Wrongful death lawsuits in California are there for surviving family members to file a lawsuit when they believe that another party’s negligence or reckless actions have taken their loved one’s life. This is explained under Code of Civil Procedure 377.60 in California. 
A verdict or a settlement in a California wrongful death lawsuit can payout damages for amounts that the deceased person would have earned as their primary income, funeral and burial expenses for the decedent, payments for disfigurement of the decedent and pain and suffering and compensation to family members for the loss of the deceased’s support and companionship.
In many cases, this lawsuit may be associated with a similar California cause of action survival lawsuit which is brough on the behalf of a victim’s estate to help compensate that estate for damages that were incurred by the victim directly as a result of a wrongful act. In wrongful death lawsuits, punitive damages are not available in California. However, filing a timely wrongful death lawsuit may allow you and your loved ones to recover important compensation that might have been available to you had your loved one lived.
It can be devastating to realize that you lost a loved one because of an accident that might have been avoided. Contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer in California is recommended to discuss whether you have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim.
It is very important to have the support of a lawyer to assist you with navigating any wrongful death lawsuit. If you have questions about how to proceed, set aside a time for a consultation with a wrongful death lawyer in San Francisco.