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. Call or contact us today for a FREE case evaluation.
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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 Southern California 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, a personal injury lawyer will work directly with you and your loved ones so you are never left wondering what comes next.
- Our law firm operates 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 all wrongful death lawsuits are thoroughly prepared and aggressively pursued.
Our Wrongful Death Verdicts Speak For Themselves
Who Is Going To Handle My Wrongful Death Case?
Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP has extensive experience with the often complicated lawsuits that arise after a 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 wrongful death case is in our hands.
Navigate This Page:
- Do I Have a Wrongful Death Case?
- Who Can File A Lawsuit?
- Wrongful Death v. Survival Action
- How Much Does a Wrongful Death Lawyer Cost?
- What Are the Most Common Types of Wrongful Death Cases?
- How To Prove Negligence
- Damages In A Wrongful Death Claim
- 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.
Who Can Legally File A Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Under California law, certain surviving family members have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim when a loved one dies as a result of another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct. The California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60 outlines who may be eligible to bring this type of lawsuit.
Individuals who may qualify include:
- A surviving spouse
- A registered domestic partner
- A putative spouse (someone who genuinely believed they were legally married to the deceased)
- Children of a putative spouse
- The deceased person’s children
- Certain dependent stepchildren
- Adopted children
California law generally allows putative spouses and registered domestic partners to seek the same types of damages available to a surviving spouse, including compensation for the loss of financial support, companionship, care, and guidance.
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Is There A Difference Between A Wrongful Death Claim And A 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.
Surviving family members file a wrongful death claim 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.
Survival actions are 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.
What Is 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.
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.
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 costs 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 Wrongful Death 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 statute of limitations 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.
Wrongful Death Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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 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).