Wrongful Death and Serious Injury
The San Jose law firm of Needham, Kepner, Fish & Jones helps victims of serious injuries and families who have lost loved ones in wrongful death cases obtain the compensation they deserve from those who are responsible for the losses they have suffered.
Wrongful Death in California
A wrongful death case arises when a person dies because of another's negligence or wrongful act. Our attorneys have a wealth of experience handling wrongful deaths that have occurred as a result of elder abuse, bicycle, and other motor vehicle accidents. We understand the devastating financial and emotional impact the loss of a loved one can have, and are dedicated to helping you recover financially and begin moving forward.
Under California's wrongful death statute, a deceased person's spouse, domestic partner, children, parents, siblings or their children, grandparents, or next of kin can file a wrongful death claim. The available damages encompass the losses the plaintiff suffered, including funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support and gifts, loss of household services, loss of companionship, and loss of training and guidance if the plaintiff is a child.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the medical term for a head injury that occurs when a sudden force, impact, or shaking causes brain damage. The most common causes of TBIs are bicycle and scooter, motorcycle, car, trucking, and slip and fall accidents, but they can also occur in construction accidents or as a result of elder abuse. TBIs vary widely in severity, from a mild concussion to a permanent coma, meaning that the resulting lost wages, long-term treatment, and rehabilitation costs are often very high.
Many TBI symptoms are difficult to detect, especially in children, so it is important to seek medical attention right away. Common symptoms to look for include:
- Persistent headache or neck pain
- Feeling tired, lost, or confused
- Acting, speaking, reading, or thinking slowly
- Mood changes
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when a traumatic force tears or bruises the spinal cord. Like TBIs, SCIs often come with very high long-term treatment and rehabilitation costs. The severity of an SCI depends largely on where on the spinal cord the injury occurred. Moderate SCIs include loss of feeling in a hand or foot, while serious injuries include paralysis such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. Serious spinal cord injuries are typically very expensive to treat and, in many cases, result in permanent disabilities, requiring constant care and treatment. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another, our attorneys can help you obtain legal recovery to pay for these damages.
Seek Experienced Legal Counsel
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury, or if you have lost a loved one, consult with experienced attorneys as soon as possible so that we can begin investigating your case, preserving evidence, and helping you obtain the full recovery to which you are entitled. To schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case, contact Needham, Kepner, Fish & Jones today.
