If someone you loved died because of another party’s negligence in Canoga Park, you are not alone and there are legal options available to pursue accountability and recovery. At Law Republic APC we focus on helping families in Los Angeles County navigate the complexities of wrongful death claims while addressing immediate practical and emotional needs. This page explains local considerations, common legal steps, and how to preserve evidence and recover damages for medical bills, funeral costs, lost income, and the loss of companionship. We aim to provide clear, compassionate guidance tailored to Canoga Park families.
A wrongful death claim in Canoga Park involves specific California laws and local procedural steps that affect timing, eligibility, and available damages. Understanding how state statutes, Los Angeles County courts, and local investigators approach these cases can help families make informed decisions. While no two cases are identical, common issues include determining who may file a claim, identifying negligent parties, and collecting supporting evidence such as medical records and police reports. This introduction outlines what to expect in the days and months after a fatal incident and how to begin protecting your legal rights in California.
Filing a wrongful death claim provides families with a legal path to recover financial losses and to seek recognition of the harm caused by another party’s actions. Beyond monetary recovery for expenses like burial costs and lost future support, pursuing a claim can ensure that evidence is collected and preserved, which may prevent similar tragedies. For Canoga Park residents, the process also contributes to community accountability and may involve working with local agencies and healthcare providers to document the full scope of damages. Careful handling of the case helps families focus on healing while protecting their long term interests.
Law Republic APC represents clients throughout California, including families in Canoga Park and greater Los Angeles County, on personal injury and wrongful death matters. Our approach centers on compassionate client communication and thorough case preparation, including working with investigators, medical professionals, and local resources to build a strong record. We prioritize understanding each family’s goals and explaining the legal process in clear terms, from initial investigation through settlement discussions or litigation. If you need immediate guidance, our office in California is available to discuss your situation and possible next steps.
Wrongful death claims in California are governed by statutes that set out who may bring a claim, the types of damages that may be recovered, and the applicable deadlines. In Canoga Park, as elsewhere in Los Angeles County, plaintiffs often include family members who depend on the deceased for financial support or companionship. Establishing liability typically requires showing that another party’s negligence, intentional act, or wrongful conduct caused the death. The process can involve medical records, expert opinions, witness statements, and coordination with local authorities to reconstruct events and quantify losses under state law.
Timing matters in wrongful death cases: California’s statutes of limitations limit how long a claim may be filed, and local court rules in Los Angeles County influence procedural deadlines. Evidence collection soon after the incident is important to preserve medical records, accident reports, and other documentation that supports liability and damages. Families in Canoga Park often need guidance on identifying claimants, calculating economic and non-economic losses, and making informed decisions about settlement offers. A careful understanding of these elements helps ensure that claims are properly prepared and advanced on behalf of surviving relatives.
A wrongful death claim arises when a person’s death is caused by the negligent or intentional act of another, and survivors seek compensation for related losses. In Canoga Park and across California, allowable damages commonly include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of household services, and loss of companionship or comfort. Proving a claim requires linking the defendant’s conduct to the death through evidence such as medical testimony, accident reconstructions, and eyewitness accounts. Each component of damages is evaluated with local economic and social factors in mind to determine fair compensation.
Establishing a wrongful death claim generally involves several key elements: demonstrating duty and breach by the defendant, showing causation connecting the breach to the fatal injury, and quantifying damages suffered by survivors. The process often begins with a thorough review of medical records and incident reports, followed by depositions, requests for documentation, and consultation with medical and economic professionals. In Los Angeles County courts, discovery and motion practice can shape the case, and many matters are resolved through negotiated settlements after evidence and liability are developed and exchanged between the parties.
Understanding common legal terms can help Canoga Park families navigate a wrongful death claim more confidently. Terms like decedent, plaintiff, defendant, wrongful death statute, survival action, and damages appear frequently in case documents and court filings. Knowing what these words mean in the California legal context helps you follow the process and assess options. This glossary section defines key concepts and explains how they apply to typical cases in Los Angeles County, enabling better communication with your legal team and more informed decision making about the direction of a claim.
Decedent refers to the person who has died and whose death forms the basis of the wrongful death claim. In a Canoga Park case, the decedent’s medical history, cause of death, and timeline of events are critical to establishing liability and damages. Documentation such as death certificates, hospital records, and autopsy reports may be required to support the claim. Identifying the decedent’s relationships and financial contributions also helps determine eligible survivors and the types of losses for which compensation may be sought under California law.
A survival action addresses claims that the decedent could have pursued had they survived, such as pain and suffering endured prior to death or post-injury medical expenses. In Los Angeles County, survival actions are often brought alongside wrongful death claims to ensure that all damages attributable to the decedent’s pre-death harms are accounted for. Documentation from treating providers and hospitals, along with testimony, can be used to quantify these damages. Survival actions are distinct from wrongful death damages, which compensate survivors for their own losses stemming from the death.
The wrongful death statute is the California law that authorizes certain family members to bring claims when a person’s death is caused by another’s wrongful conduct. The statute defines who may file a claim, what damages are recoverable, and timing requirements. For Canoga Park residents, understanding the statute helps determine eligibility and the types of relief available. Working through the statute’s provisions clarifies potential plaintiffs’ rights and the legal thresholds that must be met to establish liability and obtain compensation through settlement or court proceedings.
Economic damages cover quantifiable financial losses such as medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost wages or support. Noneconomic damages address losses that are harder to measure, including loss of companionship, emotional distress, and loss of guidance. In Canoga Park wrongful death claims, both categories are considered when determining fair compensation under California law. Evidence from employers, financial records, and professional assessments is typically used to calculate economic losses, while testimony and documented relationships help demonstrate noneconomic impacts on surviving family members.
Families facing wrongful death claims can pursue limited assistance or a comprehensive approach depending on their needs, budget, and case complexity. Limited approaches may involve targeted help with paperwork or negotiation of a single offer, while full-service representation includes full investigation, discovery, expert coordination, and litigation readiness. In Canoga Park, factors such as disputed liability, multiple defendants, or complex medical causation often make a more thorough approach necessary. Evaluating the specific circumstances of the death and the evidence available will guide whether limited help suffices or broader representation is advisable.
A limited approach may be appropriate when fault is undisputed, liability is straightforward, and the financial losses are relatively modest. In such cases, targeted assistance with documentation, communicating with insurers, and reviewing settlement offers can help families in Canoga Park close the matter efficiently. This approach reduces legal costs while ensuring basic protections, but it is important to confirm that all damages have been identified and that any settlement fully addresses future needs before accepting an offer on behalf of surviving relatives.
When responsible parties and insurers are cooperative and forthcoming with records and fair settlement offers, a limited legal approach can be effective. For some Canoga Park families, the administrative burden of pursuing a claim can be managed with focused assistance, especially when the facts are well-documented and liability is clear. Even with cooperative responses, it remains important to ensure that all future financial impacts, such as lost future support, are considered before finalizing any agreement to avoid unintended gaps in compensation for survivors.
A comprehensive approach is often necessary when liability is contested, multiple parties may share fault, or there are complex causation issues that require thorough investigation. In Canoga Park incidents involving commercial vehicles, medical malpractice, or product defects, collecting expert analysis, conducting depositions, and coordinating evidence across jurisdictions can be essential to proving the claim. A full-service approach helps ensure that all potential defendants are identified and held accountable and that damages are fully developed through rigorous documentation and advocacy.
When the decedent’s income, household contributions, or caregiving roles represented substantial long-term value, a comprehensive approach helps accurately quantify future losses and benefits. Detailed economic and life care analyses, coordinated medical reviews, and thorough discovery are often required to present a full picture of damages to insurers or a jury. For Canoga Park families facing significant financial and emotional impacts, pursuing a full investigation and robust negotiation strategy increases the likelihood of recovering a settlement that fairly compensates survivors for both present and future needs.
A comprehensive approach to wrongful death claims ensures that the full scope of damages is investigated and presented, including lost future earnings, household services, and non-economic losses like loss of companionship. For families in Canoga Park, this method provides a structured plan for gathering evidence, consulting medical and economic professionals, and pursuing aggressive negotiation or litigation when needed. Thorough preparation also tends to produce stronger settlement outcomes, since insurers are presented with a complete, well-supported picture of liability and damages rather than a cursory summary.
Beyond financial recovery, a full-service strategy helps preserve important documentation and can bring greater clarity during a difficult time. By handling communications with insurers, opposing counsel, and relevant agencies, the legal team reduces the administrative load on grieving families and allows them to focus on personal matters. In Canoga Park and Los Angeles County, comprehensive representation can also ensure deadlines and procedural requirements are met, reducing the risk that a technical misstep undermines a claim and giving families greater confidence that their case is being advanced effectively.
Comprehensive representation prioritizes early and thorough evidence collection, including medical records, witness statements, accident reconstructions, and coordination with local investigators in Canoga Park. Strong documentation supports liability and causation theories and is essential when defendants challenge responsibility. By building a detailed factual record, families improve their position in negotiations and, if necessary, at trial. Effective case building also helps identify all potentially responsible parties, maximizes recovery opportunities, and minimizes the chance that important evidence will be lost or overlooked during the claims process.
A full-service approach prepares a claim for meaningful negotiation and, if required, litigation by developing persuasive legal arguments and supporting evidence. Having a case ready for trial often motivates insurers to offer more reasonable settlements to avoid uncertainty. In Canoga Park matters, strategic preparation includes evaluating local court practices, anticipating defense strategies, and collaborating with professionals who can quantify losses. This readiness increases the likelihood of obtaining a resolution that fairly addresses both financial and emotional harms suffered by surviving family members.
After a fatal incident, preserving evidence is one of the most immediate and impactful steps family members can take. This includes saving medical records, photographs, surveillance footage, and contact information for witnesses. Timely preservation helps ensure important materials are available for investigation, which is especially important in Canoga Park where local resources and records may be needed. Promptly document events and conversations, request copies of police and incident reports, and avoid disposing of items that may be relevant to proving liability and damages.
Insurance company representatives may contact survivors early, and communications can impact the case. Before providing recorded statements or signing releases, consider consulting with a lawyer to understand potential implications and to ensure settlements fully address future needs. Keep written records of all communications, offers, and demands from insurers. In Canoga Park cases, careful handling of insurer interactions preserves your negotiating position and helps prevent premature or inadequate settlements that fail to compensate for the full extent of damages.
Legal assistance provides structure, protection, and advocacy during a time of grief and uncertainty. An experienced procedural team can identify eligible claimants, assemble necessary documentation, and engage with insurers and opposing counsel to advocate for fair compensation. For Canoga Park families, legal guidance helps ensure that deadlines are met and that claims for both economic and non-economic losses are properly developed. This support reduces administrative burdens on survivors and helps preserve rights that could otherwise be lost through missed filings or uninformed agreements.
Beyond the legal steps, representation helps families access professionals who can quantify damages, such as economists and life care planners, and coordinate medical reviews needed to establish causation. In cases involving complex liability or long-term financial impacts, legal assistance increases the likelihood that full damages are recovered. For Canoga Park residents, working with a team familiar with Los Angeles County procedures and local resources enhances the ability to pursue a thorough resolution and to address the practical consequences of the loss.
Wrongful death claims in Canoga Park often arise from vehicle collisions, pedestrian or bicycle accidents, medical negligence, workplace incidents, premises liability, or defective products. Each scenario presents different evidentiary and legal challenges, such as reconstructing accidents, securing medical records, or identifying responsible manufacturers. Local traffic patterns, business operations, and hospital records in Los Angeles County can influence investigations. Families facing these circumstances benefit from focused legal and investigative work to determine liability and to seek appropriate compensation for their losses.
Traffic collisions remain a common cause of wrongful death claims in Canoga Park, involving passenger vehicles, motorcycles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Investigations typically require police reports, witness statements, vehicle data, and accident reconstructions to determine fault. Families should obtain immediate copies of incident reports and seek preservation of any available video footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras. Thorough documentation of the decedent’s role in the household and financial contributions will also be important when calculating damages under California law and presenting a claim in Los Angeles County courts.
Deaths related to medical care or treatment errors may give rise to wrongful death claims when negligence can be shown. Cases of this type often require detailed medical record review and medical professional analysis to establish causation and breach of the standard of care. For families in Canoga Park, gathering hospital records and consultation notes quickly is essential. These cases may involve coordination with medical reviewers and careful handling of complex medical documentation to build a persuasive account of how treatment practices contributed to the death.
Workplace accidents and hazardous premises conditions can result in fatal injuries that lead to wrongful death claims. Investigations focus on safety protocols, employer responsibilities, and maintenance records to determine if negligence occurred. Families should secure incident reports, witness accounts, and any OSHA or regulatory filings related to the event. In Canoga Park, where local businesses and industrial sites are present, determining all potentially responsible parties and documenting the sequence of events is critical to seeking fair compensation for economic and non-economic losses under California law.
Law Republic APC provides compassionate legal guidance to families in Canoga Park and throughout Los Angeles County who are navigating wrongful death claims. We focus on listening to your concerns, gathering the facts, and explaining options so you can decide how to proceed. Our team helps coordinate medical records, communicate with insurers, and preserve evidence while keeping families informed throughout the process. If you need assistance, contact our California office to discuss the circumstances of your case and learn practical next steps tailored to your needs.
Law Republic APC brings focused attention to wrongful death claims affecting Canoga Park residents, combining detailed investigation with clear client communication. We work to identify responsible parties, gather essential documentation, and present a comprehensive picture of damages to insurers or the court. Our goal is to relieve families of administrative burdens while advocating for fair recovery. We emphasize careful case preparation, coordinated support from medical and economic professionals, and persistent negotiation on behalf of survivors to pursue the best possible outcome for each household.
We understand the sensitivity of wrongful death matters and prioritize timely, empathetic responses to client inquiries. From the initial case assessment through resolution, we keep families informed about progress, explain legal options in plain language, and respect each person’s goals. In Canoga Park and across Los Angeles County, our approach is to develop a strong factual and legal record that supports meaningful compensation and accountability. If litigation becomes necessary, we prepare the case thoroughly to protect your interests at every step.
Our firm assists with coordination of necessary professionals, such as medical reviewers and financial analysts, to quantify damages accurately and persuasively. We also guide clients through settlement considerations, ensuring that offers adequately address both current costs and future needs. By handling the legal process and advocacy, we enable families in Canoga Park to focus on healing and personal matters. To discuss your situation confidentially, contact Law Republic APC for a detailed case evaluation and to learn about possible next steps.
Our wrongful death process begins with a careful intake to understand the facts and identify immediate preservation needs, followed by a focused investigation of medical records and incident reports. We prioritize gathering witness statements, securing evidence, and consulting with professionals to evaluate causation and damages. From there, we develop a claims strategy that may include negotiating with insurers or preparing for litigation in Los Angeles County courts. Throughout the process, we communicate regularly with families in Canoga Park to explain developments and recommended actions.
The first stage of a wrongful death case includes collecting critical records, preserving physical and digital evidence, and conducting preliminary interviews to establish a timeline. This work is vital in Canoga Park cases where local records, surveillance footage, and medical documents can be time-sensitive. Promptly obtaining police reports and hospital records helps build a strong foundation. Early preservation also prevents spoliation and ensures that the team can analyze key facts to determine potential defendants and appropriate next steps for the claim.
Collecting complete medical records, autopsy findings, and official incident reports is essential to demonstrating causation and assessing damages. This includes hospital treatment records, imaging, physician notes, and any emergency responder documentation. In Canoga Park matters, obtaining these materials quickly supports a clear narrative of events and medical care leading up to the decedent’s death. Accurate and comprehensive documentation forms the basis for discussions with medical reviewers and for crafting a persuasive presentation to insurers or the court.
Witness statements, photographs, and physical evidence often provide important context about the incident. We work to identify and preserve these materials, including video footage from nearby properties and any items that may be relevant to liability. For Canoga Park incidents, timely interviews with witnesses can capture observations before memories fade. Properly documenting and preserving evidence strengthens the case and increases the ability to challenge defenses that may arise later in the process.
After initial evidence is secured, the next stage involves detailed analysis and consultation with professionals such as medical reviewers and economic analysts to quantify damages and establish causation. We prepare detailed demand materials and engage with opposing parties to present our position. In Canoga Park cases this stage often requires coordinating records from various providers and preparing clear written presentations of losses and liability. Thorough preparation at this stage strengthens negotiating leverage and readiness for litigation if necessary.
