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Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyer

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Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing someone you love is hard. It feels even worse when the death happens because someone else was careless. When this happens, the law provides your family with a means to seek justice. A wrongful death claim can help you recover money for the harm caused.

Bobby Shamuilian California Personal Injury Attorney at Law helps families in Los Angeles who are going through this painful time. We understand how challenging it can be to navigate legal matters while grieving. That is why we handle the details for you and make sure your voice is heard.

Our team fights to hold the person or company at fault responsible. We work hard to get your family the support you need.

What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?

A wrongful death lawsuit is a legal case you can file if someone dies because another person or company acted carelessly or did something wrong. Under California law, this type of claim allows surviving family members to seek compensation for losses such as funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional distress.

These cases can come from car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, or other wrongful acts that led to someone’s death. The law gives you a way to get justice and financial help for the loss you’ve suffered.

Purpose of a Wrongful Death Claim

The main reason for filing a wrongful death claim is to help the family get financial and emotional support after the loss of a loved one. It also holds the negligent party responsible for their actions, whether it was a careless driver, doctor, or employer. This kind of claim covers real costs like medical bills, funeral costs, and the income your loved one would have earned.

However, it also helps with non-monetary losses, such as the loss of companionship or support. A Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer can help you file the claim and fight for maximum compensation.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Los Angeles?

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Los Angeles?

Not everyone can bring a wrongful death claim in California. Only certain surviving family members have the legal right to file. These laws are designed to ensure that the people most affected by the loss have the opportunity to request financial assistance.

A Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer can explain if you qualify and help you act before the statute of limitations runs out.

Eligible Family Members

Under California wrongful death laws, the people who can file a claim include the surviving spouse, domestic partner, and children of the person who died. If none of these people are alive or available, others like parents, stepchildren, or a putative spouse may be able to file, depending on their relationship and support history.

The law follows rules similar to those in California's laws on intestate succession to determine who can file if there is no will. It is essential to consult with a wrongful death attorney to determine who qualifies.

Time Limit to File (Statute of Limitations)

In most cases, you must file a wrongful death lawsuit within two years from the date your loved one passed away. This time limit is called the statute of limitations, and if you miss it, you may lose your right to seek justice in civil court.

There are a few exceptions, like in medical malpractice or cases involving government agencies, where different time limits may apply. To protect your rights and meet deadlines, it’s smart to talk with a trial lawyer as soon as possible.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle

Our law firm helps families with many types of wrongful death cases in Los Angeles. These are some of the most common causes we see:

  • Car Accidents: Deadly crashes caused by driver mistakes, distracted driving, speeding, or drunk driving often lead to wrongful death lawsuits. These can involve cars, trucks, or other motor vehicles.
  • Motorcycle Accidents: Riders are more exposed and face higher risks. Many motorcycle accidents result in fatal injuries when other drivers fail to yield or check blind spots.
  • Pedestrian Accidents: Pedestrians are very vulnerable in traffic collisions, especially at crosswalks or when drivers ignore traffic laws.
  • Bicycle Accidents: Like pedestrians, cyclists are at high risk in traffic accidents, especially on busy Los Angeles roads without proper bike lanes.
  • Slip-and-Fall Accidents: Falls caused by unsafe property conditions, such as wet floors, broken steps, or inadequate lighting, can lead to severe injuries or even death, particularly among elderly victims.
  • Workplace Accidents: Jobs in hazardous workplaces like construction or factories may lead to fatal injuries when safety rules are not followed.
  • Medical Malpractice: Mistakes by doctors, nurses, or hospitals like wrong treatment, late diagnosis, or surgery errors can cause deaths that qualify for a wrongful death claim.
  • Defective Products: Faulty cars, tools, or appliances may lead to fatal injuries. These cases involve product liability and may also include punitive damages.
  • Criminal Acts: Some wrongful death claims come from violence, such as assault or other criminal acts. Families may sue the attacker, even if the attacker is already facing charges in criminal court.

If you believe your loved one died because of any of these causes, a Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer can explain your rights and legal options.

Damages Available in a Wrongful Death Claim

Damages Available in a Wrongful Death Claim

When a loved one dies due to someone else's mistake, the law allows surviving family members to ask for money to cover their losses. A wrongful death claim in California can include both monetary losses and emotional harm.

