Any time people lose a loved one, adjusting to life afterward is a challenge. Particularly when the person who passes is a wage earner or a caregiver, the entire family may need to make major adjustments.
In cases where the tragedy relates to negligence or inappropriate conduct, it may be possible to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. Sadly, some families let their grief deny them an opportunity for justice and closure.
Grief can take years to subside
The longer a relationship lasts and the more unexpected a death is, the harder it can be to grieve and move on after a tragedy. Many people who have lost spouses, children or parents experience profound grief that lasts for months, if not years.
They may have occasional resurgences of grief where they feel their loss all over again. Some families make the mistake of trying to wait until they have adjusted after a tragedy to make decisions about wrongful death lawsuits.
Unfortunately, that approach might mean that people lose the opportunity to take legal action. California has a two-year statute of limitations that applies to personal injury lawsuits, including wrongful death litigation.
In most cases, families have to take legal action within two years of the date of the death or risk losing the right to seek justice in the civil courts. Thankfully, those who have support and guidance while considering their legal options can rely on the professional handling their case to advise them of key deadlines and handle the technical details.
Acting quickly is important for those who want to pursue justice by filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Successful lawsuits can provide financial compensation and a sense of justice for those grieving the death of a family member.