Trusted Long Beach Wrongful Death Attorney Ready To Help You

Losing a loved one is an unimaginable hardship, especially when their death could have been prevented. If you find yourself grappling with the loss of a family member due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to seek justice through a wrongful death claim. As you navigate this difficult time, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and options. That’s where a Long Beach wrongful death lawyer can offer guidance, support, and advocacy on your behalf.

If you lost a loved due to someone else's negligence, contact Long Beach wrongful death attorney, Michael Beliz.

What is Wrongful Death in California?

In California, wrongful death is defined as the loss of life caused by the negligence or wrongful act of another person or entity. This includes situations such as car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, or defective products. The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions and to provide compensation to the surviving family members for their loss.

Case Spotlight

$90,000.00 Settlement amount
Case type:

REAR END CAR ACCIDENT

The Beliz Law Firm obtained a $90,000 settlement on behalf of a 67-year old grandmother. The client was stopped in her vehicle at the intersection of Muller Street and Lincoln Avenue in the Anaheim. While the client waited for the signal light to turn from red to green, a driver of a sedan was traveling at a speed of 60 miles per hour in an attempt to make a dentist appointment. The driver realized too late that there were stopped vehicle ahead and was unable to slow down the sedan in time. The sedan rear-ended the client’s vehicle and pushed it into the car ahead. The client’s vehicle was totaled.

The client was taken by ambulance to University of California, Irvine hospital. The client was diagnosed with a non-surgical fracture to the sternum. The client stayed under the care of medical personal for a few days. Afterwards, the client presented to her primary care physician for follow-up visits once a month for three months for the aches in her chest but no physical therapy was needed.

The Beliz Law signed the grandmother and filed a lawsuit against the negligent driver. After getting useful information about the driver through discovery and the defense of the client’s deposition, the case went to mediation and settled for $90,000.00.

A flower symbolizing a wrongful death in Long Beach.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

The statutes outlined in the California Code of Civil Procedure govern the right to file a wrongful death claim. It’s important to note that California law prioritizes specific individuals over others when it comes to the right to file a wrongful death claim. Additionally, if there are multiple eligible parties, they may choose to file a claim jointly or separately, depending on the circumstances. 

An experienced Long Beach wrongful death lawyer can help you determine the best path forward. The following individuals can bring forth a wrongful death lawsuit in California.

Spouse or Domestic Partner

The surviving spouse or registered domestic partner of the deceased has the primary right to file a wrongful death claim, which includes spouses who were legally married at the time of death, as well as domestic partners registered with the state.

Children

The children of the deceased, including both biological and adopted children, are also eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim. This provision extends to minor children as well as adult children.

Dependent Stepchildren

Stepchildren who were financially dependent on the deceased may also have the right to file a wrongful death claim, provided they can demonstrate their dependence.

Parents

If there are no surviving spouses, domestic partners, or children, the right to file a wrongful death claim passes to the parents of the deceased. These parents include biological parents as well as adoptive parents.

Other Dependents

In cases where there are no surviving individuals in the categories mentioned above, the right to file a wrongful death claim may extend to anyone financially dependent on the deceased at the time of death. These individuals could include siblings, grandparents, or other relatives who can establish their dependence on the deceased.

What Compensation Is Available in a Wrongful Death Claim?

In California, wrongful death claims provide compensation to the surviving family members for the losses they have suffered as a result of their loved one’s death. While no amount of money can fully compensate for the loss of a loved one, the legal system aims to provide financial support to help alleviate the burdens associated with the death. The types of compensation available in a wrongful death claim in California include:

  • Funeral and burial expenses,
  • Medical expenses incurred before death, 
  • Loss of financial support,
  • Loss of household services,
  • Loss of consortium,
  • Emotional pain and suffering, and 
  • Punitive damages.

It’s important to note that the specific types and amounts of compensation available in a wrongful death claim can vary depending on the circumstances of the case, including the severity of the wrongdoing, the financial losses incurred by the survivors, and the relationship between the deceased and the claimants. An experienced Long Beach wrongful death lawyer can help assess your case and pursue the maximum compensation available under the law.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations

In California, there is a strict statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim. According to California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, you generally have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a lawsuit. However, it’s important to note that certain circumstances may alter this timeframe.

While it’s natural to want to take time to grieve and process your loss, it’s essential to take action as soon as possible. Evidence can deteriorate over time, witnesses may become more challenging to locate, and crucial details may fade from memory. By initiating your case promptly, you give your Long Beach wrongful death attorney the best opportunity to build a strong case on your behalf.

Advantages of Hiring a Long Beach Wrongful Death Lawyer

A Long Beach wrongful death lawyer can provide invaluable assistance and support during one of the most challenging times in your life. With their expertise in California wrongful death law and compassionate approach to client care, a skilled attorney can guide you through the complex legal process with understanding and empathy. From conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death to negotiating with insurance companies and advocating for your rights in court, a wrongful death lawyer will tirelessly fight for justice on your behalf. Beyond the legal aspects, they also offer emotional support, serving as a trusted ally who listens to your concerns and helps you navigate the grieving process. By entrusting your case to a Long Beach wrongful death attorney, you can focus on healing while knowing that your rights and interests are being fiercely protected.

Michael Beliz is an experienced Long Beach injury attorney. He has worked on cases such as:

The Beliz Law Firm, P.C. only works in the personal injury area of law and specifically works on cases that are related to California wrongful death accidents.  Since 2005, Michael A. Beliz has worked for and learned from two of the most prominent personal injury law firms in Southern California.

Michael has worked on hundreds of cases throughout California including many serious injury cases involving wrongful deaths.  He has handled cases from the very early stages of a claim through the entire litigation process, including trial, and has settled claims for hundreds of thousands of dollars for his clients.  Further, Michael has earned a reputation for being trustworthy, knowledgeable, and an advocate for his clients.

Contact The Beliz Law Firm, P.C. Today

Call us or contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Our lawyer is ready to listen to you about your case.

What Else Should You Look For In A Long Beach Wrongful Death Attorney?

When you’re looking for the best legal representation for your personal injury case, you want to find someone you can trust.

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LOCAL
After a losing a loved one, you want to work with a Long Beach local. Many of the ads you see and hear are from statewide or national firms who aren’t experienced working in Long Beach. The Beliz Law Firm is located at 3777 Long Beach Blvd and we’re happy to meet you wherever is convenient.
COMMUNITY
At the Beliz Law Firm, we sincerely want to make Long Beach a better place. That’s why we offer free holiday rides, a scholarship for students, and support beneficial organizations.
RESULTS
Our Long Beach wrongful death lawyers get results for their clients. We’ve got experience working many types of car accident cases. Check out our results page for a small sample of cases we’ve settled or won for our clients.