Compassionate Legal Support During Your Darkest Hour
We understand that no amount of money can bring back your loved one. Our goal is to provide financial security for your family and hold negligent parties accountable.
Wrongful Death Claims in California
When someone dies due to another person's negligence, recklessness, or intentional act, their surviving family members may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit. At Vasquez Law Firm, we help grieving families seek justice and compensation while they focus on healing from their devastating loss.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents caused by negligent drivers
Medical Malpractice
Misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, birth injuries
Workplace Accidents
Construction accidents, industrial incidents, exposure to toxic substances
Product Liability
Defective products, dangerous drugs, faulty medical devices
Premises Liability
Slip and falls, swimming pool accidents, inadequate security
Criminal Acts
Assault, battery, drunk driving, when third parties could have prevented harm
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Under California law, only certain family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit:
Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner
Legally married spouse or registered domestic partner
Children
Biological children, adopted children, and stepchildren who were financially dependent
Parents
If the deceased had no spouse or children, parents may file
Other Dependents
Anyone who was financially dependent on the deceased may have a claim
Types of Damages in Wrongful Death Cases
Economic Damages
- • Lost income and future earnings
- • Loss of benefits (health insurance, retirement)
- • Medical expenses before death
- • Funeral and burial costs
- • Household services the deceased provided
Non-Economic Damages
- • Loss of love, companionship, comfort
- • Loss of guidance and advice
- • Loss of consortium (for spouses)
- • Pain and suffering of survivors
- • Loss of protection and care
Proving a Wrongful Death Case
To succeed in a wrongful death claim, we must establish four key elements:
Duty of Care
The defendant owed a legal duty to the deceased person
Breach of Duty
The defendant breached that duty through negligence or misconduct
Causation
The breach of duty directly caused the death
Damages
The death resulted in financial and emotional harm to survivors
The Wrongful Death Legal Process
Investigation & Evidence Gathering
We thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your loved one's death
Expert Witnesses
We work with medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and economists
Calculating Damages
We determine the full value of your economic and non-economic losses
Negotiation & Trial
We fight for maximum compensation through settlement or trial
Time Limits for Wrongful Death Claims
Two-Year Statute of Limitations
In California, wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the date of death. Don't wait - evidence disappears and witnesses' memories fade over time.
Wrongful Death vs. Survival Actions
Wrongful Death Claim
Compensates family members for their losses due to the death
Survival Action
Recovers damages the deceased could have claimed if they had lived (pain, suffering, medical bills)
Let Us Handle the Legal Fight While You Grieve
Losing a loved one is devastating. You shouldn't have to worry about legal complexities during this difficult time. We'll handle every aspect of your wrongful death case with compassion and determination.
Get Compassionate Legal HelpImportant Deadlines
2 Years
To file wrongful death claim
ASAP
Evidence preservation critical
No Fee
Unless we recover for you