At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we understand that no legal action can ever truly compensate for the loss of a loved one.
Yet, in the wake of such profound loss, seeking justice can be a crucial step in honoring their memory and securing the future they would have wanted for you. That’s why our San Francisco Wrongful Death Attorneys are here to help guide you during this difficult time.
Understanding Wrongful Death in San Francisco
In our diverse city, tragedy can strike in many forms.
- A fatal accident on the bustling streets of the Financial District
- A medical mistake at one of our world-renowned hospitals
- A workplace incident at a construction site in SoMa
- A defective product in a Sunset District home
- Police misconduct that resulted in an accidental death
Each situation is unique, but the pain is universal. In the fog of grief, it’s easy to feel lost and alone. But please know this: You don’t have to navigate this journey by yourself.
Meet GJEL Accident Attorneys: A Compassionate Guide Through Difficult Times
- Empathy First: Before we’re lawyers, we’re San Franciscans who care deeply about our community. We approach every case with the sensitivity and respect it deserves.
- Local Understanding: We know that losing a loved one in San Francisco presents unique challenges, from the high cost of living to the close-knit nature of our neighbourhoods. Our approach is tailored to the specific needs of Bay Area families.
- Proven Experience: With over four decades of serving San Francisco and a 99% success rate, we have the experience to handle your case with the utmost competence and care.
- Comprehensive Support: We’re not just here for the legal battle. We can connect you with grief counsellors, support groups, and other resources to help you through this difficult time.
Our Approach: Honoring Lives, Protecting Futures
- Listening with Compassion: We begin by hearing your story, understanding who your loved one was, and what they meant to you. This isn’t just about building a case; it’s about honouring life.
- Thorough Investigation: We leave no stone unturned in uncovering the truth, working with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and forensic specialists as needed.
- Clear Communication: We explain every step of the process in plain language, ensuring you’re never left in the dark. Your questions and concerns are always welcome.
- Fierce Advocacy: While we approach you with gentleness, we approach your case with determination. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in court, we fight tirelessly for the justice your loved one deserves.
Taking the Next Step
We know that reaching out for legal help amid grief can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve made the process as gentle and straightforward as possible. We offer free, no-obligation consultations where you can share your story and learn about your options in a safe, compassionate environment.
Call us at 415-986-4777 or visit our San Francisco office at 220 Montgomery St Suite 2100, San Francisco, CA 94104.
Remember, seeking justice for your loved one is not about moving on—it’s about moving forward while honouring their memory. As your San Francisco wrongful death lawyers, we’re here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that your loved one’s story is heard and that their legacy is protected.
In a city that has risen from ashes time and again, we understand the power of resilience. Let GJEL Accident Attorneys be your support as you navigate this difficult chapter and begin to write the next.
Your loved one’s story mattered. Their life mattered. And in seeking justice, you’re ensuring that their impact continues to ripple through the streets of San Francisco and beyond.
GJEL Accident Attorneys: Compassionately guiding San Francisco families through their darkest hours for over four decades. When you’re ready, we’re here to listen.
GJEL Accident Attorneys has 40+ years of experience helping families hold wrongdoers accountable with wrongful death lawsuits in the San Francisco Bay area. Our San Francisco Wrongful Death Lawyers are some of the highest-rated lawyers serving all of California.
We are here to help your family through this difficult time and have recovered over $1 Billion dollars for our clients with a 99% success rate.
If someone you love was killed in an accident contact GJEL Accident Attorneys today for a free, no-obligation, case evaluation. Here are just a few things that set our attorneys apart from the rest.
- We have a success rate of over 99% in handling cases for our clients.
- Our clients have received over $950 million in recovery from insurance companies and corporate defendants.
- Our law firm has been ranked among the top nationwide by our peers.
- We are highly respected and considered a formidable opponent by insurance companies.
- We are known for assisting our clients with their medical bills, vehicle repair and replacement, rental car costs, and other expenses from the first day.
- Our attorneys have graduated from prestigious universities, such as Stanford, the University of California, and the University of Chicago.
