Orange County Wrongful Death Lawyer

Founding Attorney
Wise Law Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers
Published date: August 11, 2025
Home / Orange County Wrongful Death Lawyer
Orange County Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one is always hard, but when their death was caused by someone else’s negligence, the pain can feel even worse. Families are left not only grieving but also dealing with financial stress and uncertainty. In these times, you need an experienced legal team to help you through the complex legal process.

Wise Law helps you seek justice and financial compensation after a wrongful death occurs. Our Orange County wrongful death lawyers understand the emotional and financial burdens families face. We are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve, whether the cause of death was due to a car accident, medical malpractice, or another wrongful act. With our experience, we will guide you through the entire process with compassion and legal expertise so that you can focus on healing.

Experienced Legal Representation for Wrongful Death Cases in Orange County

When a wrongful death happens, it can be overwhelming. Our team of Orange County wrongful death lawyers is here to provide the support and legal expertise needed to handle your claim. We work with surviving family members to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

Why You Need a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Orange County

A wrongful death claim is complex and requires an understanding of California law, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies. Without a skilled wrongful death lawyer, you may struggle to get the fair compensation you deserve.

Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping you every step of the way, whether you are filing for lost income, funeral expenses, or emotional suffering.

Our Law Firm Fights for Families Who’ve Lost Loved Ones Due to Negligence

Wise Law focuses on helping families who’ve lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligence. Our team works hard to hold the responsible parties accountable and ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your loss. We handle every detail of your case while you focus on your family’s well-being.

What is Wrongful Death, and Who Can File a Claim in California?

What is Wrongful Death, and Who Can File a Claim in California?

Wrongful death occurs when a person’s life is taken due to someone else’s wrongful act, negligence, or misconduct. California law allows surviving family members to file a claim for compensation in these situations.

Some of the people who can typically file a wrongful death claim are:

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

  • Surviving Spouse: The husband or wife of the deceased can file a claim for their spouse’s wrongful death.
  • Children: If the deceased was a parent, their children can seek compensation.
  • Parents: In some cases, parents may file a claim if their child has passed away due to wrongful death.
  • Other Family Members: In certain situations, other family members who were financially dependent on the deceased person may also be able to file a claim.

Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims in California

In California, families have two years (California Code, Code of Civil Procedure - CCP § 335.1) from the date of the deceased person’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If the claim is not filed within this time frame, you may lose the right to seek compensation. It’s important to act quickly and contact a wrongful death attorney to make sure your case is filed on time.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Orange County

Wrongful death can happen in many different situations, and it often comes as a result of someone else’s carelessness. A few of the most common causes of wrongful death in Orange County include:

Car and Motorcycle Accidents

Car and motorcycle accidents are among the most common causes of wrongful death in Orange County. When a driver’s negligence, like distracted driving or speeding, leads to a fatal accident, the surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim.

Motorcycle accidents often lead to more severe injuries, and when someone dies in a crash, the family may be entitled to compensation for lost income, medical bills, and emotional distress.

Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries and often result in wrongful death. Due to the large size and weight of commercial trucks, the impact can be devastating. These accidents can happen because of driver fatigue, poor truck maintenance, or even improper loading.

In wrongful death cases involving trucks, the responsible parties may include the truck driver, the trucking company, or maintenance providers.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional makes a mistake that causes a patient’s death. This can include errors in surgery, misdiagnosis, or providing the wrong treatment.

When medical negligence leads to wrongful death, the surviving family members can seek compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills, and emotional suffering. A wrongful death attorney can help determine if medical malpractice was a factor in the loss of your loved one.

Workplace Accidents

Workplace accidents can result in fatal injuries, especially in high-risk jobs like construction, manufacturing, or warehousing. When an employer’s failure to follow safety regulations leads to the death of an employee, surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. This can include cases involving faulty equipment, unsafe working conditions, or a lack of proper training.

Defective Products

Defective products, such as faulty machinery, unsafe consumer goods, or poorly designed vehicles, can lead to fatal accidents. If a product malfunctions and causes the death of someone, the manufacturer or seller of the product may be held responsible. Families who lose a loved one due to a defective product can pursue a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for the tragic loss.

