Best Wrongful Death Lawyers in California

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Khalil Law Group
Newport Beach, United States

English
Khalil Law Group is a premier California law firm recognized for its strong expertise in employment law and personal injury cases. With a team of experienced attorneys dedicated to advocating for employee rights and accident victims, the firm has built a solid reputation for effective legal...
Rejali Law Firm
San Diego, United States

English
Rejali Law Firm, established in 2014 and based in San Diego, California, offers comprehensive legal services across multiple practice areas, including personal injury, business litigation, immigration, and criminal defense. Under the leadership of founder Omid Rejali, the firm has achieved...
Alaa Ibrahim Law Firm, APC
Anaheim, United States

English
Alaa Ibrahim Law Firm, APC is a distinguished legal practice based in California, offering robust representation in personal injury cases and a wide range of legal services. The firm's experienced attorneys possess in-depth knowledge of California law and are adept at handling complex litigation...
Costa Mesa, United States

English
MLG Attorneys at Law is a California-based law firm recognized for its exceptional focus on personal injury, product defect, and complex litigation cases. With a team of experienced trial attorneys, the firm combines an in-depth understanding of both state and federal legal frameworks with a...
Goodrow Law Office
San Francisco, United States

English
Goodrow Law Office, based in San Francisco and Santa Barbara County, California, specializes in personal injury and civil litigation. Founded by attorney Russell Goodrow, the firm has over a decade of experience representing clients in cases involving car accidents, motorcycle crashes, slip and...
Singleton Schreiber
San Diego, United States

Founded in 2021
English
Singleton Schreiber is a distinguished California-based law firm specializing in personal injury and trial advocacy. With a team of seasoned attorneys, the firm has successfully recovered over $3 billion in fire litigation cases over the past decade, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to securing...
Law Offices of Brent W. Caldwell Injury Attorneys
Huntington Beach, United States

English
Law Offices of Brent W. Caldwell Injury Attorneys is a highly regarded law firm in California dedicated to representing individuals in personal injury, civil litigation, and insurance claim disputes. The firm is led by Brent W. Caldwell, an attorney with a proven track record of securing...
Institución Legal De California
Los Angeles, United States

Founded in 2010
10 people in their team
Spanish
English
ABOGADOS ESPECIALISTAS EN WORKERS'COMP,ACCIDENTES PERSONALES & CASOS LABORALESACCIDENTES DE TRABAJODESPIDOS INJUSTIFICADOSACCIDENTES DE AUTO O MOTOLESIONES & DOLENCIAS POR TRABAJO REPETITIVODISCRIMINACIÓN & ACOSO LABORALCasos De DUICasos De MigracionMUERTE POR ACCIDENTES &...
Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP

Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP

30 minutes Free Consultation
Newport Beach, United States

Founded in 1978
40 people in their team
English
Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP represents injured plaintiffs in Orange County, California. Over $1B won with a 99% success rate. We represent car accidents, serious dog bite cases, auto defects, employment law, and dangerous products. Bisnar Chase is a top-rated personal injury...
Bates Law
San Diego, United States

English
Bates Law, located in San Diego, California, specializes in personal injury and workers' compensation cases. With over 20 years of experience, the firm has successfully resolved thousands of cases, demonstrating a deep commitment to securing maximum compensation for clients who have suffered due to...
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About Wrongful Death Law in California, United States

Wrongful death law in California allows the survivors of a deceased person to pursue compensation when their loved one's death was caused by another party's wrongful act or negligence. This area of law gives grieving families the right to seek financial recovery for the losses resulting from the death, such as loss of financial support, companionship, and funeral expenses. Wrongful death claims are civil lawsuits and are separate from any criminal case that may also be pursued by the state in connection with the death.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Losing a loved one due to someone else's actions is not only emotionally devastating but can also create financial burdens. People often need legal help with wrongful death cases in the following situations:

  • The death arose from a car accident, workplace accident, medical malpractice, defective product, or criminal conduct.
  • There are complex insurance issues or multiple parties involved.
  • The responsible party or their insurance company denies liability or offers an insufficient settlement.
  • There are disputes among family members or eligible survivors about who can file a claim or how any recovery will be divided.
  • Calculating damages involves lost future earnings or emotional suffering, which require legal expertise to document and prove.

