Our Thousand Oaks wrongful death lawyer at Wise Law Firm is dedicated to helping families who lose a loved one due to another’s careless or negligent actions. We understand how devastating this situation can be, and we know financial losses often compound the grief. Our legal advice addresses every concern, including medical expenses, funeral costs, and other factors you may not have considered. We fight for fair compensation so you and your family can begin to move forward.
We stand out among other law firms because our wrongful death attorneys devote personalized attention to every case. No amount of money can return a deceased person to their loved ones, but holding the responsible party accountable can lessen the financial strain. We help you work through the legal process, from initial evidence gathering to final settlement negotiations. Each step is handled with care, empathy, and a commitment to results.
Our personal injury lawyers investigate all aspects of the fatal incident to uncover who breached their duty of care. Whether it’s a defective product, a reckless driver, or a negligent party at work, we do everything necessary to build a compelling wrongful death lawsuit. Our team remains available for updates or questions, giving you peace of mind while you grieve. You focus on healing, and we focus on pursuing the compensation you deserve.
California’s wrongful death law appears in California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, which allows a victim’s family to seek damages when a death results from negligent actions or wrongdoing. This can involve issues such as car crashes, unsafe conditions, or even medical mistakes. Plaintiffs must prove the defendant’s duty of care and how that duty was breached, directly causing death.
In many cases, a wrongful death claim can compensate surviving relatives for the financial and emotional harm they suffer. Each family’s circumstances differ, and the law can become complicated when multiple parties share fault. That’s where a skilled attorney steps in to clarify your legal options and suggest the strongest approach. We strive to resolve matters promptly while honoring your right to a thorough legal case.
Fatal incidents may occur in many ways, but certain scenarios appear more frequently than others. Recognizing these patterns can highlight where to look for liability.
Vehicle collisions top the list of fatal accidents. Distracted driving, speeding, or ignoring traffic signals often leads to lethal outcomes. When a driver violates basic road rules, they endanger not only themselves but also unsuspecting others. Surviving relatives may file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault driver or their insurance company.
Dangerous job sites put workers at risk every day. Falls from heights, malfunctioning machinery, or inadequate training can culminate in deadly injuries. Employers must follow safety regulations to protect employees, but these rules are sometimes ignored. Legal claims can arise if a business fails to correct hazards, causing a loved one’s passing.
A defective product can malfunction at a critical moment, triggering catastrophic results. Faulty auto parts, household appliances, or machinery might fail without warning. Manufacturers must ensure their items meet safety standards before selling them to the public. If they skip vital steps, families might hold them liable for a fatal accident.
Hospitals and other medical providers carry a significant duty of care. Mistakes like misdiagnosis or surgical errors can lead to a patient’s death. Victims’ families often file wrongful death claims when they suspect subpar treatment. Doctors, nurses, or hospitals who fail professional standards can be taken to court.
Property owners must keep their spaces free from hazards. Failing to fix broken stairs, wet floors, or other dangers can cause fatal accidents. Tragedies may occur in places like hotels, stores, or private residences. Survivors may bring a wrongful death law action if a loved one’s passing resulted from poor maintenance.
California law spells out which family members have standing to sue. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, the deceased person’s spouse, children, or domestic partner typically holds priority. If no one in those categories exists, others who depended on the decedent for support might be eligible.
Eligibility can become complex if multiple relatives come forward. Courts look at financial dependency and the direct relationships to the decedent. Our personal injury attorneys help clarify who can file the case and how best to approach it. We ensure every party with a valid interest can assert their rights properly.
Lost wages measure the income the family would have received if the victim had lived. This includes what the decedent contributed to the household, such as salary, benefits, or bonuses. Calculating the future earning potential often involves expert testimony to ensure accuracy.
Funeral expenses vary widely, from simple services to more elaborate memorials. California law recognizes a family’s right to reclaim these costs from the negligent party. Detailed receipts and records usually prove these expenditures, so the liable party cannot contest them easily.
Pain and suffering reflect the mental anguish family members endure after the fatal incident. In wrongful death cases, courts often look at the emotional distress, loss of companionship, and the overall impact on the survivors’ well-being. Proving such intangible harm may require testimony about the family’s changed dynamic.
Loss of future support accounts for the ongoing financial contributions the decedent would have provided. This can include paying the mortgage, health insurance, or other long-term obligations. Expert economists might testify about how the decedent’s career path would have evolved over time.
Most families must file within two years of their loved one’s passing, as stated in California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Missing this window usually bars you from seeking financial recourse.
Typically, spouses, children, or registered domestic partners have first priority. If none exist, others who depended on the deceased person may step forward.
No. Wrongful death cases often involve negligence rather than direct intent. You must show a breach of duty leading to your loved one’s demise.
Yes. Many parties reach agreements through negotiation or mediation, avoiding a trial. A knowledgeable wrongful death lawyer can guide you through these talks.
Timelines differ based on complexity, cooperation from the other side, and court schedules. Some cases resolve within months, while others extend over a year.
Wise Law Firm is here to offer compassionate yet determined assistance when your family faces unimaginable loss. Our attorneys combine experience and sensitivity to hold all parties accountable for a preventable death. We pledge to do everything in our power to ease your burden and secure fair compensation. Contact us now for a free consultation, and let us help you and your family heal.
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.
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