Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyers

If you are seeking justice for a loved one’s unjust and unexpected death, you need compassionate Los Angeles wrongful death lawyers to fight for you. Farahi Law Firm’s top-rated wrongful death attorneys in LA are here to help family members after the unexpected loss of life of a loved one.

Losing a loved one in a fatal accident is a devastating experience that no one is prepared for. If an at-fault party is to blame for your loss, the emotional trauma of such a tragedy can be much harder to bear. Thus, the victim’s family is often afflicted by emotional pain and mental anguish. 

While no amount of compensation can fill the void caused by losing a loved one, holding the negligent party accountable may bring a sense of relief to the surviving family members.

In California, family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit in civil court and seek compensation for economic and non-economic losses. Our experienced Los Angeles wrongful death lawyers will help guide you through your legal options and pursue the maximum compensation for the pain you are experiencing after losing a loved one.

What is a Wrongful Death Claim?

In California, a wrongful death claim is filed when an individual dies as a result of another person or entity’s wrongful act or negligence. It is an action taken by the surviving family members of the wrongful death victim against the liable party. If negotiations are unsuccessful, a lawsuit may be filed.

The liability is articulated exclusively in terms of financial damages, which the defendant (the responsible party) pays to the deceased’s beneficiaries when the claim is successful. These compensation awards can include payments of medical expenses, funeral expenses, loss of income, loss of consortium, and loss of emotional support.

Negligence must be proven to deem the death wrongful, and it is in the best interest of the plaintiffs (the family of the deceased) to have a competent wrongful death attorney on their side. An experienced lawyer can help you prove the death of your loved one could have been prevented.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Los Angeles?

The state legislation decides who can file the wrongful death claim. A wrongful death lawyer can help you determine what is best for your specific case. Under California Civil Procedure Code 377.60, the following family members of the deceased – or their official representatives – are entitled to file a lawsuit for the wrongful death:

• the deceased’s surviving spouse
• the deceased’s domestic partner
• the deceased’s surviving children 

If there is no successor in the line of descent of the deceased, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed by someone who is entitled by interstate inheritance to the property of the deceased. This may include the parents or siblings of the deceased, depending on who is surviving at the time of death of the deceased. People financially dependent on the deceased person can also bring a wrongful death lawsuit in Los Angeles:

• the deceased’s “putative spouse” and children of the putative spouse
• the deceased’s stepchildren, and  
• the deceased’s parents 

Accidents Leading to Wrongful Death in Los Angeles

A wrongful death arises when someone dies in a circumstance where they would have been able to pursue a claim for the personal injury had they survived the accident or altercation. This not only includes cases of neglect or deliberate misconduct. But also deaths resulting from defective products and unsafe premises. Common types of accidents that lead to wrongful death claims in Los Angeles are:

• Motor vehicle Crashes: Motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers, drunk or intoxicated drivers, road rage, etc. are among the leading causes of death, resulting in a wrongful death claim.
• Pedestrian Accidents: Pedestrians are often victims of a fatal injury in this type of accident. Reckless driving, speeding, and lack of pedestrian walkways are common causes of pedestrian accidents.
• Truck Accidents: Commercial truck accidents are not only the deadliest of crashes but also result in complicated court cases as well.
• Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect: Many nursing homes in Los Angeles often fail to provide the duty of care owed that the elderly’s deserve. Due to their frail state, it would only take a minor injury to be considered fatal.
• Medical Malpractice: When doctors, hospitals, or medical care providers fail to provide the standard of care, resulting in a patient’s death, the family may file a wrongful death claim.
• Premise Liability: Property owners and managers are responsible for ensuring that the site is safe and well maintained so that visitors are not exposed to physical danger. Sadly, many careless property owners simply neglect their legal obligation, and the result is a serious injury and even death.
• Product Liability: Defective products, such as car parts, medical equipment, and children’s toys can cause tragic injuries leading to wrongful death.

Regardless of the cause, to prevent adding undue psychological trauma to the families of the victim, a wrongful death case should be handled by an expert wrongful death attorney.

