Patrick is caring and patient.
Kathy L.
Patrick is caring and patient.
Kathy L.
10 Best Attorneys in California
Client Satisfaction
Awarded to the top attorneys providing exceptional and outstanding client service
Wrongful Death Attorney
One of the most agonizing and defining moments in life, is learning that someone you love has died. This sudden tragedy is even sadder when the accident was caused by someone else.
Unfortunately, no one can ever bring back your loved one. And no amount of money can compensate you for your loss.
But compensation is the only way that "civil" courts can hold the adverse party accountable. Most of the accidents we see, also involve "criminal charges" like a DUI and Hit and Run.
Criminal Court vs. Civil Court
Civil Courts Involve Claims for Money
Criminal Courts Involve a Loss of Liberty
I advocate for you and prosecute the "civil" side of your accident.
The district attorney's office prosecutes the "criminal" side on your collision. A criminal conviction may result in jail or prison.
My goal is to assure you are fairly compensated for the loss of your loved one.
You may be entitled to compensation for 2-types of damages.
Wrongful Death Damages
All wrongful death damages fall under the umbrella of two-types of damages, Economic and Non-Economic damages.
1. Economic (Financial) Damages
Economic damages compensate victims for financial losses resulting from the accident. Economic damages are measurable. The courts can calculate past, present, and future financial losses such as,
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Hospital bills
- Loss of earnings
- Loss of pensions
2. Non-Economic (Emotional) Damages
The second type of damages involves compensation for your "emotional" injuries, like grief.
You've probably heard of "pain and suffering" in personal injury cases. Pain and suffering is different than grief. Pain and Suffering is considered "temporary" while Grief is "permanent".
Since we know that wrongful death claims can only request financial and emotional damages, it’s clear that “Emotional” Damages are a big part of your overall compensation.
I’ll guide you so you’re prepared to describe the depth of your loss to others. Surviving men often benefit from this process. The people who benefit the most are introverts and especially sensitive people who have difficulty expressing their feelings.
Wrongful death victims appreciate my support when developing their story of love... and the grief they have suffered from the loss of love.
Grief
Think of Grief as an umbrella. There are many losses that legally fall under the umbrella of Grief, such as:
- Loss of Love
- Loss of Comfort
- Loss of Affection
- Loss of Care
- Loss of Guidance
- Loss of Advice
- Loss of Companionship
- Loss of Household Assistance
- Loss of Advice
- Loss of Sexual Relations
All of these losses are uniquely personal to you, so only you can describe your loss. I'll help you to articulate the "grief" you have suffered from the sudden and unexpected loss of your loved one. This is not an easy process. For many people its cathartic. But it's vitally important because it will help you answer one single question that seems impossible to answer.
What is the Value of Life?
One of the most important and difficult issues in every wrongful death case is determining the value of life. It’s an uncomfortable topic. But that’s exactly what you are asking of an insurance company or a jury... is to determine the value for the loss of your loved one.
I believe that life is priceless. But the law says life has a “measurable” value.
As a victim, how do you explain your "financial" and "emotional" losses to an opposing attorney, mediator or a jury?
How can you help the court understand the value of losing your loved one?
I can help you.
I empower survivors to communicate the loss of their loved one in a compelling way that emotionally resonates with others.
It's the most rewarding part of my job.
If you would like more information, please call us at (800) 900-7452. I'd be happy to explain our blueprint for successful settlements.
I would be honored to help you and your family.
Who can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim?
You may be entitled to file a claim for wrongful death if you fall into one of three groups.
1. Specific Relatives
This category consists of relatives who are identified in the code. Examples include
- Decedents
- Surviving spouse
- Surviving children
- Registered domestic partner
2. Financially Dependent Relatives
This category generally includes relatives who were financially dependent on decedent like,
- Decedent's parents
- Decedent's stepchildren
3. Minor Children
The third category protects minors who have lived with Decedent for 6-months and was financially dependent of Decedent for 1/2 of the minor's support.
If you fall into any of these categories, you may be entitled to compensation for the tragic death of your loved one.
You Are Not Alone
What you have lived through is traumatic, and you may still be in a state of shock.
I am truly sorry for your loss.
I am here to help with the legal side of this accident so you can focus on your family's emotional recovery.
We can move forward together... I hope you feel strengthened, comforted and less alone after reading this.
I hope you feel empowered to reach out to me.
I look forward to our meeting.
If you have any questions, please call me personally at (800) 900-7452, or use the contact form at the bottom of this page.
Free Police Report
If you or your family were involved in a major accident and would like a free copy of your official police report, please fill out the form below.
"*" indicates required fields
In my darkest hour, Patrick was my light.
Wendy C.
In my darkest hour, Patrick was my light.
Wendy C.
One of America's Top Attorneys
America's Top 100 Attorneys
Patrick really listened to us.
Kathy L.
Patrick really listened to us.
Kathy L.
When Honesty & Values Matter
Proud member of Ethical Lawyers of America
The 5 Stages of Grief
There are many organizations that provide grief support services to surviving family members and friends around the country. GriefShare.org and Legacy.com provide group support and valuable information on grief support. Here is Legacy’s video on the 5-Stages of Grief.
Grief Support Resources
Below are some other resources that will help you through your feelings of grief.
- The Grief Recovery Method is offering one-on-one online sessions with specialists who can help you through your grief from home.
- Grief expert David Kessler has created a pop-up Facebook support group for anyone experiencing grief during COVID-19.
- Better Help offers grief counseling that you can do online or via phone or chat.
- The National Alliance for Grieving Children has resources designed to help children who are grieving at this unusual time.
- Talk to your church, health insurer or hospital about grief support online or by phone. If you’re not sure where to start, browse the forums connected to any of the above links and see if anyone is experiencing the same feeling as you.
The first thing I tell my client’s, is to get some form of grief counseling. Yes... it’s that important. Everyone should undergo grief counseling. Most survivors benefit from grief support. Some don’t. For others... it cathartic.
If you have any questions about Grief Support, please give me a call and I’ll help you find a group.
I care about you
Your free consultation starts here
- Costs nothing to get started
- I will never pressure you to sign a document
- Never pay one-cent out of pocket.
- Pay nothing until case is settled
- I will never pressure you to accept a settlement.
- No office visit required
- Settle without filing a lawsuit
- I will never pressure you to make a decision you’re not ready to make.
"*" indicates required fields