Losing a loved one is one of the most devastating experiences anyone can endure. When that loss is caused by someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions, the pain is compounded by a sense of injustice. In these moments, you need someone who understands the complexities of the law, the emotional toll of your loss, and the importance of holding the responsible parties accountable. That’s where Belal Hamideh, an experienced Irvine wrongful death lawyer, can step in.
With compassion, dedication, and a relentless commitment to justice, Belal Hamideh is here to help you navigate this difficult time and fight for the compensation and closure your family deserves.
Wrongful Death Claims Explained
A wrongful death claim arises when someone dies due to the legal fault of another party. This can include deaths caused by car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, defective products, or even criminal acts. While no amount of money can ever replace your loved one, a wrongful death lawsuit can provide financial stability for your family and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
In California, wrongful death claims are governed by specific laws that determine who can file a claim, what damages can be recovered, and the time limits for taking legal action. Navigating these laws requires a deep understanding of the legal system and a strategic approach to building a strong case.
Belal Hamideh has the knowledge, experience, and determination to guide you through this process and advocate for your family’s rights.
Why Choose Belal Hamideh for Your Wrongful Death Claim?
When you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, the last thing you want to deal with is the stress of a legal battle. Belal Hamideh understands this and is committed to handling every aspect of your case with care and professionalism. He provides every single one of his clients with:
Compassionate Representation
Belal Hamideh knows that every wrongful death case is deeply personal. He takes the time to listen to your story, understand your needs, and provide the support and guidance you need during this difficult time. His approach is rooted in empathy, ensuring that you feel heard and respected throughout the legal process.
A Record of Success
With years of experience representing families in wrongful death cases, Belal Hamideh has a history of achieving favorable outcomes for his clients. He knows how to investigate complex cases, gather compelling evidence, and build a strong argument to maximize your chances of success.
Personalized Care for Your Case
Belal Hamideh believes that every case is unique and deserves individualized attention. He works closely with you to develop a strategy tailored to your specific circumstances and goals. You won’t be treated like just another case number—Belal Hamideh is dedicated to providing the personalized care and attention your family deserves.
Aggressive Advocacy
While Belal Hamideh approaches every case with compassion, he is also a fierce advocate for his clients. He is not afraid to take on powerful corporations, insurance companies, or other parties responsible for your loved one’s death. His goal is to secure the justice and compensation your family needs to move forward.
Common Wrongful Death Case Causes
Unfortunately, a wrongful death can occur anywhere and at any time. Often, these are a result of:
Car Accidents
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of wrongful death in California. Whether the accident was caused by a drunk driver, distracted driving, or a defective vehicle part, Belal Hamideh can help you pursue justice.
Medical Malpractice
When healthcare professionals fail to provide the standard of care expected of them, the consequences can be fatal. Your loved ones receive medical care to heal, not to be harmed. When that occurs, something must be done. Belal Hamideh has the skills to investigate medical malpractice claims and hold negligent doctors, nurses, or hospitals accountable.
Workplace Accidents
Construction sites, factories, and other workplaces can be dangerous environments. Even the seemingly safest workplace can lead to a tragic accident. If your loved one died due to unsafe working conditions or employer negligence, Belal Hamideh can help you file a wrongful death claim.
Defective Products
Manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure their products are safe for consumers. If your loved one died because of a defective product, Belal Hamideh can help you pursue a product liability claim.
Criminal Acts
In some cases, wrongful deaths are the result of intentional acts of violence. While criminal charges may be filed against the perpetrator, a wrongful death lawsuit can provide additional compensation for your family.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Case?
In California, wrongful death lawsuits allow surviving family members to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. These may include:
- Economic Damages: Medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost wages, and loss of future financial support.
- Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.
In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the responsible party for particularly egregious behavior. Belal Hamideh will work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the full compensation you are entitled to.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
California law specifies who is eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Typically, the following individuals may bring a claim:
- The surviving spouse or domestic partner
- Children of the deceased
- Grandchildren (if the deceased’s children are also deceased)
- Other dependents, such as parents or siblings, if they were financially dependent on the deceased
If you’re unsure whether you qualify to file a claim, Belal Hamideh can review your case and provide clear guidance. He explains some of the law in his videos as well.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
In California, wrongful death claims are subject to a statute of limitations, which means you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. Generally, you have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to take legal action. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and the timeline can vary depending on the circumstances of your case.
To protect your rights and ensure that your claim is filed on time, it’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Belal Hamideh can help you understand the deadlines that apply to your case and take immediate action to preserve your claim.
How Belal Hamideh Builds a Strong Wrongful Death Case
Building a successful wrongful death case requires a thorough investigation, careful preparation, and a strategic approach. While every wrongful death differs from another, Belal Hamideh approaches each case by:
Gathering Evidence
Belal Hamideh works with investigators, medical professionals, and other experts to gather evidence that supports your claim. This may include accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and more.
Identifying Liable Parties
Determining who is responsible for your loved one’s death is a critical step in the process. Belal Hamideh will carefully analyze the facts of your case to identify all potentially liable parties, whether it’s an individual, a company, or a government entity.
Calculating Damages
Belal Hamideh will work with financial experts to calculate the full extent of your damages, including both current and future losses. This ensures that your family receives the compensation you need to cover medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and other costs.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts in wrongful death cases. Belal Hamideh has the skills and experience to negotiate with insurers and fight for a fair settlement. If necessary, he is prepared to take your case to trial to ensure your family’s rights are protected.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Claims
What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action?
A wrongful death claim is filed by surviving family members to recover damages for their own losses, such as loss of financial support or companionship. A survival action, on the other hand, is filed on behalf of the deceased person’s estate to recover damages for the pain and suffering the deceased experienced before their death.
How long does a wrongful death case take?
The length of a wrongful death case depends on the complexity of the case and whether a settlement can be reached. Some cases are resolved in a matter of months, while others may take years. Belal Hamideh will keep you informed throughout the process and work efficiently to achieve a timely resolution.
What if the person responsible for my loved one’s death is criminally charged?
A criminal case and a wrongful death lawsuit are separate legal actions. Even if the responsible party is convicted in criminal court, you may still be able to pursue a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for your family.
How much does it cost to hire Belal Hamideh?
Belal Hamideh works on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any upfront fees. He only gets paid if he successfully recovers compensation for your family. This allows you to focus on healing while he handles the legal details.
Survival Action Explained
A survival action differs from wrongful death. A survival action is a legal claim brought on behalf of the deceased person’s estate. This type of claim is essentially a continuation of the legal rights the deceased would have had if they had survived the incident. It focuses on the harm the deceased suffered before their death, rather than the losses experienced by the survivors.
Key Points:
- Who Files: The executor or personal representative of the deceased person’s estate.
- Purpose: To recover damages for the harm the deceased experienced before their death, such as:
- Pain and suffering endured by the deceased prior to death
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Lost wages from the time of injury until death
- Focus: The injuries and losses suffered by the deceased, not the survivors.
For example, if someone was severely injured in a workplace accident and endured significant pain and suffering before passing away, a survival action could be filed to recover compensation for that pain and suffering, as well as any medical bills or lost wages incurred during that time.
Can Both Claims Be Filed?
Yes, in many cases, both a wrongful death claim and a survival action can be filed simultaneously. They address different types of losses and are not mutually exclusive. For example:
- The surviving family might file a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for their emotional and financial losses.
- The estate might file a survival action to recover compensation for the deceased’s medical bills, pain, and suffering before death.
Understanding the difference between these two types of claims is crucial because it ensures that all potential avenues for compensation are explored. A skilled attorney like Belal Hamideh can help you determine whether one or both types of claims apply to your situation and ensure that your family and the estate receive the full compensation you are entitled to.
An Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney to Support Your Family
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s actions, you don’t have to face this difficult time alone. Belal Hamideh, an Irvine wrongful death lawyer, is here to help you seek justice and hold the responsible parties accountable. With his compassionate approach and unwavering dedication, he will fight tirelessly to secure the compensation and closure your family deserves.
Nothing is harder than losing someone you love. It makes sense that, in the wake of such a loss, the very last thing you want to do is to reach out to an attorney. That’s understandable. However, the sooner you reach out to an experienced attorney, the better off you’ll be.
Belal can deal with your case from the very beginning. That way, during this challenging time, you have one less concern, one less thing to worry about. He can help you to recover compensation to have a foundation for the next stage of your life.
Don’t wait to take action—contact Belal Hamideh today for a free consultation. Let him help you navigate this challenging time and ensure that your family’s rights are protected. Schedule a free case evaluation today.