Wrongful Death in California
When a family loses a loved one because of someone else's negligence or misconduct, a wrongful death claim can provide both accountability and financial stability. We handle the legal fight with care so your family can focus on grieving and healing.
Not sure if we can help?
Start with a quick, confidential case review — about two minutes, no cost, no obligation.
How we help
Losing someone to another party's negligence is devastating. We handle wrongful death claims with compassion — pursuing accountability and financial security for the family left behind.
Every wrongful death matter starts with a free, confidential review. We'll tell you honestly where you stand and, if we take your case, handle it from intake through resolution.
Common wrongful death cases we handle in California
View all 22 wrongful death cases
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Wrongful Death Claims
- Drowning Wrongful Death
- Fatal Aviation Accident Claims
- Fatal Bicycle Accident Claims
- Fatal Boating Accident Claims
- Fatal Bus Accident Claims
- Fatal Dog Attack Wrongful Death Claims
- Fatal Fire & Burn Injury Claims
- Fatal Hit-and-Run Claims
- Fatal Rideshare Accident Claims
- Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim
- Wrongful Death Compensation
Wrongful Death law in California
California handles a wrongful-death case through two related claims, with deadlines that run from the date of death.
- Who can file: California recognizes two separate claims — a wrongful-death claim brought by the eligible heirs (a spouse or partner, children, and certain others) and a survival action brought by the estate's representative.
- Filing deadline: Generally two years from the date of death, with about a six-month deadline to notify a government entity before suing.
- Your loved one's pre-death pain: For survival actions filed on or after January 1, 2026, California no longer allows recovery of the decedent's pre-death pain and suffering, except in elder-abuse cases.
- Damage caps: No cap in an ordinary wrongful-death case; deaths from medical malpractice are the exception.
How California compares
We are licensed in California, Arizona and New Mexico, and they differ more than most people expect. These put the three side by side.
- Who Can Bring the Claim? California vs. Arizona vs. New Mexico
- What a Family Can Recover: California vs. Arizona vs. New Mexico
Serving California
We represent wrongful death clients throughout California — there's no need to be in a particular city. Call (866) 855-1195 or start your free review above. Have questions first? See our Wrongful Death FAQs.
Frequently asked questions
Who can file a wrongful death claim in California?
The law limits it to certain family members — typically a spouse or domestic partner and children, and sometimes parents or dependents. The exact rules vary, so a free review is the best way to know.
How long do we have to file in California?
Wrongful-death deadlines can be short and generally run from the date of death — shorter still if a government entity is involved. Because a missed deadline can end a claim, reach out as soon as you are able.
What can our family recover?
Depending on the state and the facts, claims can address medical and funeral costs, lost financial support, and loss of care and companionship. What applies to you is what our attorney evaluates for free.
- 3 statesLicensedCalifornia, Arizona & New Mexico
- 6Practice areasTenant Rights, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Insurance Bad Faith, Immigration, Criminal Defense
- No feeUnless we recoverContingency for qualifying matters*
- FreeCase reviewsConfidential — se habla español
Ready to find out where you stand?
The case review takes about two minutes. It's free and confidential, with no obligation.