Who can be held liable for a wrongful death?

When someone passes away due to the negligence or misconduct of another person or entity, that is considered a wrongful death in California. Under California’s wrongful death laws, certain people can be held liable for the death. The most common person held liable is the person found to be at fault for the death. This could be a person operating a vehicle, a doctor performing care, or even a property owner who failed to prevent a dangerous condition. Liability could also attach to an employer if the at-fault person was working at the time of the incident. In some cases, fault can also be attributed to someone other than the at-fault person. As an example, if a person was drinking alcoholic beverages and then killed someone while driving, the bar that served the alcohol may be held liable if they over-served the person. In addition, a company that manufactured a dangerous or faulty product could also be held liable if that product caused the death. For example, a car manufacturer could be liable if a faulty seatbelt contributed to the death. Lastly, a government agency could be held liable for the death if their negligence or inadequate safety regulations contributed to it. In wrongful death cases, many different people or entities can be held liable depending on the circumstances of the death. It is important to seek legal counsel if you believe you have a wrongful death case. An experienced attorney can help you determine who can be held liable for the death and can help you seek compensation for your loss.

Related FAQs

How long can a wrongful death lawsuit take to resolve?
How is a wrongful death settlement determined?
Who can be held liable for a wrongful death due to medical malpractice?
What is wrongful death law?
Is a wrongful death claim the same as a wrongful death suit?
Are the costs of legal representation in a wrongful death lawsuit recoverable?
Who is considered a “legal heir” for the purpose of filing a wrongful death suit?
What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a wrongful death lawsuit?
Are wrongful death suits impacted by state law?
What is a survivorship action?

Related Blog Posts

What You Should Know About Wrongful Death Lawsuits - July 31, 2023
What To Do After a Loved One Suffers Wrongful Death - August 7, 2023
Understanding Wrongful Death Statutes & Regulations - August 14, 2023
Finding the Right Wrongful Death Lawyer - August 21, 2023
5 Important Steps to Take When Filing a Wrongful Death Claim - August 28, 2023