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California Wrongful Death Attorneys

California wrongful death attorneys

The California Wrongful Death Attorneys of Bisnar Chase have been representing and winning cases for over 43 years. Having won over $750 million for our clients, we’ve established a 99% success rate and an authoritative and impressive reputation in the courtroom and the real world.

This law firm is passionate and dedicated to bringing the victims of wrongful deaths to justice, and helping rebuild the lives that were shattered in many different types of cases, but more specifically, wrongful deaths.

When you are a client of Bisnar Chase, you are a part of the family. Your questions will always be answered and made to feel at home with us.

The paralegals, negotiators, mediators, and other legal staff are known for their friendly and charismatic personalities, professional and efficient work ethics, and ability to always take each step while holding your hand through this incredibly difficult experience.

We are here to help and will take every step to make sure you are comfortable and know what’s going on at all times.

Get your Free Consultation and Case Evaluation today. For immediate help or to get answers about a wrongful death damages claim, contact our experienced and trusted California wrongful death lawyers at 800-561-4887.

We will discuss your options with you and if we are able to help you, we’ll provide a no-fee guarantee that if we don’t win your wrongful death case, you won’t pay.

In addition, we shield you from liability throughout your case by advancing all costs until your case settles. We have experienced wrongful death trial attorneys and litigation staff. This is important because not all wrongful death attorneys go to trial. We do.

Attorney John Bisnar Talks About California Wrongful Death Claims

Recovering from the loss of a family member is one of life’s most difficult challenges. Following your loss, the weight of the new responsibilities that rest upon your shoulders may seem too difficult to bear.

Our wrongful death attorneys have assisted more than 14,000 clients since 1978 and have developed a 99% success rate while recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for those they represent.

We understand how to treat clients recovering from debilitating grief and will give you straightforward answers to help you put your life back on track.

Whether you have a wrongful death damages case or not, you can count on Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys to give you straightforward answers and advice to help you make the best decision for you and your family.

If you have lost a loved one as a result of someone’s negligence, contact us today to take advantage of our free professional consultation.

Brian Chase, the senior partner, has achieved unrivaled courtroom success; in the last year alone he has recovered millions of dollars for his clients. 

Damages That Can Be Recovered From a CA Wrongful Death Claim

california wrongful death laywer

A California wrongful death claim can be complicated and particular, which is why it is so important to have an experienced wrongful death attorney on your side.

As the survivor of a loved one, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit for the recovery of the following three kinds of damages:

  1. The loss of the love, companionship, comfort, affection, society, solace, moral support, and (if a spouse is a claimant) consortium of the decedent;
  2. The value of the household services the decedent would have provided in the future if any, and
  3. The value of the financial support which the claimant would have received from the decedent but for the death.

After a loved one has passed away, there are only certain people who may file a wrongful death claim. First in line are the surviving spouse, children, and surviving issue of deceased children of the decedent. These survivors can file separately or jointly. If these types of claimants do not exist, next in line is the person’s:

  • parents
  • then brothers and sisters
  • then the children of deceased brothers and sisters
  • then grandparents
  • and then their lineal descendants

A second group of claimants, which are not covered in the first group are:

  • putative spouse (a person who can prove that he/she had good faith belief that they were married to the decedent, but were not married by law)
  • children of the putative spouse
  • stepchildren
  • and parents of the decedent

The only way that those qualified under the second group can file a wrongful death claim is if they can prove that they were dependent upon the decedent at the time of death.

The final class of claimant is any minor who can prove that they were a resident of the decedent’s household for 180 days prior to the death and that they were dependent upon the decedent for at least 50% of their support at the time of death.

The Potential Value of a California Wrongful Death Claim

Sometimes, the value of a wrongful death claim is determined by the defendant’s liability insurance coverage or his or her assets. However, an experienced California wrongful death attorney can help victims’ families obtain maximum compensation by carefully examining the specific aspects of the case at hand.

First, it may have to be determined if an estate should be created. When there are several individuals claiming compensation, a probate estate may be created. The wrongful death claim will then be brought in the name of the estate rather than the individual claimants.

Another important step in a wrongful death case is to establish the life expectancy of the decedent. Some of the factors that may be taken into consideration include the victim’s age, lifestyle, medical history, and occupation.

It can also be a challenge to determine how much financial support survivors lost as a result of their loved one’s death. This would require an assessment of the decedent’s employment and salary history, anticipated future wages including promotions, raises, etc.

