Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?

If your loved one was killed at the hands of a reckless, careless or otherwise negligent party, you may be wondering if you have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Depending on your relationship to the victim, you may be able to seek monetary damages for the financial and emotional losses that you have suffered as a result of their death. According to California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, however, only certain "survivors" are permitted to file such a lawsuit. With exception, this may include:

• The victim's surviving spouse
• The victim's domestic partner
• The victim's children
• The victim's putative spouse
• The victim's parents
• The victim's stepchildren
• The victim's minor dependents

Think you have a case? If so, you should not hesitate to discuss your legal options with the Modesto personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of Steven A. Fabbro. California's statute of limitations will prohibit you from bringing suit against the liable party after two years have passed, so it is imperative that you take action in a timely manner. In doing so, you can ensure that you and your family will have the chance to seek fair compensation for the financial and emotional losses that you have suffered.

While you may not be able to bring back the life that was lost, you should not forego the opportunity to seek justice on your loved one's behalf. With the help of a Modesto injury lawyer from our firm, you can hold the responsible party accountable for the harm that they have inflicted on both the victim and your family. For this reason, we encourage you to take the first step today by giving us a call at (209) 803-5117 for a free initial consultation or filling out a complimentary case evaluation form online.