Citrus Heights Wrongful Death Attorneys

How much does a Citrus Heights wrongful death lawyer cost?

Our wrongful death attorneys at Eason & Tambornini operate on a contingency fee basis; this means no upfront legal fees or out-of-pocket costs. We receive payment if we successfully recover a settlement or jury award for your family. If we don’t, you owe nothing. Period.

This financial structure ensures that all grieving families, regardless of their current debt or savings, have access to senior attorneys with AV Preeminent status from Martindale-Hubbell—the highest possible rating for legal ability and ethics. Removing the obstacle of hourly rates means that we get straight to the discovery process—requesting and gathering medical records, pursuing accident reconstruction, and securing witness statements—while managing communication with insurance carriers.

Who has legal standing to file a wrongful death claim in California?

Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit is generally reserved for the surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children of the deceased. If no such survivors exist, the claim may be brought by anyone entitled to the deceased’s property through intestate succession, such as parents or siblings. Missing the strict two-year statute of limitations typically results in a permanent loss of the right to recover damages.

Know Your Rights: The Difference Between Tangible and Intangible Losses

A wrongful death claim isn’t just about funeral costs; it is about a life and a legacy cut short. We identify the direct legal link between a party’s recklessness and the fatal incident—called proximate cause—to ensure your family’s future is protected.

• Tangible Losses (Economic Damages): Verifiable bills, invoices, and other financial costs such as end-of-life medical expenses at Mercy San Juan Medical Center, funeral and burial expenses, and the loss of the deceased’s expected future earnings.
• Intangible Losses (Non-Economic Damages): Specific costs that cannot be “added up” are things like loss of companionship, love, moral guidance, and the emotional protection the deceased provided to others.

Where Wrongful Death Cases Occur in Citrus Heights

In our 30 years of practice, our Citrus Heights personal injury attorneys have seen the statistics for Citrus Heights corridors like Sunrise Boulevard near Sunrise Mall, Greenback Lane, and intersections like Antelope Road and Sunrise Boulevard. This is true for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians alike. Whether the incident involved a major regional employer like ITC Service Group or occurred near a local recreation area like Rusch Park, we have the experience to cut through the corporate stall tactics that follow a fatality.

Operational Information for Sacramento County Superior Court

While the incident may occur in or near Citrus Heights, wrongful death litigation for the region is handled at the Sacramento County Superior Court.

• Courthouse: Gordon D. Schaber Sacramento County Courthouse
• Address: 720 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
• Civil Division Phone: (916) 874-5522
• Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
• Pro-Tip (Parking): Use the City Hall Garage at 10th and I Streets. Avoid the small private lots immediately adjacent to the court, as they often have restrictive, predatory rates.
• Pro-Tip (Security): All visitors must pass through a security screening. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your hearing, as lines during the morning calendar call can be extensive.

Immediate Steps After a Fatal Accident in Citrus Heights

First, don’t let anyone rush you into making any decisions. Insurance providers want you to settle quickly before the full financial impact of your loss is realized. They may offer a “lowball” offer to close the file even before you understand your rights.

1. Preserve Evidence: Retain all police reports, coroner findings, and medical records from facilities like Mercy San Juan to prove liability during the discovery process.
2. No Recorded Statements: Don’t provide statements to insurance adjusters without legal counsel. They are trained to use your words to weaken the value of your claim.
3. Demand an Expert Evaluation: Do not sign any waivers until a trial attorney determines the actual value of the claim through the lens of pure comparative negligence  Pure comparative negligence, in simple terms, means that even if the deceased is partially responsible for the accident, their heirs are entitled to a portion of damages.

Don’t settle for less than your family deserves. Contact Eason & Tambornini at (916) 438-1819 for a free, compassionate case review. You are under no obligation to hire us, and we don’t get paid unless you do.