Losing a loved one to a preventable accident is one of the hardest things a family can endure. Oaks Law Firm represents families across the San Fernando Valley and throughout San Bernardino who are seeking answers and justice after a wrongful death.
Whether the loss was caused by a deadly car crash on the 215, a commercial vehicle wreck on Highland Avenue, or a fall on unsafe property, these cases are rarely as straightforward as they seem. Liability may appear obvious, but holding the right parties accountable takes serious legal experience. That’s why working with a San Bernardino wrongful death lawyer is so important.
Wrongful death claims involve more than just proving fault. They’re about recovering everything your family has lost. That includes income, support, companionship, and the future that was taken from you. Insurance companies often downplay these losses or delay payment until families give up. Oaks Law Firm doesn’t let that happen.
With a proven history of fighting for full compensation, our team makes the process easier, so you can focus on healing while we focus on results. For example, our law firm was involved in collecting $800 million for festival shooting victims. Contact a San Bernardino wrongful death lawyer for a free consultation and find out how we can help.
Justice depends on having the right information, clear, reliable answers from a trusted legal authority who knows what families need.
If someone dies because of another person or company’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions, it may be considered a wrongful death under California law. These cases are meant to compensate surviving family members for the losses they suffer due to the untimely death of their loved one. To qualify as a wrongful death claim, certain elements must be present:
Because these elements require legal proof, it’s wise to consult a wrongful death lawyer early on to determine if you have a valid case.
Not everyone affected by a tragic loss has the legal right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. California has clear laws about who can take legal action, and these rules determine who may receive compensation. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, this list outlines who typically has legal standing:
When there are multiple eligible parties, a lawyer can help file a coordinated claim and ensure each person’s rights are protected.
Wrongful deaths in San Bernardino are often the result of everyday situations gone tragically wrong. From traffic collisions to workplace hazards, many of these cases involve preventable circumstances that leave families struggling to understand what happened. Identifying the cause is an important step in determining liability.
A lawyer can help investigate the specific cause and identify all responsible parties to begin building a strong legal case.
In the aftermath of a fatal accident, families often struggle to understand if what happened was just a tragedy or a result of negligence. Knowing the difference is crucial when deciding whether to take legal action. Negligence occurs when someone fails to act with reasonable care, causing harm as a result.
These legal elements are often difficult to prove without help. A San Bernardino wrongful death lawyer can investigate and confirm whether negligence played a role.
When someone dies due to negligence, the financial and emotional impact on their loved ones can be overwhelming. California law allows eligible survivors to recover damages in a wrongful death claim to help account for these losses. These damages can cover both tangible costs and deeply personal losses.
Working with an attorney ensures all losses are properly valued and presented when pursuing compensation.
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the date of the victim’s death, under the state’s Code of Civil Procedure. If your claim isn’t filed within that window, you could lose the right to recover compensation, no matter how clear the liability.
Cases involving government agencies, like a collision with a county vehicle on Kendall Drive, may have even shorter deadlines. A lawyer can ensure everything is filed on time and nothing jeopardizes your right to take action.
After a fatal accident, there may be two types of legal claims available under California law. While both arise from the same event, they serve different purposes and compensate for different types of loss. Understanding how these actions work can help your family secure the full recovery you deserve.
A San Bernardino wrongful death lawyer can advise you on which claims apply and make sure no compensation is left on the table.
Yes, California law allows eligible surviving family members to bring one coordinated wrongful death claim. This often includes a spouse, children, and sometimes parents or others who were financially dependent on the deceased.
In San Bernardino, this can matter deeply in households where multiple generations rely on shared income. An attorney can help make sure every eligible party is included and their interests are represented fairly.
Liability is proven through evidence that shows someone’s actions, or failure to act, directly caused the death. This might include traffic camera footage of a fatal crash at Baseline and Sterling, witness statements, accident reconstructions, or phone records that prove distracted driving.
Employers, vehicle owners, or businesses may also be liable if they contributed to the situation. A wrongful death lawyer can gather, preserve, and present this evidence in a way that holds the responsible parties accountable.
Building a strong wrongful death case requires more than a belief that someone else is at fault. You need solid evidence to prove liability, link the actions to the fatal outcome, and demonstrate the impact on your family. Gathering this evidence early can make or break a case.
Experienced attorneys know how to collect and preserve the right evidence so your case is supported from every angle.
Yes, if the at-fault person dies, you can still pursue a wrongful death claim against their estate or insurance policy. These cases happen often, such as in high-speed crashes on the 210 or I-10, where both drivers are killed. Legal responsibility doesn’t disappear just because the individual is deceased. A lawyer can identify the correct party to sue and work to recover damages from available sources.
You’re not legally required to hire a lawyer, but it’s extremely difficult to win a wrongful death claim without one. Insurance companies are quick to deny or underpay claims, particularly when they sense a grieving family is going it alone.
This is common in San Bernardino cases involving crashes on the 215 or fatal workplace incidents in the Inland Empire industrial zone. The right attorney can deal with insurers, uncover facts, and push for full and fair compensation.
The timeline varies based on the complexity of the case, the number of liable parties, and whether the matter settles or goes to trial. Some cases may resolve within a year, but others can take two years or longer.
In San Bernardino, court backlogs and aggressive insurance tactics can significantly delay the process. A lawyer can keep the case moving, advocate for your family, and work toward the most efficient outcome possible.
Not necessarily. Many wrongful death claims settle without ever going to trial, particularly when the claim is supported by strong evidence and handled by an experienced attorney.
However, if the insurer refuses to make a fair offer, such as after a fatal wreck on Hospitality Lane or a negligent security incident downtown, a court case may be necessary. An attorney can handle all negotiations and represent you if a trial becomes the best way to get justice.
Pursuing a wrongful death case while grieving can feel like too much to bear. A skilled lawyer can take over the legal burden, give your family space to heal, and work to secure the justice and compensation you deserve. The right legal support can make a difficult process more manageable.
The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the sooner you can gain peace of mind that your family is in capable hands.
When negligence leads to the death of someone you love, the emotional and financial fallout can feel impossible to face. A San Bernardino wrongful death attorney from Oaks Law Firm can help your family pursue accountability and the compensation you’re entitled to.
There’s no fee unless we win, and consultations are always free. Let us handle the legal fight, so you can focus on what matters most. Contact us today!
