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Personal Injury
California Wrongful Death Lawyer
Did another party’s negligence take your loved one’s life? At Wilshire Law Firm — an award-winning, nationally recognized team — our attorneys help California families pursue accountability and compensation with compassion. Contact us 24/7 for a free case review with a legal professional — there are no fees unless you get paid.
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Understanding Your Wrongful Death Case
Explore essential resources on your rights, your options, and what to expect — everything you need to navigate the legal process, all in one place.
Wilshire Law Firm is an award-winning, nationally recognized team that has helped grieving families across California hold negligent parties accountable. Our attorneys investigate how your loved one died, identify every responsible party, and manage the insurance companies while you focus on your family. There are no fees unless you get paid.
A wrongful death claim is a civil action brought when a person dies because of another party's negligence or wrongful act. Common causes include car, truck, and motorcycle accidents, pedestrian and bicycle collisions, workplace accidents, defective products, and medical negligence. The claim seeks compensation for the surviving family's losses rather than criminal punishment. A legal professional can review the circumstances during a free case review.
California law limits who may bring a wrongful death claim. Under California Code of Civil Procedure §377.60, eligible parties generally include the surviving spouse or domestic partner, the deceased's children, and — if there is no surviving spouse or children — other heirs entitled to inherit under intestate succession, such as parents or siblings. Certain dependents may also qualify. Because eligibility can be complex, it's best to confirm your standing with a legal professional.
Surviving family members can generally recover both economic and non-economic damages. These commonly include funeral and burial expenses, the loss of the deceased's financial support and household services, and the loss of companionship, love, and guidance. A separate "survival action" may also recover losses the deceased sustained before passing. Because every case is unique, a legal professional can review your losses during a free case review.
In most California wrongful death cases you have two years from the date of death to file a lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1). Claims involving a government entity carry much shorter deadlines — often a six-month claim requirement. Because missing a deadline can permanently end your claim, it's wise to speak with a legal professional as early as possible.
Meet Our Wrongful Death Attorneys
Nationally-Recognized Powerhouse, Fighting for the Justice You Deserve
Our award-winning attorneys have recovered billions for clients while taking on insurance companies and major corporations.
Colin M. Jones, Esq.Senior Partner and Senior Trial Attorney, Chair of the Personal Injury Litigation Department
Jennifer P. Burkes, Esq.Senior Partner & Strategic Advisor, Personal Injury Litigation Department
Mary Lee Caruso, Esq.Senior Partner
Ryan Casey, Esq.Senior Partner and Trial Attorney
Tae-Yoon Kim, Esq.Senior Partner
Alivia E. Abreu, Esq.Partner
Shervin G. Ghanoongooi, Esq.Partner
Christopher Goodroe, Esq.Partner
Nathan A. Guest, Esq.Partner and Trial Attorney
Brian M. Jacobson, Esq.Partner
Ariella Perry, Esq.Partner$10.3M
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Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Each case is unique and evaluated on its own facts.
How Do I Know If My Family Has a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
Three factors determine whether your family has a valid wrongful death claim — fault, standing, and damages. Fault means another party's negligence or wrongful act caused your loved one's death. Standing means you are an eligible family member under California Code of Civil Procedure §377.60, such as a surviving spouse, domestic partner, or child. Damages are the family's losses, including funeral costs, lost support, and lost companionship. California's statute of limitations applies, so contact Wilshire Law Firm's wrongful death attorneys for a free case evaluation.
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Record breaking results
Winners of #1 Settlements in California
Our attorneys have recovered billions of dollars, including some of the biggest settlements in California.
17#1 Settlements in California, 2022–2024*
TopVerdict #1TopVerdict.com #1 settlements
1–1 of 17
#1 Truck v. Pedestrian Accident Settlement
2024
#1 Multi-Vehicle Accident Settlement
2024
#1 Equipment Malfunction Settlement
2024
#1 Car v. Stationary Object Collision Settlement
2024
#1 Bus v. Passenger Accident Settlement
2024
#1 Whistleblower Retaliation Settlement
2023
#1 Underinsured Motorist Settlement
2023
#1 Slip & Fall Accident Settlement
2023
#1 Negligent Security Settlement
2023
#1 Ladder Accident Settlement
2023
#1 Hotel Premises Liability Settlement
2023
#1 Car v. Car Collision Settlement
2023
#1 Bicycle Accident Settlement
2023
#1 Pregnancy Discrimination Settlement
2022
#1 Age/Disability Discrimination Settlement
2022
#1 Wrongful Termination Settlement
2022
#1 Meal & Rest Breaks Settlement
2022
*#1 settlements in California have been awarded by TopVerdict.com. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Wrongful Death FAQs
Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
We've answered the most common ones below. If yours isn't here, call us — we're available 24/7.
California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 limits standing to specific people — generally the surviving spouse or domestic partner, the children, and, if there are none, other heirs who would inherit, along with certain financially dependent family members. Determining who is eligible can be complex, so it is worth confirming with an attorney.
Generally two years from the date of death under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. If a government entity may be responsible, a written claim is usually due within six months first. Deadlines have exceptions, so confirm yours promptly.
A wrongful death claim compensates surviving family members for their own losses, such as lost financial support and companionship. A survival action, brought by the estate, recovers what the deceased could have claimed before death, such as pre-death medical bills and lost earnings. The two often arise from the same death and may be pursued together.
Yes. Under California's pure comparative negligence rule, a family can recover even if the deceased shared fault — the award is reduced by their percentage of responsibility rather than barred entirely. If your matter involves losing a job rather than losing a loved one, our wrongful termination lawyers can help.