Calabasas Wrongful Death Attorney

Our Calabasas wrongful death attorney at Wise Law Firm guides families through difficult times after a sudden loss. Our team supports you with legal advice to help you understand your options and how to move forward. We treat each case with the care and attention it deserves so you feel supported throughout the process. Close collaboration between our wrongful death attorneys and clients ensures that we pursue fair compensation for your loss.

Learn more about wrongful death cases below. Then, contact our Calabasas and Woodland Hills personal injury lawyer to schedule a free case consultation.

Our Calabasas Wrongful Death Attorney Represents Grieving Families

Families often feel overwhelmed when a loved one passes away because of another party’s wrongdoing. Our wrongful death lawyer recognizes how personal injuries can tragically turn fatal, and we dedicate our resources to building a strong case on your behalf. We look for evidence of negligence from the responsible party to show how their actions caused your loved one’s death. This approach helps us hold them accountable and secure the damages you deserve.

Legal representation from experienced personal injury attorneys can ease the burden you face. Our law firm strives to gather records, speak with experts, and manage legal paperwork. We also maintain open communication so you always know how your case is progressing. This methodical effort provides you with clear answers and confidence in your pursuit of justice.

What Is a Wrongful Death Case in California?

A wrongful death case allows surviving family members to seek compensation when their loved one dies due to someone else’s negligent or intentional act. The claim covers losses that the deceased person’s estate and close relatives suffer as a result of the death. These losses can include medical expenses, funeral costs, and emotional distress.

California law sets specific rules for filing wrongful death claims, which you can find in California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60. Understanding these guidelines ensures that you meet the necessary standards when pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit. An experienced attorney can walk you through your rights and the evidence required to prove liability.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Calabasas

• Car Accidents. Reckless driving, speeding, or drunk driving can turn a simple errand into a fatal event. Automobile accidents on the road often leave families searching for answers.
• Medical Malpractice. Errors in diagnosis or surgery sometimes lead to a patient’s death. When healthcare providers fail to meet professional standards, grieving families may file a claim.
• Workplace Accidents. Construction sites and industrial settings pose dangers if employers ignore safety rules. Falls, equipment malfunctions, or toxic exposure can end life prematurely.
• Defective Product. Faulty design or manufacturing problems can cause devices to fail in tragic ways. Companies must ensure product safety before distributing items to consumers. We can hold the negligent party accountable through a product liability lawsuit.
• Criminal Acts. Assault or other violent behaviors can rob a family of its loved one. Even if prosecutors file charges, civil remedies allow survivors to seek financial losses.
• Slip and Falls. Hazardous conditions on another person’s property can lead to deadly injuries. Owners or managers must maintain safe premises to prevent wrongful death events.
• Truck Collisions. Large commercial vehicles carry immense force that can crush smaller cars. Such impacts frequently result in fatal outcomes for drivers or passengers.

Who Has the Right to File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Surviving spouses, domestic partners, and children usually have priority when filing wrongful death claims in California. Each party can pursue compensation for damages such as Loss of consortium or Loss of companionship. If no immediate family members exist, the court might allow others who depended on the deceased to file instead.

Filing can get complicated if multiple heirs come forward or if the deceased has no living spouse or child. In these circumstances, an attorney can help you understand how California handles inheritance and which person stands first in line to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. Establishing eligibility is a crucial step that ensures you protect your right to recover damages.

Compensation Available to Surviving Family Members

• Medical Bills. Your loved one may have received treatment or hospitalization before passing away. The at-fault party can be held liable for these costs.
• Funeral Expenses and Burial Costs. Expenses for final arrangements can become overwhelming. Compensation may reimburse you for necessary services.
• Economic Losses. Families often lose the income that the deceased would have earned. Financial support acknowledges the gap left by your loved one’s absence.
• Loss of Consortium. The surviving spouse may seek damages for the loss of a marital relationship. Emotional and personal support factors are included in this evaluation.
• Loss of Companionship. Children and parents feel the direct impact of losing someone’s guidance. This emotional toll can merit compensation in a wrongful death case.
• Punitive Damages. Courts sometimes award these extra amounts to punish extreme negligence. They serve as a deterrent for others who might act similarly.
• Emotional Distress. The intense sorrow and mental anguish after a sudden death should not go unrecognized. Compensation can reflect these intangible harms.

The Legal Process for a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

1. Initial Consultation. You meet with an attorney to discuss what happened. This step also includes a review of potential claims and legal avenues.
2. Evidence Collection. Your lawyer gathers medical records, accident details, and witness statements. Thorough documentation helps prove liability.
3. Filing the Complaint. Once your case is ready, your lawyer files a wrongful death lawsuit in court. This action notifies the defendant of your claims.
4. Negotiation and Discovery. Both sides exchange evidence and information. Attorneys often attempt settlement before proceeding further.
5. Mediation or Pretrial Motions. Some cases benefit from alternative dispute resolution. If settlement talks fail, your lawyer will continue with pretrial proceedings.
6. Trial Preparation. Witnesses, experts, and supporting documents are finalized. This crucial phase sets the stage for presenting your case in court.
7. Resolution or Verdict. The lawsuit may settle at any point, or the judge or jury may issue a final decision. You receive compensation once all proceedings conclude.

How Wise Law Firm Supports Grieving Families

• Compassionate Guidance. We know how difficult these cases can be and handle each step with care. You receive personalized attention during a time of mourning.
• Thorough Case Review. Our team examines every detail to confirm the responsible party’s role in the death. This approach helps build a persuasive argument.
• Skilled Negotiation. We work with insurance adjusters and defense counsel to secure a favorable outcome. Fair settlements often spare families from lengthy trials.
• Courtroom Advocacy. Our attorneys stand ready to present your case before a judge or jury if necessary. Detailed preparation lays the groundwork for success.
• Continued Support. We remain available to answer questions and address concerns. This commitment to client well-being reflects our dedication to service.

FAQs

Who can sue for wrongful death in California?

Typically, the deceased person’s spouse, domestic partner, or children hold priority. Others who depended on the victim may file if no immediate family exists.

How is compensation calculated in a wrongful death case?

Attorneys look at financial losses, emotional impacts, and other factors. The specific details of each situation shape the final amount awarded.

What’s the statute of limitations for filing a claim?

In most cases, you must file within two years of your loved one’s passing, as stated in California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Missing this window can result in losing the right to sue.

What if the person who caused the death was never charged?

A criminal charge or conviction is not necessary for a wrongful death case. The civil claim follows a different process and requires proof of negligence or wrongdoing.

Can I file a wrongful death claim and a survival action?

Yes, these two claims address different aspects of the loss. Survival actions pursue compensation for the victim’s own damages before death, while wrongful death focuses on the family’s losses.

Contact a Calabasas Wrongful Death Attorney for Compassionate Legal Help

Wise Law Firm is here to guide you through these challenging times and help you seek justice for your loved one. Our legal representation protects your rights while we pursue the best possible outcome. Reach out now to schedule a free case review with our Calabasas wrongful death attorney.