Long Beach Wrongful Death Lawyers

Call Our Long Beach Wrongful Death Lawyers for a Free Case Review

If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, our wrongful death lawyers are here to help. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or award, so you never pay out of pocket.

We know how challenging this time is for your family. That’s why our bilingual team (English and Spanish) is available 24/7 to guide you through the process. We handle all the legal details, allowing you to focus on healing. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION, and let us help you get the justice and compensation your family deserves.

What to Do After a Wrongful Death in Long Beach

Losing someone you love is devastating and the aftermath can be overwhelming. Navigating what to do next while grieving is tough, but taking the right steps can protect your family’s rights and get justice. Here’s what to do:

• Get emotional support:  Reach out to family, friends or a professional counselor to help you deal with the emotional impact.
• Gather key documents:  Get the death certificate and medical records to confirm the cause and circumstances of your loved one’s passing.
• Report suspicious circumstances:  Let the authorities know if anything unusual or illegal happened surrounding the death.
• Collect evidence:  Document witness statements, photos or videos that support your wrongful death case.
• Don’t take early settlement offers:  Insurance companies will try to offer you quick settlements that are way lower than what you deserve. Always talk to a lawyer before you agree to anything.
• Talk to a Long Beach wrongful death lawyer:  Call a lawyer to find out what your options are and what you can get.

At Thompson Law, we know this is one of the toughest times for your family. Our team will handle the legal stuff so you can focus on healing. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION– we’ll be with you every step of the way.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Long Beach?

Not everyone can file a wrongful death claim after losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence. The lawsuit can be against an individual, business or government entity. Only certain people can, including:

• The surviving spouse or domestic partner
• The deceased’s children (adult and minor)
• The deceased’s parents (if no spouse or children are alive)
• A legally adopted child of the deceased
• The executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate

If multiple family members can file, the settlements are generally divided based on the relationship to the deceased. Spouses and children get the biggest piece of the pie, parents or other dependents may be entitled to compensation in certain cases. If there is no spouse or children, other close relatives may also be able to file, depending on the situation.

Figuring out who can file and how the settlement gets distributed can be complicated. If you think you may be able to file a wrongful death claim, contact our Long Beach wrongful death attorneys for a  FREE CONSULTATION today. We’ll explain your rights and guide you through the process.

Determining Fault in a Wrongful Death Case in Long Beach

Proving liability in a wrongful death case requires detailed investigation and substantial evidence to demonstrate negligence. In Long Beach, important forms of evidence that can support a claim include:

• Testimonies from witnesses who observed the event
• Police reports or official documents outlining the incident
• Photos or videos of the accident scene
• Medical and forensic records connecting the death to the event

To hold someone accountable, your attorney must establish that the responsible party:

• Owed a duty of care to protect your loved one
• Breached that duty through reckless or negligent actions
• Directly caused the fatal incident through their behavior or failure to act
• Caused harm, such as emotional distress or financial difficulties, for surviving family members

At Thompson Law, we perform comprehensive investigations to build a solid case and ensure you receive fair compensation. If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence in Long Beach, contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION to explore your legal rights.

Leading Causes of Wrongful Death in Long Beach

Wrongful deaths in Long Beach often result from negligence, unsafe environments or breaches in the duty of care. Here are some of the most common:

• Car Accidents:  Fatalities involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians are the most common. Rideshare vehicles, public transportation and commercial trucks are also high on the list.
• Workplace Accidents:  High-risk jobs, especially in construction, warehouses and industrial settings are more likely to have workplace accidents due to unsafe working conditions, lack of training or employer negligence. Falls, equipment malfunctions and exposure to hazardous materials are common causes.
• Unsafe Property Conditions:  Property owners must keep their premises safe. Fatal accidents can occur due to poorly maintained walkways, lack of security measures, dog attacks, swimming pool accidents or structural failures in public spaces, businesses and apartments.
• Medical Malpractice:  Fatal errors by healthcare providers – surgical mistakes, misdiagnoses, medication errors or failure to treat – can lead to wrongful death. To prove malpractice, you must show that the healthcare provider’s negligence directly caused the death.

Types of Compensation in a Long Beach Wrongful Death Lawsuit

In California, wrongful death cases are emotional and proving negligence is key to getting justice. Types of compensation survivors may be entitled to include:

• Economic damages:  Compensation for loss of financial support, funeral expenses and financial burdens caused by the death.
• Non-economic damages:  This is for the emotional loss of companionship, love and affection, focusing on the survivors’ suffering because of the death of their loved one.
• Pre-death pain and suffering:  Recent changes in California law allow family members to pursue damages for the decedent’s pain and suffering between the time of injury and death in certain cases.

Please note that pain and suffering is not awarded for the deceased’s suffering before death unless a survival action is filed. If your loved one has passed away because of someone else’s negligence, understanding how damages are distributed can be complicated and getting legal advice is crucial.

At Thompson Law, our experienced Long Beach wrongful death lawyers will guide you through the process to make sure you file the right type of claim for the losses your family has suffered. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION and we’ll fight for the justice your loved one deserves.

Typical Wrongful Death Settlements in Long Beach

While the settlement can range from a few hundred thousand to several million, the average wrongful death settlement in Long Beach is between $500,000 to $1.5 million. Cases with more serious negligence, such as commercial vehicle accidents or medical malpractice, can go higher.

Why Settle

Most wrongful death cases are settled out of court to avoid a long trial process. Settlements give families a chance to get money faster and with less emotional stress. But each case is unique and an experienced wrongful death attorney in Long Beach can help you decide if a settlement or a trial is the way to go.

