Wrongful Death

Santa Clarita Wrongful Death Attorney

Direct Attorney Access for Families Navigating a Devastating Loss

When a death is caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongful act, the legal system gives surviving families a path to accountability. Accident Attorneys serves clients throughout Santa Clarita in wrongful death matters, bringing over 75 years of combined legal experience and a record of more than $1 billion recovered in settlements and jury verdicts. We’ve been representing families in these difficult cases since 2014.

If your family has lost someone due to another party’s actions, we’re available 24/7 to review your case at no cost. Call (661) 261-4929 to speak with us today.

Your Case Is Handled by an Attorney, Not a Paralegal

Wrongful death cases involve medical records, liability investigations, and negotiations with insurers or opposing counsel. That process shouldn’t fall to a paralegal or assistant while you’re grieving. At Accident Attorneys, clients work directly with the attorney handling their case from start to finish. You get answers from the person who knows your file.

We also understand that attending an office meeting isn’t always possible after a loss. Our attorneys can come to you. We provide home or hospital visits when travel is difficult, and we offer services in Spanish so that language doesn’t become a barrier during an already overwhelming time.

What Can Lead to a Wrongful Death Claim

Wrongful death claims can arise from a range of circumstances, including motor vehicle collisions, defective products, unsafe property conditions, and medical negligence. The underlying facts vary significantly from case to case, which is why we pay close attention to the details of each family’s situation rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

Our firm has handled complex liability cases, including one that contributed to the recall of a defective product. That kind of result requires building a thorough factual record and knowing how to present it effectively.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California

California code defines who has legal standing to bring a wrongful death claim. The statute permits the decedent’s surviving spouse or domestic partner, children, or the issue of deceased children to file. If none of those survive the decedent, the right extends to those who would inherit through intestate succession under California law if no will existed.

The statute also allows certain dependents to file even if they don’t fall into those categories. A putative spouse, stepchildren, or the decedent’s parents may bring a claim if they were financially dependent on the decedent at the time of death. Whether a particular family member qualifies often depends on the specific facts of the relationship.

Recoverable Damages & the Related Survival Action

A California wrongful death claim can recover economic damages, such as the financial support the decedent would have provided and funeral or burial expenses, as well as non-economic damages including loss of companionship, comfort, and moral support. The claim belongs to the surviving family members, not the estate itself.

A separate but related claim called a survival action belongs to the decedent’s estate. It generally covers economic losses the decedent experienced before death, such as medical expenses and lost income. The two claims are often filed together. Punitive damages are generally not available in the wrongful death claim itself but may be recoverable through the survival action depending on the facts.

Filing Deadlines for Wrongful Death Cases in California

California generally requires a wrongful death lawsuit to be filed within two years of the date of death. Missing this deadline typically bars the claim entirely, so families should act well before it arrives.

Two notable exceptions apply. When alleged medical malpractice caused the death, a different timeline governs: the claim must generally be filed within three years of the injury or one year of discovering the negligence, whichever comes first. When the claim involves a government agency or employee acting in an official capacity, the California Government Claims Act requires filing a separate administrative claim within six months of the death before a lawsuit can proceed. That administrative step is a prerequisite, not a formality.

Start with a Free Case Review

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t get paid unless we recover compensation for your family. There are no upfront costs and no fees to get started. We’re available around the clock because grief and legal questions don’t follow business hours.

Call (661) 261-4929 to speak directly with our team. Accident Attorneys offers free consultations for wrongful death cases throughout Santa Clarita, with home or hospital visits available when you need them.

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DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?

WE HAVE ANSWERS

Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 661-261-4929 today!

What is the minimum amount for a personal injury settlement?

There is no minimum amount of money allowed for a personal injury settlement; every case is determined by the unique facts surrounding the claim. Additionally, most jurisdictions do not have a cap on the amount of my money that you can receive through a personal injury settlement.
In California, the amount of money that you can receive for noneconomic damages (pain, suffering, etc.) for a medical malpractice case is limited to $250,000; however, other injury settlements are not subject to this restriction.
How will I receive my personal injury settlement?

If you file a claim against an individual, his / her insurance company is probably aware of the judgment. If the insurance is unaware of the settlement, you can notify the insurer. At this point, the insurance provider should issue a check for the settlement.
If the responsible party does not have insurance, you may need to enter the settlement with the court. The court has the authority to enforce the judgment if the responsible party refuses to pay.
How much is my personal injury case worth?

Every case is different. A variety of circumstances determine the value of your claim. Property damage, medical expenses, hospitalization fees, pain, and suffering, missed wages, and many other factors can affect the outcome of your case.
You can even collect damages for future unemployment / missed wages and ongoing medical costs. Speak with a member of the legal team at Accident Attorneys to learn more about the potential value of your case.

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