Are there other kinds of legal action that may be brought in a wrongful death case?

In California, other types of legal action that may be brought in a wrongful death case are generally known as “survival actions.” These are similar to wrongful death cases, but instead of claiming compensation for the death of a loved one, the surviving family members are seeking compensation for any pain, suffering, or emotional distress their loved one may have experienced prior to their death. In California, these survival actions may be brought in situations where the deceased person was injured or suffered damages due to the negligence of the defendant. In addition to these survival actions, a plaintiff may also seek punitive damages. Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant for their wrongdoing, as opposed to compensating the plaintiff for any damages that have been incurred. In California, punitive damages may only be rewarded if the defendant’s conduct is deemed “malicious, oppressive, or fraudulent.” Generally speaking, pursing these forms of legal action in a wrongful death case can be a long and difficult process and requires the assistance of a qualified and experienced wrongful death attorney.

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