A death caused by another person or entity’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act.

Typically, the deceased’s spouse, domestic partner, children, or certain other dependents.

Funeral expenses, lost financial support, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering.

A wrongful death claim seeks financial compensation in civil court, while criminal cases seek penalties like prison time.

Yes, eligible family members can join together in a single wrongful death lawsuit.

Generally, two years from the date of death.

The family may have both a workers’ compensation death benefit claim and a wrongful death lawsuit against third parties.

Yes, if the death was caused by extreme negligence or intentional harm.

Individuals, companies, government agencies, or any party whose actions caused the death.

Based on lost income, value of household services, life expectancy, and emotional losses.

You may still recover damages for loss of companionship, care, and guidance.

Yes, but damages will be reduced under California’s comparative negligence law.

No. Many are resolved through settlement before trial.

Yes, if a healthcare provider’s negligence caused the death.

Death certificate, medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony.

Yes, through a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor.

You may recover compensatory damages and possibly punitive damages.

It can take several months to years, depending on complexity and negotiations.

By investigating, proving liability, calculating damages, and negotiating or litigating for maximum recovery.

We work on contingency, you pay nothing unless we win.