Kern County Wrongful Death Lawyer Larry H. Parker

Kern County Wrongful Death Lawyer

No one should lose a loved one due to another individual’s careless actions, yet it happens far too often. Surviving families are left grieving, struggling, and searching for answers. In this painful time, you shouldn’t face the legal battle alone.

While no legal action can bring your loved one back, holding the responsible party accountable can bring justice and financial security to your family. You can have this by filing a wrongful death claim.

At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, our Kern County wrongful death attorneys are here to stand by your side and manage your case, helping you focus on healing.

Call us today at 562-573-6307 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

Why Work with Our Bakersfield Wrongful Death Lawyers

Losing someone because of another’s careless actions is infuriating and unjust. Your loved one should never have had their life cut short because of someone else’s negligence. We know how painful this can be, so we are here to help you seek justice and ensure their story is heard.

Compassionate Legal Support, Focused on You: From the moment you reach out, we provide dedicated legal guidance, compassionate support, and aggressive advocacy to protect your rights and secure your family’s future.
Honoring Their Life, Fighting for Their Justice: We fight to ensure your loved one’s memory is honored and their voice is heard in the pursuit of justice.
No Fees Unless We Win: During this difficult time, you shouldn’t have to worry about legal fees. We work on a contingency basis, so you don’t pay unless we win.
Legal Help on Your Terms: We make getting legal support as easy as possible. Whether you prefer in-person meetings, phone consultations, or virtual appointments, we’re here for you.
Proven Experience, Relentless Advocacy: With over 100,000 cases won and over $2 billion recovered, our team has the resources, experience, and determination to take on even the most challenging wrongful death cases.

How to Find the Best Wrongful Death Lawyer in Bakersfield and Kern County

Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence is devastating. No one should have to go through this kind of pain, yet it happens far too often. In fact, in Kern County, an average of 197 fatalities resulted from auto crashes alone from 2019 to 2023. How many more deaths would there be if we accounted for other accidents?

Unfortunately, such tragedies leave surviving families to deal with financial struggles, unanswered questions, and the overwhelming burden of seeking justice.

If you are in similar situations, know that you shouldn’t have to face this battle alone. A lawyer for wrongful deaths can fight for accountability, fair compensation, and the justice your loved one deserves so you can focus on healing.

How a Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help You

The legal process can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re grieving. The right attorney will take on the fight, so you don’t have to. Here’s how they help:

Demanding Accountability: Negligent parties must be held responsible. Your wrongful death lawyer ensures those at fault don’t walk away without facing the consequences of their actions.
Fighting for Maximum Compensation: Losing a loved one brings not just emotional devastation but also financial burdens. A wrongful death attorney fights to get you the full compensation you deserve.
Handling Every Legal Detail: You need time to grieve. Your legal team handles the paperwork, filings, and deadlines, so you don’t have to worry about them.
Standing Up to Insurance Companies: Insurance companies will try to pay as little as possible or nothing at all. A skilled attorney for wrongful deaths won’t let them take advantage of your family’s grief.
Taking the Case to Court if Necessary: If an insurance company refuses to act appropriately, the best wrongful death lawyer will take them to court, prepared to fight for justice.

Choosing the Best Wrongful Death Lawyer in Kern County

Not all law firms give cases the attention they deserve. Some take on clients just for a paycheck without putting in the actual effort to win. Your loved one’s memory deserves better. Here’s what to look for in an attorney:

Proven Track Record: Choose a lawyer with a history of winning wrongful death cases and securing high-value settlements.
Relentless Investigation: A great wrongful death attorney digs deep, uncovering key evidence, interviewing witnesses, and building a powerful case.
Clear, Compassionate Communication: The legal process shouldn’t feel confusing. Your wrongful death accident lawyer should explain everything in a straightforward, honest way.
Courtroom-Ready: If negotiations fail, your attorney should be prepared to take the case to trial and win.
Genuine Compassion & Dedication: Your legal team shouldn’t treat you like another case number. They should genuinely care about your loss and fight like it was their own family.

What to Do When a Loved One Dies in an Accident

1. Prioritize Your Well-Being: Lean on family, friends, or professional support to help you navigate this difficult time.
2. Get a Copy of the Death Certificate: A death certificate can help establish the death of a loved one and its cause when pursuing a case.
3. Gather Key Evidence: Collect medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and related documents.

Avoid Speaking with Insurance Companies Alone: Insurers may try to minimize payouts. So, it is best to consult a death attorney before giving a statement.

Contact a Wrongful Death Attorney: An experienced wrongful death lawyer in Bakersfield and Kern County can protect your rights, investigate the case, and fight for the compensation your family deserves.

When Is a Death Considered Wrongful?

If someone’s reckless or negligent actions caused your loved one’s death, this is considered a wrongful death, and you have the right to seek justice.

Negligence occurs when someone fails to act with the care a reasonable person would. When that failure leads to a fatal accident, the responsible party must be held accountable.

For example:

A distracted driver crashes into another vehicle, causing a fatal accident.
A construction company fails to follow safety protocols, leading to a deadly workplace accident.
A property owner fails to maintain their premises in good condition, resulting in a deadly slip-and-fall incident.

A wrongful death claim helps families hold the responsible party accountable and recover financial compensation to ease the burden of their loss.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Kern County

Tragic, preventable deaths happen in many ways, including:

Car Accidents – Drunk, distracted, and reckless drivers cause fatal crashes every day. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, Kern County had 5,561 victims injured and killed in traffic crashes in 2022 alone.

