Irvine Wrongful Death Lawyers

What Types of Damages Are Recoverable in a Wrongful Death Claim?

Losing a loved one can leave families facing emotional and financial hardship. In a wrongful death claim, compensation can include:

• Medical bills for treatments, emergency care, and any other medical expenses incurred before death.
• Funeral and burial costs to cover expenses such as caskets, services, and cemetery fees.
• Lost income that the deceased would have provided to their family, including future earnings and benefits.
• Loss of companionship, affection, and emotional support for spouses, children, and other close family members.
• Pain and suffering endured by surviving family members due to the unexpected loss.
• Punitive damages in cases involving extreme negligence or intentional harm.

If you’re unsure which damages apply to your case, contact our Irvine wrongful death lawyers for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Why Families in Irvine Turn to Thompson Law for Wrongful Death Cases

Families coping with the sudden loss of a loved one deserve a law firm that understands the complexities of wrongful death claims. At Thompson Law, we provide:

• Decades of experience handling wrongful death cases involving fatal car accidents, workplace incidents, and medical malpractice.
• Comprehensive investigations to uncover evidence, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts.
• Personalized legal strategies tailored to the unique circumstances of each case.
• Compassionate, one-on-one guidance to help families navigate the legal process with clarity and confidence.
• Aggressive representation against powerful insurance companies and defendants who try to avoid accountability.

If you need trusted legal support after a wrongful death, contact Thompson Law today for a FREE CONSULTATION from our Irvine wrongful death lawyers.

Why Choose Thompson Law?

As one of the best Wrongful Death law firms in the area, Thompson Law has a team of experienced and dedicated Wrongful Death attorneys who are ready to fight for your legal rights.

At Thompson Law, we understand the emotional distress that comes with serious injuries, and we are committed to providing you with the best legal representation possible. Our trial lawyers are not afraid to take your case to court if necessary and have successfully secured billions of dollars in compensatory and punitive damages for our clients.

We have extensive experience working with insurance companies, large corporations, and medical professionals, and we know how to get you the results you deserve. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not have to pay anything until we win your case.

Don’t let a case like this ruin your life. Contact Thompson Law‘s Irvine Wrongful Death lawyers today and schedule a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your legal options. Our team of dedicated Wrongful Death attorneys will provide you with the legal advice and representation you need to get the compensation you deserve.

What If the Responsible Party Is Uninsured or Underinsured?

When the at-fault party lacks adequate insurance, recovering compensation can be more challenging. Possible options include:

• Filing a claim under the deceased’s uninsured or underinsured motorist policy.
• Seeking compensation through the responsible party’s personal assets, if applicable.
• Identifying third parties that may share liability, such as employers, vehicle owners, or product manufacturers.
• Pursuing claims against a property owner’s insurance policy if unsafe conditions contributed to the fatal incident.
• Exploring state compensation funds available for victims of violent crimes or hit-and-run accidents.

If you’re facing a wrongful death case involving an uninsured or underinsured party, speak with our Irvine wrongful death attorneys to explore your legal options. Contact us for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

When Negligence Involves a Business or Municipality: Liability in Complex Cases

Wrongful death cases can involve multiple parties, including businesses or government entities. Examples include:

• Commercial vehicle accidents involving delivery trucks or company-owned vehicles.
• Fatal accidents caused by unsafe property conditions, such as broken stairways or poor lighting.
• Municipal negligence involving dangerous road designs, malfunctioning traffic signals, or unmarked crosswalks.
• Product defects that result in fatal injuries, such as faulty brakes or malfunctioning airbags.
• Workplace accidents caused by unsafe practices, defective equipment, or lack of proper training.

Establishing liability in complex cases requires detailed investigations and strong evidence. If your wrongful death case involves a business or government entity, contact Thompson Law for a FREE CONSULTATION from our Irvine wrongful death lawyers to discuss your legal strategy.

