Wrongful Death Lawyer Beverly Hills, CA

If you or someone you love has a loved one who died because of someone else’s carelessness, you need to contact a wrongful death lawyer in Beverly Hills, California, from Seber Bulger right away. We will help you through this difficult time and take much of the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing from this tragic incident. 

Wrongful death action is a legal process that may be available to some when a person passes away from someone else’s negligence. There are several ways that wrongful death can happen, for example:

• Work-Related Accidents
• Car Accidents
• Pedestrian Related Accidents
• Accidental Drowning
• Medical Malpractice
• Product Defects
• +More

Keep in mind that statutes can vary based on the state you live in, but working with an experienced lawyer can help to ensure that the proper steps are taken. 

As the plaintiff, you and your lawyer will carry the burden of proof, meaning you must prove that based upon a preponderance of the evidence, the victim’s passing resulted from the defendant’s negligence. However, to initiate the process, a Beverly Hills, California wrongful death lawyer will first look for the following elements:

• A person has died as a result of another party’s negligence
• There was a breach in the duty of care that was owed
• There were damages as a result, and the decedent’s dependents were financially impacted
• The injuries and losses can be tied to the accident
• What is a survival action, and who can pursue it?

A survival action is when the decedent’s beneficiaries take legal action to recover losses. In previous California legislation, if an injured person dies while taking legal action for losses, decedents could not access some damages that pre-date their death. However, they could still collect economic losses and even punitive damages. Recently, legislation has been updated to allow plaintiffs compensation for damages that pre-date a person’s death. 

Table of Contents:

• What To Do After a Fatal Accident
• Treat The Scene Of The Accident Carefully
• Do’s And Don’ts Of Handling A Wrongful Death Case
• Beverly Hills Wrongful Death Law Infographic
• How Can Our Wrongful Death Lawyer Help
• Beverly Hills Wrongful Death Lawyer Statistics
• Beverly Hills Wrongful Death Law FAQs
• Seber Bulger Beverly Hills Wrongful Death Lawyer
• Why You Should Hire Seber Bulger As Your Wrongful Death Lawyer

What To Do After a Fatal Accident

When you are involved in an accident that results in death, it’s important to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. They’ll need information about the victim (such as their name and address) so they can begin handling claims on their behalf. The insurance company will give you instructions on how to proceed after an accident. In most cases, they may ask for a police report as well as information about any witnesses who were at the scene of the accident.

Here is some information on how to deal with the situation when a loved one is killed in an accident.

Treat the Scene of the Accident Carefully

One of the first things that you need to do after a fatal accident is to secure the scene of the accident. This means that you need to secure it from passers-by who may be curious or even disrespectful and may try to tamper with evidence that could potentially be used in a criminal case or in a civil suit.

You should call your local law enforcement agency and report the incident. They are going to want a detailed description of what happened, so make sure that you take as much time as necessary to provide them with all of the details. You are going to want to provide them with information such as:

• The date, time and place of the accident
• The name, age and gender of all of those involved
• The names, addresses, phone numbers and insurance company’s information for everyone involved
• All of the vehicles involved in this incident
• A description of what happened (for example, did someone swerve into another lane?)
• You should also make sure that you provide them with any evidence that you have

Do’s and Don’ts of Handling a Wrongful Death Case

Do: Keep Records of Everything

Any wrongful death lawyer in Beverly Hills, CA, will tell you that you should keep records of any document you handle in the case. You never know when you’ll need to show proof or revisit information.

Don’t: Wait to Take Action

The longer you wait to take action in a wrongful death case, the harder the statute of limitations can make it to file. You should contact the professionals at Seber Bulger Law as soon as possible in order to secure your chances of winning the case.

Do: Wait to Air Your Grievances in Court

It’s understandable that you may be struggling with difficult emotions in wake of your loved one’s passing, but it’s unwise to argue or air your grievances with the alleged responsible party. Consider saving your energy and focus for the courtroom.

Don’t: Share Details Online

It’s very easy for information to spread, and some details of the death may be used against you in your case. Never disclose any information about the case without the guidance of your wrongful death lawyer in Beverly Hills, CA.

Do: File If You Feel the Death Was Truly Preventable

Wrongful deaths can arise from any number of causes, and it’s always worth your while to give your case a try. If you believe your loved one’s death could have been prevented, file your case with a wrongful death lawyer in Beverly Hills, CA.

