A sudden death of a loved one can cause immeasurable grief and pain. The loss of companionship, household and childrearing support, parental guidance, and financial support can be overwhelming and cause emotional distress.

If the death was due to gross negligence of another person or entity, a civil action can be taken against the careless party to seek damages. A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit against a person, or defendant, who can be held liable for another person’s demise.

Although taking legal action may be an emotionally difficult process, it can have benefits for the survivors of the deceased. First, proper compensation for damages can relieve family members and loved ones of economic stress. Second, a successful lawsuit can hold individuals and manufacturers accountable for their negligence, which can potentially deter future misconduct.

According to the California wrongful death statute, only certain parties can pursue a wrongful death claim. California law specifies that the spouse, domestic partner, and children of the deceased can file a lawsuit. If there is no living person in the line of descent, anybody “who would be entitled to the property of the decedent by intestate succession” can file a lawsuit.

​This would include parents and siblings. In California, a wrongful death claim must be filed within two years of the death of the individual. If you have suffered the loss of a family member or loved one due to reckless negligence and are considering filing a lawsuit, it is important to consult with an experienced personal injury.



What Should You Know About Spinal Cord Injuries?
Spinal cord injuries can be disabling, devastating, and sometimes permanent. About 12,000 new spinal cord injuries are reported annually, and about a quarter-million people are living with spinal cord injuries in the U.S.
A severe spinal cord injury is usually caused by a blow or impact to the spine that dislocates, crushes, fractures, or compresses one or more vertebrae. These injuries cause a reduction or loss of body organ function below the location of the injury.
A spinal cord injury damages ligaments, vertebrae, spinal discs, and/or the spinal cord itself. Spinal cord injuries frequently cause permanent disability and may require medical treatment that could cost more than a million dollars over a lifetime.
A spinal cord injury may not be immediately realized or detected. In the days and weeks after an accident there may be swelling, inflammation, bleeding, and fluid accumulating around or in the spinal cord.
If you sustain a spinal cord injury – or if you are not sure that you’re injured – it is imperative to seek medical attention immediately.