T. Troy Otus Personal Injury Law Blog on Lawyers.com

Wrongful Death Lawyer in Sacramento

Thursday, April 30, 2009 by T. Troy Otus

Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer

What you should know about wrongful death in California

A situation where negligence leads to a person’s death does not just hurt the person who dies. It harms the family and loved ones who were dependent on the victim for financial and emotional support. When the actions of a person result in someone’s death, it is considered a wrongful death. These actions can be:
- Negligent or careless
- Reckless
- Deliberate

There are many elements that combine to make up a wrongful death claim. The statutes concerning lawsuits vary by state and you should contact an experienced attorney for your area to discuss your case. For wrongful death attorneys in Sacramento, contact the Otus Law Group. There is a limitation on how long after an incident a lawsuit can be filed so contact the Otus Law Group immediately if you suspect a wrongful death occurred.
How wrongful death damages are awarded

The damages awarded for successful wrongful death litigation vary widely. Monetary damages for the life of a loved one can be difficult to calculate and may require expert input. Damages may include:
- Medical expenses paid prior to death
- Survivor’s pain and suffering
- Estimated earnings lost
- Burial expenses
- Other estate costs
Wrongful death cases for deliberate acts

Even if no criminal charges are brought, there may still be a viable case for wrongful death damages. Civil lawsuits, including wrongful death suits, are brought in the name of individual persons and litigated for monetary damages.

The most prominent case of a wrongful death suit was the case of O.J. Simpson. Before the jury had returned a verdict for criminal proceedings on charges of first degree murder for the deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman, a wrongful death claim was filed. The civil litigation seeking financial compensation by the surviving family members did not start until after the criminal proceedings were finished. After O.J. Simpson was found not guilty on both counts of first degree murder, he was found liable for the deaths of Ronald Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson. He was required to pay the Goldman family $8.5 million dollars.

Posted at 14:22 PM

Topic: Personal Injury