Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyer

Seeking Justice for Families After a Loved One’s Wrongful Death

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is a devastating experience that no family should have to endure. Whether caused by medical malpractice, car accidents, workplace accidents, or other fatal accidents, a wrongful death lawsuit can help surviving family members recover compensation for their loss.

At Greenberg Gross LLP, our Los Angeles wrongful death lawyers understand the emotional and financial challenges that come with losing a loved one. We are dedicated to helping families navigate the legal process and seek financial compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and the pain and suffering caused by their loved one’s death.

What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

A wrongful death lawsuit is a legal action filed when a person dies due to another’s negligence or wrongful act. Under California law, surviving family members, including a surviving spouse, children, or other legal dependents, may file a wrongful death claim to recover damages.

A wrongful death case allows family members to seek compensation for financial and emotional losses, including:

Medical expenses related to the deceased person’s injuries
Funeral expenses and burial expenses
Lost income and future earnings of the deceased person
Pain and suffering experienced by surviving family members
Loss of companionship and emotional support

Filing a wrongful death suit can provide much-needed financial support for families struggling with the unexpected costs associated with their loved one’s wrongful death.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?

Under California law, only certain family members have the legal right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Eligible parties include:

The deceased person’s surviving spouse
The deceased person’s surviving children
The deceased person’s parents, if no spouse or children exist
Any legal dependents or heirs, including putative spouses

In some cases, the decedent’s estate may also file a civil wrongful death lawsuit to recover economic damages related to the death. A Los Angeles wrongful death attorney can help determine who is eligible to file a wrongful death claim and guide the family through the legal process.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death Cases

A wrongful death case can arise from many types of accidents or acts of negligence. Some of the most common causes include:

Car accidents caused by reckless or impaired drivers
Fatal workplace accidents, including construction site injuries
Medical malpractice cases involving surgical errors or misdiagnoses
Defective products leading to fatal injuries
Nursing home neglect and abuse
Fatal accidents caused by unsafe property conditions

Regardless of the circumstances, families should not have to bear the financial burden of a loved one’s wrongful death. A wrongful death lawyer can help hold the responsible party accountable and recover damages for surviving family members.

What Compensation Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim seeks financial compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Compensation may include:

Medical bills incurred before the loved one’s death
Funeral expenses and burial costs
Lost income and future earnings
Loss of companionship and emotional distress
Economic damages related to financial support the deceased person would have provided

In some cases, families may also be able to recover punitive damages if the wrongful act was particularly egregious. A wrongful death attorney can assess the full extent of your claim and help you seek maximum compensation.

How to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Los Angeles

Filing a wrongful death lawsuit requires proving that another party’s negligence or wrongful act caused the death. The legal process involves:

Establishing that the at fault party had a duty of care to the deceased person
Proving liability by showing that the defendant’s breach of duty caused the death
Demonstrating the financial and emotional impact of the death on surviving family members

Wrongful death cases can be complex, and insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. A skilled wrongful death lawyer can gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and file a wrongful death suit on behalf of the family.

Why You Need an Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney

Navigating a wrongful death case while grieving the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming. A wrongful death attorney can:

Handle all legal paperwork and filings
Prove negligence and liability in court
Negotiate with insurance companies to seek compensation
Advocate for the best possible settlement or verdict

At Greenberg Gross LLP, our experienced wrongful death attorneys fight for families who have lost a loved one due to another’s negligence. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Contact a Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to seek compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. The legal team at Greenberg Gross LLP is here to help you through this difficult time and ensure that you receive the financial support you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Los Angeles?

Under California law, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the loved one’s death. However, exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances, so consulting a wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible is recommended.

What damages can be recovered in a wrongful death claim?

A wrongful death claim may include compensation for medical expenses, funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional distress. The amount of compensation varies depending on the specifics of the case.

Who can file a wrongful death suit in California?

Eligible parties include the deceased person’s surviving spouse, children, parents, or legal dependents. If no immediate family members exist, other heirs may be able to file a claim.

What if the responsible party denies liability?

Insurance companies and defendants often try to avoid responsibility in wrongful death cases. A wrongful death attorney can gather evidence, work with experts, and negotiate aggressively to prove liability and recover damages.

Do I need a lawyer to file a wrongful death lawsuit?

While it is possible to file a wrongful death lawsuit without a lawyer, having legal representation significantly increases the chances of a successful claim. A wrongful death attorney can handle the legal process and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.