Don’t: Tamper With Any Documents

As soon as you mark on or change any documents, they may become unusable in your case. If you’re tampering with medical documents or other official files, you could end up in serious trouble. Don’t attempt to interfere with documents in any way unless Seber Bulger Law gives you clearance.

Do: Remember to Take Care of Yourself

This is likely a very difficult time for you, and it’s very easy to put yourself on the back burner while dealing with this case. Give yourself permission to take a break from time to time, and don’t be afraid to reach out to a friend or loved one for support.

Don’t: Exaggerate or Undermine the Situation

Honesty is your best bet when handling a wrongful death, so don’t exaggerate any details in your loved one’s situation. Likewise, don’t try to lessen or undermine the severity of the situation, either. Try to give true, factual information any time you’re discussing the death.

Beverly Hills Wrongful Death Law Infographic

How Our Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help

Losing a loved one is always a difficult experience. When the death is caused by the negligence or misconduct of another party, it can be especially challenging to cope with the loss. In such circumstances, a wrongful death claim may provide a means to seek justice and compensation for the surviving family members. At our law firm, our experienced wrongful death lawyers are dedicated to helping clients navigate the complex legal landscape and obtain the justice they deserve. In this blog post, we will discuss the various ways our wrongful death lawyers can help and support you during this trying time.

Compassionate Legal Guidance

One of the most important aspects of our wrongful death representation is the compassionate guidance we provide to our clients. We understand that no amount of compensation can replace the loss of a loved one, but it can help alleviate the financial burdens that often accompany such a tragedy. Our attorneys will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and work tirelessly to ensure that you and your family are treated with the respect and compassion you deserve throughout the legal process.

Thorough Investigation and Evidence Gathering

In order to build a strong wrongful death claim, it is essential to gather evidence that demonstrates the negligence or misconduct of the at-fault party. Our wrongful death lawyers have extensive experience in investigating these types of cases and will leave no stone unturned. We work with a network of experts, including accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and financial analysts, to uncover the facts and develop a clear picture of the events leading to your loved one’s death.

Proving Liability and Damages

Establishing liability in a wrongful death claim requires proving that the defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased, breached that duty, and that the breach directly caused the death. Our attorneys will meticulously analyze the evidence and build a persuasive case demonstrating the defendant’s liability. Additionally, we will work with you to determine the full extent of the damages you have suffered, which may include medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of income, and emotional distress.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often aim to minimize their financial exposure in wrongful death claims. Our wrongful death lawyers are skilled negotiators who will advocate fiercely on your behalf to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible. We understand the tactics insurance companies use to devalue claims and will protect your interests at every turn.

Litigating Your Case In Court

While most wrongful death claims are settled outside of court, there are instances where litigation becomes necessary. In such cases, our experienced trial attorneys will confidently represent you in the courtroom. We will present a compelling case to the judge and jury, utilizing our extensive knowledge of the law and persuasive storytelling techniques to secure a favorable outcome.

Ongoing Support and Assistance

Even after the conclusion of your wrongful death claim, our commitment to your well-being does not end. We understand that the grieving process can be prolonged and complex, and we will be there to provide ongoing support and assistance as you move forward. This may include connecting you with grief counselors, helping you establish trusts or guardianships, or providing guidance on other legal matters that arise.

Beverly Hills Wrongful Death Lawyer Statistics

Wrongful death cases are the most challenging part of personal injury law. Sadly, there is nothing anyone can do to bring back someone who has passed away. This can be incredibly upsetting when death occurs due to someone’s negligent actions such as poorly maintaining a pool leading to someone drowning. In fact, according to the CDC, every year there are over 4,000 unintentional drownings. If you have lost a loved one due to negligence, contact a lawyer.

Beverly Hills Wrongful Death Law FAQs

Our wrongful death lawyer in Beverly Hills, CA, has represented clients who have experienced the sheer devastation and magnitude that the untimely passing of a loved one can bring. When someone passes away unexpectedly at the hands of a negligent party, it may be appropriate to consider taking legal action for damages. Loved ones will be left to pick up the pieces and are often financially impacted themselves. When considering legal action, Seber Bulger Law can review case details and answer the numerous questions that may arise.

How Much Does a Wrongful Death Lawyer Cost?

You might be hesitant to enlist the help of a lawyer because you believe that it’s too expensive. However, unlike other areas of the law when it comes to wrongful death, many attorneys act under a contingency fee. What this means is that instead of being paid hourly plus a retainer fee, your attorney will handle any upfront legal fees and will instead be paid a percentage of the final settlement or court award. This allows you to seek experienced legal advice without having to worry about being burdened by financial troubles. Although the percentage that the lawyer will be paid can sometimes be 30 percent or more, due to the fact that they’re covering all upfront costs and can help you maximize the compensation you deserve, such a fee is understandable. 

