When a person’s death is caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another, California’s Wrongful Death statutes provide the decedent’s successors in interest (i.e. heirs or beneficiaries of the decedent’s estate) and dependents with a claim for the losses they have personally suffered as a result of a decedent’s death. For example, when a nursing home resident is neglected to the point where her dehydration leads to her death, her children may bring their own Wrongful Death claim against the nursing home and its operators. Recoverable damages include, but are not limited to, damages for loss of society, comfort, care and protection.

Although not every Elder Abuse action involving a deceased resident warrants a Wrongful Death claim, in many instances the neglect and abuse of a resident is a direct cause of their death. If you would like to know whether you have a meritorious wrongful death claim, please contact us today. Our firm, along with our team of experienced experts, will do a comprehensive review of your case to determine your legal rights and options. If you have a meritorious Wrongful Death claim, we will prepare and take your case to trial, if necessary, to maximize your potential recovery.