Man from North Highlands Charged In Parking Lot Incident
Homicide charges were filed against a Sacramento County man following the death of a pedestrian and injury to another in a recent hit-and-run that occurred in Rancho Cordova. The man who was arrested was identified as 25-years-old and a North Highlands resident. He was placed under arrest on January 31, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.
One Man Dead and Another Injured in Hit-and-Run
At the time of the hit-and-run in late January, the sheriff’s office was notified that an unconscious man was lying in a parking lot on Folsom Boulevard around 9:00 p.m. Upon arrival at the scene, they discovered Christopher Ceja Ramirez, a Rancho Cordova resident, age 29, with significant trauma and unresponsive. Ramirez was declared dead at the accident scene. Another pedestrian was also struck by the hit-and-run driver and suffered minor injuries.
Accident Under Investigation Following Homicide Charges
The accused man was arraigned on February 2 in the superior court in Sacramento on charges of attempted homicide and homicide. He is currently being held in the main jail without bail and is scheduled to go back to court on February 16. The incident is under investigation to determine the relationship between the men and the motive.
Loss of a Loved One
When a loved one dies, the family is overwhelmed with feelings of grief. The last thing on their mind is financial compensation. However, these days, funerals are expensive, and the loss of a loved one’s income can be devastating. In addition, the family may have trouble finding closure if the death was an intentional act or caused by someone’s negligence.
This is where a personal injury lawyer can help. A wrongful death lawsuit can not only help the family avoid financial pitfalls but can bring them a sense of peace in knowing that the person who caused their loved one’s death is being held responsible.
Compensation Following a Wrongful Death
When someone dies as a result of a negligent driver, the family may place a claim for compensation. Although it does not ease their grief, it can help them avoid the financial stress of funeral and burial expenses as well as the lost income that person provided. In cases where the death was egregious or intentional, the family may also be able to place a claim for punitive damages.
A wrongful death lawsuit can be filed by family members who lived with the deceased or were supported by the decedent by at least 50 percent. Areas of compensation include:
- The cost of the funeral and burial
- Reimbursement of the wages, pension and other monies the decedent would have earned until retirement age
- Loss of inheritance
- Loss of consortium, which is the private relationship between spouses
- Loss of parental guidance
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages if the death was a deliberate act by another person or especially egregious
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded in addition to those for the wrongful death and are often much higher. This type of award is meant as a punishment for the person who committed the reprehensible act and to discourage others from doing the same. These damages are awarded in a civil trial where clear and convincing evidence is presented by the lawyer that shows that malice, fraud, or oppression was the cause of the person’s demise.
Even though the at-fault party is arrested and tried for homicide and not convicted, the family can still be awarded punitive damages in a court trial. This was the case with O.J. Simpson, who was found innocent of the murder of his ex-wife and Ron Goldman but was found guilty by a civil court jury. He was fined $25 million in punitive damages in addition to $8.5 million compensatory damages for the wrongful death.
Rancho Cordova Wrongful Death Lawyer
My name is Ed Smith, and I’m a Rancho Cordova wrongful death lawyer. Losing a loved one is always a difficult experience, but even more so if the death was intentional or caused by negligence. You are welcome to call me for my free, friendly, and compassionate advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. If you prefer, you can message me online.
You can find helpful information about my law firm at the links that follow:
It is an honor for me to belong to:
Since 1982, my law firm has helped numerous residents of Rancho Cordova obtain the compensation they deserve for wrongful deaths, all kinds of traffic accidents, and traumatic injuries.
Attributed photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/technology-police-car-roof-2500010/
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