Costa Mesa Wrongful Death Lawyer
In Costa Mesa, the unexpected loss of a loved one can be an overwhelming and life-altering experience, leaving families grappling with emotional and financial burdens. When such a tragedy is caused by someone else’s negligence or misconduct, it is known as a wrongful death. This page explains how the compassionate and experienced wrongful death attorneys at Hicks Law Firm are dedicated to helping you pursue justice and seek the compensation your family deserves during this difficult time.
Wrongful Death Law Firm Serving All Courts in Costa Mesa, CA
Aaron Hicks is a compassionate Costa Mesa wrongful death attorney who understands the profound impact losing a loved one can have on families. You may be facing emotional trauma, unexpected financial burdens, funeral expenses, and the loss of future support. Aaron Hicks is committed to being part of the team that supports you in seeking justice and rebuilding your life during this challenging time.
Aaron Hicks is the Founder, and primary wrongful death attorney at Hicks Law Firm and serves all of Costa Mesa, California. Our main office is located at 765 The City Dr S. Suite 120 Orange, CA near the 22 & 5 interchange (open Google Maps). If you or a family member were seriously injured through the negligence or actions of another, contact Hicks Law Firm by calling (949) 541-9944 to schedule a risk-free, no obligation consultation.
Google Review:
“Most of the big name personal injury law firms that you see on TV and billboards will never step foot in the courtroom or even talk to you, and they will pass your case off to an inexperienced attorney in their firm to settle quick and for a low value. They run law practices that focus on quantity over quality and do not care about getting full value on your case. Aaron Hicks is the exact opposite. He will not hesitate to take your case to trial and maximize your recovery, and he will give you personalized attention from intake to resolution. I have known Mr. Hicks in the legal community for years and highly recommend him”
– Mike B.
When does wrongful death occur?
Under California law, a “wrongful death” occurs any time the negligence or misconduct of a person, business, or government entity results in the death of an individual. The underlying circumstances giving rise to a wrongful death claim can be very broad and include, but are not limited to:
- Car accidents
- Bike accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bus accidents
- Negligent supervision
- Premises liability (killed by dangerous property conditions)
Who can file a wrongful death claim in California?
California law allows children, parents, siblings, spouses, and registered domestic partners to file a wrongful death claim against a party they allege to be responsible for the death of their loved one. California has a One Action Rule to prevent numerous lawsuits against a defendant for the same wrongful death. Under this rule, multiple plaintiffs or family members must join together in a single lawsuit against the defendant. So, if a child or sibling was not included as a plaintiff in a wrongful death lawsuit, they cannot later bring a second claim against the defendant.
What do you need to prove in a wrongful death claim?
The specific facts and elements you will need to prove to succeed in a wrongful death claim depend heavily on the underlying event or condition that caused the victim’s death. Most wrongful death claims are based on the theory of negligence. In order to prevail in a negligence claim, the plaintiff must prove four elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages.
Specifically, they must prove that the defendant had a legal duty to act as a reasonable person under the circumstances or, if the defendant had special knowledge, they had a duty to act as a person with their special knowledge and experience would under those circumstances. For example, if a wrongful death claim is based on an allegation of medical malpractice committed by a doctor, that doctor will be held to the standard of care that a reasonable physician with their education and experience would provide under the same circumstances.
Next, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant failed to conduct themselves with that standard of care in the situation that resulted in the victim’s death.
Then, they must prove that this failure was the cause in fact of the victim’s death.
Finally, the plaintiff must prove that the victim did in fact die and must also prove any other expenses or damages caused by the defendant’s negligence.
What expenses can a wrongful death claim compensate?
While a lawsuit can never erase the pain of losing your loved one, it can provide a sense of justice to the situation and compensate your family for a number of expenses and damages you may have incurred as a result of your loved one’s death. These damages can include:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost wages while the victim was still alive
- Loss of financial support as a result of their death
Once the defendant’s negligence and causation of your loved one’s death are established, your legal team will work to prove each of these expenses were also the result of the defendant’s negligent action or inaction.
Contact Costa Mesa Wrongful Death Lawyer Aaron Hicks at Hicks Law Firm
If you have lost a loved one due to the action or inaction of another person, we are truly sorry for your loss and all of the stress associated with this tragedy.
At Hicks Law Firm, we are a team of compassionate yet highly-effective Costa Mesa accidental death lawyers who are here to aggressively pursue your claim, achieve justice for your loved one, and help you recover from the financial impact of your loved one’s death.
Our years of experience can guide you through this difficult period and do our very best to minimize the stress of this process and efficiently, yet effectively recover compensation for your loss. Please call us today at 949-541-9944 or fill out our online contact form so we may discuss your case.