Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyer

Author: Josh Kohanim
Founding Attorney
Wise Law Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers
Published date: June 3, 2025
Home / Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyer
Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyer

Wise Law Firm's Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer understands how painful it is when wrongful deaths rob families of a loved one. Our team of personal injury attorneys offers compassionate support during this difficult time. Fatal accidents can strike without warning, leaving a domestic partner or other family members burdened with grief. We are prepared to hold responsible parties accountable for the untimely passing of a deceased person.

Learn more about wrongful death claims below. Then, contact us for a free initial consultation.

Our Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyer Represents Grieving Families

Our wrongful death lawyers have guided clients through many challenging cases, from motor vehicle accidents to workplace accidents. We focus on helping survivors obtain financial compensation for the financial losses and emotional trauma linked to a loved one’s passing. This legal process requires strong evidence, thorough knowledge of wrongful death laws, and a willingness to fight for maximum compensation. Our commitment drives us to protect your rights and pursue a fair result.

A wrongful death attorney from Wise Law Firm will investigate the cause of the fatal injuries and identify every liable party. Some wrongful deaths involve criminal charges, but a civil case can still proceed regardless of a fault party’s legal status. Our experience includes claims arising from bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and even a deadly truck accident. We know each family faces a challenging time, so we tailor our approach to meet your unique needs.

What Constitutes a Wrongful Death in California?

California law, found in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, explains who may bring a wrongful death claim and under which conditions. A wrongful death occurs when a negligent party’s actions or omissions cause an accidental death that would have led to a personal injury claim if the deceased person had lived. In other words, someone else’s carelessness or wrongdoing must have caused the fatal incident. Wrongful death actions let survivors pursue monetary damages for the harm they suffer when a loved one passes away.

Wrongful death lawsuits cover many scenarios, including fatal accidents caused by reckless conduct. Even if the fault party faces criminal charges, families can still file a civil suit seeking wrongful death damages. Each case is unique, and our personal injury lawyers use evidence, witness statements, and medical records to establish the burden of proof. We strive to relieve your financial burden so you can focus on healing.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death Lawsuits

Common Causes of Wrongful Death Lawsuits

People file wrongful death lawsuit claims for many reasons. Some of the most frequent events that lead to tragic losses of life include:

Car Crashes

Motor vehicle accidents claim countless lives each year. Distracted driving, speeding, or drunk driving often leads to devastating outcomes. A wrongful death claim can target the driver or insurance company of the liable party. Our legal advice helps you navigate the insurance system and obtain compensation for burial expenses, funeral expenses, and other costs.

Medical Malpractice

Doctors, nurses, and hospitals hold a duty of care to keep patients safe. Mistakes such as improper diagnoses or delayed treatments can cause fatal injuries. Wrongful death law firms frequently handle these cases by showing that a professional failed to meet acceptable standards. Families can seek financial compensation for medical expenses and the emotional distress triggered by their loss.

Unsafe Work Conditions

Workplace accidents happen when employers ignore safety regulations or provide inadequate training. Falls, chemical exposures, or faulty equipment can lead to wrongful deaths on job sites. If a company’s negligence led to a loved one’s passing, we may pursue legal action. Properly investigating a workplace tragedy can prove that the employer was the liable party.

Fatal Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall incidents can be deadly if the victim strikes their head or sustains severe trauma. Property owners must address hazards like wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting. If they fail to do so, fatal injuries can result, prompting a wrongful death lawsuit. Our team gathers evidence of code violations, witness accounts, and other proof of property owner negligence.

Violent Attacks

Negligent Parties may include security staff or property managers who fail to prevent violent assaults. If a loved one is murdered or fatally harmed by an attacker in a place with known safety risks, you might have a wrongful death claim. Even though the suspect may face criminal charges, you can still seek civil remedies. This approach may secure fair compensation for the emotional trauma and financial burden left behind.

Defective Product Incidents

Defective products sometimes cause accidental death when they malfunction without warning. Manufacturers hold a responsibility to create safe items for public use. If a design flaw or production error results in fatal accidents, the family can file a legal claim. Lawsuits over Defective products can reveal widespread hazards that affect other consumers, too.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California

California law typically allows a surviving spouse, child, or domestic partner to bring a wrongful death claim. If none of those relatives exist, others, such as siblings or parents, may qualify to file suit. Establishing legal standing is crucial before you can seek financial losses linked to the death.

