An Overview of California’s Loss of Consortium Law

In California, loss of consortium refers to the deprivation of the benefits of a family relationship due to injuries caused by a third party’s negligent or wrongful act. It is a type of non-economic damage that can be claimed in a personal injury lawsuit. Loss of consortium typically applies to the relationship between spouses or registered domestic partners, but it can also sometimes extend to other close family relationships, such as those between parents and children.

The legal definition of loss of consortium encompasses various aspects of a relationship that may be negatively affected by an injury, including:

1. Companionship and emotional support: The injured person may no longer be able to provide the emotional support and companionship they once did, which may lead to feelings of isolation and depression for their partner.
2. Affection and sexual relations: The injured person’s ability to engage in affectionate acts and maintain a healthy sexual relationship may be diminished, which can adversely affect the bond between partners.
3. Household services: The injured person may no longer be able to perform their usual household duties, such as cooking, cleaning, or childcare, placing an additional burden on their partner.
4. Parenting and child-rearing: The injured person’s ability to participate in parenting and child-rearing activities may be impaired, which can negatively impact the family dynamics and well-being of the children.

How can you recover damages in California?

To recover damages for loss of consortium in California, you must follow specific legal steps and meet certain requirements. Here is a general outline of the process:

1. Establish a valid relationship: The claiming spouse or registered domestic partner must prove that they were legally married or in a registered domestic partnership with the injured person at the time of the injury.
2. File a personal injury lawsuit: The injured person or their spouse/domestic partner should consult with a personal injury attorney to determine the viability of their case. If the attorney believes there are grounds for a lawsuit, they will file a personal injury claim against the party responsible for the injury.
3. Prove negligence or wrongful act: In the lawsuit, the injured person must demonstrate that the third party’s negligent or wrongful act directly caused their injury. This requires proving duty, breach of duty, causation, and damages.
4. Show loss of consortium: The claiming spouse or registered domestic partner must establish that they suffered a loss of consortium as a direct result of the third party’s negligent or wrongful act. This may involve demonstrating how the injury has negatively affected the couple’s companionship, emotional support, affection, sexual relations, household services, or parenting and child-rearing abilities.
5. Determine the extent of the loss: The claiming spouse or partner must provide evidence of the extent or amount of the loss they experienced due to the loss of consortium. This can be challenging, as loss of consortium is a non-economic damage, meaning it does not have a specific monetary value. Testimonies from the couple, expert witnesses, or therapists may be used to help quantify the loss.
6. Present evidence and argue the case: The personal injury attorney will present evidence and argue the case in court or during settlement negotiations. The goal is to prove that the third party is responsible for the injury and that the claiming spouse or partner suffered a loss of consortium as a result.
7. Obtain a verdict or settlement: If the court finds in favor of the injured person and their spouse or domestic partner, they may award damages for the loss of consortium. Alternatively, the parties may reach a settlement agreement before the case goes to trial.

It is important to note that the claiming spouse or partner cannot recover damages for loss of consortium if they were the one responsible for the injury. Additionally, damages for loss of consortium are typically not available to unmarried couples or those who are not registered domestic partners.

Keep in mind that every case is unique, and the specific steps and requirements may vary depending on the circumstances. It is crucial to consult with a personal injury attorney experienced in loss of consortium claims to ensure that your case is properly handled and your rights are protected.

What Type of Damages Can You Get In California?

In a loss of consortium lawsuit in California, the claiming spouse or registered domestic partner can seek non-economic damages, which compensate for the intangible and emotional harm resulting from the injury to their loved one. Here are some types of damages that may be awarded in a loss of consortium claim:

1. Loss of companionship: Compensation for the diminished companionship, emotional support, and love resulting from the injured person’s altered ability to engage in their relationship as they did before the injury.
2. Loss of affection: Compensation for the decreased affection, care, and intimacy between the partners due to the injured person’s physical and emotional changes.
3. Loss of sexual relations: Compensation for the impairment or loss of sexual relations caused by the injury, which may negatively affect the bond between the partners.
4. Loss of household services: Compensation for the increased burden on the claiming spouse or partner, as the injured person may no longer be able to perform their usual household duties (e.g., cooking, cleaning, childcare).
5. Loss of parenting and child-rearing support: Compensation for the injured person’s reduced ability to participate in parenting and child-rearing activities, which may adversely impact family dynamics and the well-being of their children.

