with a loss when you believe someone carelessly, recklessly, or intentionally caused it.
A wrongful death claim in Sacramento is a legal path toward seeking answers, accountability, and the financial recovery that may be available under California law to support your family’s future. During this difficult time, the attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers provide the legal guidance required to navigate complex California statutes. We are dedicated to helping survivors pursue a resolution that reflects the true extent of their loss.
Our Sacramento wrongful death lawyers have more than 50 years of combined experience. We put our clients first and work to help your family pursue justice, peace of mind, and financial recovery consistent with the facts of your case. Contact us today to begin with a free case review.
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*Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case must be evaluated based on its own facts.
Why Choose Jacoby & Meyers for This Case?
- You will benefit from the wealth of knowledge, expertise, and resources our personal injury attorneys in Sacramento have accumulated throughout the years. We have provided legal services to clients since 1972.
- We provide comprehensive legal representation to help families seek a recovery that accounts for the full extent of their losses. In a wrongful death case, our team evaluates all applicable damages, including loss of consortium where appropriate under California law, to build a strong evidentiary foundation for your claim.
- We have earned the trust of thousands of clients by handling many cases on a contingency fee basis. This means attorney’s fees are typically contingent on the outcome of the case, and fee arrangements are explained clearly during your consultation.
How Can a Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer Help?
A wrongful death claim can be a complicated legal process, with a burden of proof that you and your family must meet to show that someone is liable, or legally and financially responsible, for the death of your loved one. You must show that what you are claiming is more likely to be true than not true based on the evidence provided.
A wrongful death attorney in Sacramento can take over the legal process so that you’re able to focus on grieving. An attorney can investigate, determine liability, and collect evidence to support your wrongful death claim. Your lawyer can work to present your case, negotiate with insurers regarding a possible settlement, or, if necessary, bring your case to trial.
What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit? Do I Have a Case?
A wrongful death claim is a civil case that is filed on behalf of someone who died due to the acts of another person or party. In California, Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 states that a cause of action for the death of a person can be brought if it was caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another.
In personal injury law, someone is negligent if he or she does not act with a reasonable or ordinary level of care for the situation. A “wrongful act” can refer to any malicious, intentional, or reckless act that displays a wanton disregard for the safety of others. This includes criminal acts, such as homicide.
You may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim in Sacramento if someone close to you died due to a negligent, careless, reckless, or intentional act by another person. You may be eligible to seek financial compensation if there is evidence showing that someone owed your loved one a duty of care, breached this duty, and caused the fatal injury or illness.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Sacramento
In Sacramento, many different types of incidents can result in a wrongful death claim being brought by surviving family members or the deceased person’s estate. These include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Commercial truck accidents
- Collisions involving bicyclists and pedestrians
- Drunk driving accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Defective products
- Dangerous premises
- Catastrophic falls
- Dog or animal attacks
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home abuse or neglect
- Criminal acts
At Jacoby & Meyers, we handle wrongful death cases involving different types of circumstances. Contact us to discuss a specific case in more detail at no cost or obligation.
Who Is Permitted to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Sacramento?
In California, several people close to the deceased person (decedent) have the legal right to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. First priority goes to the decedent’s surviving spouse, domestic partner, surviving children, and/or children of any deceased child of the decedent.
If there are no survivors within this group, a claim can be filed by anyone who would be entitled to the property of the decedent by the laws of intestate succession. This may include the decedent’s parents and siblings.
Finally, if none of these parties exist, anyone who can show that they were financially dependent on the deceased person may be eligible to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim. This can include a putative spouse and stepchildren.
What Types of Financial Compensation Are Available?
The attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers recognize that no amount of money can replace a loved one. However, our team is dedicated to helping families seek a recovery that accounts for their significant losses. By pursuing a resolution that reflects both financial and non-economic harm, we aim to help families secure resources that may support long-term stability.
We may be able to pursue the following types of damages on your behalf, depending on your case:
- Reasonable funeral and burial costs
- Financial support the decedent would have contributed
- Lost gifts, benefits, and inheritance
- The value of lost household services
- Loss of the decedent’s love, guidance, companionship, and support
- Loss of the decedent’s intimacy with a romantic partner
- Additional punitive damages to punish the defendant, in some cases
Our attorneys conduct a thorough evaluation of each case to determine its potential value based on the evidence. From there, we are prepared to manage settlement negotiations or represent you at trial in Sacramento to pursue a recovery that reflects the scope of your losses. Our experienced litigators are dedicated to providing the advocacy appropriate for complex legal matters.
Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Us for a Wrongful Death Case Evaluation in Sacramento
Suffering the loss of a loved one can be mentally, emotionally, and financially devastating. At Jacoby & Meyers, we provide personalized legal services during this difficult time. We guide clients through the legal process while keeping their goals and needs in mind.
Find out how we can help you and your family with a wrongful death case in Sacramento. Request a consultation by calling us at (916) 269-8918 or contacting us online.
Our Sacramento law office is located at:
Jacoby & Meyers Accident & Injury Lawyers – Sacramento
1215 K St 17th floor,
Sacramento, CA 95814