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Fremont, California, is known for its vibrant community and scenic landscapes. However, like any city, it faces challenges, including incidents where lives are tragically lost due to negligence or misconduct. In 2022 alone, Fremont experienced 11 fatal traffic accidents, underscoring the reality that wrongful deaths can and do occur here.
When such tragedies strike, families are left grappling with grief and unanswered questions. Thompson Law is committed to helping these families navigate the legal landscape to seek accountability and closure. If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s actions, reach out to Thompson Law for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
A wrongful death occurs when someone loses their life due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another party. In Fremont, these cases arise from a variety of scenarios where the death could have been prevented.
Car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents frequently lead to wrongful death claims, especially when caused by speeding, distracted driving, DUIs, or other reckless behavior behind the wheel.
When healthcare professionals fail to meet the standard of care, the consequences can be fatal. Common examples of medical malpractice include misdiagnoses, surgical errors, and improper treatment that result in a preventable death.
Certain industries, such as construction or manufacturing, expose workers to dangerous conditions. If a fatality results from unsafe practices, poor training, or lack of protective measures, a wrongful death claim may be pursued against the employer or a third party.
When a consumer product, ranging from auto parts to appliances, fails and causes a fatal injury, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer may be liable under product liability laws.
Property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions. Fatal accidents caused by unsafe environments, such as slip-and-falls, structural collapses, or inadequate security, can lead to wrongful death claims based on premises liability.
If your loved one’s death falls into any of these categories, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim. Contact Thompson Law for a FREE CASE REVIEW to discuss your situation.
Under California law, specifically Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, the following individuals are eligible to file a wrongful death claim:
Determining eligibility can be complex, especially in cases involving extended family or dependents. Thompson Law offers a FREE CONSULTATION to help clarify your rights and options.
Determining liability is a critical part of building a wrongful death claim. Liability can rest with one or more parties, depending on how the death occurred.
Private citizens, such as reckless drivers, negligent property owners, or others whose direct actions caused the death, can be held personally liable in civil court.
If the death occurred on the job or was caused by unsafe work conditions, employers may be liable under labor laws or negligence claims. This includes failing to provide proper safety equipment or training.
Producers and distributors of defective products can be held accountable when their product causes a fatal accident, especially if the defect was foreseeable or preventable.
Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers may be liable in cases of fatal medical errors, especially when standard protocols were not followed.
In certain cases, city, county, or state agencies may be held responsible, such as when a fatality involves unsafe public infrastructure, public transportation accidents, or negligent public employees.
Identifying the liable party is crucial for a successful claim. Thompson Law’s Fremont wrongful death lawyers can assist in this process during a FREE CONSULTATION.
At Thompson Law, we fight to protect the rights of families who’ve been shaken by tragedy. We know you’re facing more than just emotional grief, you’re also dealing with medical bills, lost income, and long-term changes that can feel impossible to manage alone.
That’s why we focus on securing compensation for everything from medical treatment and rehabilitation to ongoing care. You deserve the space to focus on healing, not paperwork or insurance companies. Let us handle the legal side while you take care of yourself and your family
Losing someone you love because of another person’s actions is devastating. When you’re left to pick up the pieces, you need more than just a lawyer, you need a legal team that takes your case personally. At Thompson Law, we understand that every family carries a different story. That’s why we approach each wrongful death case with deep care and individual attention. We don’t rely on cookie-cutter strategies. Instead, we dig into the details of your situation and build a legal plan that fits your needs.
Our team takes the time to investigate thoroughly. We gather every available piece of evidence, examine what really happened, and consult with experts when needed. Nothing is overlooked. We know the weight these cases carry, not just legally, but emotionally, and we stand by you through it all.
We provide Wrongful Death loved ones with dedicated and tenacious legal representation, ensuring you get fair value for your claim. Our Fremont lawyers will build a strong case with supporting evidence for injured victims so that you recover the money that you deserve.
In a wrongful death lawsuit, surviving family members may be eligible to recover a range of damages to help ease the financial and emotional burden caused by their loss. These damages fall into distinct categories:
Also known as special damages, these cover the tangible financial losses resulting from the death. This may include:
These damages are calculated based on receipts, income statements, and expert assessments of future financial contributions.
Non-economic damages reflect the intangible losses that come with losing a loved one. These may include:
While these are more difficult to quantify, they are equally important in reflecting the human cost of a wrongful death.
In cases where the death was caused by gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm, the court may award punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate the family, but to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
Assessing the full extent of damages is important. Thompson Law can evaluate your case during a FREE CONSULTATION.
Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. In wrongful death cases, probate may be necessary to appoint a personal representative who can file the lawsuit on behalf of the estate. This process involves validating the will (if one exists), inventorying assets, paying debts, and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries.
Navigating probate can be complex, but Thompson Law is here to guide you through it. Reach out for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Building a compelling wrongful death case requires substantial evidence:
Thompson Law can assist in gathering and analyzing this evidence. Schedule a FREE CASE REVIEW to learn more.
If you’re wondering how different wrongful death claims are compared to criminal cases, we’re here to break it down for you. Knowing the difference between the two is important, especially when both may arise from the same incident. While they may be connected, they serve different purposes and follow different legal standards.
The goal of a wrongful death claim is to obtain financial compensation for the surviving family members or the estate of the deceased. This compensation may cover economic and non-economic damages such as lost income, funeral expenses, and emotional suffering. In contrast, a criminal case is brought by the state to punish the offender for violating the law. The objective is not compensation, but criminal accountability, often resulting in jail time, fines, or probation.
In civil wrongful death cases, the standard is a “preponderance of evidence” which means it must be more likely than not that the defendant is responsible. In criminal prosecutions, the burden of proof is much higher: “beyond a reasonable doubt.” This difference means that a defendant may be acquitted in criminal court but still held liable in civil court.
A wrongful death lawsuit is filed by surviving family members or a personal representative of the deceased’s estate. The purpose is to pursue justice through compensation. A criminal case, on the other hand, is initiated by a government prosecutor. The family of the deceased is not in control of the process, although they may be involved as witnesses or victims.
Even if a criminal case does not result in a conviction, a civil wrongful death claim may still succeed. Discuss your options with Thompson Law during a FREE CONSULTATION.
Wrongful deaths can occur in many different settings, but they often share a common thread: preventability. Understanding the cause of a wrongful death is a critical first step in building a strong legal claim. Here are some of the most common causes in Fremont:
Motor vehicle collisions are one of the leading causes of wrongful death in Fremont. These may involve cars, trucks, motorcycles, pedestrians, or cyclists. In many cases, driver negligence—such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence—plays a major role.
Certain industries, particularly construction and manufacturing, carry a higher risk of fatal workplace accidents. Falls, equipment malfunctions, lack of proper safety protocols, and exposure to hazardous materials can all lead to wrongful death claims based on employer negligence or unsafe working conditions.
When doctors, nurses, or medical facilities make preventable mistakes, the consequences can be fatal. Common examples include misdiagnoses, medication errors, anesthesia complications, and surgical mistakes. These cases may involve medical malpractice and often require expert testimony.
Faulty machinery, unsafe consumer goods, or automotive defects can cause fatal injuries. When a product malfunctions due to poor design, manufacturing flaws, or lack of proper warnings, manufacturers and distributors may be held liable in a wrongful death claim.
Understanding the cause is necessary for pursuing a claim. Thompson Law offers a FREE CASE REVIEW to assess your situation.
Fremont has witnessed several notable wrongful death cases:
In 2022, a bicyclist was fatally struck on the I-880 overpass, highlighting the dangers cyclists face.
Another incident of a wrongful death lawsuit was when it was filed against the City of Fremont by the family of a deceased police captain, alleging retaliation and misconduct
These cases underscore the importance of legal recourse in the face of negligence. If you believe you have a similar case, contact Thompson Law for a FREE CONSULTATION.
In the event of a fatal accident, it’s crucial to report it to the appropriate authorities:
Reporting as soon as possible can aid in investigations and support any subsequent legal actions. Thompson Law can guide you through this process during a FREE CONSULTATION.
Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is one of the hardest experiences a family can face. Along with the emotional toll, you may be left dealing with financial burdens, unanswered questions, and a deep sense of injustice.
At Thompson Law, we’re here to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on healing. Our Fremont wrongful death lawyers will thoroughly investigate what happened, hold the responsible parties accountable, and pursue the compensation your family deserves.
This isn’t just about financial recovery—it’s about honoring your loved one’s memory and making sure no one else suffers the same fate.
Call us for a FREE CASE REVIEW and take the first step toward justice and closure.
In California, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Generally, wrongful death settlements are not taxable under federal or state law.
California’s “one-action rule” mandates that all heirs must join in a single wrongful death lawsuit.
Thompson Law charges NO FEE unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We’ve put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements in our clients’ pockets. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get your questions answered, and understand your legal options.
State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.