- We are experts in accident reconstruction.
- We are recognized as an authority by other law firms and lawyers due to our ability to resolve our client’s cases quickly and skillfully.
- We offer free consultations at our clients’ convenience, wherever and whenever is most suitable for them.
Are You Looking to Hire an SF Wrongful Death Attorney?
Insurance companies would prefer to settle wrongful deaths before the claimant has a chance to consult a lawyer. A skilled lawyer could get a settlement many times more than what the insurance company offers firsthand to the claimant. At GJEL we are lawyers that deal with death cases.
Andy Gillin is a top-rated San Francisco wrongful death lawyer who specializes in representing victims of car accidents. He is very successful in obtaining settlements for wrongful death cases. Contact him today to discuss your case.
The legal information found on this page doesn’t constitute legal advice.
Defining Wrongful Death in California
Wrongful death laws apply in many different situations. In California, there are three types of wrongful death claims: Negligence, Intentional Torts, and Products Liability. There are also two types of medical malpractice cases: Direct and Indirect Malpractice.
In short: Whenever the court can find a reason why a reasonable person should have done something different than the negligent party, there is a possibility of a wrongful death lawsuit. We will review your unique circumstances and explain your possible courses of action in a free, private meeting.
A negligent person is responsible for the results of his or her actions. Even though he or she may not have intended to cause harm, he or she still bears legal responsibility for what happened because he or she was careless. In this example, the defendant did not intend to kill the victim, but he should have known better than to drive recklessly. He should have taken precautions to prevent the accident.
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in San Francisco
Losing a loved one is a painful experience, but it can be even more devastating when the death is caused by the negligence or misconduct of another person.
In such cases, you may have a legal right to pursue a wrongful death claim.
In this article, we will discuss the process of filing a wrongful death claim in San Francisco and provide some insights that could help you navigate through the process with ease.
While it may be tempting to file a wrongful death claim on your own, it is important to consider hiring an experienced attorney such as GJEL Accident Attorneys to handle your case.
An attorney can provide the necessary legal expertise to ensure that the claim is handled properly and promptly. They can help to accurately determine the value of the claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent the family’s best interests in court if necessary.
Attempting to file a wrongful death claim on your own can be challenging, time-consuming, and emotionally draining, especially for those already coping with the loss of a loved one. It can be difficult to navigate the complex legal system without the proper experience and knowledge, and mistakes can lead to a reduced settlement or even the dismissal of the claim.
By hiring an attorney, family members can focus on healing and processing their loss, while the attorney takes care of the legal proceedings. GJEL Accident Attorneys can provide compassionate and skilled representation to help families receive the compensation they deserve and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
What is Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death is defined as a death caused by the wrongful act or negligence of another person. It can occur in a variety of situations, including car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, and more.
In California, only certain family members can bring a wrongful death claim, including the spouse, children, and parents of the deceased. It is important to note that wrongful death claims are civil actions, which means that they are separate from any criminal charges that may be filed against the responsible party.
Proving a Wrongful Death Claim
To prove a wrongful death claim, the plaintiff must establish four elements:
- Duty of Care: The defendant had a legal duty to exercise reasonable care to prevent harm to the deceased.
- Breach of Duty: The defendant breached that duty by acting in a way that fell short of the reasonable standard of care.
- Causation: The defendant’s breach of duty caused the death of the deceased.
- Damages: The plaintiff suffered damages as a result of the death.
How to File a Wrongful Death Claim in San Francisco
To file a wrongful death claim in Los Angeles, you will need to follow a specific process. First, you will need to determine if you are eligible to file a claim. If you are eligible, you will need to file a complaint with the court, which must be done within two years of the date of death. You will then need to serve the complaint on the defendant, who will have an opportunity to respond. The case will then proceed through the discovery phase, where evidence will be gathered, and the parties will exchange information. If the case is not resolved through settlement, it will proceed to trial.
Hiring a Wrongful Death Lawyer in San Francisco
If you are considering filing a wrongful death claim in San Francisco, California, it is highly recommended that you hire an experienced wrongful death lawyer.
