Wrongful Death Attorney in Visalia
Compassionate Guidance After a Wrongful Death in Visalia
Losing a loved one unexpectedly can be a painful and shocking experience. However, when this happens due to another's negligence, the emotional impact can be insurmountable. At Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld, our dedicated legal team has been advocating for injured clients and grieving families for decades.
We understand the complex challenges you face, from mounting bills to navigating confusing insurance communications. While no amount of financial recovery can replace the person you lost, pursuing accountability can help your family cope.
Request a free consultation with our team by calling (805) 243-2179. Our wrongful death lawyer in Visalia, CA, can support you and your loved ones.
What Causes Wrongful Death?
Fatal accidents can occur in an instant across various settings, often because an individual or corporation failed to act with reasonable care. Our firm investigates the root causes of these tragedies to hold the negligent parties legally responsible.
Wrongful death can occur due to:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Defective products
- Premises liability incidents
- Medical malpractice
From high-speed traffic accidents on SR-63 and SR-198 to unexpected premises liability incidents near busy local hubs like Mooney Grove Park, our Visalia wrongful death attorney can step in and help you.
Who Is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
California law has a hierarchy that determines who has the legal right to file a wrongful death claim.
Parties who can file a wrongful death claim include:
- Spouse or domestic partner
- Children
- Other dependents
Sorting through these complex statutory layers can be overwhelming while you are grieving. This is why our Visalia wrongful death lawyer takes the time to sit down with your family, clarify who holds the legal right to move forward, and coordinate a single, unified action on behalf of all eligible beneficiaries.
What Damages Are Available in Wrongful Death Claims?
The financial aftermath of a sudden loss can become overwhelming for surviving family members. Under California law, the financial compensation sought in a wrongful death claim is designed to address the tangible economic costs and the intangible, long-term personal losses your family faces.
Compensation in wrongful death claims includes, but isn't limited to:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical costs
- Loss of household services
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of financial support
When evaluating your case, we carefully assess both immediate expenses and the long-term future needs of your family. As experienced advocates, we can gather financial records, employment histories, and more to build a claim that accounts for the full scope of your losses.
Select Our Seasoned Wrongful Death Lawyers in Visalia
Choosing the right firm to manage your case is a critical decision during a highly vulnerable period. You deserve a legal team that combines courtroom strength with personal, empathetic service.
Clients routinely choose to trust our firm because of the following:
- Service since 1956: Backed by generations of experience handling complex civil litigation throughout the Central Valley.
- Champions for justice: Relentless advocates dedicated to giving a voice to families confronting powerful insurance corporations.
- Personalized support: One-on-one attention from your attorney, keeping you informed at every milestone without automated runarounds.
- Positive client experiences: Built on a foundation of compassionate service, transparency, and deep community trust.
Choosing a law firm during a time of profound grief is a difficult decision. At Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld, we believe you shouldn't have to worry about legal complexities while trying to heal. Let us handle the insurance adjusters and complex filings so you can focus entirely on your family.
Don't hesitate to reach out to us. We offer free consultations. Let our wrongful death attorney in Visalia, CA, provide comprehensive support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is California's Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations?
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is strictly two years from the date of your loved one's death. Since two years can pass quickly, it is crucial to work with a wrongful death lawyer in Visalia as soon as possible. Partnering with an attorney early helps preserve evidence and meet legal deadlines.
What If My Deceased Loved One Was Partially at Fault?
California follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means surviving family members can still recover financial compensation even if the deceased was partially at fault for the accident. Under this rule, compensation may still be awarded even if your loved one was found to be up to 99 percent at fault, though the final recovery will be reduced according to their percentage of blame. For example, if a jury determines your loved one was 30 percent at fault for a collision and total damages are valued at $100,000, your family's final compensation award would be $70,000.
