Moreno Wrongful Death Lawyers

Seek Fair Compensation After a Wrongful Death With Us

Losing a loved one is devastating, but when that loss was caused by someone else’s actions, the grief often comes with anger and confusion. You’re left with more than just emotional pain, there are also funeral costs, medical bills, and the overwhelming question of what comes next.

At Thompson Law, our wrongful death lawyers help Moreno Valley families get answers and pursue justice. While you focus on healing, we handle the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

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Moreno Valley Wrongful Death Lawyers

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What Qualifies as a Wrongful Death Case in Moreno Valley?

A wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another person or entity. To qualify as a wrongful death case in Moreno Valley, the following elements must typically be present:

  • A Duty of Care:  The at-fault party had a legal obligation to act reasonably, such as a driver following traffic laws or a doctor providing competent care.
  • Breach of Duty:  The responsible party failed in their duty, whether through a careless act like medical malpractice, inaction, or intentional harm.
  • Causation:  The breach directly led to the fatal injury or illness.
  • Measurable Damages:  The surviving family members suffered financial and emotional losses due to the death, such as funeral costs, loss of income, and companionship.

If the death of your loved one could have been avoided, California law may allow you to file a wrongful death claim. Don’t wait to understand your rights. Call now for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Only certain individuals can file a wrongful death lawsuit in California. This typically includes the deceased person’s spouse, domestic partner, children, or, in some cases, parents or financially dependent individuals.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, Thompson Law can evaluate your situation and help you determine your legal rights. FREE CASE REVIEW available anytime.

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(844) 308-8180

Why Choose Thompson Law?

Moreno Valley families choose Thompson Law because we deliver results with compassion, urgency, and tenacity. We understand how overwhelming this process can be, and we make sure you never feel alone.

With over $1.9 billion recovered for clients, including significant recoveries for grieving families:

  • $7.6 million for a death resulting from an industrial accident
  • $1.6 million following a deadly forklift accident at a local warehouse
  • $2.4 million in a medical negligence case involving fatal surgical complications
  • $950,000 for the family of a pedestrian fatally struck by a distracted driver

We offer 24/7 legal support, no upfront costs, and a deep understanding of how wrongful death law works in California.

We treat your case with compassion, urgency, and relentless focus. Start your FREE CASE REVIEW TODAY.

How a Settlement Is Split Among Eligible Heirs

When a wrongful death settlement is reached, it must be distributed among all eligible heirs. California law typically requires that these parties be identified and agree on a distribution, or the court may step in.

The one-action rule in California also requires all eligible claimants to join in a single lawsuit. Thompson Law can help you navigate this and ensure your family’s rights are fully protected.

At Thompson Law

We don’t just handle your case, we also stand beside your family during its most painful chapter. From negotiating with insurance companies to filing in court, our team manages every legal detail. We’re committed to justice and to honoring your loved one’s memory.

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Survival Action vs Wrongful Death: What Is the Difference

A survival action allows the estate to recover damages the deceased could have claimed if they had survived. This includes pain and suffering before death and lost wages. In contrast, a wrongful death claim compensates the surviving family for their own losses stemming from the death.

You may be able to file both claims. We can help you understand the differences and what best applies to your case.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Wrongful Death Case in Moreno Valley?

Multiple parties may be held responsible depending on how the death occurred. It can be reckless drivers in car or truck accidents, medical professionals or facilities for malpractice. Employers can also be held liable if the work environment is deemed unsafe. If a defective product is involved, product manufacturers can also be liable. Property owners are also another eligible party for liability if there were unsafe conditions.

In some cases, more than one party may share liability. We investigate thoroughly to make sure every responsible party is held accountable. Call for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Probate Steps Before a Wrongful Death Settlement

Probate is the legal process of settling the deceased’s estate. While wrongful death claims are separate, some steps in probate may affect the distribution of any settlement, especially in survival actions.

You don’t need to be the executor to pursue a wrongful death claim. But coordinating with probate can prevent delays. Let us guide you through both processes.

Government Claim Deadline for Public Entity Wrongful Death

If a public agency or government employee is involved in your loved one’s death, you must act fast. California requires a claim to be filed within six months of the incident under the Government Claims Act.

