Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyers

Why Do I Need a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Sacramento, CA?

Losing a loved one due to one’s reckless and negligent behavior is truly a heartbreaking and traumatic experience. While you’re dealing with the heavy emotions of the loss of your loved one, you also need to handle the tedious and long journey of filing a wrongful death claim or lawsuit.

In order to attain the best outcome, you need to have experienced Sacramento wrongful death lawyers who’ll guide you at each step of the process.

Hiring a Sacramento wrongful death lawyer is advantageous in many ways. As you step back and take the time to grieve, Thompson Law will get to work straight away in investigating and documenting every detail of the claim in order to get the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a FREE CASE REVIEW so we can discuss how you can move forward with a fair settlement.

Our Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyers Charge NO FEE Unless We Win

At Thompson Law, our Sacramento wrongful death attorneys follow a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case. If we’re able to recover money for you, our fee is a percentage of the settlement or award.

Additionally, our team can speak in both English and Spanish, and we’re here to guide you through the legal process every step of the way. You can reach out to us anytime, 24/7, to begin your wrongful death claim. We’ll manage all the legal details, so you can prioritize your health and loved ones. Let us help you get the justice and settlement you deserve.

In Sacramento, the law gives you two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death claim. So, it’s best to act immediately if someone’s negligence led to your loss. You can call our Sacramento wrongful death lawyers or fill out our form for a free consultation.

We advise you to take action ASAP for a higher certainty of receiving the compensation you deserve. Now that you know your options, it’ll help you and your family to start moving forward and heal.

Reach out to one of Thompson Law’s Sacramento wrongful death lawyers for a FREE CASE REVIEW and we’ll provide you with compassionate legal help during this tough time.

Our Case Results Speak for Themselves

At Thompson Law, we have a proven track record of obtaining huge settlements for clients in wrongful death and injury cases. In 2021, we were one of the top 100 wrongful death settlements in the U.S. and dealt with 15 of the top 50 injury settlements in Texas. These results show our dedication to getting the best possible outcome for families.

Here are some examples of the compensation we’ve won for clients in various wrongful death cases:

• $11,991,670 – Truck accident
• $9,512,498 – Fire caused by defective chair
• $8,540,000 – Vehicle crashworthiness defect
• $8,010,186 – Fuel system failure
• $7,694,750 – Industrial accident
• $5,704,363 – Vehicle transmission defect
• $5,154,600 – Defective lamp resulting in smoke inhalation
• $4,790,686 – Tire failure
• $4,527,944 – Water heater defect
• $4,021,912 – Cement wall collapse
• $3,963,371 – Plant explosion
• $3,833,236 – Construction accident
• $3,516,463 – Commercial vehicle accident
• $3,143,193 – Airplane crash
• $3,020,676 – Natural gas leak
• $2,873,498 – Automotive accident
• $2,723,284 – Premises liability accident
• $2,090,070 – Oil field accident

Even though each case isn’t the same, these examples present our capability to deal with complex wrongful death claims. If you’ve lost a loved one, our Sacramento wrongful death attorneys are available to help. Call us today for a FREE CONSULTATION so we can talk about the best way forward for you and your family.

What is a Typical Wrongful Death Claim Settlement in Sacramento?

Wrongful death settlements in Sacramento can vary, ranging from $30,000 to over $1 million. There are different factors that influence how much a case is worth, such as:

• Medical expenses:  Any medical costs the deceased sustained before passing away are part of the settlement.
• Type of accident and cause of death:  Deaths from accidents where there’s a lot of suffering usually lead to higher settlements than those whose deaths were an instant. If family members witnessed the incident, they could have a separate claim as well.
• Age and health of the deceased:  Younger people usually result in higher settlements due to their lost potential and future earnings. However, if the deceased was a young child, the settlement might be evaluated differently.
• Income and retirement proximity:  People with higher earnings and more years left to work usually qualify for larger settlements.
• Defendant’s insurance coverage:  In car accidents, the settlement can be limited by the at-fault driver’s insurance. Cases involving larger companies or commercial vehicles may result in higher payouts because of larger insurance policy limits.
• Circumstances of the accident:  If the death was caused by reckless or intentional actions, such as drunk driving, Sacramento allows for punitive damages to increase the settlement amount.
• Number of dependents:  If the deceased supported multiple family members, the settlement will consider the financial loss suffered by the dependents.

Losing a loved one is tough, and even though no amount of money can bring them back, financial compensation can help ease the burden. If you’ve lost a loved one because of negligence, reach out to our Sacramento wrongful death attorneys for a FREE CONSULTATION.

