Oxnard Wrongful Death Attorneys

Compassionate & Personalized Legal Counsel in California

Nothing is more difficult than losing a loved one unexpectedly. Knowing that your loved one’s death was the result of someone else’s careless, reckless, or intentional actions can make the recovery process that much more difficult. Losing a loved one results in more than just the emotional impact; families must also contend with loss of income, loss of help, and costs related to the death. It's crucial to have an advocate who understands the multifaceted impact of such a loss and can guide you through the legal avenues available.

At Crane Flores, LLP, we help surviving family members take action against negligent parties and fight for the justice and recovery they are owed. Our Oxnard wrongful death attorneys assist clients throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, as well as all of California. We take the time to look into the details of your case, all while providing you with personal attention, caring legal guidance, and aggressive representation. 

On This Page:

• What Is a "Wrongful" Death?
• Types of Damages in Wrongful Death Cases
• Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
• Common Causes of Wrongful Death
• Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death
• Local Context for Wrongful Death in Oxnard
• Wrongful Death FAQs

What Is a “Wrongful” Death?

A death is considered “wrongful” if the person dies because of the negligence or misconduct of another person or entity (company, government agency, organization, etc.). Wrongful death cases can arise from a range of circumstances, including motor vehicle accidents, bicycle and pedestrian accidents, construction accidents, medical malpractice, defective product accidents, slip and fall accidents, workplace accidents, birth injuries, and more. Each scenario presents unique challenges and requires a strategic approach to ensure fair compensation. Wrongful death claims not only aim for financial restitution but also hold accountable those whose actions led to the loss.

Types of Damages in Wrongful Death Cases

According to California Civil Jury Instructions (CACI) 3921, in a wrongful death lawsuit where a family loses an adult member, the claimant may receive two types of damages—economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages that a surviving family member can expect to receive include:

• Financial Support - The estimated monetary contributions the deceased would have provided, based on their earning capacity and life expectancy.
• Loss of Gifts or Benefits - Consideration for what the deceased likely would have provided in terms of gifts or expected benefits.
• Funeral and Burial Expenses - Necessary costs associated with laying a loved one to rest.
• Monetary Amount of Household Services - Compensation for tasks the deceased would have performed around the home, now necessitating paid help.

Non-economic damages can include compensation for:

• Plaintiff’s Grief, Sorrow, and Mental Anguish - Recognizing the profound emotional toll and emotional suffering of family members.
• Loss of Society and Comfort - The irreplaceable loss of companionship, love, and affection.

When we evaluate a case, we have expert economists calculate the financial impact of the death on the family. These experts estimate the value of a spouse’s lost earnings as well as non-economic contributions to the home. Similarly, when surviving family members need to hire someone to help with childcare, grocery shopping, and other daily chores, they are also entitled to compensation for the costs of these services. 

Lastly, we do understand and are sensitive to the fact that losing a loved one is not something any amount of money can “fix.” We know that the deeper costs, truer costs—the human cost of a wrongful death and its effect on a family—are much more difficult to measure. However, we use all resources to ensure that those losses are compensated fairly and as fully as possible in every case. 

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

Under California Code of Civil Procedure, Section 377.60, the following individuals or entities may file a wrongful death claim:

• Immediate Family Members: The surviving spouse, children, and domestic partners of the deceased person have the first right to file a wrongful death claim. These individuals are often the most directly affected, both emotionally and financially, and their standing is recognized by law.
• Putative Spouse and Children: A putative spouse (someone who had a good faith belief in their marriage to the deceased person) and children of the putative spouse may also have the right to file a wrongful death claim. This provision respects the legitimate belief and bond of partnership, even if the marriage was not legally recognized.
• Parents and Siblings: If the deceased person did not have a surviving spouse, children, or domestic partner, the parents or siblings of the deceased person may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. Their claim acknowledges the fundamental family bonds impacted by the loss.
• Personal Representative of the Estate: If none of the above individuals exist or choose to file a claim, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate can bring a wrongful death action on behalf of the estate. This ensures that any potential claim is pursued, preserving the rights for the benefit of the estate.

It’s important to note that the right to file a wrongful death claim may vary depending on the specific circumstances and the relationship to the deceased person. Consulting with an experienced wrongful death attorney in Oxnard is crucial to understanding your rights and legal options in filing a claim, as they can provide personalized assistance tailored to your unique family dynamics and needs.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death

Many different types of circumstances can result in a fatality, and a wrongful death lawyer near me in Oxnard can determine if negligence was involved. In these cases, it is key to identify the breach of duty and link it directly to the incident that caused the death.

