Losing a loved one is devastating under any circumstances, but when that loss is due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful act, the grief can be compounded by feelings of injustice. As a wrongful death lawyer with experience, Belal Hamideh has seen the pain that families go through when they suddenly lose someone they care about due to an avoidable accident or misconduct.
A wrongful death claim can be a complex and challenging process. However, it is a path toward answers, closure, and financial compensation for your loss. There are many ways that an attorney can help.
An Attorney Can Make Sure Your Documentation is Filed When Should Be
In addition to these legal and evidentiary challenges, wrongful death claims must be filed within the time limit set by state law.
California’s statute of limitations generally gives families two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. However, the details of each case can affect how these timelines apply. And waiting too long to file can lead to the case being dismissed entirely. Navigating these legal nuances requires experience and a deep understanding of the law.
An Attorney Can Help You Recover Damages
You may be able to recover damages such as medical bills, funeral costs, and other direct economic losses. That said, you may also be eligible to recover non-economic compensation, which can be more subjective damages. That’s where an experienced attorney can help.
This could include the emotional toll on surviving family members, and other factors which may be harder to quantify. The law provides for compensation for these non-economic damages, but determining a fair amount can be difficult.
A Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Conduct a Thorough Investigation
In wrongful death cases, the details of what occurred are often confusing and can involve conflicting accounts. Sometimes, those involved in the incident are genuinely confused or may not have a clear memory of what happened. In other cases, those responsible for the death may attempt to cover up their actions, shift the blame, or simply withhold critical information to avoid being held accountable.
In these situations, it becomes necessary to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the truth. Mr. Hamideh and the team here can help.
These investigations often go beyond just looking at police reports or witness statements (even though that is important). For example, if your loved one died in a car accident, it’s important to gather as much information as possible.
By reviewing all available evidence, an accident attorney can build a strong case and determine who should be held responsible.
Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras may capture crucial moments that clarify what really happened. Such footage might show that the other driver was speeding, failed to obey a traffic signal, or engaged in reckless behavior.
An Attorney Can Determine Which Parties are Liable
Multiple parties could be liable in your loved one’s case. If so, Belal can find the truth. Mr. Hamideh and the team have extensive experience in showing a direct link between the actions of the at-fault party and the death of your loved one.
For example, in a fatal car crash, the accident might be caused not only by another driver’s actions. It could also be influenced by a mechanical defect in the vehicle. This could mean that the manufacturer of the car or a mechanic who serviced it might also bear some responsibility.
To use another example, when your loved one dies due to a medical mistake, it can be difficult to know whether the healthcare provider acted negligently. A wrongful death lawyer can thoroughly review your family member’s medical records. And investigate whether the standard of care was met.
Sometimes this involves consulting with medical professionals who can offer insight into whether the doctor made a wrong diagnosis, prescribed the wrong medication, or failed during surgery. If negligence can be proven, it opens the door to holding the healthcare provider accountable, which might also include the hospital or other medical entities involved in the treatment.
Mr. Hamideh has a proven track record of doing what’s necessary to help survivors.
Belal Hamideh is Ready to Help You and Yours
In California, wrongful death is legally defined as a death caused by someone else’s negligent or intentional act. In these cases, responsible parties may face both civil and criminal consequences, but a wrongful death lawsuit is the way families can pursue compensation for their losses.
This includes the loss of companionship, financial support, and more. Though no amount of money can truly replace a loved one, holding the responsible party accountable can bring a sense of closure and justice.
If you believe your loved one’s death was the result of someone else’s negligence or wrongful act, pursuing a wrongful death claim can be the first step toward getting the answers and accountability your family deserves. Schedule a free case evaluation today.