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

Sacramento only allows you two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, there’s a possibility of you losing your right to seek compensation. However, there are some exceptions:

• Claims against the government:  If the wrongful death involves a city, county, or public agency, you must file a claim within six months.
• Delayed discovery:  If the cause of death wasn’t immediately clear due to hidden facts, the two-year period may start from the date you discovered the cause.

To make sure that your case is filed correctly and within the time limit, working with Thompson Law’s team of Sacramento wrongful death lawyers makes the process much easier and faster.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Sacramento

In Sacramento, certain individuals can file a wrongful death claim against those accountable for the death of their loved one. Only the following eligible parties are able to:

• The deceased’s legal spouse or registered domestic partner.
• Biological or legally adopted children.
• If there’s no surviving spouse or children, the parents can file a claim.
• People who were financially dependent on the deceased, like stepchildren, may also be eligible.

If multiple people are eligible to file, such as a spouse and children, their relationships to the deceased can affect how the settlement is divided. Spouses and children usually get a larger portion of the settlement. In unique situations such as estranged relationships, these can also affect how the settlement is distributed.

If you believe you’re entitled to file a wrongful death claim, contact our team of experienced Sacramento wrongful death lawyers from Thompson Law to protect your legal rights.

Determining Fault in a Wrongful Death Case in Sacramento

To prove fault in a wrongful death case in Sacramento, your legal team must collect compelling evidence showing that someone was negligent. Here are types of evidence that can help:

• Testimonials from people who saw the incident.
• Police or other official records of what happened.
• Photos or videos of the accident scene.
• Documentation that links the death to the accident.

To demonstrate negligence, your legal team has to prove that the at-fault party:

• Owed a duty of care:  They had a responsibility to make sure the deceased was safe.
• Broke that duty:  They didn’t fulfill that responsibility by acting recklessly or negligently.
• Caused the fatal incident:  Their actions or failure to act directly caused the death.
• Resulted in damages:  The death brought emotional, financial, or other harm to the family.

At Thompson Law, you can rely on us to collect the evidence needed to establish a strong case for justice and fair compensation. Call us for a FREE CONSULTATION and find out how we can help you during this difficult time.

What is Required to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Sacramento?

To pursue a wrongful death lawsuit in Sacramento, you have to prove that:

• Another party caused the death:  The death must have been caused by someone else’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing.
• Eligible family members suffered losses:  The deceased’s spouse, domestic partner, children, or dependents must have experienced financial or emotional harm due to the death.

If someone you loved passed away because of another individual’s negligence, it’s best to consult with an experienced Sacramento wrongful death lawyer immediately. Thompson Law can help you understand your options and the steps you need to take.

Leading Causes of Wrongful Death in Sacramento

There are different types of accidents and negligence-related incidents that can result in wrongful death cases in Sacramento. Common causes include:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents:  Fatal crashes involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians happen frequently. Accidents from reckless driving, speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence (DUI) can lead to wrongful death claims. There were 32 crash-related deaths reported in 2024.
• Workplace Accidents:  High-risk jobs in construction, transportation, and industrial settings come with serious hazards. Fatal injuries can happen due to falls, machinery malfunctions, exposure to dangerous materials, or unsafe work environments.
• Premises Liability Cases:  Property owners must keep their spaces safe. Fatal injuries can happen if someone slips and falls, is bitten by a dog, or if there are unsafe conditions like unsecured swimming pools or malfunctioning amusement park rides.
• Medical Malpractice:  Healthcare professionals may be held responsible if a patient dies because of surgical errors, medication mistakes, misdiagnosis, or neglect. In Sacramento, proving malpractice means showing that a healthcare provider was being negligent, leading to the patient’s death.

If you have lost a loved one due to any of these situations, speaking with a Sacramento wrongful death attorney can help you explore your legal options and seek justice for your family.

Types of Damages Available in a Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawsuit

The deceased individual’s family may be entitled to financial compensation if the cause of their death was due to someone else’s negligence. In Sacramento, wrongful death claims typically include:

Economic Damages

• Medical bills related to the person’s care before they passed, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and other treatments.
• Funeral and burial costs, such as the memorial service, casket, and burial plot.
• Lost income the person would have earned if they were still alive, including future wages and benefits.
• Loss of services the person provided, like childcare, housekeeping, or caring for a family member.

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering the deceased may have experienced before passing.
• Mental anguish endured by surviving family members after the loss.
• Loss of companionship from no longer having a spouse, parent, or child present in daily life.
• Loss of consortium due to the absence of intimacy, emotional support, and partnership between spouses.
• Loss of parental guidance when a child is left without the care, advice, and support of a parent.