Premises Liability and Slip and Fall Accidents

Property owners have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions. If someone dies due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, such as a slip and fall caused by poor maintenance, the property owner may be liable. This could happen in places like malls, restaurants, or even private homes.

In these wrongful death cases, surviving family members can seek compensation for their loved one’s death and any related expenses.

Types of Compensation Available in a Wrongful Death Claim

Types of Compensation Available in a Wrongful Death Claim

When a loved one passes away due to someone else’s actions, the surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for their loss. Wrongful death claims can cover both financial and emotional damages.

Some of the types of compensation that may be available in a wrongful death case are:

Economic Damages

  • Medical Expenses: Costs related to the deceased person’s medical treatment before their death.
  • Funeral and Burial Expenses: Money spent on funeral and burial services.
  • Lost Income: Income that the deceased person would have earned if they had lived.
  • Financial Support: Compensation for the loss of support the deceased provided to their family.

Non-Economic Damages

  • Emotional Distress: Compensation for the emotional pain and suffering caused by the loss of a loved one.
  • Loss of Companionship: Damages for the loss of love, care, and companionship from the deceased.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain the deceased experienced before their death.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for the loss of the deceased person’s ability to enjoy life.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages may be awarded in wrongful death cases where the defendant's actions were extremely reckless or intentional. These damages are meant to punish the responsible party and prevent similar behavior in the future. They are separate from the compensation meant to cover the family’s losses.

How Our Orange County Wrongful Death Lawyers Can Help

Wise Law understands how difficult it is to lose a loved one, especially when someone else’s negligence caused their death. Our experienced wrongful death lawyers are here to guide you through every step of the process, from gathering evidence to fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Thorough Investigation and Gathering of Evidence

We begin by thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding the wrongful death. This includes gathering police reports, witness statements, accident reports, medical records, and any other evidence that can help prove negligence. Our goal is to build a strong case that supports your claim for fair compensation.

Identifying Liable Parties

In wrongful death cases, it’s important to identify all responsible parties. Whether the cause was a car accident, medical malpractice, or unsafe work conditions, we ensure that all negligent parties are held accountable. Our lawyers work hard to uncover every party that played a role in your loved one’s death.

Handling Insurance Negotiations and Legal Deadlines

Dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming, especially when they try to minimize your claim. Our Orange County wrongful death attorney handles all negotiations with the defendant's insurance company, ensuring that you receive a fair settlement.

We also manage all legal deadlines, making sure your wrongful death lawsuit is filed on time, so you don't miss your chance for compensation.

Taking Your Wrongful Death Case to Trial If Necessary

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial. Our Orange County wrongful death lawyers are experienced in court proceedings and will fight for the maximum compensation possible. We work hard to present a strong case and advocate for the justice your family deserves.

Common Challenges in Wrongful Death Cases

Common Challenges in Wrongful Death Cases

Wrongful death cases can be complicated, and there are several challenges families may face while seeking justice. These challenges can include proving who is at fault and negotiating for fair compensation.

Here are some common issues that may arise in wrongful death lawsuits:

Proving Negligence and Liability

One of the biggest challenges in wrongful death cases is proving that someone’s negligence caused the death. It’s important to gather enough evidence to show that the responsible party failed to act safely, which directly led to the fatal accident. Our wrongful death attorney helps build a strong case to prove liability and fight for your family’s rights.

Disputes Over Compensation Amounts

Another challenge is agreeing on the amount of compensation the family should receive. Insurance companies may offer a lower settlement than what is fair, while families may disagree on the value of emotional suffering, lost income, or other damages. Our team works to ensure that you receive fair compensation and fights against any unfair offers.

Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance companies often try to reduce the amount of money they pay out in wrongful death cases. They may offer a quick, low settlement or try to blame the deceased for the accident. These tactics can be frustrating and leave families feeling underpaid for their loss.

Our Orange County wrongful death lawyers handle all communications with the insurance company, ensuring your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you truly deserve.

FAQs

What are California wrongful death claims, and who can file them?

