California also only recognizes certain relatives of the deceased as being eligible to file suit on that person’s behalf after their wrongful death. As defined by California Code Civ. Proc. §377.60, priority goes first to the decedent’s surviving spouse or domestic partner, followed by their children and any other dependents.
Surviving family members who are eligible to file a wrongful death claim may seek to recover damages for a variety of financial and personal losses resulting from the death. Common economic damages in Dana Point wrongful death cases include funeral costs, medical bills, and any loss of income for family members who were financially dependent on the decedent.