SERVING ALL OF
CALIFORNIA
Wrongful Death
No legal outcome can replace what you have lost. But justice matters, and accountability matters. When someone's negligence, recklessness, or wrongful conduct takes a life, the surviving family members have the right to seek compensation. Our wrongful death attorneys handle these cases with the compassion and dedication your family deserves.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit brought by the surviving family members or the estate of a person who died as a direct result of another party's wrongful conduct. Unlike criminal cases, wrongful death claims seek financial compensation, not criminal penalties, for the losses suffered by survivors.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death Claims
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Fatal car, truck, or motorcycle accidents
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Pedestrian and bicycle fatalities
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Medical malpractice and surgical errors
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Defective products and dangerous consumer goods
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Workplace accidents and industrial incidents
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Premises liability, including falls, drownings, and inadequate security
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Criminal assault or battery resulting in death
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Immediate Family Members
A surviving spouse, domestic partner, and children of the deceased may bring a wrongful death action in California.
Other Dependents
If there is no surviving spouse or children, other individuals who were financially dependent on the deceased, such as parents or siblings, may have standing to file a claim.
Estate Claims and Survival Actions
In addition to the wrongful death claim, the estate of the deceased may bring a survival action to recover damages for the pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before death.
What Surviving Families May Recover
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Financial Support, the value of financial contributions the deceased would have made to the family
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Loss of Household Services, the economic value of services the deceased provided
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Loss of Companionship, love, companionship, affection, and moral support
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Funeral & Burial Expenses, reasonable costs associated with the death
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Pre-Death Pain & Suffering, through a survival action filed by the estate
The Statute of Limitations
In California, wrongful death claims must generally be filed within two years of the date of death. In cases involving government entities, the deadline may be as short as six months. Contact us as soon as possible to protect your family's rights.
How We Can Help
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Compassionate Guidance, we handle every aspect of your legal case so your family can grieve without added burden.
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Thorough Investigation, we build a complete picture of liability and recoverable damages.
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Expert Support, medical, financial, and life care experts help quantify your full losses.
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Trial-Ready Advocacy, we are prepared to pursue justice through every stage of litigation.