It is important to note that non-economic damages, like those awarded in a loss of consortium claim, can be difficult to quantify, as they do not have a specific monetary value. The court will consider various factors when determining the appropriate amount of compensation, such as the nature and severity of the injury, the length of the marriage or partnership, and the extent of the impact on the couple’s relationship. The claiming spouse or partner should work with their attorney to gather evidence and present a compelling case to maximize their recovery.

Keep in mind that loss of consortium damages are separate from other damages the injured person may recover in a personal injury lawsuit, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

How do you file a loss of consortium lawsuit in California?

Filing a loss of consortium lawsuit in California involves several steps. It is crucial to consult with a personal injury attorney experienced in loss of consortium claims to guide you through the process and protect your rights. Here’s a general outline of the procedure:

1. Consult with an attorney: Seek the advice of a personal injury attorney who has experience handling loss of consortium claims. They will help you determine if you have a valid case and guide you through the process.
2. Investigate the case: Your attorney will investigate the facts surrounding the injury, gather evidence to support the loss of consortium claim, and establish the extent of your losses.
3. File a complaint: Your attorney will prepare and file a complaint with the appropriate California court. The complaint will outline the facts of the case, the legal basis for the claim, the damages sought, and a demand for relief.
4. Serve the defendant: After filing the complaint, you are required to serve the defendant (the party responsible for the injury) with a copy of the complaint and a summons, which notifies them of the lawsuit and provides instructions on how to respond. In California, this is typically done through a process server or the sheriff’s office.
5. Defendant’s response: The defendant will have a specific time frame (usually 30 days) to respond to the complaint by filing an answer, which may admit or deny the allegations, or a motion to dismiss or demur, which challenges the legal sufficiency of the complaint.
6. Discovery: During the discovery phase, both parties exchange information and evidence relevant to the case. This may include written questions (interrogatories), requests for documents, and depositions (interviews under oath).
7. Pre-trial motions: Both parties may file motions before the trial to resolve certain issues, such as a motion for summary judgment, which asks the court to rule in one party’s favor based on undisputed facts.
8. Trial or settlement: The case may proceed to trial, where both parties present their evidence and arguments to a judge or jury, who will then decide the outcome. Alternatively, the parties may reach a settlement agreement before trial, resolving the case without the need for a trial.
9. Judgment or settlement: If the court rules in your favor, it will issue a judgment awarding damages for the loss of consortium. If the parties reach a settlement, the case will be resolved according to the terms of the agreement.

Keep in mind that the specific steps and requirements may vary depending on the circumstances of your case. It is essential to work closely with your attorney throughout the process to ensure your case is properly handled and your rights are protected.

Contact Our Dedicated California Loss of Consortium Attorney

At J&Y Law, we have well-earned reputations as dedicated advocates for the injured. If you or a loved one have been injured and are exploring their options with a loss of consortium lawsuit, we will provide you with the informed representation you need and the dependable service you deserve. Because we understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges facing you, your initial consultation will be free, and you will not pay any attorneys’ fees until we win compensation for you. Please contact our office today to speak with an experienced personal injury accident attorney.

About the Author

Yosi Yahoudai is a founder and the managing partner of J&Y. His practice is comprised primarily of cases involving automobile and motorcycle accidents, but he also represents people in premises liability lawsuits, including suits alleging dangerous conditions of public property, third-party criminal conduct, and intentional torts. He also has expertise in cases involving product defects, dog bites, elder abuse, and sexual assault. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California and is admitted to practice in all California State Courts, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. If you have any questions about this article, you can contact Yosi by clicking here.