Case Results in Wrongful Death Lawsuits Handled by Thompson Law

Thompson Law has a proven track record of securing substantial settlements for families who have lost loved ones due to negligence. Here are some of the notable case results in wrongful death lawsuits:

• $11,991,670 recovered for a fatal truck accident.
• $9,512,498 obtained for a family after a fire caused by a defective chair led to a fatality.
• $9,181,172 awarded for two deaths resulting from a fuel system failure.
• $8,540,000 secured for a fatal vehicle crash involving crashworthiness defects.
• $8,010,186 obtained for a fatality caused by a fuel system failure.
• $7,911,694 awarded for a death linked to a fuel system malfunction.
• $7,694,750 recovered for a fatal industrial accident.
• $7,387,617 awarded to the family of a worker who died in an industrial accident.
• $5,704,363 secured for a death caused by a vehicle transmission defect.
• $5,481,054 obtained for a fatal fuel system failure incident.

And there’s a lot more.

Thompson Law is committed to fighting for justice and holding negligent parties accountable. If you’ve lost a loved one in a tragic accident, reach out to our wrongful death attorneys for a FREE CONSULTATION. We are here to provide compassionate support and aggressive representation.

Irvine Wrongful Death Laws and Irvine-Specific Ordinances

California’s wrongful death laws provide a framework for who can file a claim and what types of damages can be recovered. In Irvine, these laws apply alongside specific ordinances that may also impact wrongful death claims.

Who Can Recover Compensation in a California Wrongful Death Claim

• The surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, and issue of deceased children are the primary beneficiaries in a wrongful death claim.
• If there are no direct descendants, those who can recover include parents, stepchildren, or other dependents who were financially reliant on the deceased.
• Putative spouses (those who believed in good faith they were legally married to the deceased) may also be eligible to recover compensation.

Distribution of Compensation

• If the deceased was married, the spouse receives half of the estate, with the remainder divided among children or other heirs.
• If there is a surviving spouse and one child, the spouse receives half, and the child receives the other half.
• If there are two or more children, the spouse receives one-third, and the children divide the remaining two-thirds equally.
• If there are no children, the estate is divided among surviving parents or other relatives, following intestate succession guidelines.

Compensation for Minors and Dependents

• Minors who lived with the deceased for at least 180 days before the death and were dependent on the deceased for at least half of their support may also be eligible for compensation.
• Compensation includes pecuniary losses such as shelter, food, clothing, and medical expenses.

Specific Irvine Ordinances Impacting Wrongful Death Cases

Sidewalk and Pedestrian Safety (Sec. 6-3-501)

Drivers are prohibited from operating vehicles, bicycles, or animal-drawn carts on sidewalks. Violations can establish negligence in wrongful death cases involving pedestrian fatalities.

Speed Limits and Signage (Sec. 6-3-505)

Speed limits in Irvine are based on safety studies. Violations may strengthen a wrongful death claim by demonstrating reckless driving.

Stop Signs and Intersections (Sec. 6-3-563)

The city is responsible for maintaining stop signs at intersections. Failure to maintain these signs could result in municipal liability in fatal crashes.

Parking and Tow Zones (Sec. 6-3-571 and Sec. 6-3-573)

Unauthorized parking in designated zones, particularly near intersections, may contribute to accidents that lead to wrongful death claims.

Vehicle Abandonment (Sec. 4-11-219)

Abandoned vehicles on public or private property for more than ten days may be towed. If an abandoned vehicle contributes to a fatal crash, the vehicle owner may be held liable.

Truck Route Restrictions (Sec. 6-3-565)

Commercial trucks must adhere to designated routes. Violations may contribute to fatal crashes, especially in high-traffic areas.

If you lost a loved one in a fatal accident in Irvine, understanding these laws and ordinances can make a significant difference in your claim. Contact our Irvine wrongful death lawyers at Thompson Law for a FREE CONSULTATION to learn how we can help you pursue justice and fair compensation.

Supportive Resources for Grieving Families in Irvine

Losing a loved one can be emotionally overwhelming, but there are resources in Irvine that offer support and guidance for grieving families:

• Grief support groups at the Irvine Family Resource Center provide a safe space for sharing feelings and coping with loss.
• The Orange County Crisis Response Network offers 24/7 crisis counseling and emotional support for those affected by sudden death.
• Counseling services are available through the University of California, Irvine Counseling Center for families dealing with traumatic loss.
• Faith-based organizations in Irvine provide pastoral counseling and community support during times of grief.
• Legal and financial guidance from competent firms like Thompson Law.