Contact Farahi Law Firm, APC, for professional counsel on the legal process of your case. Our compassionate wrongful death attorneys will ensure you and your family receive the rightful compensation you deserve.

Wrongful Death Damages One Can Claim in LA

At Farahi Law Firm, we understand the immense relief it will bring to a family when they know where the money will come from for things, including hospital care, funeral costs, etc. 

Compensation for damages is awarded in wrongful death cases to reimburse the family members for any suffering they experienced due to the loss. The categories of recoverable claims differ, and also depend on whether the claimant is a surviving partner, parent, or child. The most common losses recovered include:

• Medical bills or expenses incurred during the final illness or injury of the deceased
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of income and anticipated future earnings of the deceased
• Loss of inheritance arising from untimely death
• Loss of benefits resulting from the death of the victim e.g. pension, medical coverage, etc.
• Pain and suffering or mental anguish to the deceased’s family members
• Loss of companionship, love, care, protection, guidance, financial support to the survivors

If you have lost a family member due to another person’s negligence in Los Angeles, you have a right to file a claim for wrongful death and obtain financial compensation for the damages you’ve suffered. With our “No Fee Guarantee” policy, you can hire a competent wrongful death attorney without stressing about paying for legal fees.

Proving a Wrongful Death Claim in Los Angeles

To establish liability in wrongful death, the claimant will have to prove the following:

• The defendant conducted negligent actions
• The negligent conduct contributed straight to a victim’s death
• The surviving family members are legitimate heirs of the victim’s estate
• The surviving family members have suffered a tangible loss arising from the death of the deceased

Wrongful death claims are often complicated and require a comprehensive accident investigation to ensure compensation for damages for surviving family members. Hire a wrongful death lawyer as early as possible to allow time to investigate and adequately bring the claim before the deadline.

How a Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyers Can Help

The wrongful death claims process can be time-consuming and cause emotional distress. A skilled attorney can help families tread through complex wrongful death claims with ease. After a wrongful death accident, a personal injury attorney can:

• Successfully file your claim within the statute of limitations.
• Conduct a thorough investigation and gather evidence in your favor.
• Help you establish the liability for the loss of your loved one.
• Deal with the guilty party’s insurance company on your behalf.
• Will effectively negotiate until you receive a favorable settlement.
• Represent you at a jury trial if required.

Have you lost a loved one in Los Angeles due to someone else’s negligent actions? Top-rated Los Angeles wrongful death lawyers at Farahi Law Firm are committed to helping people rebuild their lives after negligent or intentional conduct that results in the accidental death of a loved one.

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we do not collect any fees unless we win! Contact us or call us at (310) 601-4925 for a free initial consultation. 

Frequently Asked Questions

When I File a Wrongful Death Claim, Do I Need to Go to Court?

Like many other personal injury claims, wrongful death cases can be settled without going to court. However, one must be prepared to go to court, as sometimes it can be a wise decision depending upon the circumstances of your loved one’s death. Regardless of how your wrongful death claim is settled, the most important thing to bear in mind is to get a qualified wrongful death lawyer on your side to defend your interests.

Can Heirs Recover Punitive Damages in Wrongful Death Claims in LA? 

Heirs cannot recover punitive damages in wrongful death claims in Los Angeles, no matter how egregious the defendant’s action was.

However, if any economic loss happened before the person died, then punitive damage may be claimed by filing a survival action, as opposed to a wrongful death claim. Contact an expert wrongful death attorney in Los Angeles to better understand your legal options.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Los Angeles?

Most Los Angeles wrongful death lawyers work on a Contingency Fee Agreement basis. This means the client is not required to pay a fee to an attorney upfront. The pay a defined percentage of the amount of money that is recovered in a wrongful death claim.

Farahi Law Firm’s wrongful death attorneys provide a No Fee Guarantee policy, which means that you do not owe any legal fees to us until our wrongful death lawyers win or settle your claim.

Can Parents File a Wrongful Death Claim if Their Child Has a Surviving Spouse?

Parents are entitled to compensation by filing a wrongful death claim if their child has no children or if they can show that they were financially dependent on their child.

Wrongful death claims can have many complications, you should consult with an accomplished Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer who will aggressively fight to protect your rights.