At Wise Law Firm, our Woodland Hills wrongful death attorney supports grieving families in Southern California who lose a loved one to avoidable tragedies. We know this is a difficult time, especially when life’s routine is suddenly overwhelmed by heartbreak and immediate practical concerns. Coping with funeral expenses, insurance companies, and legal matters can feel crushing. Our experienced attorney offers dedicated guidance, ensuring parties accountable for negligent actions do not escape their obligations.
Our track record speaks for itself. We can pursue a fair settlement on your behalf that covers medical expenses, loss of consortium, and numerous other damages that can help with your financial recovery. Learn more about wrongful death claims below. Then, contact us to schedule a free case review.
Wrongful deaths occur when a person dies due to someone else’s careless or intentional wrongdoing. These tragedies can arise from a motor vehicle accident, medical malpractice, or various other situations. Families left behind often face enormous financial burdens, including medical bills and lost income. Our wrongful death lawyer thoroughly investigates each detail, from the police report to eyewitness statements, to pursue fair compensation for you.
Some accident victims do not survive their injuries, which forces relatives to seek financial compensation on behalf of the deceased. Whether the negligent party is an individual, a corporation, or multiple responsible parties, we hold them accountable. Our law firm handles every aspect of your wrongful death claim, starting with collecting medical records and other essential evidence. This approach helps families secure maximum compensation for the void left behind by their loved one’s untimely passing.
In California, a death qualifies as wrongful when it results from another’s negligent or intentional acts. California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 outlines who can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. Key points to note include:
Negligent actions that lead to death include vehicle collisions, slips, falls, or other personal injury incidents. Families also see wrongful deaths occur in hospitals due to unsafe procedures or medical malpractice. Proving negligence involves demonstrating the defendant failed in a duty of care, ultimately causing the fatality.
Sometimes, a negligent party overlooks fundamental safety measures or allows hazards to persist. This can happen in construction accidents and fatal car accidents. This environment can trigger a deadly event, and families suffer because one person or entity ignored basic precautions. Our wrongful death lawyer aims to show precisely how these poor decisions caused the fatal outcome. Let our legal representation help you get the justice you deserve.
Not all wrongful death cases stem from mere carelessness. Some revolve around assault, homicide, or other actions where a person knowingly inflicts harm. Surviving loved ones can still pursue civil claims even when a criminal case is underway.
Intentional wrongdoing may bring stiffer legal consequences, yet criminal proceedings focus on punishment, not compensation. A wrongful death claim seeks monetary redress for survivors dealing with funeral expenses, lost future income, and emotional distress. We fight to hold every negligent or malicious actor fully liable.
Under California law, close family members often lead a wrongful death claim. This group typically includes spouses, children, or a domestic partner. If those individuals do not exist, others who depended on the decedent for support may qualify.
Determining proper claimants can be challenging in blended families or when multiple relatives want to join the lawsuit. The court expects them to coordinate or file jointly rather than launch separate suits. Our wrongful death attorney clarifies these rules, making sure each rightful claimant is represented.
Wrongful death law allows families to recoup specific losses tied to their loved one’s demise. Courts consider both tangible costs and intangible harm when awarding damages.
Future wages that the decedent would have earned are vital in any damage calculation. Experts can estimate the lifetime income the family loses due to this tragedy. Adjustments include inflation and expected career paths.
Funeral and burial expenses impose a sudden financial strain on grieving relatives. California statutes generally allow families to recover these fees in a wrongful death lawsuit. Receipts and service invoices strengthen the claim.
Emotional harm includes losing companionship, affection, and guidance from the deceased. Spouses, children, and dependents can claim compensation for the intangible loss of love and care. Such damages help acknowledge a survivor’s lingering sorrow.
Punitive damages punish defendants for outrageous conduct. Courts reserve them for malicious or egregious behavior far beyond basic negligence. They serve as a deterrent against repeating the same grave mistakes.
Wrongful death is a civil action seeking financial compensation, while criminal cases aim to punish wrongdoing. A single event can trigger both proceedings simultaneously.
California law grants most families two years from the death date to file. Missing that window might bar your right to recover damages.
They might file if no direct survivors, like a spouse or children, exist. However, they must prove financial reliance on the deceased.
Courts generally expect claimants to agree on dividing any settlement or award. A judge may step in if survivors cannot reach a mutual distribution plan.
Many settle before trial, but some do go to court. A trial becomes necessary if the parties cannot agree on liability or damages.
Wise Law Firm knows how to position your case for success when a loved one’s life ends due to another’s actions. We strive to lift your burden, from filing documents to negotiating with insurance companies, so you can focus on celebrating your loved one’s memory. Reach out today for a caring and thorough assessment of your potential wrongful death claim.
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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