How to Get the Most

To get the full compensation your family deserves, you need the right legal team on your side. Experienced attorneys will gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies and fight for a settlement that reflects both the economic and emotional loss your family has suffered.

Our Long Beach wrongful death lawyers will help you understand your options and pursue the compensation your family needs to heal. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Are Wrongful Death Settlements Taxable in Long Beach?

Most wrongful death settlements are not taxable under federal and California law. However, there are exceptions.

Tax-Free Portions of a Wrongful Death Settlement

In general, the IRS and California don’t tax settlements meant to compensate survivors for their loss. The following types of damages are non-taxable:

• Compensation for lost support:  Payments for lost income, benefits and future earnings are usually not taxable.
• Medical and funeral expenses:  Any amount received for medical bills or burial costs is not taxable.
• Pain and suffering (non-economic damages):  Compensation for emotional distress and loss of companionship is usually not taxable.

When Are Wrongful Death Settlements Taxed?

While most of the settlement is tax-free, some may be taxable in certain situations:

• Punitive damages:  If part of your settlement includes punitive damages – those are taxable.
• Interest on the settlement:  If your settlement includes interest on delayed payments, that’s taxable.
• Survival actions:  If your wrongful death claim includes compensation for the deceased’s pain and suffering before they passed, that’s part of their estate and taxable.

How to Protect Your Settlement from Taxes

To minimize taxes, you need to structure your settlement properly. A wrongful death lawyer in Long Beach can help you classify your compensation in the most tax-friendly way.

If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence, our Long Beach wrongful death attorneys can guide you through the process and get you the most out of your settlement. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Understanding Survival Actions in Long Beach

A survival action allows the deceased person’s estate to recover for damages the person could have claimed if they had lived. Unlike a wrongful death claim, which compensates loved ones for their loss, a survival action focuses on the pain, suffering and financial losses the deceased experienced before they died.

A survival action may include:

• Medical expenses:  Emergency care, hospitalization or treatment received before death.
• Lost wages:  Income the deceased would have earned between the accident and their passing.
• Property damage:  Compensation for damaged vehicles, belongings or other losses caused by the incident.
• Pain and suffering:  If the victim survived for a period before passing, in some cases, the estate can recover for their physical and emotional distress.

Only the executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate can file a survival action. Any settlement or court award is distributed according to the deceased’s will or if no will exists according to California’s intestate laws.

Survival actions must be filed within two years from the date of injury, not the date of death. Missing this deadline means you may lose your right to pursue compensation.

If your loved one was injured by someone else’s negligence before they passed, a survival action may help you get justice. Contact our Long Beach wrongful death lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

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

Typically you have two years from the date of your loved one’s passing to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, certain factors can alter this deadline:

• Claims Against Government Entities:  If the case involves a city agency or public transportation service, you must file a claim within six months of the death.
• Delayed Discovery:  If the cause of death was not immediately apparent due to medical errors, toxic exposure, or other hidden factors, the deadline may start from the date you discovered (or should have reasonably discovered) the cause.

Missing the deadline can mean losing your right to compensation. Act fast – our experienced Long Beach wrongful death attorneys can help you navigate the legal process, collect evidence, and ensure your claim is filed on time. Contact us today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Our Case Results Speak for Themselves

At Thompson Law, we have represented countless families in hundreds of wrongful death cases and obtained millions of dollars in settlements. Here are some of our notable case results:

• $1.6 million – Construction worker killed on the job.
• $850,000 – Woman dies due to medical malpractice during surgery.
• $500,000 – Family of a worker killed in an oilfield accident.

Our firm has earned national recognition, including securing one of the top 100 wrongful death settlements in the U.S. in 2021.

Let’s Help You Move Forward

No amount of money can ever replace your loved one, but holding the responsible party accountable can offer your family a sense of closure and financial relief. Whether your loss resulted from a workplace tragedy, vehicle accident, or medical mistake, you deserve answers and justice.

Our Long Beach wrongful death lawyers will treat your case with the compassion and urgency it deserves. We’re here to listen, to act, and to fight. Reach out anytime for a FREE CONSULTATION, and let us carry the legal burden while you focus on healing.

FAQs About Wrongful Death Cases in Long Beach

How are wrongful death settlement amounts determined?

Settlements are based on many factors, including the amount of damages, liability, lost future earnings and other financial and emotional losses to the family. Juries or insurance companies evaluate these to determine fair compensation.

How much does it cost to hire a Houston wrongful death attorney?

At Thompson Law, we handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs. We don’t get paid unless we recover for your family.

What if my loved one was partially responsible for the accident?

Even if the deceased was partially at fault, there may be compensation available under California comparative negligence laws. The amount awarded may be reduced by their percentage of fault, but we can determine liability and fight for the maximum recovery possible.

What types of evidence are needed to prove a wrongful death?

Proving wrongful death requires strong evidence, such as police reports, accident scene photos, video footage, physical evidence, eyewitness statements and expert testimony. We investigate thoroughly to build your case.

Can multiple family members file separate wrongful death claims?

No, California law only allows one wrongful death claim per case. Eligible family members (spouses, children or parents) can file jointly or individually as part of the same case. Any recovery will be distributed to qualified beneficiaries.

Can I file a wrongful death claim if criminal charges are already being pursued?

Yes, a wrongful death lawsuit is a separate civil case that can proceed regardless of any criminal prosecution. Even if the responsible party is being charged criminally, families can still pursue financial recovery through a wrongful death claim.