Paul Walker’s Father Files Wrongful Death Suit Against Porsche

The father of actor Paul Walker, who was killed in a 2013 auto accident, filed a wrongful death suit against Porsche for its negligence in failing to provide safety features in the Porsche Carrera GT that the actor was riding during the accident. The suit alleges that the automaker should have included features such as a stability control system, side-door reinforcements, and a breakaway fuel line, which would have prevented the car from catching fire after a collision.

The survivors or the estate of a deceased individual can bring a wrongful death suit alleging that the negligence of another person or entity caused the individual’s death. California statute provides that the following individuals may bring wrongful death claims:

·      The deceased person’s surviving spouse or domestic partner;

·      The deceased person’s children;

·      If there are no survivors in the deceased person’s line of descent, then it may be brought by anyone who would be entitled to the property of the individual by the laws of intestate succession, which would include his or her parents or siblings; and

·      A minor who resided in the deceased person’s household who was dependent on him or her for one-half or more of the minor’s support.

Wrongful death suits must be filed in California within two years after the death of the deceased individual on whom the suit will be based. These suits may seek damages to compensate individuals for financial support that the deceased person would have contributed to the family during his life, loss of gifts of benefits, funeral and burial expenses, and the reasonable value of household services that the deceased person would have provided.

Bringing a wrongful death suit is a complex matter that requires the expertise of an experienced personal injury attorney. Dejban Law can help you pursue a wrongful death case on behalf of a loved one. Contact us now by email at info@dejbanlaw.com or by phone us at (818) 325-3820 for a free and confidential initial consultation.