What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a wrongful death lawsuit?

The main difference between a wrongful death claim and a wrongful death lawsuit is the type of legal action taken. A wrongful death claim is an administrative settlement process handled out of court. In California, such claims are handled by the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board. A wrongful death claim is a civil remedy that can be sought by the surviving family members to receive financial compensation for their loss. A wrongful death lawsuit, on the other hand, is a type of civil lawsuit that can be filed in California Superior Court. A wrongful death lawsuit allows the family members to seek more than just financial compensation. It provides the opportunity to seek justice in the form of non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium. Such a lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of the death in order to be valid. In both cases, the person or parties responsible for the wrongful death must be identified. This can include either another person or a business or other organization. However, in a wrongful death claim, the burden of proof does not have to be as strong as it does for a lawsuit. This is because a wrongful death claim is an administrative process and the standard of proof is lower. To sum up, the main difference between a wrongful death claim and a wrongful death lawsuit is the type of legal action taken. A wrongful death claim is an administrative process handled out of court, while a wrongful death lawsuit is a type of civil lawsuit filed in a court of law.

Related FAQs

How long does a wrongful death suit take to go to court?
Is a wrongful death lawsuit the same as a civil lawsuit?
Are there any special grounds for filing a wrongful death lawsuit?
Can a wrongful death claim be reopened after it has been settled?
What happens when a wrongful death case goes to court?
Are punitive damages awarded in wrongful death cases?
What happens if the defendant in a wrongful death case does not have sufficient insurance coverage to cover the damages?
What is wrongful death by negligence?
Do I need a lawyer for a wrongful death case?
Is a wrongful death claim different from a survivorship claim?

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