A skilled attorney can help you navigate the complex legal system, gather evidence, and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. When choosing a lawyer, it is important to look for someone with a proven track record of success in wrongful death cases, as well as someone who is compassionate and understands the emotional toll of losing a loved one.
Losing a loved one is a tragedy, but you do not have to go through the process alone. By understanding the process of filing a wrongful death claim in the San Francisco Bay Area and hiring an experienced lawyer to guide you, you can obtain the justice and compensation you deserve.
If you have any questions about wrongful death claims or need assistance in pursuing a claim, do not hesitate to contact our San Francisco personal injury lawyers office today.
GJEL Accident Attorneys also has offices in San Jose, Sacramento, and throughout Northern California.
Who can file a wrongful death claim in California?
Wrongful death claims are filed by survivors who are entitled to compensation for the loss of a loved one. Only certain people may file these claims, typically only the decedents’ surviving family members. These include A surviving spouse or partner.
Any surviving children (including step-children). Any surviving family members, such as parents and siblings. If there were non-family dependents, such as step-siblings, they are also entitled.
To learn more about who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in California check out our full article here.
What compensation can be recovered in California?
Medical expenses lost wages, and burial costs are all included in a wrongful death claim.
Damages for loss of financial and emotional support. Damages for the loss of love, care, and companionship. Damages for the death of a spouse.
Click here to see our previous wrongful death settlements amounts and averages [damages].
How long does a person have to file a wrongful death claim?
Wrongful death claims must be filed within 2 years after the death of the person whose death caused the injury. Medical malpractice lawsuits must be filed within 4 years after the alleged negligent act occurred. Statutes of limitations are different depending on whether the deceased was a doctor or not.
A parent who dies without leaving a will must sue within 2 years of the child’s death. A spouse must sue within 2 years after the marriage ends. Children must sue within 2 years from the time they reach age 18.
Read about California’s statute of limitations here.
If you need a free case review, contact GJEL. GJEL Accident Attorneys is a reputable Bay Area wrongful death attorney firm, dedicated to helping families seek justice and compensation after the loss of a loved one due to negligence.
How to Start a Wrongful Death Claim in California
A lawyer is needed if someone dies because of negligence, carelessness, and recklessness. GJEL Accident Attorneys can help you recover damages after a person dies. Our office has over 40 years of experience in this field, and we have the highest settlement amount of any law firm in Northern California.
Not only do we have the resources to investigate, but we also have experience. We know what it takes to establish liability on the part of property owners, private employees, and public entities. Our lawyers are also familiar with the unique considerations required when seeking damages in cases involving the death of a newborn, or the loss of a baby.
You should not try to take on a wrongful death case yourself. Contact GJEL’s wrongful death law firm if you need help with a potential case.
Examples Of Successful Representation In Wrongful Death Cases
GJEL Accident Attorneys has recovered over 1 Billion Dollars for our clients.
How do I file a Wrongful Death Claim?
Wrongful Death Lawyers Should Be Secured Immediately After Accident. Negligence Can Cause Or Contribute To A Fatal Accident. You should speak to an attorney before filing a claim.
Types of Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Wrongful deaths due to negligence can occur in several ways. Some of the more common cases we deal with are car accidents, gross negligence, motorcycle accidents, and truck accidents.
Unintentional injuries are the fifth leading cause of death for teens and young adults. San Francisco has a higher age-adjusted unintentional injury death rate than the rest state of California.
Fatal Car Accidents
Distracted driving is a major cause of traffic accidents. In 2015, distracted drivers killed more than 35 thousand people. There were also 8.8 percent more deaths in crashes where distraction was involved.
Motor vehicle accidents are the 3rd leading cause of death for young adults in San Francisco. These accidents claim the lives of hundreds of people each year. Car accident fatalities are often a textbook example of wrongful death. Victims’ families may be eligible for compensation for economic and non-economic losses. This includes medical bills and funeral costs, pain and suffering, loss of wages, and any other damages caused by the death.