Truck Accidents – Semi-trucks and big rigs can cause catastrophic injuries when drivers speed, drive fatigued, or ignore safety regulations.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents – Drivers who fail to yield or run red lights put pedestrians and cyclists at serious risk. 415 cyclists and pedestrians were injured and killed in collisions in 2022 in Kern County.

Motorcycle Accidents – Motorcyclists are vulnerable when negligent drivers don’t share the road. In 202, 278 motorcyclists sustained or succumbed to injuries from crashes in the county.

Workplace Accidents – Dangerous job sites, faulty equipment, and lack of training can lead to deadly workplace injuries.

Medical Malpractice – A doctor’s mistake can turn a routine procedure into a heartbreaking accident.

Defective Products – Faulty auto parts, dangerous drugs, and poorly designed products can cause fatal injuries.

Unsafe Premises – Negligent property owners who fail to fix hazards can be held accountable for deadly accidents.

If someone else’s negligence caused your loved one’s death, you have the right to seek justice, and we are here to fight for you.

Wrongful Death vs. Survival Action: What’s the Difference?

When seeking justice, you may hear about two types of legal claims:

Wrongful Death Claim

Filed by surviving family members to recover damages for the emotional and financial impact of losing a loved one, including:

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of income and financial support
Loss of companionship and love
Emotional pain and suffering

Survival Action

Filed on behalf of the deceased person’s estate to recover damages they would have been entitled to if they had survived, including:

Medical bills for treatment before death
Lost wages from the time of injury to death
Pain and suffering the victim endured before passing

These claims serve different purposes but work together: one supports the grieving family, and the other ensures the victim’s suffering is recognized.

At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we know that justice is about more than financial compensation, but ensuring your loved one’s life is honored, and those responsible are held accountable. Call us today at 562-573-6307 for a free consultation. Let’s fight for the justice your loved one deserves.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Kern County?

In California, only certain family members are allowed to file a wrongful death claim. Under California Civil Code § 377.60, the following individuals have the right to seek justice:

Immediate Family Members

Surviving Spouse – The deceased’s legally married spouse at the time of passing.
Children – Biological or legally adopted children.
Parents – Parents may file if there is no surviving spouse or children.
Siblings – If no spouse, children, or parents are alive, siblings may have the right to file.

Other Potentially Eligible Parties

Legal Heirs – If no direct family members exist, the right to file may pass to individuals who would inherit the estate under California’s intestate succession laws.
Domestic Partners & Financial Dependents—In some cases, domestic partners, stepchildren, or financial dependents who relied on the deceased for support may qualify to file.

If you’re unsure whether you have the right to file, our Kern County and Bakersfield wrongful death attorneys can review your case and guide you through the process.

What Compensation Can My Family Recover?

No amount of money can replace the love, guidance, and presence of your loved one, but a wrongful death claim can ease the financial strain and hold the responsible party accountable. Families may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

Financial Losses (Economic Damages)

Medical Bills – Any medical expenses related to the accident before your loved one passed.
Loss of Income and Support – The financial contributions your loved one would have provided.
Loss of Benefits – Such as health insurance, pensions, or retirement funds.
Funeral & Burial Costs – To ensure your loved one is honored properly.

Emotional and Psychological Impact (Non-Economic Damages)

Loss of Companionship and Love – The emotional impact and void of losing a loved one. Spouses of deceased victims usually pursue this.
Loss of Guidance and Support—This can be filed if the deceased supported the family financially and emotionally, especially if it was devastating for children and spouses.
Pain and Suffering – The overwhelming emotional distress surviving family members endure.

Punitive Damages (For Extreme Negligence or Misconduct)

In cases where the wrongdoer acted recklessly or intentionally, courts may award punitive damages to punish the responsible party and prevent future similar instances.

Unlike hospital bills or lost wages, emotional suffering doesn’t come with a price tag. But that doesn’t mean it’s any less real or deserving of compensation. Our experienced Kern County wrongful death attorneys know how to calculate your family’s TOTAL losses and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Kern County?

In California, you typically have two years from the date of their passing to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to compensation.

However, some cases have different time limits. For instance, medical malpractice may have a shorter deadline.

Every case is different, and delays can prevent your family from receiving the justice they deserve. Let us evaluate your situation and take action before it’s too late.

What is the One Action Rule, and How Does it Affect My Claim?

In California, wrongful death claims must be filed as a single action by all eligible family members. This is known as the One Action Rule.

This means that different family members cannot sue the responsible party multiple times. Hence, everyone must be included in a single claim.

This rule can complicate wrongful death claims, so it’s critical to work with a legal team that is experienced in handling them. At the Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we’ll guide your family through this process, ensuring that all eligible parties are accounted for and everyone receives the compensation they deserve.

A Kern County Wrongful Death Lawyer Who Stands with You

At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we are here to fight for justice and ensure your family gets the compensation and support you deserve.

We take the weight off your shoulders by handling every aspect of your case while keeping you informed and empowered. Our approach includes:

Compassionate Guidance – We communicate clearly, so you always know what’s happening.
Tough Negotiation – We stand up to insurance companies to maximize your compensation.
Comprehensive Support – We handle everything from medical care coordination to legal strategy.
Peace of Mind – We take on the legal burden so you can focus on healing.
Relentless Advocacy – We build a strong case, proving liability and fighting for justice.

Your family’s future matters. Let us take on the fight so you can focus on what truly matters—honoring your loved one and finding the strength to move forward. Call us today for a free consultation. We’re ready to help.

Kern County Wrongful Death Lawyer Larry H. Parker