If you need compassionate legal guidance after losing a loved one, contact our Irvine wrongful death lawyers for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Medical Facilities Providing Trauma Care for Fatal Accidents in Irvine

When fatal accidents occur, immediate medical intervention is crucial. Irvine has several medical facilities equipped to handle trauma cases:

• UCI Medical Center
• Irvine Urgent Care
• MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center
• Hoag Hospital Irvine
• Kaiser Permanente Orange County – Irvine Medical Center

If your loved one was fatally injured in an accident, seeking immediate medical care can create essential records that may support a wrongful death claim. Speak to our wrongful death attorneys in Irvine now for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Obtaining a Police Report After a Fatal Accident in Irvine

A police report can provide key evidence in a wrongful death claim by documenting the circumstances of the fatal accident. Here’s what you need to do:

• Visit the Irvine Police Department’s Records Division to request a copy of the accident report.
• Submit an online request through the Irvine Police Department website by providing the report number, accident date, and names of the involved parties.
• Contact the California Highway Patrol if the incident occurred on a freeway or involved a commercial vehicle, as their reports may contain additional details.
• Review the report carefully for accuracy and notify the police department of any discrepancies.

Obtaining a detailed police report can strengthen your wrongful death claim by providing objective documentation of the accident. Need assistance? Contact our Irvine wrongful death lawyers now for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death in Irvine

California law sets strict deadlines for filing a wrongful death claim, and missing these deadlines can prevent you from recovering compensation.

• Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years from the date of death.
• Property damage claims related to the fatal accident have a three-year filing window.
• Claims involving government entities require a notice of claim to be filed within six months of the accident.
• Special exceptions may apply for minors or in cases involving medical malpractice.

Taking swift action after a fatal accident can help preserve your right to seek compensation and prevent potential legal complications. Reach out to out Irvine wrongful death attorneys today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Call Thompson Law Today for Compassionate Legal Guidance After a Loss

Losing a loved one in a preventable accident is devastating. At Thompson Law, we are committed to helping families in Irvine navigate the legal process with compassion and expertise on a contingency fee basis. We also:

• Thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the death to identify liable parties.
• Handle communications with insurers to pursue compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and emotional distress.
• Provide clear, supportive guidance throughout the legal process to reduce stress for grieving families.

If you need legal support after a wrongful death, reach out to our experienced Irvine attorneys. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION and learn how we can help you pursue justice for your loved one.

FAQs About Wrongful Death Cases in Irvine

Can I still file a wrongful death claim if the deceased was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes, in California, wrongful death claims follow the rule of comparative negligence. This means that even if the deceased was partially at fault, surviving family members may still recover compensation. The awarded amount may be reduced based on the percentage of fault attributed to the deceased.

What happens if a wrongful death lawsuit involves multiple liable parties?

When multiple parties share responsibility for a wrongful death, each may be held liable for a portion of the damages. This can include drivers, property owners, employers, or product manufacturers. The compensation may be divided based on the degree of fault determined by the court.

Can adult children file a wrongful death claim for the loss of a parent?

Yes, adult children are eligible to file a wrongful death claim for the loss of a parent in California. They can seek compensation for financial support, loss of companionship, and emotional distress resulting from their parent’s death.

What if the deceased had no spouse, children, or parents?

If the deceased has no direct heirs, the right to file a wrongful death claim may extend to other financially dependent relatives, such as siblings, stepchildren, or grandparents. The court will assess the level of dependency and the impact of the loss on those family members.

Can a wrongful death claim be filed against a government agency in Irvine?

Yes, wrongful death claims can be filed against government entities if their negligence contributed to the death. This may involve incidents like fatal crashes caused by unsafe road conditions or police misconduct. However, these claims have stricter filing deadlines, typically requiring a notice of claim within six months of the incident.