Medical Malpractice
Medical professionals are usually equipped to handle the fast-paced, high-stress environment of hospitals. Cases of negligence and medical malpractice occur regularly throughout the country. Patients can die due to the negligence of doctors, nurses, or other licensed medical personnel. You could be entitled to a wrongful death claim if your loved one dies as a result of someone else’s negligence.
You have the legal right to sue if someone dies because of medical malpractice. Medical bills and funeral expenses are covered by insurance. Compensation for pain and suffering of decedents before death is covered by insurance. Loss of wages is covered by insurance. Losing a spouse or child is considered a loss of consortium.
Medical facilities must ensure that patients are kept safe. In this case, the owner of the hospital was negligent because he didn’t take precautions to protect patients from harm. He should have known that there were dangerous conditions in the building.
Fatal Workplace Accidents
Construction sites are dangerous places to work. Workers often get injured because of faulty tools, scaffolds, ladders, or machinery. When an accident happens, it could be due to the fault of the company that made the equipment. In this case, the victim’s family might have a claim against the manufacturer.
The leading causes of death among construction workers are the “fatal four,” which account for 64.2% of construction worker deaths in the US in 2015. These include falls (26%), motor vehicle accidents (11.6%), electrocutions (9.8%), and being struck by objects or equipment (7.4%).
A worker was killed when he fell into an elevator shaft. He was electrocuted after being struck by an object while working in a factory. He was caught in machinery and died. There could be a claim against the company that owns the factory.
Bicycle and Motor Vehicle Collisions
Drivers must always keep a proper lookout for people who might be walking or bicycling. They should also watch children playing in the street. Drivers should never cut off bicycles or pedestrians. Bicyclists should be treated just like any other vehicle.
With the increasing use of bicycles, the frequency of bicycle-related accidents is on the rise. Roadway safety laws require drivers to yield to bicyclists when passing them. Bicyclists must wear helmets and obey traffic signals. Bicycle riders must ride single file and stay off sidewalks. Drivers may not pass bicyclists unless there is adequate space between vehicles.
Defective Products
Consumers are entitled to have their products work safely. When they use them, they are entitled to expect that they won’t cause any harm or injury.
Flaws in defective motor vehicles could be the reason why someone died. A car might suffer a blowout, steering problems, brake failures, or lose its vertical stability. This could lead to a wrongful death lawsuit.
A product is considered defective if it causes harm to people when used properly. Products that cause harm to people are called dangerous products. To prove that a product is dangerous, you must show that the manufacturer knew about the dangers of the product. You also need to prove that the manufacturer did nothing to warn consumers about these dangers.
Drowning
Swimming pools are usually safe places to swim. However, there are some situations when accidents do occur. Lifeguards must take precautions to prevent them from happening. If a person drowns while using a public pool, then the lifeguard who was on duty at the time could be held liable for the death. If a child drowns in an indoor pool because of a malfunctioning drain, then the owner of the pool could be held liable for wrongful death.
Truck Accidents
Trucking companies are responsible for many deaths each year. According to government statistics, there were over 140 million truck accidents last year alone. These accidents caused more than 40,000 fatalities.
Bicycle Accidents
Bicyclists have an Equal Right to the Roadway. Many Drivers Ignore Cyclist Rights and Focus Only on Other Cars and Trucks.
Can Wrongful Death Lawsuits be tried before a jury?
Yes, wrongful death disputes can be tried before a jury. In the United States, most wrongful death cases are filed as civil lawsuits, and in a civil case, the parties have the right to a trial by jury.
A jury will hear evidence presented by both sides and decide whether the defendant is liable for the wrongful death and, if so, how much compensation should be awarded to the plaintiff(s). In some states, however, a judge may hear the case alone if both parties agree to it. It’s important to note that the standard of proof in a civil wrongful death case is typically “preponderance of the evidence” which is lower than the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard in criminal trials.
If you need the best wrongful death lawyer in San Francisco, contact GJEL Accident Attorneys.
Sources
https://sfdistrictattorney.org/policy/data-dashboards/
https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/stay-safe/crime-data/crime-dashboard
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