Colton Wrongful Death Attorney

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Skilled Wrongful Death Lawyer in Colton, CA

If a family member recently died in an accident caused by another party, your family may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim. Whether it was a car accident on I-10, a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property, or an intentional act of violence, a Colton wrongful death attorney can help you and your family pursue accountability and compensation from the party responsible for this tragic loss.

Trusted Colton Wrongful Death Attorney

Experienced Wrongful Death Counsel in Colton, CA

The attorneys at Duque & Price have more than 45 years of experience representing clients in Colton and surrounding communities of San Bernardino County in a wide range of cases, including wrongful death claims. We know how difficult it is to lose a family member unexpectedly, and you are likely to have various legal questions when their death was the result of negligence.

Our firm will investigate the fatal accident in question, help you determine who is at fault, and explain the state laws you must follow as you pursue accountability and compensation. Our goal is to help our client secure as much compensation as state law allows so they can adjust to these challenging new circumstances as smoothly as possible. The sooner you reach out to our firm, the more time we have to build your case.

Proving Liability for a Wrongful Death in Colton

Just like in most personal injury cases, a wrongful death case requires identifying the defendant responsible for causing the victim’s death, proving exactly how they caused this fatal injury, and then showing the full scope of the resulting damages. Some of the leading causes of wrongful deaths in California each year include: 

  • Vehicle accidents. The California Office of Traffic Safety recorded 382 injuries and deaths from vehicle accidents in Colton in 2023. Common contributing factors to fatal crashes in Colton and surrounding areas include speeding and intoxicated driving. We can help you gather physical and digital evidence to help you prove who caused your family member’s recent fatal vehicle accident.
  • Falls. Slip and fall accidents are a leading cause of accidental deaths at home and in the workplace throughout the US each year. In 2024, the National Safety Council recorded 48,308 deaths from falls nationwide.
  • Violent crime. If a family member died from an intentional act of violence, the party responsible is not only liable for civil damages from your family’s wrongful death claim, but also likely to face some of the harshest criminal penalties. Your attorney can explain how the defendant’s behavior could influence the outcome of your civil case.

No matter how the death occurred, if another party caused it, you have limited time to build and file a wrongful death case. In California, only the closest surviving family members of the victim are eligible to file a wrongful death case, and they will have the right to claim compensation for the economic and non-economic losses the family has suffered because of the death. They may also be eligible to file a survival action to claim damages to the deceased’s estate.

Claiming Compensation in a Wrongful Death Case

A Colton wrongful death attorney can help you prove fault for the victim’s death, and then they can assist you with calculating all of the damages you are eligible to claim. Like in most other personal injury cases, it’s possible to recover compensation for economic and non-economic losses, but in a wrongful death case, the defendant is liable for the losses suffered by the victim’s family.

In some cases, it’s possible to file a survival action alongside a wrongful death claim, which would enable the family to claim compensation for losses the victim sustained between the fatal accident and their death. If the victim did not die immediately, a survival action could enable the family to recover compensation for medical expenses, damages to the victim’s estate, and for the pain and suffering the victim experienced prior to their death.

Ultimately, a wrongful death case is a particularly challenging type of personal injury claim, and you and your family need reliable legal counsel on your side if you intend to file such a case in Colton. The team at Duque & Price is confident we can help you prove fault for the victim’s death, accurately calculate your damages, and resolve your case efficiently, so reach out to us as soon as possible to learn how a Colton wrongful death lawyer can help.

FAQs

How Much Is a Wrongful Death Claim Worth in Colton?

The value of a wrongful death claim in Colton depends on several variables. You and your family could be eligible to claim funeral and burial expenses, compensation for your mental anguish and loss of companionship, and the lost future financial support the victim can no longer provide. If you can file a survival action as well, you could also recover compensation for damages to the deceased’s estate, their final medical bills, and pain and suffering.

What Are the Penalties for Causing a Wrongful Death in California?

The penalties for causing a wrongful death in California vary based on the manner in which the defendant caused the wrongful death. If they broke the law, they could not only face civil liability for damages in a wrongful death case from the victim’s family, but also criminal prosecution, and their penalties can increase significantly if they caused a fatal injury.

Why Should I Hire a Wrongful Death Attorney in Colton?

You should hire a wrongful death attorney in Colton to have a better chance of not only succeeding with your case, but also of securing appropriate compensation for all of the damages the defendant has caused. These are emotionally challenging cases, and legal counsel you can trust is an invaluable asset that can help you approach these proceedings with peace of mind.

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

The time it takes to settle a wrongful death case depends on several factors, such as whether the defendant disputes their liability for the fatal injury in question, the scope of damages your family is seeking, and whether you have hired an attorney to represent you. Many of these cases can be resolved through settlement negotiations, which typically takes far less time than litigation. Your attorney can estimate your case’s most likely timeframe.

Schedule a Consultation Today

The team at Duque & Price can provide compassionate and results-driven legal representation for your wrongful death case in Colton. If you think that another party’s negligence or misconduct caused your family member’s death, contact us today to schedule your free consultation with a Colton wrongful death attorney.

About Colton, CA

Fleming Park in Colton offers vibrant community gatherings, seasonal concerts, and family recreation. However, traffic safety remains an ongoing challenge, with car accidents resulting in 382 total injuries and deaths in Colton during 2023, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. Local authorities continue implementing enhanced traffic enforcement and road safety initiatives along busy thoroughfares like I-10. Community programs and legal safeguards work together to strengthen public safety and protect families across Colton.

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