What happens when a wrongful death case goes to court?

When a wrongful death case goes to court in California, the plaintiff (the person bringing the case to court) must prove that the defendant (the person they are accusing of causing the death) was legally responsible for the death. The plaintiff will typically hire a lawyer to help them build their case. The lawyer will gather evidence, such as medical records, witness testimony, and police reports, to support the claim that the defendant was negligent or acted recklessly. Once in court, the plaintiff must present their evidence to prove that the defendant was legally responsible for the death. The judge will also listen to any evidence the defense may present. The defendant may argue that the death was caused by a number of other factors, or that the actions taken by the defendant were not a direct cause of the death. Once the judge has heard both sides, he or she will decide if the defendant is legally responsible for the death. If the judge determines that the defendant is responsible, the plaintiff will be entitled to compensation for damages, such as medical bills, loss of income, funeral costs, and other expenses resulting from the death. The court will order the defendant to pay the plaintiff, or the plaintiff’s family, a set amount of money to cover these costs.

Related FAQs

What types of compensation can be recovered in a wrongful death lawsuit?
Does the family of the deceased have a right to sue for loss of companionship in a wrongful death case?
Can a wrongful death claim be filed against a private employer?
Is a wrongful death lawsuit the same as a civil lawsuit?
Are wrongful death cases handled in civil or criminal court?
Are there any special grounds for filing a wrongful death lawsuit?
What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a claim for loss of consortium?
How is causation proven in a wrongful death claim?
What is loss of consortium in a wrongful death case?
What other types of compensation can be awarded in a wrongful death lawsuit?

What happens when a wrongful death case goes to court?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts