Can a wrongful death suit be pursued if the deceased was partially at fault?
In California, a wrongful death suit can be pursued even if the deceased was partially at fault. This is known as comparative negligence. This means that the court will assess the amount of fault attributed to each party involved in the death. The court will then determine how much compensation is owed to those bringing the wrongful death suit. In some cases, the family of the deceased may still receive damages even if their loved one was partly to blame; however, the amount given in damages will be reduced depending on how much fault was attributed to the deceased. For example, if the deceased was found to be 50% at fault, the damages they would be entitled to would be reduced by half. It is important to note that comparative negligence only applies in states that follow a comparative negligence system. In states that follow a contributory negligence system, if the deceased is found to be even 1% at fault, they will not be eligible to receive any compensation.
Related FAQs
What is the difference between a wrongful death lawsuit and a negligence lawsuit?Are there any limits to the amount that can be awarded in a wrongful death suit?
Are wrongful death suits impacted by state law?
Are wrongful death damages different from compensatory damages?
What is a wrongful death statute of limitations?
What are the economic damages that can be claimed in a wrongful death case?
What kind of evidence is used to prove a wrongful death case?
Can the surviving spouse file a wrongful death lawsuit?
Are the costs of legal representation in a wrongful death lawsuit recoverable?
How can I determine how much my wrongful death claim is worth?
Related Blog Posts
What You Should Know About Wrongful Death Lawsuits - July 31, 2023What 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