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When tragedy strikes and a loved one is lost due to someone else’s negligence, the emotional and financial toll can be overwhelming. In these moments, families need more than just support—they need trusted legal guidance. At State Law Firm, our experienced team of wrongful death lawyers in Los Angeles is committed to helping families in Burbank pursue justice and secure the compensation they deserve. Learn more about the legal requirements and process for filing wrongful death claims in California.
What Is Considered a Wrongful Death Case?
A wrongful death claim arises when someone dies due to the legal fault of another party. This includes negligent actions, medical malpractice, or even intentional harm. These cases are civil actions, separate from any criminal charges that may be filed. Common examples of wrongful death incidents include:
- Fatalities resulting from fatal motorcycle crashes, which often involve driver negligence or unsafe road conditions
- Deaths occurring during rideshare accident claims involving Uber or Lyft
- Fatal falls or injuries sustained due to premises liability injuries on unsafe properties
- Elderly patients suffering fatal harm in facilities with a history of nursing home neglect
Successful wrongful death claims typically require proving negligence, breach of duty, causation, and resulting damages. It also involves navigating complex legal systems, gathering documentation, and working with expert witnesses to build a compelling case. At State Law Firm, we’re prepared to walk you through every step.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
Under California law, the following individuals are generally eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit:
- Spouses and domestic partners
- Children of the deceased
- Dependent stepchildren
- Parents, if there are no surviving children
In certain cases, individuals who were financially dependent on the deceased or who would be entitled to the deceased’s estate under intestate succession laws may also have standing to file a claim. Because family structures can vary widely, it’s essential to speak with an attorney who can help determine eligibility and avoid legal missteps that could delay or jeopardize your claim.
Additionally, California allows for one wrongful death claim per decedent, which means all eligible parties must be included in a single action. Coordinating this process properly can significantly impact your success in recovering damages.
Understanding Liability in Wrongful Death Cases
One of the most important elements of a successful wrongful death claim is establishing liability. This means identifying the person or entity responsible for the death and proving they acted in a negligent, reckless, or intentional manner that led to the fatal outcome.
Depending on the circumstances, liable parties may include individuals, corporations, property owners, manufacturers, medical providers, or even government entities. In multiparty accidents, there may be shared liability, which requires careful investigation to assign fault and maximize recovery.
For example, in rideshare accident claims, liability may lie with the driver, the rideshare company, or both. In auto accident lawsuits, poor road design or distracted driving might be to blame. Liability may also stem from dangerous conditions, as often seen in premises liability injuries.
In cases involving injury or death at work, our team may uncover safety violations in construction accident claims. We also regularly assist families navigating deaths caused by nursing home neglect.
To build a solid case, your attorney will gather police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, medical records, and expert opinions. In complex cases involving product defects or multiple vehicles, our legal team has the resources and experience to reconstruct the events, highlight code violations, and uncover patterns of unsafe behavior.
Liability isn’t always clear cut. For instance, a driver may be partially responsible, but the municipality may share fault if poor road maintenance contributed to the incident. We may even need to prove a pattern of prior incidents on the same property or analyze prior auto accident lawsuits to establish dangerous behavior patterns.
Don’t Wait—Your Time to File Is Limited
California law sets strict deadlines for filing wrongful death lawsuits. Generally, you have two years from the date of death to initiate legal proceedings. However, there are exceptions. For example, if the wrongful death occurred due to a government entity’s negligence, you may need to file a claim within just six months.
Missing these deadlines can mean losing your right to recover any compensation at all. Additionally, the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to collect crucial evidence like surveillance footage, witness testimony, and official reports. You can review the statute of limitations and exceptions here to make sure your case remains on track.
That’s why it’s critical to act quickly. Our attorneys are ready to evaluate your case and provide clear answers.
Talk to a Burbank Wrongful Death Attorney Today
If you believe your loved one’s death could have been prevented, don’t navigate this process alone. The grieving process is difficult enough without the added burden of dealing with insurance companies and legal paperwork.
At State Law Firm, we handle every detail, from investigating the cause of death to calculating damages and negotiating with liable parties, so you can focus on healing. We are here to protect your family’s future and connect you with trusted pedestrian accident attorneys or car accident lawyers in Sherman Oaks if needed.
Request a free consultation today or explore our homepage to learn more about how we can help.
