Steps to Take After a Wrongful Death
| November 1st, 2022
Losing your loved one is never easy, but if the person died due to the negligence or misconduct of another, including in a fatal accident, the situation is not only heartbreaking but also complex. Berg Injury Lawyers, the Sacramento wrongful death lawyers understand how painful it can be to recover from the loss of a family member. We are ready and committed to helping with your Sacramento wrongful death claim with as little stress as possible from your side. Continue reading to learn what to do if you lose your family in an intentional fatal accident.
What Is a Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death in Sacramento is a claim that arises when a person dies as a result of negligence-based incidents like accidents, medical malpractice, and intentional acts, including crimes. According to California laws, some of the individuals allowed to file a wrongful death lawsuit can include the victim’s family:
- Surviving spouse.
- Surviving domestic partner.
- Surviving children.
- Surviving issue of the decedent.
- Individuals who were financially dependent on the deceased.
- The decedent’s representative.
The above people can file a wrongful death lawsuit in the state’s civil courts on their own or with the help of personal injury lawyers in Sacramento, California. To establish a wrongful death lawsuit in Sacramento, California, eligible claimants must prove that:
- The deceased died a wrongful death.
- They sustained financial or other losses due to the death. The other losses include loss of companionship, love, support, and affection, and also endured emotional harm.
What to Do After a Wrongful Death in Sacramento?
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we want understand how difficult it is when you are faced with a unfortunate position, and we want to help you throughout your legal claim. Here are actionable ways to help substantiate your case after a wrongful death.
Obtain a Death Certificate
Obtaining a death certificate is the first step you should take when filing for a Sacramento wrongful death. The Vital Records Units register all the deaths in Sacramento County. However, knowing which office to contact can be confusing.
For a death that occurred in Sacramento this year or last year, you can get a copy of the death certificate from either the County Clerk-Recorder or the Vital Records office. If the death occurred in Sacramento County prior to the past two years, you can only get a copy of the certificate from the County Clerk-Recorder office.
Choose an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
One of the ways to increase your chances of winning a wrongful death lawsuit is through working with an experienced wrongful death lawyer, Sacramento. However, selecting a personal injury lawyer ideal for your case can be challenging. For cases of death due to fatal accidents, you should check for a personal injury lawyer who handles car crash cases.
Next, you should ensure that the lawyer you intend to hire does not have any disciplinary action against them. It is also vital to check the attorney’s website for reviews and other firm information. If the reviews are positive and you are satisfied with how the lawyer operates, you can schedule a consultation with them.
The initial consultation allows you to ask the personal injury lawyer questions, and this helps you learn more about them. Most personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations, and this allows you to visit several lawyers before choosing the one with the best qualities.
Plan to Participate in Your Lawyer’s Investigation
Gathering legal support for a wrongful death claim from an accident requires extensive investigation to get all the aspects of the accident that led to death. Working closely with the lawyer during the investigation helps gather all the necessary evidence quickly and build a strong case.
Wrongful death lawyers in Sacramento may also hire other professionals, such as private investigators, or seek support and assistance from other departments and officers. However, this depends on the case’s complexity or whether the lawyer has numerous tasks to perform when the investigation begins.
Gather Proof and Documentation
To establish a solid wrongful death claim, gathering proof and documentation related to the decedent and the cause of death is essential. The proof and documentation include the following:
- Death certificate.
- Medical records.
- Witness statements.
- Police and autopsy reports.
- Photos and videos.
- Pay stubs and tax returns.
- Witness statements.
Keep Detailed Records of All Your Expenses
When pursuing a wrongful death Sacramento survivors should maintain a detailed record of all their expenses. The expenses include medical bills, funeral charges, and other receipts and documents relating to spending and income. One of the main aims of filing a wrongful death suit is to receive compensation for their loss and recover damages incurred while filing the lawsuit.
Join a Support Group
Most people find it challenging to deal with the emotions and legalities involved after a wrongful death. One of the best ways to cope with such situations is by joining a support group. Besides support groups, one may also get emotional support from parents, siblings, teachers, and friends.
Support groups with members with similar experiences are ideal because one can get advice on numerous things, including choosing a Sacramento personal injury lawyer and dealing with the stress of filing a claim.
Hire an Experienced Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
Personal injury lawsuits are complex, and with an experienced lawyer, you will increase the chance of receiving the total compensation you deserve. In addition, experienced and professional wrongful death lawyers are reliable and will always show up in court on time and always have the necessary evidence for your case.
Another reason for hiring an experienced lawyer for your wrongful death in Sacramento is their familiarity with the court systems and process. They are also aware of all the laws that apply to a wrongful death lawsuit. Besides knowing the system, an experienced personal injury lawyer has easy access to resources you may not get on your own. This includes connections with other professionals, such as expert witnesses with forensic backgrounds and tax consultants.
Finally, an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer is more likely to have dealt with cases like yours. Through this, they are familiar with scenarios and events that may arise during the lawsuits or what to expect. Such experience ensures that your case progresses well with no hindrances.
Get Help Dealing With Your Wrongful Death in Sacramento From Experienced Lawyers
Berg Injury Lawyers have helped residents inSacramento and California through difficulties for more than three decades, and we would like to assist your family. If you have lost a family member in a fatal accident due to someone else’s negligence, our personal injury lawyers in Sacramento are looking forward to helping get justice for your family. Call us for a free consultation today.
