Fresno Wrongful Death Lawyers

Fierce Advocacy for California Families 

Laws in the state of California allow the surviving family members of a wrongful death victim to pursue compensation for various losses. If you lost a loved one due to the wrongful or negligent actions of another party, you have the right to seek compensation and take legal action to obtain justice for your family. 

Our team of Fresno wrongful death lawyers at Fowler | Helsel | Vogt is prepared to help you accomplish your goals and hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.

Have you lost a loved one due to negligence? Call Fowler | Helsel | Vogt today at (559) 900-1280 or contact us online for a free consultation!

Why Choose Our Firm?

Having a trusted legal team by your side can make all the difference in the difficult time following a wrongful death. At Fowler | Helsel | Vogt, we are dedicated to providing you with compassionate, effective legal representation. Here's why so many clients turn to us for help:

• Available 24/7: We understand that emergencies don’t follow a schedule. Our team is always ready to assist you, day or night.
• Free Consultations: You should understand your legal options without worrying about upfront costs. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to help you get started.
• Millions Recovered: With a proven track record, we’ve secured millions of dollars in compensation for clients, helping them rebuild their lives after a devastating loss.
• 40+ Years of Combined Experience: Our team’s extensive experience gives us the insight and skill to handle even the most complex cases, ensuring your rights are protected at every step.

What Are My Options in a Fresno Wrongful Death Case?

When the negligence or wrongful acts of a person or corporate entity result in the death of someone you love, you may be entitled to compensation for the financial and emotional damages you have sustained. Unlike a typical personal injury lawsuit intended to compensate the injured victim, a wrongful death suit limits any recovery to those losses suffered by the surviving family members of the deceased.

According to California law, damages in a wrongful death suit may include compensation for:

• Reasonable funeral expenses
• The reasonably expected loss of income from the decedent
• Loss of services, protection, care, and assistance provided by the decedent
• Sorrow, mental anguish, and solace suffered by the family members.
• Expenses for the care, treatment, and hospitalization of the decedent before death
• Punitive damages involving willful and wanton conduct or reckless disregard for the safety of others

The process of pursuing a wrongful death suit can be complex and requires a deep understanding of both legal procedures and applicable California laws. It's vital to have a dedicated wrongful death attorney who possesses the necessary knowledge and shows genuine compassion for your situation. Our attorneys are committed to guiding you through each step, ensuring that your family's voice is heard and justice is sought in a manner that respects the memory of your loved one.

Common Cases Our Wrongful Death Lawyers Handle

Our Fresno wrongful death lawyers handle various common cases with compassion and dedication. Our team is committed to seeking justice for families who have lost loved ones due to the reckless or wrongful actions of others. We understand the immense emotional and financial toll such losses can bring, and we strive to provide support and guidance throughout the legal process.

The following are common cases we handle:

• Agriculture/Industrial Accidents
• Bus Accidents
• Dangerous and Defective Products
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Dog Attacks
• Bicycle Accidents
• Motorcycle Crashes
• Car Accidents
• Truck Collisions
• Drowning, Boating, and Recreation Accidents
• Premises Liability
• Medical Malpractice
• Violent Crimes
• Work-Related Accidents

In addition to these, we frequently encounter wrongful death cases involving accidents in high-risk occupations, particularly those prevalent in the Fresno area, such as farm and industrial settings. Unfortunately, these environments can result in tragic situations due to equipment mishandling or unsafe working conditions. We also address wrongful deaths resulting from defective products that fail to meet safety standards, underscoring the responsibility of manufacturers to maintain rigorous quality controls. As we delve into each wrongful death case, our goal is to build strong, compelling arguments that reflect the true impact of these losses on family structures and livelihoods.

There are almost endless ways a wrongful death can occur, so if your loved one's circumstances seem unique, don't hesitate to get in touch with one of our wrongful death attorneys in Fresno, who can help you determine if you have a legal case.

Who Is Eligible to Sue for Wrongful Death?

It’s important to note that only certain family members are typically eligible to file a wrongful death claim successfully. According to California’s Code of Civil Procedure 377.60, the following members may file a wrongful death lawsuit:

• The deceased’s surviving spouse
• The deceased’s domestic partner
• The deceased’s surviving children

If none of these people are available to sue, then anyone who would be entitled to the property/estate of the deceased may bring forth a claim, including:

• The deceased’s parents
• The deceased’s siblings
• The deceased’s stepchildren

Understanding who can claim in a wrongful death lawsuit is crucial, as it impacts how the legal proceedings are initiated and who may benefit from any compensation awarded. The law carefully outlines eligibility to streamline the legal process and ensure that the compensation reaches those most affected. This can include other dependents who relied on the deceased for support, reflecting their role as primary caregivers or financial providers. Therefore, consulting with a wrongful death attorney can clarify eligibility, which is the first step in effectively pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit.

Remember, wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of your loved one's death. You will likely lose the right to file a claim if you miss this deadline.

Pursuing Damages in Fresno Wrongful Death Cases

While no amount of money can ever replace the loss of a loved one, seeking justice through a wrongful death claim can help bring some sense of closure and provide much-needed support. Whether your loved one was tragically lost in a car accident, truck accident, or another act of negligence, our team at Fowler | Helsel | Vogt is committed to fighting for your rights and securing the justice you deserve.

We understand the pain and heartbreak of your loss, and we offer our deepest sympathy and compassion during this difficult time. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys in Fresno are ready to advocate for you and your family, helping you pursue the full range of damages available under the law.

When you pursue a wrongful death lawsuit, it’s not just about financial recovery. It’s an opportunity to hold the responsible parties accountable and potentially prevent further harm. Here’s how we can help you seek justice:

• Medical Expenses: We’ll work to recover the costs of medical bills incurred before your loved one’s passing, including hospital stays, surgeries, and treatments.
• Funeral and Burial Costs: We’ll seek compensation for funeral expenses and related burial costs to help ease your family’s financial burden.
• Lost Wages and Earnings: If your loved one was the primary earner, we will fight to secure compensation for lost wages and future earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering: We will pursue damages for the emotional pain and suffering experienced by you and your family due to this devastating loss.
• Loss of Companionship: We’ll seek compensation for your loved one’s emotional loss of companionship, care, and affection.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or intentional harm, we may pursue punitive damages to hold the at-fault party accountable further.

By taking action, you’re seeking justice for your loved one and advocating for safety reforms that can prevent other families from experiencing the same tragedy. Let us help you navigate this complex process and ensure your voice is heard.

Wrongful Death: Important Facts & Information