Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyers Who Demand Justice

If your loved one died due to negligence, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit

The death of a close loved one - a wife, husband, child, or parent – due to a preventable accident is one of the most challenging experiences that any person can be forced to endure. No amount of money can ever make up for their absence, but a civil wrongful death claim is an avenue to justice.

The Los Angeles wrongful death lawyers at Oaks Law Firm are compassionate, experienced, and solutions-focused advocates for families across California. With offices in Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, and throughout the state, our wrongful death attorneys are available to talk to you about your case anytime you’re ready – 24/7. We can listen to the details of what happened, answer questions, and explain your rights and legal options. For a free, fully confidential case evaluation, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

Common types of wrongful death cases in California

Losing a loved one is a heartbreaking experience, especially when their death is caused by someone else's negligence. In such tragic circumstances, you may be entitled to seek justice and hold the responsible parties accountable through a wrongful death lawsuit.

The purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is to empower the close loved ones of the victims to seek justice, accountability, financial support, and some level of closure. Our attorneys have a proven track record of successfully handling all types of wrongful death claims in California. We have the experience needed to take on complex cases involving:

Fatal crashes: Fatal motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of wrongful death cases and can involve a variety of scenarios, including car, semi-truck, pedestrian, and motorcycle accidents. These tragic events often result from negligent driving behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence. Whether the incident involves a standard vehicle, a large commercial truck, or a vulnerable road user like a pedestrian or motorcyclist, the consequences can be devastating.

Fatal Workplace Accidents: Workplace accidents can be catastrophic, especially in high-risk industries like construction, manufacturing, or transportation. They may involve machinery malfunctions, falls, exposure to hazardous substances, or a lack of proper safety protocols. Our attorneys work diligently to hold employers and third parties accountable for unsafe working conditions that lead to fatal injuries.

Fatal Swimming Pool Accidents: Drowning and other fatal incidents in swimming pools can occur due to lack of supervision, inadequate fencing, or unsafe pool conditions. These accidents are particularly heartbreaking when they involve children. We advocate for families who have suffered such losses, seeking compensation and accountability from negligent pool owners or operators.

Fatalities on Property, Premises Liability Accidents: Property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions on their premises. Fatal premises liability accidents can occur due to slip and falls, inadequate security, building code violations, or other dangerous conditions. We have experience holding property owners accountable when their negligence leads to a tragic death.

It's important to note that 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 does not always happen.

Regardless of whether criminal charges are brought or the outcome of a criminal trial, the family retains their right to pursue compensation through the civil court process. A negligent person can be held civilly liable even if they are not criminally liable.

Who can sue for wrongful death in California?

An untimely, preventable death impacts an enormous number of people. However, not everyone is eligible to file a wrongful death action 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 a wrongful death claim or lawsuit in California.
Secondary rights. If there are no surviving direct descendants, anyone entitled to the deceased’s property by California’s succession laws, such as parents, siblings, or other relatives, may act.

If you are not sure who should initiate the wrongful death claim, our wrongful death attorneys can help you and your family navigate the legal process.

Common types of wrongful death damages

Nothing could ever truly make things right after losing a loved one 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: These are quantifiable financial losses incurred by the surviving family members as a result of the wrongful death. They may include:

- Medical Expenses: Costs incurred for the medical treatment of the deceased prior to death.
- Funeral and Burial Costs: Expenses related to the funeral service and burial or cremation.
- Loss of Financial Support: The estimated income the deceased would have provided to their family if they had lived. This includes future earnings, benefits, and other financial contributions.
- Loss of Benefits: The loss of benefits such as health insurance, pension plans, and retirement benefits that the deceased would have contributed to.

Non-Economic Damages: These damages compensate for the intangible losses that the family suffers due to the wrongful death. They include:

- Loss of Companionship: Compensation for the loss of love, companionship, and guidance that the deceased provided to their family members.
- Loss of Consortium: Damages awarded to a spouse for the loss of marital relations and the emotional support provided by the deceased.
- Emotional Distress: Compensation for the mental anguish and emotional pain suffered by the surviving family members as a result of the death.

Punitive Damages: In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded. These are not intended to compensate the family for a specific loss but are instead meant to punish the defendant for particularly egregious or reckless behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future.
Loss of Household Services: Compensation for the value of services the deceased provided around the home, such as childcare, cleaning, and maintenance, which now require paid assistance or additional effort from family members.

Determining the appropriate amount of damages in a wrongful death case can be complex, as it involves both financial calculations and considerations of the emotional impact on the surviving family members. An experienced wrongful death attorney can help navigate these challenges, ensuring that the family receives fair compensation for their loss and holding the responsible parties accountable.

What is the deadline to file a wrongful death claim in California?

Time is a critical factor in wrongful death claims in California. The statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit. Generally, there is a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits. However, under some circumstances, families have much less time to act. For example, if the defendant is a government entity, your family may have only six months to file.

Contact a Los Angeles wrongful death attorney today

With offices in Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, and throughout California, Oaks Law Firm’s legal team is standing by ready to protect your rights and interests. We know that personalized legal representation is essential in wrongful death claims.

We understand the profound emotional and financial impact this loss can have on your life, and we are here to support you through this challenging time. Our wrongful death lawyers are committed to pursuing justice and securing the compensation your family deserves. If your loved one died due to negligence in California, contact us to explore your legal options and take the first step toward holding those responsible accountable.