Modesto wrongful death settlements provide financial compensation to surviving family members after someone dies due to another party’s negligence. These cases often stem from car accidents, dangerous conditions on someone’s property, or other preventable incidents.
The wrongful death attorneys at Curtis Legal Group have secured six-figure awards for families who have lost loved ones due to someone else’s carelessness and are here to help with your case.
How Wrongful Death Settlements Work
The right to bring a lawsuit is governed by California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, which allows the decedent’s spouse, domestic partner, children, or other financially dependent relatives to pursue a claim. Wrongful death settlements in Modesto typically include financial compensation for the following:
- Funeral costs
- Lost future income
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
Additionally, the nature of the defendant’s conduct plays a role in the settlement amount. In cases involving DUI, product liability, or deliberate misconduct, higher settlements are more likely. Finally, the skill and resources of the lawyer handling the case may affect the outcome. Firms that conduct thorough investigations, retain top economic and medical experts, and build a persuasive settlement package, such as Curtis Legal Group, tend to secure better results for their clients.
Financial Awards in Wrongful Death Cases
Settlements vary significantly depending on the circumstances of the death, the available insurance coverage, and the decedent’s financial contribution to surviving family members. In our experience representing those who have lost their support system, financial awards can vary widely. Higher settlements often arise from wrongful death cases in Modesto involving:
- Gross negligence
- Intentional violence
- High-profile defendants
- Significant financial dependency
Regardless of the situation, our attorneys assess the family’s losses and the defendant’s conduct to determine the appropriate value for our client’s claim. We approach each case with a tailored strategy to advocate for what our clients deserve based on their circumstances.
In our 70 years of practice, our team at Curtis Legal Group has seen a variety of settlements for grieving families. Despite any firm’s past results, no outcome is guaranteed, so ask a knowledgeable attorney for their take on your individual case.
What Kinds of Compensation May Be Available?
State law allows eligible family members to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses.
Economic Damages
Economic damages include funeral and burial expenses and the loss of the deceased’s expected contributions. This includes lost financial support and the value of household services the deceased would have provided.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the emotional and relational losses the survivors suffer. Families can recover compensation for loss of companionship, affection, moral support, and guidance. These damages recognize the profound impact of losing a spouse, parent, or child.
Punitive Damages
In some cases involving violent homicide, state courts may award punitive damages. These are designed to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior rather than compensate the family directly.
The specific damages available depend on the relationship between the survivor and the deceased, as well as the circumstances of the death. Modesto typically prioritizes spouses, domestic partners, and children in cases involving wrongful death, though parents and other dependents may also receive sufficient compensation. Our lawyers could leverage our extensive experience with these types of cases to help families pursue a fair settlement award.
Talk to a Modesto Attorney About Wrongful Death Settlements
Curtis Legal Group gives back to the community by supporting local charities, and we also help our neighbors recover financially after tragic losses. We believe that every family should have proper support for the future and a sense of closure following an accidental fatality.
Our team has extensive experience handling claims and seeking Modesto wrongful death settlements. To schedule a free case review with one of our attorneys, contact us today.
