El Centro Wrongful Death Settlements

Wrongful death settlements in El Centro can vary greatly, depending on the specific circumstances. Factors such as the defendant’s actions leading to the accident, the accident’s severity, the damages the family sustains, and negotiation skills can also play a substantial role in the compensation amount the court awards to the surviving family.

You have the right to pursue compensation if the negligence of someone else caused a loved one to suffer fatal injuries. For more information, speak to a qualified wrongful death attorney at Walter Clark Legal Group.

Essential Factors in Determining the Settlements

The civil court jury considers a range of factors when determining the settlement amount in wrongful death cases, including the following:

The Victim’s Age

The age of the victims is one of the essential considerations in wrongful death lawsuits. They will calculate the family’s economic losses. If the deceased were young at the time of their death and in the early stages of their career, the possible future earnings may be significantly higher than those of an older individual.

Income and Earning Capacity

When deciding the compensation amount, the court considers the victim’s income and future earning capacity. That includes their wages, benefits, possible promotions, and lost pension or retirement. The deceased person’s age, education, and occupation can all be essential elements during the settlement calculation.

The Victim’s Relationship to the Surviving Family Members

The victim’s relationship with the surviving family members seeking relief can also be essential. The payout is usually more substantial if the deceased is the primary financial support and caregiver.

Medical Expenses and Funeral and Burial Costs

The compensation amount will also usually include money for medical expenses related to the accident leading to the death. Families are also eligible to collect reasonable funeral and burial costs. An El Centro lawyer experienced with negotiating wrongful death settlements could help build a robust case to prove the total damages suffered by the family.

The Damages Available to Surviving Family

Monetary damages are the losses the surviving family suffers because of the wrongful death and future financial support they lost because of the negligence. Under the California Civil Jury Instructions § 3921, monetary damages available to surviving family members include:

• The loss of financial support of the deceased
• Compensation for the loss of benefits and gifts
• Monetary damages for the loss of training and guidance
• Reasonable cost of medical, funeral, and burial expenses
• The reasonable value of household services, including maintenance and grocery shopping
• Payment for the loss of love, comfort, companionship, assistance, and moral support

Settlements can vary substantially, depending on the case specifics. During an initial consultation, a seasoned attorney knowledgeable about wrongful death settlements in El Centro could answer specific questions and help estimate the potential amounts.

Speak to an El Centro Lawyer About Wrongful Death Settlements

The sudden loss of a loved one because of someone else’s negligence can leave you confused and angry. The thought of paperwork and navigating the civil court process to obtain damages from the at-fault party can sound overwhelming. However, filing a civil claim against the liable party allows you to collect compensation for your financial losses while holding them legally and financially responsible for their careless actions.

Enlist the help of a compassionate attorney with experience handling El Centro wrongful death settlements. Call Walter Clark Legal Group today to schedule an appointment to review your case and discuss your options.