Difference Between Wrongful Death & Survival Cause of Action
When a loved one passes away due to the negligence of another party, California law allows for two different types of lawsuits that can be against the negligent party. A California wrongful death lawsuit may be filed by the representative of the deceased’s estate, or by the decedent’s surviving spouse, children or other dependent family members. While, a survival cause of action can be filed by the estate’s personal representative, or if none has been appointed, by the decedent’s successor-in-interest. A survival cause of action can only be brought if the decedent did not immediately die from his injuries. The survival statute allows one to “step into the shoes” of the deceased and recover the damages the deceased person would have been entitled to had they lived, including non-economic and economic damages, such as:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Pain & Suffering
- Punitive damages
What Damages are Recoverable Under California Wrongful Death Actions
In wrongful death cases, plaintiffs are the surviving family members of the decedent and can seek to recover economic damages. This includes financial support the decedent would have contributed to the family during the lifetime of the decedent or plaintiff. Also, loss of gifts or benefits that plaintiff would have expected to receive from decedent. Lastly, funeral/burial expenses reasonable value of household services that decedent would have provided to his or her loved ones.
Additionally, the surviving family members may also seek non-economic damages. This includes loss of decedent’s love, companionship, loss of services, loss of support, comfort, care, assistance, protection, and moral support. Loss of the enjoyment of sexual relations and loss of decedent’s training and guidance are also real factors.
What Damages are Recoverable Under California Survival Cause of Action
A survival cause of action in California can only be brought if the decedent did not pass from the injuries. If the deceased lived for a period between the accident and death, considering to file under survival cause of action. The representative of decedent’s estate may seek to recover damages. This includes, “the loss or damage that the decedent sustained or incurred before death, including any penalties or punitive or exemplary damages that the decedent would have been entitled to recover had the decedent lived, and do not include damages for pain, suffering, or disfigurement”.
If you and your family are considering filing either a wrongful death or survival action lawsuit, or both if the circumstances permit, we invite you to contact one of our Los Angeles personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation and case review. KAASS LAW has successfully represented victims in wrongful death and survival cause of actions.
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