Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyers

When the wrongful or negligent conduct of a person or business results in the death of another, surviving family member may have grounds to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These surviving loved ones or beneficiaries may be entitled to compensation for the loss of support and for the loss of the companionship. 

Get started by telling us your story. Call the Law Offices of Rice & Bloomfield at (818) 600-7966 to schedule a consultation.

What Is Wrongful Death in California?

Wrongful death lawsuits are intended to help surviving family members who have lost a loved one due to the negligence or intentionally harmful actions of others. In California, surviving family has two years to bring a lawsuit against the perpetrator under California’s statute of limitations. To be successful in this legal action, our attorneys will prove that the defendant’s actions directly led to the death. 

Wrongful deaths can occur from almost any accident. The Law Offices of Rice & Bloomfield handles cases related to the following: 

• Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
• Boating accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Elder abuse
• Pedestrian or bicycle accidents
• Dangerous or defective products
• Catastrophic injuries, such as those affecting the spinal cord or severe burns

Under California law, surviving family members, dependents, and beneficiaries of the deceased are eligible to bring legal action against the negligent or wrongful parties. This includes surviving spouses, domestic partners, children, grandchildren, stepchildren, or a minor who depended on the deceased for support. 

Potential Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim

The law allows surviving beneficiaries to collect damages that the decedent would have been entitled to in a personal injury claim, if he or she had survived. Punitive damages may also be awarded to the victim’s family if the actions of the wrongful party were particularly egregious. 

Damages that may be recovered include:

• Expenses associated with the death, such as medical and funeral costs
• Loss of inheritance
• Lost benefits, such as insurance, from the death
• Loss of companionship, care, or protection
• Pain, suffering, or mental anguish suffered by the survivor of the decedent
• Punitive damages, intended to punish wrongdoers and prevent them from harming others

Decades Spent Caring for Our Clients

Our lawyers at the Law Offices of Rice & Bloomfield understand that no amount of money will bring back your loved one. A successful wrongful death lawsuit, however, can help you move forward through these trying times and provide the support you need to account for your loss. We also want to hold negligent parties accountable so their actions do not harm other families in the future. 

If you live in Southern California, and you have lost a loved one due to the negligence of another, you may be entitled to compensation. Call (818) 600-7966 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.