Wrongful Death | Frank Penney Injury Lawyers

Losing a loved one is one of the most painful experiences in life. It can be even more traumatic when their death was caused by the negligence, carelessness, or intentional act of another person or entity. In such situations, it's essential to understand your options for seeking justice and compensation for your loss by holding the responsible parties accountable. This blog post aims to shed light on the reasons why pursuing litigation in a wrongful death case may be necessary and beneficial for you and your family.

Seeking Justice for Your Loved One

Filing a wrongful death lawsuit is a legal recourse available to seek justice for the loss of a loved one and to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. It is an important means to ensure that those who have caused the death of another person do not escape the consequences of their actions. By pursuing litigation, you not only seek justice for your loved one, but you also contribute to preventing future harm to others.

Covering Expenses Related to the Death

The death of a loved one can have devastating emotional and financial impacts on the surviving family members. Dealing with the loss is already challenging, but it can be further compounded by significant expenses that arise, causing financial strain during an already difficult time.

In the unfortunate event of a wrongful death, the plaintiff may have legal recourse to seek compensation for various expenses incurred as a result. This could include funeral costs, medical expenses, lost wages due to the absence of the deceased, and other related financial burdens. By pursuing a wrongful death case, the plaintiff aims to alleviate the financial burden and seek some form of justice for the loss suffered.

Providing Closure and Emotional Support

Losing a loved one in a wrongful death situation can be traumatic and emotionally draining. By pursuing litigation, you can potentially get some closure on what happened. This can help with the healing process and provide some emotional support in an otherwise difficult time.

Creating a Deterrent Effect

Wrongful death lawsuits can serve as a powerful deterrent, prompting individuals to carefully reconsider before engaging in similar behavior or actions that could have devastating consequences. When people are aware that their actions carry significant repercussions, they are more inclined to exercise caution and refrain from participating in reckless or negligent behavior. This heightened consciousness and accountability can ultimately help prevent future tragedies, safeguard lives, and reduce the likelihood of injuries.

Ensuring a Better Future for Other People

By pursuing litigation, you have the opportunity to make a significant impact in safeguarding others from experiencing the same unfortunate circumstances that your loved one endured. Holding the responsible party accountable has the potential to catalyze systemic changes in policies and behavior; it sends a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated and that accountability will be upheld.

These changes can also effectively prevent future incidents that may pose harm to individuals in similar situations. Your pursuit of legal action can, therefore, serve as a powerful force for positive transformation and protection of the broader community.

In a wrongful death case, pursuing litigation can be an essential way to seek justice for your loved one and provide closure and financial support for the surviving family members. It can also have a deterrent effect, prevent future incidents, and make the world a safer place. If you or a loved one have experienced a wrongful death, don't hesitate to seek legal counsel to understand your options. Remember, you are not alone; the responsible party must be held accountable for their actions.

For more information, contact us at Frank Penney Injury Lawyers.

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Our Recent Blog Posts

Man Killed in South Sacramento Hit-and-Run Identified

By Frank Penney • May 3, 2025

Tragedy struck in South Sacramento on Saturday night when a man was killed in a hit-and-run collision. The Sacramento Police Department confirmed that the victim was William Andrew Akens Jr. The incident happened just after 8:30 p.m. near Lemon Avenue and 65th Street. When emergency responders arrived at the scene, they found Akens Jr. already deceased. The vehicle responsible for the crash had fled before officers could arrive, leaving behind no immediate clues. Due to the severity of the incident, detectives from the Major Collision Investigation Unit, along with Crime Scene Investigators, were called in to examine the area and gather evidence. Authorities are asking anyone who might have witnessed the crash or has any information that could help with the investigation to contact the Sacramento Police Department's dispatch center at 916-808-5471. Every detail matters in cases like this, and community input can be critical in helping bring justice to victims and their families. Experience unparalleled legal representation with Frank Penney Injury Law , the esteemed recipients of the CAOC Trial Attorney of the Year award. With over two decades of dedicated service, our team has consistently delivered record-setting results for accident victims in Northern, Central, and Southern California. Enjoy peace of mind with our no upfront fees policy. Contact us today at 888-888-0566 or through our website www.penneylaw.com for a FREE consultation. Frank Penney Injury Lawyers does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Nevertheless, we sympathize with the victim and their families in this time of crisis.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits in California: Who Can File and What to Expect

