Can more than one person be held liable for a wrongful death?
Yes, more than one person can be held liable for a wrongful death in California. This is because of the state’s shared responsibility system, which states that more than one party may be held responsible for a wrongful death. This system allows for victims and their surviving family members to pursue legal action against any individuals or entities that may have contributed to the death, even if their role in the event was minor. In order for a wrongful death claim to be successful, a plaintiff must show that the other party or parties were either negligent, reckless, or intentionally caused harm to the deceased. The plaintiff must also show that the actions of the other party were the cause of the death. If multiple parties are liable, the judge or jury will decide the percentage of responsibility that each of the parties should bear. Wrongful death claims can arise from a variety of negligent activities, including medical malpractice, dangerous products, and car accidents. In car accidents, all drivers involved may be deemed liable if their negligence contributed to the accident. Additionally, employers can be held responsible if their negligence allowed a dangerous work environment that contributed to the death. When it comes to wrongful death claims, victims and their loved ones are encouraged to speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer to ensure that all liable parties are pursued.
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