Fremont Wrongful Death Lawyers

Seek Justice After a Wrongful Death With Us

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.

 

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What Counts as a Wrongful Death Case in Fremont?

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.

Vehicle Accidents

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.

Medical Malpractice

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.

Workplace Incidents

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.

Defective Products

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.

Premises Liability

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.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Under California law, specifically Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, the following individuals are eligible to file a wrongful death claim:

  • The deceased person’s surviving spouse or domestic partner.
  • Their children.
  • If there are no surviving children, then the person’s parents or legal guardians.
  • A personal representative of the deceased’s estate.

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.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Fremont Wrongful Death Case?

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.

Individuals

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.

Employers

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.

Manufacturers

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.

Medical Professionals

Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers may be liable in cases of fatal medical errors, especially when standard protocols were not followed.

Government Entities

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.

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Why Choose Thompson Law?

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

Why Choose Thompson Law as Your Wrongful Death Lawyers

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.

At Thompson Law

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.

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What Damages Can Surviving Family Members Claim?

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:

Economic Damages

Also known as special damages, these cover the tangible financial losses resulting from the death. This may include:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical bills related to the deceased’s final illness or injury
  • Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
  • Loss of household services, such as childcare or maintenance

These damages are calculated based on receipts, income statements, and expert assessments of future financial contributions.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages reflect the intangible losses that come with losing a loved one. These may include:

  • Loss of companionship, love, and affection
  • Emotional distress and grief experienced by surviving family members
  • Loss of guidance, comfort, and moral support
  • Pain and suffering connected to the family’s emotional trauma

While these are more difficult to quantify, they are equally important in reflecting the human cost of a wrongful death.

Punitive Damages

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.

How Probate Works in Fremont

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.

Types of Evidence to Help Strengthen Your Wrongful Death Claim

Building a compelling wrongful death case requires substantial evidence:

  • Medical Records:  Documenting the cause of death and any related treatments.
  • Accident Reports:  Police or incident reports detailing the circumstances.
  • Witness Statements:  Testimonies from individuals who observed the incident.
  • Expert Testimony:  Insights from professionals in relevant fields.
  • Photographic Evidence:  Images from the scene or of injuries sustained.

Thompson Law can assist in gathering and analyzing this evidence. Schedule a FREE CASE REVIEW to learn more.

How Wrongful Death Claims Differ from Criminal Cases

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.

Purpose

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.

Burden of Proof

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.

Initiation

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.

Common Causes of Wrongful Deaths in Fremont

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:

Traffic Accidents

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.

Workplace Hazards

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.

Medical Errors

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.

Defective Products

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.

Wrongful Death Local Cases in Fremont

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.

Where to Report Fatal Accidents in Fremont

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.

Your Loved Ones Deserve Justice. Partner with the Best Fremont Wrongful Death Lawyers Today

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.

 

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Fremont Wrongful Death FAQs

How long do I have to file for a wrongful death claim in Fremont?

In California, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Do I have to pay taxes on a wrongful death settlement in Fremont?

Generally, wrongful death settlements are not taxable under federal or state law.

What is the one-action rule for wrongful death in Fremont?

California’s “one-action rule” mandates that all heirs must join in a single wrongful death lawsuit.

Thompson Law Guarantee

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.