Types of wrongful death claims often arise as a result of:

• Car Accidents - Often resulting from negligent driving behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, or DUI.
• Bicycle Accidents - Vehicle drivers may fail to properly share the road with cyclists, leading to fatal collisions.
• Motorcycle Accidents - Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable on the road, often overlooked by less-inattentive drivers.
• Pedestrian Accidents - Crosswalks and sidewalks should be safe, yet pedestrian fatalities frequently occur due to driver error.
• Truck Accidents - These involve large commercial vehicles and can be especially deadly due to their size and weight.
• Police Brutality/Shootings - When law enforcement officers exceed their authority, leading to fatal outcomes.
• Dangerous Property Accidents - Properties must be maintained safely to prevent falls and fatal injuries.
• Defective Products - Faulty products can pose severe risks, making manufacturer accountability critical.
• Nursing Home Abuse - Vulnerable populations deserve careful protection and oversight to guard against abuse.
• Construction Accidents - High-risk environments where safety protocol lapses can lead to fatal injuries.
• Medical Malpractice - Errors from healthcare providers that breach standard care, resulting in death.
• Airplane Crashes - Aviation accidents can result in mass fatalities and require careful investigation of causes like pilot error or mechanical failure.
• Toxic Exposure - Contact with harmful substances in the workplace or environment leading to life-threatening illnesses.
• Deadly Fires and Explosions - Often linked to poor safety oversight or defective safety equipment.
• Oilfield Accidents - High-risk industrial environment prone to catastrophic incidents.
• Swimming Pool Drowning - Lack of security measures or supervision in pools can lead to tragic outcomes.

A wrongful death claim can help re-establish financial security when a family provider dies. It also acts as a safeguard to protect other families from a similar tragedy by holding negligent or liable parties accountable. 

Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death in California

Wrongful death lawsuits are subject to a two-year statute of limitations in California, meaning that you must file a civil claim against the responsible party within two years of the date of your loved one’s death to preserve your right to seek compensation. With that being said, this deadline may sometimes be extended in cases where the cause of death is not immediately apparent.

Once you’ve decided to file, the next step is choosing an attorney. Remember that you will be working closely with this person for some time, so choose someone you feel comfortable with. It’s also essential to choose a law firm that has successfully dealt with similar cases and can easily cover the upfront costs of lawyer fees, paralegals, and other services. 

Once you have established a working relationship with an attorney, several more steps must be taken. A personal representative for the estate must be appointed, and the responsible individual or entity must be determined. Because defendants often attempt to stall settlements for as long as possible, your attorney must maintain constant pressure to ensure the settlement is processed as quickly as possible. 

Local Context for Wrongful Deaths in Oxnard

In Ventura County, Oxnard has distinct local characteristics that impact wrongful death claims. The area’s diverse geography, including coastal and urban environments, adds unique considerations when addressing the circumstances surrounding accidental deaths. Roads such as the Pacific Coast Highway and significant interstates are notable for traffic-related incidents that require special attention to local driving patterns and safety regulations.

The legal landscape in Oxnard is deeply intertwined with state laws but also offers nuances for how wrongful death cases are approached. Local statutes and ordinances might impact filing processes and available remedies, making it vital for claimants to work with attorneys familiar with the region’s legal environment. Furthermore, understanding community resources, like support groups and local advocacy groups, can provide additional support and assistance to families during a challenging time, helping them cope with the immediate legal challenges and emotional and communal aspects.

Wrongful Death FAQs

What Steps Should I Take After a Wrongful Death?

The steps following a wrongful death are crucial to building a strong legal argument. Initially, gathering as much evidence as possible from the scene and related factors is essential. Records such as police reports, medical documents, and witness statements provide foundational support. Additionally, contacting a wrongful death attorney near me as soon as feasible can offer legal guidance to ensure no step is omitted. Legal professionals can also help navigate communications with insurance companies or opposing parties to avoid common pitfalls.

How Is Negligence Proven in a Wrongful Death Claim?

Proving negligence in a wrongful death claim often involves demonstrating that the responsible party owed a duty of care to the deceased, breached that duty, and directly caused the death as a result. Evidence might include documentation of laws or standards violated, expert testimony, and demonstrable connections between actions and outcomes. Thorough documentation and a comprehensive approach by a legal team like ours at Crane Flores, LLP can lead to a clearer understanding and presentation of negligence during proceedings.

What Resources Are Available Locally for Grieving Families?

In Oxnard, several local resources can provide support to families coping with wrongful death. Community centers often offer counseling services, while groups like Ventura County Health Care Agency provide access to mental health resources. Local chapters of national organizations such as Compassionate Friends offer peer support networks. These resources ensure that families have access to the emotional and mental health support necessary to navigate the grieving process alongside their legal pursuits.