Here are the types of damages families can recover in a wrongful death lawsuit:

Economic Damages

These damages cover the money the family lost because of the death:

  • Funeral and Burial Costs: Expenses related to the funeral, casket, burial, or cremation.
  • Medical Expenses: Bills for hospital stays, surgeries, or medical treatment received before the victim's passing.
  • Lost Income: Wages or salary the person would have earned if they had lived, including future income.
  • Loss of Financial Support: The money the family depended on for living expenses.
  • Value of Lost Services: Assist the person in living at home, including child care, meal preparation, or home repairs.

Non-Economic Damages

These cover emotional and personal losses that do not have a set dollar amount:

  • Loss of Companionship: The pain from losing a close relationship, like a spouse or parent.
  • Loss of Consortium: The loss of love, support, and care a spouse gave.
  • Emotional Trauma: Ongoing grief, sadness, and mental suffering after the death.
  • Loss of Guidance: The absence of a parent's advice, love, and direction for children.

Survival Action Claims

A survival action is different from a wrongful death claim. It lets the family recover damages the victim could have claimed if they had lived. This includes the pain the person went through before dying, along with medical expenses, lost pay, or damage to property.

Under California law, these claims must be filed by the estate, not by individuals. These are based on the harm done to the person before they passed, rather than what the family lost after.

How Our Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyers Can Help

When someone you love dies due to another person’s mistake, the law can seem confusing and stressful. That is where we come in. Our team at Bobby Shamuilian California Personal Injury Attorney at Law stands by families through every step. We help gather proof, deal with the insurance companies, and fight for the money you deserve.

We understand how challenging this time is, and we are here to provide strong legal support from start to finish.

Thorough Investigation

We examine every detail of the case to determine exactly what happened. This includes going over police reports, talking to witnesses, and reviewing medical records. Our team knows that solid evidence helps build a strong case and makes it easier to prove who was responsible.

We take the time to understand all the facts before we move forward.

Identifying All Liable Parties

Sometimes, more than one person or company is responsible for a wrongful death. We work to identify everyone who may have contributed to the accident, whether it is a negligent driver, a business, or a product manufacturer.

Knowing who is at fault helps us go after all possible sources of compensation. We do not stop until we find the full truth.

Handling Insurance Negotiations

After a wrongful death, insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible. Our team steps in to deal with them directly, so you don't have to. We understand how insurance policies work and know how to communicate effectively in their language.

We push for fair compensation for all your losses, including funeral expenses, lost income, and the pain your family is going through. We do not let them take advantage of you during a hard time.

Courtroom Representation

If the case cannot be settled fairly, we are fully ready to go to court and fight for you. Our Los Angeles wrongful death lawyers have courtroom experience and know how to present strong evidence in front of a judge and jury.

We build your case with care, using expert testimony, documents, and facts that clearly show the truth. We are not afraid to take your case to trial if that is what it takes to win justice for your loved one.

FAQs

What is the difference between wrongful death and murder?

Wrongful death is a civil lawsuit for compensation. Murder is a criminal case prosecuted by the state. Both can proceed at the same time.

Can multiple family members file separate lawsuits?

No. California allows only one wrongful death claim per decedent, which includes all eligible survivors as plaintiffs.

How long do these cases take?

Anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on the complexity and whether the case goes to trial.

What if the deceased had no income?

You can still claim non-economic damages for emotional loss and support. Compensation is not limited to financial contributions alone.

How much is a wrongful death case worth?

It depends on factors like the deceased’s income, age, family situation, and the circumstances of death. We work with financial experts to maximize your claim.

Contact Our Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Contact Our Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Losing someone you love is very hard, especially when it happens because of someone else’s actions. If you're going through this in Los Angeles, we're here to help. Bobby Shamuilian California Personal Injury Attorney at Law listens to your story and gives you honest legal advice. You may be able to file a wrongful death claim and get help with funeral costs, lost income, and more.

Our law office helps families get answers and seek justice. We handle everything for you so you can focus on healing. Our team knows California wrongful death laws, and we work hard to protect your rights.

We offer a complimentary consultation, allowing you to ask questions without hesitation. You do not pay anything unless we win for you. Contact us today to speak with a caring wrongful death lawyer who puts your family first.

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bobby shamuilian california personal injury attorney at law
Published date: January 14, 2026
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This page was written, edited, reviewed, and approved by Bobby Shamuilian.

Attorney Shamuilian is the managing partner and founder of My Rights Law and is widely recognized as a legal authority, frequently appearing as a legal analyst and TV pundit on national news outlets.

He has earned a perfect “10.0 – Top Attorney” rating on AVVO and a “10.0” rating on Justia, and has been named among the “Top 40 Under 40” and the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” by The National Trial Lawyers.

With his proven expertise and dedication, Mr. Shamuilian is committed to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your case.

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