Los Angeles Wrongful Death Attorney
Request Free ConsultationIf you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, having the right legal support can make a critical difference. Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers have obtained record-setting settlements and jury verdicts for fatal accidents, and are here to fight for you every step of the way. If you are considering legal action, look no further than the experienced Los Angeles wrongful death attorneys at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP.
Recognition For Our Hard Work
What Makes Panish | Shea | Ravipudi The Best Choice For Your Los Angeles Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim requires experienced legal guidance to navigate insurance companies, establish liability, and pursue the compensation needed to support those left behind. At Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, we help families throughout Los Angeles seek justice with trusted advocacy, proven results, and dedicated support at every stage of the process.
- We are skilled litigators who understand how to deal with insurance companies, even when the insurer is denying accountability.
- From investigation and case development to settlement negotiations or trial, we work directly with you and your family so you are never left wondering what comes next.
- We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you.
- We have the resources, experience, and litigation depth to take on large insurance companies and defense teams, ensuring each case is thoroughly prepared and aggressively pursued.
Who Is Going To Handle My Wrongful Death Case?
Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP has extensive experience with the often complicated lawsuits that arise after an injury or death caused by another’s negligence or misconduct. Our firm’s partners, attorneys, and the rest of the staff have been repeatedly recognized for excellence by other trial attorneys, legal organizations, and publications nationwide. You can rest easy knowing your case is in our hands.
Our Wrongful Death Verdicts Speak For Themselves
$800m
Sheppard v. Mandalay Bay LLC
Eighth Judicial District Court Chief Judge Linda Bell approved an $800 million settlement, granting the Joint Motion for Determination of Good Faith Settlement filed earlier this month on behalf of over 4,000 victims and their families.
$200m
Benardout v. Gralitzer
Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP has obtained a $200 million judgment for the parents of Noah Benardout, a 24-year-old musician who was tragically struck and killed by a vehicle following a collision caused by a drunk driver.
$92m
Doe v. Roe
Secured a $92,200,000 settlement for the parents of two minor children who were killed by fire as a result of corporate negligence.
$62m
Jane Doe v. ABC Charter Company
Wrongful death settlement for a mother whose adult son was killed in a charter plane crash. Lawsuit alleged pilots made a series of inexplicable decisions leading to a breakdown in communication prior to the crash.
Navigate This Page:
- Do I Have a Wrongful Death Case?
- How Much Does a Wrongful Death Lawyer Cost?
- What Are the Most Common Types of Wrongful Death Cases?
- How To Prove Negligence
- Wrongful Death Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have A Los Angeles Wrongful Death Case?
To file a wrongful death claim in California, the death of the victim must meet the state’s definition of wrongful death. Ultimately, the California Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60 defines wrongful death as a death from the wrongful act or neglect of another person.
To have a successful wrongful death claim, it is generally necessary to show that another party owed the victim:
- A duty of care
- Breached that duty through negligent or wrongful conduct
- Caused the fatal injuries that led to the victim’s death.
Evidence such as accident reports, medical records, witness statements, expert testimony, and surveillance footage can all play an important role in establishing liability. Because determining fault is not always straightforward, it is often beneficial to speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible.
Is There A Difference Between Wrongful Death And Survival Action?
When a loved one dies because of someone else’s negligence, California law may allow two different types of legal claims: a wrongful death claim and a survival action.
A wrongful death claim is filed by surviving family members for the losses they suffer because of their loved one’s death. Compensation may include lost financial support, funeral expenses, and the loss of companionship, care, and guidance.
A survival action is brought on behalf of the deceased person’s estate. It seeks compensation for losses the deceased suffered before death, such as medical bills, lost income, and other damages that occurred between the injury and passing.
In some cases, both claims can be pursued at the same time. Because these claims serve different purposes and compensate different losses, it is important to work with an experienced Los Angeles wrongful death attorney who can determine which claims may apply to your case and pursue the maximum compensation available.
The Cost Of A Los Angeles Wrongful Death Attorney
At Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, we handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and owe no attorney’s fees unless we successfully recover compensation for your family. We understand that families pursuing a wrongful death claim are often dealing with emotional hardship, unexpected expenses, and financial uncertainty.
When you hire our firm, you can expect:
- Free, no-obligation case evaluations
- No upfront attorney’s fees or retainer costs
- No attorney’s fees unless we win your case
- A clear fee agreement that is explained before representation begins
- Fees paid directly from a settlement or verdict recovery
- No hidden charges, surprise fees, or unexpected costs
- The financial resources to fully investigate and litigate your claim
We believe families deserve transparency from the very beginning. Before we take your case, we will explain exactly how our contingency fee arrangement works and answer any questions you may have.
Accidents That Qualify For A Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Any circumstance in which one or more parties contribute to the death of someone else could be grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit in California. In our experience, certain types of accidents result in wrongful death claims in LA more often than others.
