Wrongful Death Attorney Serving Oildale Families
Fatal Accident Scenarios in Oildale
Tragic losses can occur anywhere — on the road, at work, or even in a place meant to provide care. Our lawyers handle a wide range of wrongful death cases in Oildale and Kern County, including:
Car Accidents
Reckless driving, speeding, and impaired driving along Chester Avenue, Roberts Lane, or Highway 99 often cause fatal crashes.
Truck Accidents
Large commercial trucks traveling through the Bakersfield-Oildale area can cause devastating collisions when drivers or companies neglect safety regulations.
Elder Abuse
Nursing homes or care facilities may fail to provide proper supervision or medical attention, leading to preventable deaths.
Industrial Accidents
Oildale’s workforce faces risks from construction, oilfield, and industrial operations where unsafe conditions can have deadly outcomes.
Agriculture Accidents
Equipment failures, pesticide exposure, or unsafe practices can result in fatal injuries for agricultural workers in nearby rural communities.
Premises Liability
Unsafe property conditions, such as poor lighting or lack of maintenance, can lead to deadly falls, especially for seniors.
Defective Products
Dangerous machinery, auto parts, or consumer products can cause fatal harm when manufacturers fail to ensure product safety.
In each of these situations, negligent individuals, employers, or companies can be held legally liable for the loss of life they caused.
Legal Rights of Oildale Families After a Fatal Accident
Under California wrongful death law, certain relatives have the right to seek compensation when a death results from negligence or misconduct. Those who may file include:
- The surviving spouse or domestic partner
- Children, stepchildren, or dependents
- Parents or other heirs, if no immediate family survives
A wrongful death claim allows your family to pursue justice for the loss of love, companionship, financial support, and guidance that your loved one provided. In addition, a survival action may be filed to recoup damages for medical costs and suffering endured before death.
Steps to Pursue Justice After Losing a Loved One in Oildale
While every case is unique, our compassionate process typically includes the following steps:
- Free consultation. We meet with your family to review the situation and explain your legal rights.
- Investigation. Our team gathers evidence, reviews records, and consults with experts to determine liability.
- Filing the claim. We prepare and submit all legal documentation with the Kern County Superior Court.
- Negotiation. We seek fair compensation through settlement discussions with insurers and responsible parties.
- Trial (if necessary). If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court.
Our Oildale wrongful death attorneys are committed to handling your case with integrity, care, and persistence every step of the way.
Compensation Available to Oildale Families in Wrongful Death Cases
A wrongful death lawsuit cannot undo your loss, but it can help relieve financial pressure and provide long-term stability. Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages may include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of financial support and benefits
- Loss of love, care, and companionship
- Emotional suffering and loss of guidance
- Medical expenses related to the fatal injury
- Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased (via survival action)
Our legal team works diligently to ensure every aspect of your family’s loss is recognized in your claim.
Statute of Limitations for Oildale Wrongful Death Claims
The California statute of limitations for a wrongful death case is usually two years from the date of death. If your claim is not filed within that time, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
Because deadlines can vary based on case details (such as government liability or delayed discovery), it’s essential to speak with an Oildale wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible to protect your family’s legal rights.
Local Resources for Bereaved Families in Oildale
In addition to legal support, several local organizations and county services are available to help Oildale families cope with grief and navigate post-loss challenges:
Hoffmann Hospice Grief Support Center (Bakersfield)
Grief support groups for families throughout Kern County: (661) 410-1010
Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital
Toll-free 24/7 mental health helpline: (877) 755-4907
Superior Court of California – Kern County
Oildale wrongful death cases are filed in the Kern County courthouse.
Kern County Vital Records Office
For death certificates and other documents related to your case.
These community and county services can be valuable sources of comfort and practical help during your family’s healing journey.
Our Results: Helping Families Across Kern County Find Justice
WRONGFUL DEATH | Case: McGowan, Blanco v. County of Kern | $2.5M
Chain | Cohn | Clark filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the family of a 72-year-old Oildale woman who was killed in a crash with a Kern County Sheriff’s deputy. The former deputy was charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter in connection with the 2014 crash and sentenced to three years’ probation. The civil case was resolved with a $2.5M settlement in 2020.
Speak With a Compassionate Oildale Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
If you’ve lost someone because of another’s wrongdoing, we can help. Our Oildale wrongful death law firm works on a contingency fee basis, so you owe nothing upfront. Legal fees are only charged if we recover compensation for your family. Call Chain | Cohn | Clark today at 661-616-9829 to schedule your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Claims in Oildale
Most cases take between 6 months and 2 years, depending on investigation time, settlement negotiations, and court scheduling.
Yes. Fatal workplace incidents may qualify for wrongful death or workers’ compensation death benefits. Our attorneys can help determine the best legal path.
Evidence typically includes accident reports, medical documentation, witness statements, and expert analysis showing that negligence caused your loved one’s death.
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