Orange County Wrongful Death Lawyer Obtains Fair Compensation

Irvine, Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, San Clemente and all of California

Losing a family member is tragic during any stage of life. However, the tragedy is compounded when an otherwise preventable and unexpected death occurs because of another person's negligence or wrongful conduct. An Irvine wrongful death lawyer at the Law Offices of David P. Crandall helps surviving family members recover compensation for wrongful death as entitled under California law.

An Orange County or San Clemente wrongful death attorney must prove negligence on the part of the responsible party.  Once negligence has been established, the attorney then must present evidence of the plaintiff's damages.  Under California law, juries may award the plaintiff economic and non-economic damages in wrongful death cases.

Economic damages include losses for—

  • Value of financial support the deceased would have contributed to the family based on life expectancy
  • Loss of gifts or benefits
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Reasonable value of household services

Non-economic damages include losses for—

  • Love
  • Companionship
  • Comfort
  • Care
  • Assistance
  • Protection
  • Affection
  • Society
  • Moral support
  • Enjoyment of sexual relations
  • Training and guidance

Non-economic damages do not include grief, sorrow, mental anguish, or the decedent's pain and suffering. Juries are not allowed to consider the deceased person's economic status, whether affluent or poverty stricken.

Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit?

If you have lost a family member through wrongful death, you can discuss your situation with a Newport Beach wrongful death lawyer to determine who can file a lawsuit. Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, family members who can bring a cause of action for wrongful death include:

  • Spouse
  • Domestic partner
  • Children
  • Putative spouse*
  • Children of putative spouse
  • Stepchildren
  • Parents
  • Dependent minor

*A putative spouse is not lawfully married for legal reasons, but believed in good faith that the marriage was valid.

Speak with our Orange County wrongful death lawyers

Let our attorneys work for you. Contact the Law Offices of David P. Crandall, representing the families of personal injury victims in Irvine, Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, San Clemente, and all of CA.