This applies in cases involving public transit, law enforcement, or city-maintained roads. Miss the deadline, and you could lose your right to sue. Talk to our attorneys today through a FREE CONSULTATION

Types of Evidence to Help Strengthen Your Wrongful Death Claim

The right evidence can make or break a wrongful death claim. Our attorneys work quickly to gather:

  • Medical records and autopsy results
  • Police and accident reports
  • Eyewitness statements
  • Surveillance or dashcam footage
  • Expert testimony
  • Employment and income documentation

We build a strong case that stands up in negotiations or trial. Let us evaluate the evidence in your case, contact us for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

How Wrongful Death Claims Differ from Criminal Cases

Wrongful death claims are civil lawsuits seeking monetary compensation, while criminal cases are brought by the state and may result in jail or fines. Even if no criminal charges are filed, a civil claim can still proceed. The key differences between civil and criminal cases include standard of proof which are civil cases that require a “preponderance of the evidence,” a lower threshold than the “beyond a reasonable doubt” required in criminal court, control over the case, in which you and your attorney control the direction of the lawsuit, not the government. Lastly, the types of outcomes in which criminal cases can result in jail time or fines, civil claims result in compensation for losses like funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering.

If the justice system didn’t hold the negligent party accountable, that doesn’t mean your family has no recourse. A wrongful death lawsuit can still deliver justice and financial relief.

Common Causes of Wrongful Deaths in Moreno Valley

Tragic and preventable deaths happen every year in Moreno Valley. The most common causes include:

  • Auto accidents on SR-60, Perris Boulevard, or local intersections
  • Workplace fatalities in warehouses or construction zones
  • Fatal medical errors at facilities like Riverside University Health System Medical Center
  • Defective consumer products or machinery
  • Pedestrian fatalities due to poor road safety or distracted drivers

If any of these apply to your loved one’s death, reach out for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Notable Wrongful Death Local Cases in Moreno Valley

In recent years, Moreno Valley has seen several high-profile wrongful death cases. In one case, a family sued a local school district after a child died from alleged bullying and lack of supervision. Another involved a fatal crash on the I-215, where the driver was reportedly intoxicated.

Each story is a reminder of how negligence can forever alter lives. Our job is to make sure families get the justice they deserve.

Police Reports and Medical Examiner Records That Support Your Claim

In wrongful death cases, official documentation plays a vital role in proving what happened and who may be legally responsible. In Moreno Valley, two of the most critical sources of evidence are police reports and medical examiner records.

Police reports provide a detailed account of the incident, whether it was a traffic collision, a workplace fatality, or another form of accidental or violent death. These reports often include witness statements, officer observations, diagrams, and preliminary fault assessments. If the Moreno Valley Police Department or California Highway Patrol responded to the scene, their records can help establish timelines, identify liable parties, and provide key investigative findings.

Medical examiner and autopsy reports from the Riverside County Coroner’s Office offer authoritative conclusions about the cause and manner of death. These documents may show signs of trauma, toxicology results, or underlying health issues that can either strengthen or complicate a wrongful death claim. In cases involving medical malpractice or product liability, these records are especially important in proving the link between negligence and the death.

Accessing these records can be time-consuming and often requires a formal request or next-of-kin authorization. Our legal team at Thompson Law handles all of this for you. We ensure the right documents are obtained promptly and reviewed thoroughly by legal and medical experts.

Let Thompson Law gather and analyze the evidence so you don’t have to. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION and get the support you need to move forward.

Take the First Step Toward Justice with Thompson Law’s Wrongful Death Lawyers

The days following a wrongful death are full of grief and confusion. But you don’t have to navigate this alone. Our lawyers will investigate, build your case, and pursue the compensation your family deserves.

Let Thompson Law be your guide through this legal process. Contact us today for your FREE CASE REVIEW.

 

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Moreno Valley Wrongful Death FAQs

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

Time is the essence here. In most cases, you have two years from the date of death. If a public entity is involved, you must file a government claim within six months.

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

Generally, wrongful death settlements are not taxed under California or federal law. However, if your settlement includes punitive damages or interest, those portions might be taxable.

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

California’s one-action rule requires that all eligible heirs file a single wrongful death lawsuit. This prevents multiple claims for the same incident and ensures consistent outcomes. We can coordinate all parties and handle the filing for you.

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.