Wrongful Death Versus Murder

What is the difference between wrongful death and murder? Wrongful death lawsuits are civil action. These are lawsuits brought forth by the deceased victim’s estate or family members, most often, immediate family members.

The claimants attempt to prove that the defendant was responsible or civilly liable for the deceased person’s death as the result of a careless, deliberate, or negligent act. The burden of proof is also different and lesser in civil lawsuits.

Murder or homicide cases on the other hand are criminal cases. The burden of proof in criminal cases is on the prosecution. The prosecutor must prove “beyond a reasonable doubt” that the person committed the murder.

It is important to remember that the wrongdoer will be punished and ordered to pay restitution in a murder case. But only a civil wrongful death claim can help compensate victims’ families monetarily for the losses sustained.

Contacting an Experienced CA Wrongful Death Attorney

We understand what families are going through after a loved one’s death. We understand that no amount of money can bring back a beloved family member. But, we are here to help you through this difficult time and do everything in our power to help you get justice and fair compensation for your losses.

To determine if you are eligible in any category to file a California wrongful death claim, it is important to have a knowledgeable attorney on your side. By retaining a CA wrongful death attorney from Bisnar Chase, you can be assured that we will take care of all the paperwork, research, and answer all of your questions.

Please call our office for your free and confidential consultation with one of our wrongful death attorneys. We can help you answer any questions and tell you how to handle the case.

Call us at 949-203-3814 For a Free, No-Hassle, Confidential, No-Obligation Consultation.

Wrongful Death

  • If your loved one has passed as a result of someone else’s negligence, know your rights and contact an attorney today. Our California wrongful death lawyers have decades of experience handling complex cases. We’ve recovered $800M and have a no-win, no-fee guarantee.  The most common wrongful death cases we handle are:
  • Dog Attack Death
  • Auto Defect Death
  • Workplace Death
  • Dangerous Product Death
  • Negligent Premises Death

Case Results

  • 1

    $117,500,000

    Consumer Class Action

  • 2

    $38,650,000

    Motor Vehicle Accident

  • 3

    $32,698,073

    Auto Defect – Seat Manufacturers, Johnson Controls

  • 4

    $30,000,000

    Motorcycle Accident

  • 5

    $24,744,764

    Defective Seatback

  • 6

    $16,444,904

    Bicycle Accident

Client Reviews

Bisnar Chase Google Review

Great people in this office, everyone was really helpful explaining everything. I was referred by my aunt for my car accident in October and the case went pretty fast. No problems and very professional. I was kept in the loop thru the whole process and was able to get a better settlement than my insurance company said I would. I can’t really compare them to other law firms because it was the first time I had to use an attorney, but my bad experience with the car accident was handled as well as I could have hoped.

P. Montgomery
Bisnar Chase Google Review - Lena

I wasn’t sure if I needed a personal injury attorney because I’d never been in a car accident before. I assumed I’d just go straight through the other driver’s insurance but that quickly became a nightmare. I spent months fighting over the simplest of issues about my case, which was 100% the other driver’s fault. I hired Bisnar Chase to see if they could just take it over for me. I was really impressed with how much they communicated everything to me! I suddenly started getting calls from the insurance company, imagine that. My final settlement was 6 times what I asked for to begin with. Everyone I dealt with was really involved in what was best for me, not the insurance.

Lena Murillo
Bisnar Chase Google Review

I had an attorney for my truck accident who wanted almost 60% of what my case was worth. Worse than that, he was willing to settle for $5,000.00 with the insurance company even though I was still treating for whiplash and back pain. I contacted Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys because a friend recommended them. My case was handled exceptionally well! I was being kept notified throughout the whole process and only when I was comfortable with the settlement figure, did my attorney Gavin Long, accept it. I felt like we were working together and I felt listened to. I would refer Bisnar Chase to anyone who wants quality over quantity!

Lauren B
Bisnar Chase Google Review

Bisnar Chase is a model #veteranowned business that is purpose-driven — showing the power of patriotism in action! Because of Bisnar Chase, low-income veterans will be able to forge new futures at home through pro bono legal care. Team Veterans Legal Institute is grateful to have Bisnar Chase as a sponsor for Lawyers for Warriors — supporting the promise to be there for our veterans when they need it most.

KellyAnn Romanych

Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys

1301 Dove St. STE 120, Newport Beach, CA 92660

800-561-4887

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