By Frank Penney • May 2, 2025

What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California? Under California wrongful death law, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions. These cases commonly arise from: Car accidents and motorcycle accidents Truck accidents involving commercial vehicles Pedestrian accidents Medical malpractice Defective products Workplace accidents Criminal acts such as assault or homicide In Sacramento and across California, a wrongful death lawsuit is a civil action, separate from any criminal charges that may be filed. Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California? California law (Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60) limits who can file a wrongful death claim. The following people are typically eligible: The surviving spouse or domestic partner Children of the deceased Grandchildren (if the children are deceased ) If there are no surviving family members in the deceased’s direct line, others who would be entitled to inherit under California’s laws of intestate succession (such as parents or siblings) may file. In some cases, people who were financially dependent on the deceased—such as stepchildren or putative spouses—may also be eligible to bring a claim. What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Case? Wrongful death claims in California may seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including: Funeral and burial expenses Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided Loss of companionship, love, and affection Loss of household services Medical expenses incurred prior to death (via a survival action) In Sacramento wrongful death cases involving egregious negligence—like DUI crashes or distracted driving—your attorney may also explore whether punitive damages could apply. Why You Need a Sacramento Wrongful Death Attorney Wrongful death claims are legally complex and emotionally charged. Proving fault, calculating damages, and dealing with insurance companies can quickly become overwhelming for grieving families. A skilled Sacramento wrongful death lawyer will: Investigate the cause of death thoroughly Gather key evidence like police reports, medical records, and witness statements Work with experts to determine long-term financial losses Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies File a lawsuit if a fair settlement isn’t offered At Frank Penney Injury Law, we understand that no amount of money can replace your loved one. But we also believe in fighting for justice—and making sure families get the compensation they deserve. How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California? In California, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of death. If you miss this deadline, your case may be dismissed entirely. That’s why it’s crucial to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Contact a Trusted Sacramento Wrongful Death Attorney With over 25 years of experience and more than 6,000 cases handled, Frank Penney Injury Law is one of Sacramento’s most respected names in personal injury and wrongful death litigation. We’ve recovered nearly $500 million for our clients and are committed to standing beside families when they need it most. If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, visit www.penneylaw.com or call us for a free consultation . Remember, You Can Bank on Frank!

Alcohol and Cocaine Implicated in Deadly Cybertruck Wreck Near Oakland

By Frank Penney • May 1, 2025

A devastating crash in Piedmont, California, that killed three young adults in November 2024 is now being further illuminated by toxicology reports. Nineteen-year-old Soren Dixon, the driver of a Tesla Cybertruck that slammed into a tree and wall at around 3:00 a.m., was found to have a blood alcohol level of 0.195%—more than twice the legal limit—and had cocaine in his system at the time of the crash. The collision claimed the lives of Dixon and two of his passengers, Jack Nelson, 20, and Krysta Tsukahara, 19, all of whom were graduates of Piedmont High School. Dixon had been attending the University of Southern California, Nelson was a student at the University of Colorado Boulder, and Tsukahara was a sophomore at the Savannah College of Art and Design. According to autopsy and toxicology reports, both Nelson and Tsukahara also had alcohol and cocaine in their systems. Nelson’s blood alcohol content was measured at 0.168%, while Tsukahara’s was 0.028%. All three were pronounced dead at the scene and suffered severe burns as a result of the crash. A fourth passenger, identified as 20-year-old Jordan Miller, was pulled from the vehicle by a passing motorist and was hospitalized in stable condition. Miller, a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin, survived the crash and was later identified by his mother. The tragic accident occurred during Thanksgiving break, and authorities believe the group was home visiting for the holiday. In a statement released on Facebook, Piedmont Police expressed their condolences, saying, “Our hearts remain heavy in the aftermath of the tragic vehicle collision,” and thanked the community for its support during a profoundly difficult time. Experience unparalleled legal representation with Frank Penney Injury Law , the esteemed recipients of the CAOC Trial Attorney of the Year award. With over two decades of dedicated service, our team has consistently delivered record-setting results for accident victims in Northern, Central, and Southern California. Enjoy peace of mind with our no upfront fees policy. Contact us today at 888-888-0566 or through our website www.penneylaw.com for a FREE consultation. Frank Penney Injury Lawyers does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Nevertheless, we sympathize with the victim and their families in this time of crisis.

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If you are involved in any type of personal injury due to the fault of someone else, our experienced team at Frank Penney Injury Lawyers in Roseville, CA can help. We are available to anyone in Northern California 24/7! Give us a call today to learn more at 888-888-0566. We will fight for your rights!