Will My Case Go to Trial?

The trial phase is always the last step in the case of wrongful death. However, most cases tend to get settled before they reach trial. The reason for this is that wrongful death cases can take a lot of time and money for both parties which is why it’s usually advantageous for both parties to settle before the case reaches trial. However, it’s also important to make sure that you choose a realistic settlement. 

What to Do if You’re Offered a Settlement?

There’s a good chance that you’ll be offered a settlement before the case goes to trial and maybe even shortly after filing your case. While being offered a settlement might seem like the prime opportunity to celebrate, unfortunately, insurances companies will often try to “low-ball” a victim on the first settlement. Instead, it’s better to consult with your experienced attorney to determine if the settlement is a realistic figure that will cover both your immediate expenses as well as any other factors such as emotional distress and pain and suffering. If the figure doesn’t sound realistic then your attorney can negotiate with the other party for more realistic compensation.

How Long Does it Take to Settle a Wrongful Death Case?

Every case is different and a wrongful death case might be resolved in a matter of a few months while other cases take closer to a year or three years to resolve. There are a few factors that may impact or delay the overall timeline including:

• The factors that led to wrongful death including the severity of the actions. 
• How long it takes to obtain evidence with evidence such as CCTV footage often taking longer to recover than person testimonies, for example. 
• Any discrepancies surrounding the case and/or disputes from the other party. 
• Any general opposition from the other party that can’t be easily explained such as insurance companies simply holding out before responding to a claim. 
• A judge’s/court’s general availability. 
• Any issues with documents such as when filing the claim. 

What damages are available in a wrongful death case?

Damages for wrongful death fall into two buckets before a person passes and after. Damages include:

• Medical Expenses
• Lost Wages (Present & Future)
• Pain & Suffering
• Funeral Expenses
• More
• Is there a cap on compensation for wrongful death?

While some states may have a cap, California does not have a damages cap, meaning there is no limit to your compensation level. When you work with a lawyer, they will review the case and the damages to determine the value of your case. 

Do I need the representation of a lawyer for my case?

While it may be appropriate to represent yourself in some situations, when the stakes are high, it’s best to speak with a lawyer. Wrongful death cases can get complicated, and a lawyer will provide the much-needed representation to achieve a positive outcome. 

When someone passes away unexpectedly, it can be downright shocking. For many, it can be challenging to know what steps to take or where to turn to next for support. Legal representation from a professional at Seber Bulger Law may be the right step towards gaining compensation after a tragedy. While no one can bring back the person you have lost, it’s possible to recoup financially by taking legal action. Start today with our Beverly Hills, CA, wrongful death lawyer.

Seber Bulger Beverly Hills Wrongful Death Lawyer

Why You Should Hire Seber Bulger as Your Wrongful Death Lawyer

Hiring a wrongful death attorney is an extremely difficult decision for anyone to make. It is also a weighty decision when you’re in mourning over the loss of your loved one. However, it is something that you have to do. If it was determined that your loved one’s death was caused by someone else’s negligence, it is vital that you pursue legal and financial compensation. The goal of hiring the best wrongful death lawyer Beverly Hills, CA possible is to ensure that the responsible parties pay for their horrific mistake.

A wrongful death lawyer in Beverly Hills, CA  at Seber & Bulger, P.C., have been representing the families of those killed in fatal accidents for more than 25 years. We know what it takes to win cases against negligent parties, including:

We’ll go above and beyond for you and your family — we know how important this case is, and we will work tirelessly for you. As long as there are negligent parties out there who think they can get away with taking innocent lives, we will be here fighting for justice on behalf of those left behind. Call today to get the justice you deserve.

Contact Seber Bulger Today

Today, reach out to a wrongful death lawyer in Beverly Hills, CA from Seber Bulger. You want to get someone working on your side as soon as possible and not miss any important filing deadlines. Reach out to our firm today to set up a consultation.

Client Review

“I can’t say enough about the quality of service I received from Seber Bulger! Jonathan and Jim eased all my concerns and handled my case beyond my expectations. They treated me like a friend and then went out there and fought for justice. There are a lot of firms out there, but not so many special ones like this. Thank you again Seber Bulger for all your hard work!”
Danielle Cohen