San Dimas Wrongful Death Lawyer

San Dimas Wrongful Death Attorney

While San Dimas, a city with over 33,000 residents, offers a peaceful suburban environment, accidents and preventable tragedies do happen, often leaving families grappling with the devastating loss of a loved one. A San Dimas wrongful death lawyer understands the emotional, financial, and physical challenges that come with such a tragedy, and we’re here to help you hold the responsible party accountable.

Whether your loss occurred as a result of a car accident, medical malpractice, or dangerous premises, our personal injury team has the experience and dedication to guide you through this difficult time. Our goal is to ease some of the burdens families face after such a tragic event by offering compassionate legal support and a relentless pursuit of justice.

Types of Wrongful Death Cases

Wrongful death can occur in many ways, often when least expected. When someone’s negligence or reckless actions lead to a fatal accident, the surviving family members are left to pick up the pieces. At Amendt Law, we handle a wide range of wrongful death cases in San Dimas, helping families seek justice and financial recovery. Some of the common kinds of wrongful death claims we handle include:

1. Motor Vehicle Accidents. Car accidents are one of the leading causes of wrongful death in California. Whether caused by a distracted driver, a DUI driver, or poor road conditions, a fatal car crash can lead to immeasurable grief. If the accident was caused by the negligence of another driver, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim.
2. Workplace Accidents. Construction accidents, falls, and injuries involving heavy machinery can result in fatal injuries. If a workplace accident happens because of the negligence of an employer or third party, you may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim. There were 439 fatal work injuries in California in 2023.
3. Dog Attacks. Fatal dog attacks, though rare, do occur, especially when a dog isn’t properly restrained or has a history of aggression. Under California’s strict liability dog bite laws, owners are responsible for their pets’ actions, regardless of whether the dog has previously shown violent behavior. If a dog attack results in death, the surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the owner.
4. Premises Liability. Property owners are required to maintain their premises and ensure they’re free of hazardous conditions. If a loved one dies due to unsafe conditions, the property owner may be held liable.

We understand the emotional and financial hardships that come with losing a loved one in a senseless way. Our team can provide compassionate legal guidance and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

How To Prove a Wrongful Death Claim

In San Dimas, proving a wrongful death case requires showing that the at-fault person’s negligence directly caused your loved ones death. You must establish the following key elements that demonstrate negligence:

1. Duty of care. You must show that the defendant had a legal duty to care for the decedent. For example, a driver has a duty to drive safely, or a business owner has a duty to provide a safe environment.
2. Breach of duty. You must prove that the liable party breached their duty to act responsibly or safely. This can be through negligence or direct action, like a driver running a stop sign.
3. Causation. You must demonstrate that the at-fault party’s actions directly caused the death. This often requires expert testimony and thorough investigation.
4. Damages. The surviving family members must show the financial and emotional losses caused by the wrongful death. This includes lost income, funeral costs, emotional distress, and the loss of companionship.

Proving a wrongful death claim requires strong evidence, a thorough legal strategy, and a deep understanding of California law. At Amendt Law, we’re committed to helping families in San Dimas navigate this difficult process, ensuring they have the support and advocacy needed to seek justice for their loved one’s untimely passing.

FAQs About San Dimas, CA Wrongful Death Laws

How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for wrongful death cases is generally two years from the date of death. However, there may be exceptions depending on the circumstances, like if the defendant was a government entity or if the cause of death wasn’t immediately apparent. It’s essential to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss the deadline.

Can I File a Wrongful Death Claim if the Person Responsible Has Criminal Charges Against Them?

You can file a wrongful death claim even if the at-fault party has criminal charges against them. A criminal case and a civil wrongful death claim are separate legal processes. While the outcome of a criminal case may influence the civil case, you don’t need to wait for criminal proceedings to end in order to seek justice for your loved one.

Can a Wrongful Death Claim Be Filed if the Deceased Had Pre-Existing Health Conditions?

A wrongful death claim can still be pursued even if the deceased had pre-existing health conditions. If the negligent act contributed to or accelerated their death, the responsible party may still be held liable. The key is proving that negligence directly played a significant role in causing the death, regardless of underlying conditions.

Does a Wrongful Death Claim Cover Grief and Emotional Suffering?

In California, wrongful death claims allow families to seek compensation for non-economic damages, including loss of companionship, emotional suffering, and the pain of losing a loved one. While no amount of money can replace a life, financial recovery can help ease the burden of the emotional and psychological impact of the loss, providing some form of justice and closure.

Contact Amendt Law Today

If you’ve lost a loved one because of the negligence or intentional actions of another, Amendt Law is here to help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Losing a loved one is emotionally devastating, and we understand how important it is to take the proper steps to secure justice for their death. Our experienced San Dimas wrongful death lawyers are here to offer support. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.