Under state wrongful death laws, you must also show that the decedent could have filed a personal injury claim if they had lived. This proof involves demonstrating the defendant’s negligence and linking it to the death. Our personal injury attorneys use a combination of accident reports, witness statements, and expert analysis to show how a defendant’s actions led to the tragedy. We handle every detail so you can focus on grieving and remembrance.

Damages Available in a Wrongful Death Case

Wrongful death actions allow survivors to pursue different types of damages for the harm caused by a loved one’s passing. A few common examples include:

Funeral Costs

Funeral expenses can be significant, especially if you must arrange a specialized service or memorial. These bills might include the costs of the coffin, burial expenses, and related fees. Our wrongful death attorneys can help you document these expenditures for a damage claim. Keeping receipts and invoices ensures you can recover as many expenses as possible.

Loss of Income

Losing a family provider can place a heavy financial burden on those left behind. That loss of income may involve wages the deceased person would have earned or benefits they provided. Wrongful death lawyers work with economic experts to calculate the future income your family is missing. This evidence strengthens your request for compensation in court or during settlement talks.

Emotional Suffering

Wrongful deaths can cause tremendous emotional distress for spouses, children, and other close relatives. The loss of companionship and loss of consortium add to an already traumatic situation. Courts understand that emotional suffering may last a lifetime. Our goal is to ensure you receive monetary damages that truly address the depth of your pain.

Punitive Damages in Extreme Negligence Cases

Courts sometimes grant punitive damage awards when defendants act with shocking carelessness or malicious intent. These payments punish the at-fault party beyond normal compensation. Proving extreme negligence might involve showing the defendant willfully ignored major risks. A wrongful death attorney can decide if punitive damages are worth pursuing in your situation.

How Wise Law Firm Builds a Strong Wrongful Death Case

How Wise Law Firm Builds a Strong Wrongful Death Case
  • In-Depth Investigation. We collect accident scene evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze medical documents. Our thorough approach lays the groundwork for proving fault.
  • Identifying Negligent Parties. We examine whether a driver, doctor, or product maker caused your loved one’s death. Holding all liable party groups accountable can improve your potential recovery.
  • Calculating Wrongful Death Damages. Our legal process involves experts who determine your family’s financial and emotional losses. This precise calculation aims for maximum compensation.
  • Preparing for Survival Actions. We can file a claim on behalf of the decedent’s estate if needed. These survival actions recover losses the deceased suffered before passing away.
  • Aggressive Representation. Our attorneys negotiate firmly with any insurance company and stand ready to take the case to trial. We never hesitate to use every tactic to pursue justice.

How do I know if I have a wrongful death claim?

You likely qualify if negligent parties caused your loved one’s death. A lawyer can evaluate the facts and explain whether you meet legal requirements.

What types of compensation can be recovered?

Families can pursue funeral expenses, loss of consortium, and other economic or non-economic damages. We customize the claim to fit your situation.

Who can sue for wrongful death in California?

State law recognizes a spouse, child, or domestic partner as the primary party to file. Other relatives can file if none of those individuals exist.

How long does a wrongful death lawsuit take?

Case timelines vary based on evidence, cooperation from the fault party, and court availability. Most claims resolve in several months to over a year.

Can I sue a company for a loved one’s death?

Yes, you may sue an employer, manufacturer, or other entity if they contributed to the wrongful death. Each case depends on showing the company’s negligence or misconduct.

Contact a Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyer for Compassionate Legal Help

Contact a Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyer for Compassionate Legal Help

Wise Law Firm is here to provide legal advice and advocacy during your family’s most vulnerable moments. Our Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer team focuses on achieving a fair outcome that eases some of the burdens you face. We handle every detail from start to finish so you can prioritize your family. Call now or reach out online for a free consultation.

Published by
josh kohanim
About The Author
Josh Kohanim, Esq., is the founder and managing attorney of Wise Law. He has dedicated his career to advocating for individuals who have suffered catastrophic personal injuries. With over a decade of extensive experience in personal injury law, including six years at a prestigious California injury law firm, Josh was mentored by some of the state’s leading trial lawyers. He has successfully represented clients in a wide array of cases, ranging from catastrophic motor vehicle accidents to intricate injuries resulting from toxic chemical exposure.

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This DMV resource explains when and how to report a car accident in California, including legal requirements for filing SR-1 forms and working with insurance providers.
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This page was written, edited, and reviewed & approved by Josh Kohanim. Josh has secured some of the largest verdicts in Los Angeles, including $6.3 million, $1.25 million, and $1 million. His approach is client-centered, focusing on providing personalized legal strategies that meet the unique needs of each client. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.
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