Fullerton Wrongful Death Settlements

The unexpected loss of a loved one leads to heartbreak, grief, and the total upheaval of your daily life. The financial impact can make it difficult for those left behind. If someone else’s negligence caused the death, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. In fact, California allows survivors to file two different types of claims, survival actions and wrongful death lawsuits.

If the wrongdoer, or their insurer, is willing to settle, you can handle a claim without going to court. While Fullerton wrongful death settlements can feel overwhelming, an experienced attorney could simplify the process for you. CD Law takes a hands-on, personal approach to every case. You will always be able to reach us—even by text.

What Is a Wrongful Death Settlement?

A wrongful death settlement refers to compensation paid by a wrongdoer to the surviving family members of a person who died due to the responsible party’s negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct.  Money cannot replace a missing loved one, but it can help cover financial and emotional losses caused by their death.

Families in Fullerton can get compensation for a wrongful death in two ways. The liable party can agree to settle without the survivors having to file suit. Alternatively, the wrongdoer or their insurer may offer to settle the claim after the survivors file a lawsuit.

While terms and amounts vary, settlements typically cover:

  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Medical bills related to the fatal injury
  • Lost income and future earnings
  • Loss of companionship and emotional suffering

Every case is different, and the final settlement amount depends on several factors, including the strength of your case and the insurance policies involved.

How Are Wrongful Death Settlements Calculated?

Settlements in Fullerton may differ from those in other areas.  Local factors such as the cost of living, the willingness of juries to grant compensation to families, and other comparable settlement amounts impact what is considered reasonable wrongful death compensation. Insurance companies will attempt to minimize payouts. That is why having a strong legal team on your side is essential.

Economic damages include financial losses, including medical bills, lost wages, funeral expenses, and other costs directly related to the death. If the deceased was the primary earner, the settlement may account for the future income they would have provided.

Non-economic damages address emotional losses, such as the pain of losing a loved one, loss of companionship, and mental suffering. While these are harder to calculate, they are just as important.

In rare cases, if the responsible party’s actions were incredibly reckless or intentional, additional compensation may be awarded as a penalty. These damages, known as punitive damages, are intended to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar behavior by others.

How Long Does It Take To Settle a Wrongful Death Case?

Every case is different. Wrongful death settlements in Fullerton can take anywhere from a few months to several years. Some factors that can affect the timeline include investigation, evidence gathering, negotiations with insurance companies, or filing a lawsuit.

We collect key documents, witness statements, and expert testimony to strengthen your case. Most cases are settled outside of court, but negotiations can take time. We may need to file a lawsuit if a fair settlement is not offered,  which extends the process.

The CD Law team works as efficiently as possible while making sure you get the maximum compensation. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we could start building your case.

Talk to a Fullerton Lawyer About Wrongful Death Settlements Today

If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, compensation can help ease your financial burden. However, getting a fair settlement is not always easy. Insurance companies will attempt to pay as little as possible. Without legal help, you could settle for far less than you deserve.

Let CD Law handle the legal fight while you focus on your family. We have experience with Fullerton wrongful death settlements and could help you obtain one. Or, pursue justice in court if the other party refuses to deal fairly. Call us, or text us anytime for a free consultation.  We are here for you when you need us most.