The settlement amount in a wrongful death case varies on the specific details. An experienced Sacramento wrongful death lawyer from Thompson Law can help determine the full extent of your losses and ensure that fair compensation is awarded to you. Call us today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Survival Actions According to Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyers

Survival actions have to be filed within the same statute of limitations as the original injury claim, which is usually two years from when the accident happened.

A survival action allows the estate of a deceased person to recover damages they could’ve claimed if they didn’t pass away. Compared to wrongful death claims, which offer compensation to surviving family members, survival actions focus on the losses suffered by the deceased before their passing.

Survival action compensation may include:

• Medical bills from treatment before death.
• Lost wages the deceased would have earned between the injury and death.
• Property damage due to the accident.
• Pain and suffering if the deceased was conscious and suffered before passing.

Only the estate’s executor or administrator can file a survival action. If the deceased wrote a will, the executor handles this process. If there’s none, then Sacramento’s intestacy laws will determine who receives any compensation.

Survival actions must be filed within the same statute of limitations as the original injury claim, usually two years from the accident date. If you think a survival action applies to your case, reach out to Thompson Law’s Sacramento wrongful death attorneys as soon as possible for a FREE CONSULTATION.

How Probate Works in Sacramento

When someone passes away, their property and assets must be legally transferred to the people they’ve left behind. This is called probate. Probate ensures that any debts or taxes are paid off and that the deceased’s property is distributed correctly. Whether or not the person had a will will affect how probate is handled.

What is Included in an Estate?

An estate consists of everything a person owned at the time of their death, including:

• Real property, such as houses, land, and buildings.
• Personal property, like cars, bank accounts, jewelry, and other possessions.

Formal Probate in Sacramento

If the estate exceeds the small estate limits set by Sacramento law, a formal probate proceeding will be required. This process involves filing one of the following petitions with the Sacramento County Probate Court:

• Petition for Letters Testamentary (if there is a will).
• Petition for Letters of Administration with Will Annexed (if there is a will but no named executor).
• Petition for Letters of Administration (if there is no will).

What Happens if There is a Will?

The person who possesses the will (also known as the custodian) must file the original one at the Sacramento County Probate Clerk’s Office within 30 days of the decedent’s death. A copy must also be sent to the executor named in the will.

The executor is responsible for:

• Handling the estate.
• Paying debts and taxes.
• Distributing property according to the will.

If the custodian doesn’t submit the will on time, they may be held responsible for damages.

What Happens if There is No Will?

If the deceased individual didn’t have a will, a formal probate is needed, the court appoints an administrator to handle the estate. The surviving spouse has the highest power for this role. If they decline, then another family member may be appointed.

Get the Support You Need After Losing a Loved One

Losing a loved one is never easy, especially when it happens because of someone’s negligent actions. While no amount of money can replace the person you’ve lost, legal action can provide financial support and help hold the responsible party accountable.

If you’re dealing with a wrongful death, a Sacramento attorney from Thompson Law can guide you through the legal process and ensure you don’t have to face the stress of it alone. Contact us for a FREE CONSULTATION and get the support you need during this difficult time.

FAQs About Wrongful Death Cases in Sacramento

What compensation can be recovered in a Sacramento wrongful death case?

In a wrongful death case in Sacramento, you may recover compensation for medical bills, funeral and burial costs, and lost income. You can also seek damages for the loss of emotional support, companionship, and household services provided by the deceased. If the responsible party acted recklessly, such as driving under the influence, punitive damages may also be awarded.

Can I file a wrongful death claim if the deceased had no income?

Yes, you can still file a wrongful death claim if the deceased had no income. Even without wages, the loss can deeply impact the family emotionally and practically. The claim can cover funeral expenses, medical bills, and compensation for the emotional toll of the loss.

What happens if the at-fault party in a wrongful death case has no insurance?

If the at-fault party has no insurance, you may be able to file a claim against their personal assets or find other parties who are legally responsible. Additionally, if the deceased had their own insurance, like an auto policy, it might offer coverage for situations like this.

Can multiple family members file separate wrongful death claims?

In Sacramento, all eligible family members must be part of a single wrongful death claim. A personal representative typically files the claim on behalf of the family, and the court will consider each family member’s relationship to the deceased when deciding how to divide the compensation.

What if the deceased was partially at fault for the accident?

Sacramento follows comparative negligence laws, so even if the deceased was partly at fault, the family can still recover compensation. However, the amount will be reduced based on the deceased’s level of fault. For example, if they were 30% at fault, the settlement would be reduced by 30%.

Are wrongful death settlements taxable in Sacramento?

In most cases, wrongful death settlements in Sacramento are not taxable, except for punitive damages, which could be taxed. Interest earned on the settlement while the case is pending may also be taxable. It’s a good idea to consult a tax professional or attorney for specific advice.