For example, traffic fatalities remain a serious concern in California. In recent years, more than 4,000 people have lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes annually across the state. Speak to a Los Angeles car accident attorney for more information.
Other causes of wrongful death include:
- Workplace accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Premises liability
- Defective products
- Truck accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Automotive defects
- Drowning
- Fires
- Violence
- Pedestrian accidents
- And more
No matter the fatal activity or accident that caused your loved one’s death, we can help. Our Los Angeles wrongful death attorneys have experience going up against drivers, corporations, truck companies, product manufacturers, property owners, and others in pursuit of justice.
Internal Content Form
How to Prove a Wrongful Death Case in California
To succeed in a California wrongful death claim, surviving family members must show that another person or party caused their loved one’s death through negligence, recklessness, or an intentional wrongful act. Once liability is established, eligible family members may pursue compensation for their losses.
Negligence
The most common basis for a wrongful death claim. It occurs when someone fails to use reasonable care, causing fatal injuries. Examples include distracted driving, failing to follow traffic laws, or unsafe property conditions.
Recklessness
Is more serious than negligence and involves a conscious disregard for the safety of others. Examples include drunk driving, excessive speeding, or other dangerous behavior that creates an obvious risk of harm.
Intentional Wrongful Acts
This occurs when a person deliberately causes harm that results in another person’s death. Examples may include assault, battery, or other criminal acts. Even if criminal charges are filed, surviving family members may still have the right to pursue a separate wrongful death lawsuit in civil court.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Los Angeles?
In most cases, you have a two-year window from the day your loved one passed away to initiate a wrongful death lawsuit in Los Angeles. Missing this deadline could potentially limit a lawyer’s ability to assist you.
Who can file a wrongful death claim in California?
Under California law, certain individuals have the legal entitlement to file a wrongful death lawsuit which includes a spouse, domestic partner, children, grandparents, siblings, stepchildren, and other special circumstances.
What is the difference between wrongful death and survival action?
A wrongful death claim serves to compensate surviving loved ones for their damages. A survival action provides compensation to the decedent’s estate for his or her specific losses. Surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim, while only a representative of the estate may file a survival action.
What damages can I recover in a wrongful death claim?
A wrongful death lawsuit lets family members seek compensation for losses caused by a loved one’s death, including medical and funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship or household support. All
How long will my wrongful death case take to be resolved?
The timeline varies, but wrongful death cases can take several months to a few years, depending on the complexity of the case, the strength of the evidence, and whether the matter settles or goes to trial.
What evidence is needed?
Evidence often includes medical records, accident or incident reports, expert testimony, witness statements, and financial documentation showing the losses suffered by surviving family members.
Is there an age limit to file a wrongful death claim?
There is no age limit to file a wrongful death claim, but there are strict legal deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, that determine how long surviving family members have to bring the case.
What are the biggest challenges in a wrongful death case?
The most common challenges include clearly proving liability, overcoming disputes about fault, and presenting strong evidence that connects the defendant’s actions directly to the death and the family’s financial and emotional losses.
Damages Available In A Wrongful Death Claim
In California, eligible family members may recover both economic and non-economic damages, including:
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate families for the financial losses resulting from their loved one’s death, such as:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of the deceased’s expected income and financial support
- Loss of benefits, including health insurance and retirement benefits
- The value of household services the deceased would have provided
- Gifts or financial contributions the family would likely have received
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate family members for the personal losses associated with losing a loved one, including:
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of care, comfort, and support
- Loss of guidance, training, and advice
- Loss of love, affection, and moral support
- Loss of consortium for a surviving spouse or domestic partner
How Long Do I Have To File A Claim?
In most California wrongful death cases, surviving family members have two years from the date of death to file a lawsuit. However, if the claim involves a government agency, city, county, or other public entity, a formal claim generally must be filed within six months of the incident.
These deadlines are strictly enforced, and failing to act in time can jeopardize your right to recover compensation. Speaking with an experienced Los Angeles wrongful death attorney as soon as possible can help ensure important evidence is preserved and all filing requirements are met.
Request a Free Consultation With A Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyer
While nothing can truly make up for the death of a family member, the law provides that you can seek compensation for the losses you have suffered due to another person’s wrongful act or neglect. The dedicated team at Panish | Shea| Ravipudi LLP is ready to serve as a strength by your side during this difficult time and is proud to offer free consultations to prospective clients. Contact our office today to set up an appointment with a member of our team.
We Are Proud To Have Been Featured In
We also handle cases of wrongful death in
- Orange County,
- San Bernardino
- Riverside
- Across California.
Where To Find Us
Our office is conveniently located on the Westside of Los Angeles, making it easy for clients throughout the city and surrounding communities to meet with our legal team. We are situated near the bustling business district of Century City, just minutes from Westwood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).