The San Bernardino wrongful death lawyers at Bisnar Chase are here for you. Our compassionate and dedicated team of attorneys has a 99% success rate and will fight for you while standing by your side, every step of the way.
Losing a loved one can be devastating, often leaving behind a gaping hole in the lives of those around them. When that untimely death was completely avoidable and caused by negligence, many people decide to pursue wrongful death claims against the at-fault parties.
Wrongful death cases are not easy. They can be difficult and painful experiences for survivors. But they also provide a sense of justice and closure, while securing the compensation that you deserve.
The San Bernardino personal injury attorneys at Bisnar Chase have been representing clients who have experienced the death of a loved one for over 45 years. We handle each and every one of our cases with compassion and sensitivity.
We are here to help you through this difficult time and do everything we can to help you get justice and fair compensation for your losses. Contact us now for e free consultation – call (909) 253-0750 or use our live chat for 24/7 assistance.
San Bernardino Wrongful Death Resources
What is a Wrongful Death Claim?
In San Bernardino, a wrongful death claim arises when one person dies as the result of the negligence or wrongdoing of another individual or entity.
A wrongful death claim is a civil action, which is brought to court by the survivors of the deceased person. It is completely separate from any criminal charges.
Criminal Charges vs. Civil Lawsuit
Legal action after a death can be divided into two categories: criminal and civil proceedings.
Essentially, a criminal case is handled by the state to determine if someone broke the law. A civil wrongful death case can provide the family of the deceased with financial compensation for their loss.
For example, if one person is killed by another, the culprit could be charged with murder. This is a criminal charge that might come with a prison sentence and is handled by the police and state prosecutors. Our team at Bisnar Chase does not deal with criminal law.
With us, you can file a separate civil claim. Relief is offered solely in terms of monetary damages where the court orders the defendant to pay the survivors of the deceased person.
You can win a wrongful death claim even if the responsible party is never charged by police, or if the defendant has already been found innocent in a criminal court. A civil case has a different burden of proof, and a defendant does not have to be found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt for the claim to be successful.
The Importance of an Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney
Choosing the right wrongful death lawyer is essential to the success of your claim. Of course, you need to work with a law firm that has experience with this area of law and has enjoyed success in cases such as yours. Our team has:
An office in San Bernardino, with extensive knowledge of the local area and courts.
A 99% success rate.
More than $800 million won for our clients.
Trial lawyers with plenty of courtroom experience.
But with a wrongful death claim, it goes beyond the numbers. You need a firm that truly cares about its clients and has the resources to provide the support that the family needs.
That is part of our mission statement at Bisnar Chase. We believe in providing superior representation with a personal touch. That is what sets us apart from other firms and makes us the right fit for your case.
Building a Winning Case
We will win your case by assembling a strong body of evidence, coordinating experts witnesses and testimonies while keeping you informed at every step of the way and providing any other support that can ease your burden.
If you have a wrongful death case and you need professional representation, please contact us at (909) 253-0750.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
California law allows only certain individuals to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Here are examples of some of the people who may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit in San Bernardino:
The spouse or domestic partner of the deceased person.
The victim’s children or grandchildren.
A putative spouse (when partners live as though married, but without a legal marriage).
The decedent’s parents, surviving siblings, grandparents, or legal guardians.
Anyone who was financially dependent on the deceased person at the time of death.
If you are unsure if you can file a claim, or want to get the ball rolling, contact a San Bernardino wrongful death attorney at Bisnar Chase today.
Elements of a Wrongful Death in San Bernardino, CA
It is important to remember that not all fatal incidents result in wrongful death claims.
Whether a wrongful death claim is warranted or not depends, of course, on the facts and circumstances of the case. There are certain criteria that dictate whether someone is liable for another person’s death.
To prove that someone is liable for a fatality, we must show:
That the at-fault party owed the deceased a duty of car. For example, if you are a driver, you owe a duty of care to other road users and must drive responsibly.
The duty of care was breached. To prove a case, we need to show that the defendant behaved in a way that caused the accident through negligent action.
That damage was caused. We need to show that the defendant’s actions led to the death, showing a clear link of causation.
The decedent’s death has affected surviving family members.
When it comes to fatal accidents, it is essential that we prove liability. A successful wrongful death claim is dependent on a variety of factors, not least working with a skilled and experienced attorney. Contact our team at Bisnar Chase to find out if your claim fits the criteria for a wrongful death lawsuit.
Common Causes of Wrongful Deaths
An untimely death can be caused by any kind of fatal accident. The most common causes include:
Truck accidents.
Motorcycle crashes.
Pedestrian accidents.
Fatal falls.
Severe dog bites.
Job site incidents.
Criminal acts, including intentional harm.
A defendant’s negligence can occur in all kinds of different ways. Whether you have lost a loved one due to driver negligence or a medical mistake, our team is here to help grieving families seek justice.