California wrongful death claims are legal actions filed when a loved one dies due to another person's negligence or intentional harm. Surviving family members, such as spouses, children, and parents, can file a claim. If someone dies from an untimely death caused by an accident, such as a pedestrian accident or a bicycle accident, the deceased person's family may seek compensation.

How does a personal injury claim relate to a wrongful death claim?

A personal injury claim is filed when someone is injured due to someone else's actions. If the person dies from their injuries, the deceased person's family can file a wrongful death claim instead. This claim seeks compensation for the death, including damages for medical expenses and emotional suffering, especially in cases like medical malpractice claims.

Can medical malpractice cause wrongful death?

Yes. If a healthcare provider’s error or medical malpractice leads to a patient’s death, the deceased person's family can file a California wrongful death claim. This would be handled in civil court where the family seeks justice for their loved one's life lost due to intentional misconduct or negligence.

How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in California?

In California, the time to file a California wrongful death claim is generally two years from the decedent's death. If this time passes, you may lose the right to seek compensation. The deceased person’s family must act quickly to handle the legal complexities and ensure they don’t miss the deadline.

What compensation can a family receive from a wrongful death lawsuit?

A wrongful death lawsuit seeks to compensate the deceased’s family for the loss of their loved one. Compensation may cover funeral and burial expenses, emotional suffering, and lost income. In some cases, punitive damages are awarded for intentional harm or intentional misconduct, particularly in cases involving pedestrian accidents or bicycle accidents caused by another person's negligence.

Contact Our Orange County Wrongful Death Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Contact Our Orange County Wrongful Death Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Losing a loved one is a painful experience, especially when their death was caused by someone else’s actions. If your family has suffered from a wrongful death, you have the right to seek justice. At Wise Law, our Orange County wrongful death lawyers are here to provide moral support and legal guidance during this difficult time.

Our Orange County wrongful death attorney has a proven track record of helping families pursue justice and compensation for their losses. Whether the wrongful death was caused by a personal injury claim, like a car accident or medical malpractice, we will help you every step of the way. We work hard to negotiate a fair wrongful death settlement or take your case to civil court if necessary.

We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explain your options. You won’t pay us unless we win your case, as we work on a contingency fee basis. Contact us today to speak with a compassionate Orange County wrongful death lawyer who will fight for your family’s rights and ensure that justice is served.

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.

Wise Law Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers. (2025, May 15). What to Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles: A Quick Legal Guide. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.wiseinjuryfirm.com/what-to-do-after-a-car-accident-los-angeles.

This guide provides essential steps for car accident victims in Los Angeles, including immediate actions to take, how to document the scene, and when to seek legal help.Los Angeles Police Department. (2024, December 10). LAPD Traffic Collision Reports and Safety Statistics. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.lapdonline.org/traffic/accident-statistics.

This official LAPD resource offers detailed statistics on traffic collisions in Los Angeles and outlines citywide safety initiatives and reporting procedures.California Office of Traffic Safety. (2024, October 18). City of Los Angeles Traffic Safety Rankings and Reports. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.ots.ca.gov/rankings/los-angeles-2024
This page outlines how Los Angeles ranks among other California cities in terms of crashes, injuries, DUI incidents, and pedestrian safety.
California Department of Motor Vehicles. (2023, November 5). Accident Reporting Requirements in California. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/reporting-a-traffic-accident.

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.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2023, July 20). Driving Safely in Urban Areas: Los Angeles Focus. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.nhtsa.gov/los-angeles-driving-safety
The NHTSA offers urban driving safety tips and accident prevention strategies tailored to high-traffic cities like Los Angeles.

This page was written, edited, and reviewed & approved by Josh Kohanim. Josh is has been recognized as a “Super Lawyer” in Personal Injury representation for several consecutive years. Additionally, Josh has been named one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association for his exceptional track record in personal injury law. If you’ve been injured or harmed, Josh has the experience and dedication to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.
Client Reviews
why choose
wise law Personal Injury and Accident Lawyers
Proven Track Record
Multi-Lingual
Award Winning
Personalized Care
We’ll Come to You
Available 24/7
No Win, No Fee Guarantee
Request Your Free Consultation
Request 
Your Free Consultation

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
chevron-downarrow-right linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram