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Sacramento Wrongful Death Attorneys

Holding those Responsible for Wrongful Death Accountable

Losing a loved one, especially under tragic circumstances, is one of the most difficult experiences in anyone’s life. While you and your family are coming to grips with the devastating tragedy, all of you may be financially responsible for covering all of the expenses associated with your loved one’s death, such as funeral and burial costs, as well as medical expenses prior to your loved one’s demise.

If your loved one’s death was caused by another party’s negligence, carelessness, or recklessness, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death suit with the legal assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer. At Smolich and Smolich, we are committed to helping the grieving process by ensuring that the at-fault party is liable to cover all of the monetary damages your family is owed.

Contact us online or call (916) 571-0400to get in touch with a Sacramento wrongful death lawyer and discuss your legal options.

Who Can File a California Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim occurs when an individual dies because of the negligent actions of someone else. Only specific family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit in California.

The following parties of the deceased person’s estate are allowed to bring a wrongful death claim:

  • Surviving spouse or domestic partner
  • Surviving children
  • If they can show they were financially dependent on the deceased person, stepchildren, parents, and “putative spouse” and their children
  • Those who would be entitled to the property of the deceased party by intestate succession

Those who file a wrongful death claim are entitled to both economic (funeral and burial expenses, medical bills, lost wages, and lost potential earning capacity) and noneconomic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and loss of anticipated financial support).

Types of Wrongful Death Claims

Wrongful death claims can arise in situations in which a deceased victim would otherwise have had a valid personal injury claim if they had lived. This can occur in relation to a wide range of situations stemming from negligence or intentional acts, including:

Wrongful death claims can stem from nearly any personal injury situation, with the exception of work-related fatalities which typically must be handled through California's workers' compensation system. Plaintiffs in wrongful death claims must be able to meet the same burden of proof that the deceased victim would have had to have met if they had lived. This typically involves showing that the defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased victim, the duty of care was breached, the breach was the direct and proximate cause of the decedent's death, and that the death caused the plaintiffs to suffer damages.

Contact the Attorneys at Smolich and Smolich Today!

Pursuing a wrongful death claim can be an exceptionally complex and emotional experience. At Smolich and Smolich, we understand what you are going though and can deliver the compassionate guidance you need to help your family push forward. With nearly five decades of legal experience, our Sacramento wrongful death attorneys have a comprehensive understanding of California law to guide you through the complexities of your case. Do not risk having to pay for your loved one’s funeral expenses out of your own wallet.

Contact us online or call us at (916) 571-0400 to discuss your legal options with our Sacramento wrongful death lawyers at Smolich and Smolich today.

Contact Smolich and Smolich Today!

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  • "very empathic"
    I would totally still be lost in the red tape of the social security system without the help of my attorney Sarah Greer and my case manager Sarah Cummings. You ladies rock!! Thank you so much for all your help getting my award. I would personally recommend this law firm to anyone needing help with their claim.
    Martha DelValle
    Sacramento, CA
  • "You were so proactive and informative, you really did take away so much of my stress during the whole process."
    I sincerely apologize for the delay! I truly thought I had already sent this off to almost 3 months ago! Thank goodness I had someone helping me clean and organize the apartment last week. She found your letter behind my bookcase. I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank you for your support and dedication throughout my case. You were a true blessing to me. You were so proactive and informative, you really did take away so much of my stress during the whole process. Just the fact that you returned a call so promptly was a very big deal to me. It let me know that I mattered to you, Sarah, and the firm. Thanks to the two of you I am finally settled in my own apartment and my mom was able to finally retire. So again, thank you from the depths of my heart for everything that you personally and your firm have done for me. You were true angels in my tie of need.
    Mandie O'Malley
  • "I am so happy to have such knowledgeable and helpful people to help during this difficult time. Sam was super responsive and always willing to answer questions, regardless how big or small."
    My circumstances were a bit unusual - my husband applied for Social Security Disability, but unfortunately passed away during the review process. Sam and Sarah worked diligently to see the case through to the end, and provide our family the benefits we were owed. A special thank you to Sam, he was always very responsive, willing to go above and beyond, and willing to answer questions whether big or small. Thank you, Smolich and Smolich!
    Smolich and Smolich is so helpful!
    Sacramento, CA
  • "“You don’t have to worry with Smolich by your side”"
    I want to thank Smolich and Smolich for helping me get my Social Security Disability. The continued support I received from them from beginning to the end help me to stay calm thru the whole process. I couldn’t have done it without them. Marlena Jones, thank you for being so kind when I call the office with questions. I appreciate you. YOU GUYS ARE SO AWESOME !!!!!
    Modesto, CA
  • "Without Smolich & Smolich taking my case I would have never gotten my benefits!!!"
    Without Smolich & Smolich taking my case I would have never gotten my benefits!!! Rob Smolich took my case himself and was so helpful in every step of the way. I cant say anything negative about Smolich & Smolich. I had a lawyer before him and he was way more personable. His office took all the stress off my back and made me feel at ease during the time period of waiting. Have nothing but good things to say about this company. They are completely professional!!!!
    Dustin Walker
  • "Thank you Sarah and team!"
    I needed to apply for disability and knew nothing about how to go about it. Sarah called me and explained the process and assured me everything would be okay. Her staff went online to fill out my application. She and Marlena kept me updated every step of the way. Within a short time a decision was made in my favor. I cannot tell you how many sleepless nights I had prior to meeting with the team. I would recommend them to anyone who needs help in this area. Thank you so much for all your hard work. Without you I could have never done this.
    Andrea
    Stockton, CA