The Impact of Negligence-Caused Deaths on Families
An unexpected death can rock a family to its foundations. We have all lost loved ones and know how hard it can be. But that pain is made so much worse in an accidental death case that comes as a very unwelcome surprise.
There are many ways in which immediate family members are affected by the loss of a loved one. You can lose out on:
Love and companionship.
Support and mentorship.
Comfort, assistance, and household services.
In addition to physical and emotional support, deaths can also have a drastic impact on a family’s finances, especially if the deceased was the family’s primary or sole earner.
Surviving family members can lose out on current and future earnings, insurance, and other benefits, such as health, dental, pensions, and more.
Damages in San Bernardino County Wrongful Death Claims
In a wrongful death case, a lawsuit will claim damages based on the losses suffered. This refers to the amount of compensation a surviving family member could receive if the case is successful.
There are many factors that can impact how much compensation you could receive. We will seek compensation for factors including:
Burial and funeral expenses.
Medical expenses incurred before the death.
Lost income, future income, and further financial support.
Loss of love, community, attention, affection, moral support, and guidance.
Pain and suffering.
Punitive damages as punishment for the at-fault party’s negligence in egregious cases.
A claim might be resolved through a fair settlement with an insurance company, or through a jury verdict if the case goes to trial in the San Bernardino courts.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, we will determine the best course of action and secure maximum compensation for you.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Cost to the Client
At Bisnar Chase, we do everything we can to minimize the cost to the client. Our goal is to ensure our services are available to everyone.
When you contact our law firm, we will review your case free of charge with no obligations. You will speak to an intake specialist who will assess your claim and consult with the Bisnar Chase attorney team.
No Win No Fee Wrongful Death Attorneys
If we are unable to help, we will provide alternative options and refer you to another attorney if possible. However, if we can take your claim, we offer a no win no fee promise to protect you from out of pocket costs and legal fees.
We work on a contingency fee basis. That means that you pay nothing up front. We advance the money needed to win your case, paying filing fees, securing expert witnesses, etc. If we win for you, a percentage will go to our firm to cover our expenses. If we do not win, you don’t owe us anything.
Wrongful Death FAQs
Make an informed decision – read our frequently asked questions and contact us if you have any other concerns that you need answered before committing to legal action.
When should I file a wrongful death claim?
The period of time you have to file a lawsuit will depend on the cause of the death. In most cases, people have two years from the date of the accident, according to the California statute of limitations. But there are exceptions, so please contact Bisnar Chase for guidance as soon as possible.
Am I eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit?
After a loved one’s death, the family of the deceased can file a claim. This includes a spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, or siblings. The law can also extend to a putative spouse, a legal guardian, or someone who was financially dependent on the deceased.
What should I look for in the best wrongful death law firms?
Any wrongful death action should be taken with the right attorney and firm for your case. Look for success rate in cases like yours, experience in your area, and online reviews. Bisnar Chase excels in these areas, with a 99% success rate and an outstanding track record with wrongful death cases.
Coping With Loss: San Bernardino Grief Support
Resources are available across the San Bernardino and Inland Empire area to support people after a loved one’s death. Some of the options include:
- Grief and Loss Support: In-person and virtual grief support run by St. Bernardine Medical Center.
- The Way World Outreach: Weekly online meetings.
- Inland Behavioral and Health Services: The Wholeness & Enrichment Center provides services for individuals, couples, and families.
- Parents of Murdered Children California: A group focused particularly on the parents of deceased children.
- House of Prayer Gospel Outreach Ministries: Weekly church-sponsored meetings.
Hire A Top-Rated Wrongful Death Attorney Near Me
The experienced San Bernardino wrongful death lawyers at Bisnar Chase understand the nuances and complexities of the law, which is required to bring forth a successful claim.
We are extremely sensitive to the grief and pain families feel when they lose a loved one. It is our goal to provide you with the information, resources, and help you need to protect your legal rights and your financial future, during a very difficult and traumatic time in your life.
The experienced San Bernardino wrongful death attorneys at Bisnar Chase have more than 45 years of experience successfully handling complex cases.
You only have to look at our track record to know that we can help you. Our firm has a 99% success rate, with more than $800 million won for our clients over the years. We have handled thousands of cases, including some high-profile wrongful death lawsuits resulting in victories.
Our attorneys are highly skilled and have the awards to back it up. Every member of our team is passionate about what they do. We believe in helping people, providing superior representation with a compassionate approach, while making the world a safer place.
We have offices in San Bernardino and Riverside, and take pride in supporting clients across the area. Our Inland Empire injury lawyers today if you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing.
Contact a San Bernardino wrongful death attorney at Bisnar Chase for a free consultation. Call (909) 253-0750, fill in a contact form here, or use our website live chat.
