Monterey Park Wrongful Death Lawyer

Wrongful Death Attorney in Monterey Park, CA

If someone close to you died because of another person’s negligent behavior, you may be able to receive compensation with a wrongful death claim. Wrongful deaths occur as a result of car accidents, on-the-job incidents, medical negligence, and several other types of preventable accidents. When a business owner or individual is at fault for someone’s death, they may be held liable for certain expenses and damages. A Monterey Park wrongful death lawyer can help.

Connect With a Native Monterey Park Wrongful Death Lawyer

The Gallegos Law Firm was built on hometown values and local roots. Our founding attorney, George A. Gallegos, worked at a big-city law firm where he represented large corporations. He gained invaluable experience before deciding to return home to help people in his own neighborhood. Now, 20 years later, he has built a successful personal injury practice. When you hire a wrongful death lawyer from the Gallegos Law Firm, you’re choosing someone you can trust.

California Wrongful Death Laws

California wrongful death laws are established in the California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60. This law spells out who is eligible to file a wrongful death claim, what kinds of actions can equate to liability, and what damages are compensatory. The California Code of Civil Procedures, CCP § 335.1, explains that claims for damages from a negligent death must be filed within two years.

However, it is better to file a wrongful death claim as soon as you possibly can in Monterey Park, California. This is because evidence is often harder to secure as time passes. Witnesses become hard to locate, or they forget important details. Damage is repaired, and there’s no physical evidence remaining from the accident. The longer you wait, the more time the defendant’s insurance company and legal team have to improve their defense in an effort to find a reason to deny your claim.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

The law explains that the following people may file a wrongful death claim:

• The deceased’s spouse or registered domestic partner
• A child of the deceased
• A grandchild of the deceased, as long as the deceased had no living children
• An individual who would be entitled to inherit the property of the deceased under California’s intestate laws

What Constitutes a Wrongful Death Claim?

Acts that may result in a valid wrongful death claim according to California wrongful death laws are listed below:

• Negligence of one’s duty of ordinary care. California Civil Code § 1714 explains that every single person is responsible for the consequences of their own actions or negligent actions, especially when it comes to the safety of others and when someone is on their property. If someone’s negligence causes a fatal car accident or other dangerous conditions that result in someone’s death, a wrongful death claim is likely valid.
• Medical malpractice. Healthcare professionals, including doctors, surgeons, nurses, assistants, and techs, have a duty of care to the patients they care for. Surgical errors, misdiagnoses, medication mistakes, or other medical mishaps that lead to a patient’s death are all grounds for a wrongful death claim.
• Workplace accidents. When an accident occurs at work and leads to the death of an employee that could have otherwise been prevented, like a death caused by defective equipment or unsafe conditions, the family of the deceased may be able to file a wrongful death case, especially if the death was caused by a third party.
• Defective product. When a consumer dies due to the use of a dangerous or faulty product, the manufacturer can be held liable.
• Criminal acts. Certain crimes, like murder or assault, can lead to a wrongful death claim in civil court in addition to charges in criminal court.

What Are Wrongful Death Damages?

The surviving family members of individuals who fall victim to legitimate wrongful death claims can receive compensation for certain damages they incurred due to their loved one’s death. Both economic and non-economic damages can be collected. Examples of these damages are listed below:

Economic damages:

• Funeral expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost benefits
• Medical costs
• Loss of household services such as childcare

Non-economic damages:

• Loss of companionship
• Loss of affection
• Emotional and mental distress

Wrongful Death in Monterey Park

Monterey Park civil suits, like wrongful death cases, are typically handled through one of two Los Angeles Superior Court courthouse locations:

• Spring Street Courthouse, located at 312 North Spring Street, Los Angeles
• Stanley Mosk Courthouse, located at 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles

The Gallegos Law Firm is well-respected at both of these locations. We are known as aggressive negotiators by our clients, and when we take a case to trial, we have an established rapport with the courthouse staff. This is a relationship we have been investing in for more than

two decades because we are proud to be a hometown firm.

Wrongful Death and Drunk Driving

An example of a potential wrongful death claim is a fatal car accident caused by a drunk driver. In 2023, there were 1,335 alcohol impaired fatal car and motorcycle accidents in California alone. When someone operates a car after consuming enough alcohol to result in a blood alcohol content level of 0.08% or higher, and they kill someone as a result, they can be charged with vehicular homicide and held liable for wrongful death damages.

When to Call a Monterey Park Wrongful Death Lawyer

Many people who have lost someone due to the negligence of another party don’t understand the potential for a wrongful death claim. To learn if you have a case, talk to a Monterey Park wrongful death attorney about your case. If someone’s irresponsible behavior caused the death of your loved one, or if your loved one died and you believe their death could have been prevented, you can pursue justice with an attorney’s help.

Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer With Monterey Park Experience

The Gallegos Law Firm knows the Monterey Park neighborhood and the members of the community. If you need legal advice regarding your loved one’s wrongful death, call our office and speak to a Monterey Park wrongful death attorney while you still have time.