Having a knowledgeable wrongful death lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected, evidence is properly gathered, and you receive the fullest compensation the law allows.

Local Laws Overview

In California, wrongful death is covered under the California Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60. Key aspects of these local laws include:

  • Who Can Sue: Typically, the deceased's surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, or, in some cases, other dependents or heirs can file a wrongful death claim.
  • Statute of Limitations: You generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Missing this deadline usually results in losing the right to sue.
  • Bases for Claims: A claim may arise from negligence (like a car accident), intentional acts (such as assault), or strict liability (such as defective products).
  • Damages: Recovery can include economic damages (lost financial support, funeral costs) and non-economic damages (loss of companionship, guidance, and affection).
  • Burdens of Proof: The claimant must show by a preponderance of the evidence that the wrongful conduct caused the death and resulted in compensable loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a wrongful death claim?

A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit brought by family members or dependents against an individual or entity whose negligence or intentional act caused their loved one's death.

Who is eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit in California?

Generally, the surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, or other financially dependent individuals can file a wrongful death lawsuit. In some cases, parents or siblings may qualify if they can prove dependence or eligibility as heirs.

What damages can be recovered in a wrongful death case?

Recoverable damages include financial support the deceased would have provided, funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship and emotional support, and, in some cases, the value of household services.

Is there a time limit for filing a wrongful death lawsuit?

Yes, under California law, a wrongful death lawsuit must generally be filed within two years of the date of death. Failing to do so may prevent you from pursuing your claim.

What is the difference between wrongful death and survival action?

A wrongful death claim compensates family members for their personal losses, while a survival action seeks damages the deceased could have claimed for injuries suffered before death. Often, both types of claims are filed together.

Do wrongful death cases go to trial?

Many wrongful death cases settle out of court, but some do go to trial if the parties cannot agree on liability or damages.

Can a wrongful death claim be filed if the responsible party faces criminal charges?

Yes, wrongful death claims are civil actions and are independent of any criminal case. You can file a civil claim even if there is a criminal case, and the standard of proof is different.

How is causation proven in a wrongful death case?

You must show that the defendant's negligence or wrongdoing was a substantial factor in causing the deceased's death, typically using evidence like witness testimony, expert opinions, and documentation.

What if multiple people are responsible for the wrongful death?

All responsible parties can be named in a wrongful death lawsuit, and liability can be apportioned according to their respective roles in causing the death.

Do I need a lawyer to file a wrongful death claim?

While it is not legally required, hiring a lawyer is highly recommended because these cases are complex and insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. An attorney can help maximize recovery and handle all necessary legal procedures.

Additional Resources

For further help and guidance, you can contact or review information from the following resources:

  • California Courts Self-Help Center: Guidance on civil lawsuits and statewide legal resources
  • State Bar of California: Find wrongful death specialists and attorney referral services
  • California Department of Consumer Affairs: Advice on hiring attorneys and your rights
  • Local county law libraries: Free access to legal materials and community workshops

Next Steps

If you believe you have a wrongful death claim:

  • Document as much evidence as possible, including police reports, medical records, witness contact information, and financial records related to the deceased.
  • Consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney to evaluate your case. Many offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay only if you recover damages.
  • Be mindful of strict filing deadlines. Act quickly to protect your rights and preserve evidence.

Remember, facing a wrongful death claim can be overwhelming. Seeking qualified legal advice is the best way to ensure your family’s interests are represented and your claim is filed properly under California law.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in California through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Wrongful Death, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in California, United States - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.