Woodland Hills
Wrongful Death Lawyer

We Represent Grieving Families in Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Woodland Hills

At Oaks Law Firm, our Woodland Hills wrongful death lawyer is a compassionate, experienced, and solutions-focused advocate for families. The loss of a close loved one to a fatal accident is one of the most challenging experiences that any person can ever be forced to endure. A civil wrongful death claim is an avenue to justice. For a free, fully confidential initial consultation with an experienced Woodland Hills wrongful death attorney, please do not hesitate to contact us today. 

We Handle All Types of Wrongful Death Cases in Woodland Hills

Oaks Law Firm is a boutique law firm devoted to serving victims and families—not big corporate defendants or large insurance companies. Unfortunately, fatal accidents can happen in a wide range of different contexts. Our firm handles all types of wrongful death claims in Southern California, including in Woodland Hills. We have the experience needed to take on: 

• Fatal car accidents; 
• Fatal semi-truck accidents; 
• Fatal pedestrian collisions; 
• Fatal motorcycle accidents; 
• Fatal workplace accidents; 
• Falal swimming pool accidents; 
• Fatalities on property (negligence); and
• Fatal medical malpractice claims. 

A Wrongful Death Claim is a Civil Cause of Action

Wrongful death lawsuits are civil causes of action. In some cases, there may also be a related criminal case—such as if a drunk driver caused a fatal crash—but that certainly does not always happen. The purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is to ensure that close loved ones of the victims are empowered to seek justice, accountability, financial support, and some level of closure. 

Understanding Liability in Wrongful Death Cases in California

In California, liability in wrongful death cases hinges on demonstrating that the death of your loved one was the direct result of another’s negligence or intentional harm. In other words, these are fault-based cases. What exactly you must prove to establish liability in a wrongful death lawsuit depends on a wide range of case-specific factors. That being said, as a general rule, a wrongful death claimant in California must prove that: 

• There was a duty of care owed to the (deceased) victim; 
• That duty of care was breached because of the defendant’s negligence; and
• The breach of the duty of care contributed to the fatal accident. 

Every fatal accident in Woodland Hills requires a comprehensive investigation. An attorney can help your family gather the evidence that you need to establish liability and seek justice. 

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?

An untimely, preventable death in Woodland Hills impacts an enormous number of people. However, unfortunately, not everyone is eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit under California law. Here is a general overview of the eligibility to file a wrongful death claim: 

• Primary Rights: The deceased person’s surviving spouse or domestic partner and the deceased person’s surviving children have the primary right to bring the claim. 
• Secondary Rights: If there are no surviving direct descendants, then anyone entitled to the property of the deceased by California’s succession laws, such as parents, siblings, or other relatives. 

If you are not sure who should initiate the wrongful death claim, an experienced Woodland Hills, CA attorney can help you and your family navigate California’s legal procedures. 

Know the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Cases

Time is a critical factor in wrongful death claims in Woodland Hills. The statute of limitations sets a deadline for when a lawsuit must be filed. In California, there is a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits. Only limited exceptions apply—but those exceptions work in both directions. If the defendant is a government entity, your family has even less time to initiate the claims process. On the other hand, if your family member’s death was not immediately discoverable, the statute of limitations may be extended. 

An Overview of Wrongful Death Damages

There is nothing that could ever truly make things right after losing to a fatal accident that should have been prevented. At the same time, grieving families need financial compensation to pay bills and provide support through challenging times. Monetary compensation is the primary remedy in a civil legal claim, including a wrongful death case. Through a wrongful death claim in California, a family may be able to recover compensation for: 

• Economic damages, including out-of-pocket medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and other direct costs. 
• Noneconomic damages, including loss of love, loss of companionship, loss of consortium, loss of sexual relations, and loss of parental guidance. 
• Punitive damages—which are a limited remedy that may be available in cases in which the defendant engaged in egregious acts of negligence. 

How Our Woodland Hills Wrongful Death Lawyers Can Help

Wrongful death claims are among the most complex types of legal cases. Our founder and principal attorney Matthew Nezhad has the experience and expertise that grieving families can trust. We are proactive and we truly care about the needs and interests of our clients. Among other things, our Woodland Hills wrongful death lawyer will: 

• Listen to your story and answer legal questions about the wrongful claims process; 
• Carefully investigate the fatal accident—gathering the evidence needed to prove fault; 
• Represent you in all aspects of the claims process, including insurance settlement talks; and
• Take the wrongful death claim as far as needed to get your family real justice. 

We know that personalized legal representation is absolutely essential in wrongful death claims. With a well-established record of client testimonials and real-world case results, our Woodland Hills wrongful death lawyers are committed to top-tier client service. We handle these personal injury cases on contingency—meaning there are never any upfront costs or hourly bills. 

Contact Our Woodland Hills, CA Wrongful Death Attorney Today

At Oaks Law Firm, our Woodland Hills wrongful death lawyer is standing by, ready to protect your rights and your interests. Contact us by phone or connect with us online for a free, strictly confidential initial consultation. We advocate for the rights and interests of grieving family members in Woodland Hills and throughout the wider region of Los Angeles County.

CALL TODAY! (877) 539-5366

Recovering the Damages You Deserve

If someone else is to blame for your injuries, you have the right to seek compensation for the full amount of damages you've suffered. These damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, as well as pain and suffering. You must bring forth your claim within one year of the accident date. Not filing your case within one year will bar you from recovery.