Medical review helps clarify the causal relationship between the events and the decedent’s death, and may involve independent medical opinions or consultations to interpret records. This analysis is important when defenses challenge causation or when injuries involve complex medical histories. For Canoga Park families, accurate medical interpretation supports the claim for damages and helps determine the scope of recoverable medical expenses, pain and suffering prior to death, and other relevant losses that should be presented to insurers or the court.
Economic analysis quantifies financial impacts such as lost earnings, benefits, and the value of household services the decedent provided. We work with financial professionals to create projections that reflect realistic future losses and support claims for fair compensation. In Canoga Park cases, this detailed approach ensures that settlement demands and litigation strategies fully account for both present costs and anticipated long-term effects on surviving family members, providing a clear basis for compensation discussions.
The final stage focuses on negotiating a fair settlement or preparing the case for trial if an acceptable resolution cannot be reached. We present evidence, engage in mediation when appropriate, and develop trial-ready pleadings and exhibits. For Canoga Park matters, thoughtful negotiation seeks to balance timely compensation with adequate coverage of future needs, while trial preparation ensures readiness for court proceedings in Los Angeles County. Throughout, we keep families informed about potential outcomes and recommended paths forward.
During settlement negotiations, we present a fully documented demand supported by medical and economic evidence and pursue resolutions that address both immediate expenses and long-term losses. Mediation may be used to facilitate discussion and reach an agreement without trial. For Canoga Park clients, mediation allows families to participate in resolution discussions while limiting the uncertainty and expense of extended litigation. We advise on settlement terms to ensure that any agreement adequately addresses the family’s needs and future obligations.
If litigation is necessary, we prepare the case for trial by developing witness testimony, exhibits, and legal arguments tailored to Los Angeles County procedures. Trial preparation includes finalizing expert reports, conducting trial depositions, and organizing evidence for presentation to a judge or jury. For Canoga Park families, thorough trial readiness demonstrates the seriousness of the claim and often improves negotiation outcomes. We focus on clear communication of damages and liability to seek a just resolution at trial when a fair settlement is not achievable.
In California, certain close family members are eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Typically, the decedent’s spouse, domestic partner, and children have primary rights to bring a claim. If none of these parties exist, other relatives such as parents may have standing under the statute. The rules determine who may pursue damages for the losses they suffered as a result of the death and are designed to ensure that those most affected by the loss are able to seek recovery. It is important to review the specific statute to confirm eligibility in each case. If you are unsure whether you qualify to file on behalf of a deceased loved one in Canoga Park, consult with a legal team familiar with California wrongful death law. They can explain how the statute applies to your family structure and guide you through the necessary steps. Early consultation helps ensure appropriate claimants are identified and that any time-sensitive actions, such as preserving evidence and meeting filing deadlines, are taken promptly.
California sets specific statutes of limitations that limit how long a wrongful death claim may be filed, so timing is critical. In general, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years from the date of death, though certain circumstances can alter that timeline. For incidents involving government entities or claims with special procedural requirements, different deadlines and pre-filing notice rules may apply. Families in Canoga Park should be aware that missing a deadline can foreclose the ability to pursue a claim in court. Because exceptions and procedural nuances may affect the deadline, it is wise to seek legal guidance as soon as possible after a fatal incident. An attorney can review whether any tolling provisions, extended deadlines, or notice requirements apply in your case and help ensure that all necessary documents and filings are completed within the applicable timeframes to preserve your right to recovery.
Surviving family members may recover a range of economic and non-economic damages in a wrongful death claim. Economic damages include quantifiable losses such as medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and the decedent’s lost earnings and benefits. Non-economic damages compensate for less tangible harms, including loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support. The mix and amount of recoverable damages depend on the decedent’s role in the family, their earning capacity, and the emotional impacts on survivors. Calculating damages often requires professional input to project future earnings, value household services, and document non-economic losses. For Canoga Park families, assembling thorough records like pay stubs, tax returns, medical bills, and personal statements helps substantiate claims. Presenting complete documentation strengthens the case when negotiating with insurers or seeking a verdict in court to ensure survivors receive fair compensation aligned with their losses.
The timeline for a wrongful death case varies widely based on the complexity of the facts, the number of parties involved, the need for expert analysis, and whether the case settles or proceeds to trial. Some cases resolve through negotiation within months if liability and damages are clear and both sides are cooperative. More complex matters that require detailed investigation, multiple experts, or extended litigation in Los Angeles County can take a year or longer to reach a final resolution. Families should expect an initial period of evidence gathering and case evaluation, followed by negotiations and potential litigation. Staying informed of progress and addressing discovery requests and medical record gathering promptly can help move a case forward. Discussing realistic timelines with your legal team in Canoga Park helps set expectations and coordinate necessary steps while the claim proceeds toward resolution.
Many wrongful death firms handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning fees are collected only if there is a recovery through settlement or trial. This arrangement helps families pursue claims without upfront legal costs, though it is important to understand the fee structure, costs that may be advanced during litigation, and how recovery is divided. In Canoga Park matters, contingency arrangements can make legal representation accessible while aligning the firm’s interests with those of the family pursuing compensation. Before proceeding, confirm the fee agreement and any potential out-of-pocket expenses with your legal representative. Clear communication about costs and fee percentages helps avoid surprises and ensures you understand what portion of any recovery will cover legal services and case expenses. Asking for a written fee agreement clarifies responsibilities and preserves transparency throughout the case.
Key evidence in wrongful death cases often includes medical records, police or incident reports, witness statements, photographs or video of the scene, and employer or financial records that document the decedent’s contributions. Medical records and expert medical opinions are frequently crucial to proving causation, while financial documentation supports claims for lost earnings and household contributions. Prompt preservation of these materials is important in Canoga Park cases to prevent their loss or destruction. Collecting comprehensive evidence also involves identifying and preserving potential video sources, obtaining official reports, and documenting the emotional and practical impacts on survivors. Thorough evidence collection strengthens settlement positions and trial presentations by creating a clear narrative linking the defendant’s actions to the death and the resulting harms suffered by the family.
In complex cases such as medical-related deaths, establishing liability typically requires detailed review of medical records and testimony from qualified medical reviewers who can explain whether care fell below the appropriate standard and how that contributed to the death. This process involves careful analysis of treatment timelines, diagnostic information, and accepted medical practices. For Canoga Park families, working with professionals who can translate complex medical facts into clear explanations for insurers or juries is essential to proving causation and breach of duty. Additionally, these cases often require coordinating multiple medical opinions and possibly reconstructing events across providers. A structured approach to gathering records, obtaining sworn expert reports, and presenting medical causation in understandable terms helps address defenses and clarify the link between alleged negligence and the fatal outcome.
California follows a comparative fault approach, which means a wrongful death claim can often proceed even if the decedent shares some responsibility for the incident. In such cases, the damages awarded are typically reduced by the decedent’s percentage of fault, rather than barring recovery outright. Understanding how shared fault may affect a claim is important for Canoga Park families when evaluating settlement offers or litigation strategies. Determining fault percentages requires careful analysis of the facts, evidence, and applicable law. A thoughtful investigation and presentation of mitigating facts can reduce assigned fault and improve recovery prospects. Discussing potential shared fault scenarios with your legal team helps anticipate defenses and prepare arguments to minimize the impact of comparative fault on compensation.
Immediately after a fatal incident, prioritize the safety and wellbeing of family members and obtain necessary medical attention if applicable. Collect and preserve basic information such as the names and contact information of witnesses, copies of police or incident report numbers, and any photographs or video of the scene. Request copies of official reports and medical records as soon as possible, since timely preservation is often critical to building a strong case in Canoga Park and Los Angeles County. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurers or signing releases before consulting with legal counsel, as those actions can affect your rights and potential recovery. Seeking early legal guidance helps ensure that evidence is preserved, filing deadlines are met, and communications with insurers are managed in a way that protects your claim and supports a thorough investigation.
Deciding whether to accept a settlement or proceed to trial requires weighing the certainty of an offer against the potential value of pursuing litigation with its attendant risks, costs, and timeline. Settlements provide immediate compensation and avoid the unpredictability of a jury decision, while trial offers the possibility of a higher award but includes greater uncertainty. For Canoga Park families, careful assessment of the strength of liability and damages evidence, as well as personal priorities and financial needs, should guide the decision-making process. Your legal team can prepare a realistic valuation of the case, explain likely outcomes, and negotiate terms that address future needs. Open communication about your goals, risk tolerance, and the adequacy of settlement proposals helps determine the best path forward, whether that means accepting a fair offer or pursuing trial to seek full compensation.
