Losing a loved one is devastating. When that loss is caused by someone else’s negligence whether from a motor vehicle accident, medical malpractice, or a workplace accident the pain is even worse. You’re left grieving, uncertain, and facing financial uncertainty.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we understand how hard this is. Our hollywood personal injury lawyers are here to guide you through the legal process, fight for justice, and help secure the financial compensation you and your family deserve.
If someone else’s negligence took your loved one from you, let’s talk. We offer free consultations and only get paid if we win your case.
What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
A wrongful death lawsuit is a legal action filed when someone dies due to another party’s carelessness, recklessness, or intentional act. It holds individuals, companies, or entities accountable for the financial strain and emotional devastation their actions caused.
At our wrongful death law firm, we handle cases involving:
- Motor vehicle accidents – Car, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents
- Medical malpractice – Medical negligence leading to a preventable death
- Workplace accidents – Unsafe working conditions causing fatalities
- Defective products – Product liability cases where dangerous products lead to fatalities
- Premises liability – Unsafe property conditions causing fatal injuries
If your family is facing the unimaginable, our wrongful death attorneys are ready to fight for you.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
Under California wrongful death law, only specific family members can file a wrongful death claim:
- Spouses or domestic partners
- Children or grandchildren (if their parent is deceased)
- Parents (if financially dependent on the deceased)
- Other dependents, including stepchildren or legal guardians
What Happens If There Are No Immediate Family Members?
If there are no surviving spouse, children, or parents, the right to file a claim may extend to anyone financially dependent on the deceased, such as a personal representative of the estate.
Time is limited. California law only gives you two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit and sometimes even less, depending on the case. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to seek justice.
Compensation in a Wrongful Death Case
Losing a loved one comes with more than just grief. There are funeral costs, burial expenses, lost wages, and medical expenses that add up fast. A wrongful death settlement helps ease this financial strain by covering:
1. Economic Damages (Financial Losses)
- Medical expenses related to the accident
- Funeral expenses and burial expenses
- Loss of income your loved one would have earned
- Loss of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions
2. Non-Economic Damages (Emotional & Personal Losses)
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of consortium (companionship, love, and support)
- Loss of guidance for children left behind
3. Punitive Damages (Holding Negligent Parties Accountable)
In some cases, if the responsible party acted with extreme negligence or intentional harm, the court may award punitive damages to punish them and deter future wrongdoing.
Every case is different. Our personal injury law firm will calculate the types of damages available in your case and fight for every dollar you deserve.
How the Wrongful Death Claim Process Works
We understand that filing a lawsuit might feel stressful. That’s why we handle everything for you.
- Free Consultation – We listen to your story, review your case, and explain your legal rights.
- Investigation – We gather evidence, review death certificates, and consult with experts to build a strong case.
- Filing the Lawsuit – We take legal action against the responsible party and begin negotiations.
- Settlement or Trial – If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to fight in court.
Time is limited. California has strict deadlines for wrongful death claims, so don’t wait to take action.
Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Wrongful Death Case
Grieving families often make mistakes that hurt their chances of getting full compensation. Here’s what you should avoid:
- Waiting too long to file – The statute of limitations in California is typically two years from the date of death.
- Accepting the first settlement offer – Insurance companies try to pay the least amount possible. We fight for what you truly deserve.
- Not hiring a skilled wrongful death attorney – Wrongful death cases are complex. You need a lawyer with experience in these types of claims.
Our team is here to protect your rights and make sure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
How to Prove a Wrongful Death Case in California
Proving a wrongful death case in California requires establishing that someone else’s negligence or misconduct directly led to the loss of life. This process isn’t always straightforward insurance companies often deny responsibility or try to minimize payouts. That’s why working with an experienced wrongful death attorney near you is critical in building a strong case and securing the wrongful death compensation your family deserves.
Duty of Care - Did the Responsible Party Have a Legal Obligation to Act Safely?
The first step in proving a wrongful death case is showing that the defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased. This means they had a legal responsibility to act in a way that wouldn’t put others at risk.
Examples of Duty of Care:
- A driver must obey traffic laws and avoid reckless behavior.
- A doctor must provide proper medical care to patients.
- A business owner must ensure their property is safe for customers and employees.
If someone takes on a role that affects others’ safety, they automatically assume a duty of care under California law.
Breach of Duty - Did the Responsible Party Act Negligently?
After establishing a duty of care, the next step is proving that the defendant breached that duty meaning they acted carelessly, recklessly, or failed to take reasonable precautions.
Examples of Breach of Duty:
- A distracted driver runs a red light, causing a fatal crash.
- A hospital fails to diagnose a life-threatening condition, leading to wrongful death.
- A manufacturer sells a defective product, knowing it could cause harm.
When a person or company fails to uphold their responsibility to act safely, they can be held legally liable in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Causation - Did the Negligence Directly Cause the Death?
It’s not enough to show that someone was careless we must also prove that their actions (or inaction) directly caused the loss of life.
Example of Causation:
- If a truck driver was texting and hit a pedestrian, their distracted driving is the direct cause of the fatality.
- If a nursing home failed to provide proper medical care, leading to a resident’s death, their neglect is the direct cause of the wrongful death damages.
Insurance companies often try to argue that other factors contributed to the death, so gathering strong evidence is crucial in proving liability.
Damages - What Losses Has the Family Suffered?
The final step in proving a wrongful death case is demonstrating the financial and emotional damages suffered by the surviving family.
Examples of Recoverable Damages:
- Medical costs from hospital stays and emergency treatment before death.
- Wrongful death damages for lost income and financial support.
- Compensation for losses like funeral expenses and burial costs.
- Emotional suffering due to the loss of companionship, love, and support.
These damages represent the real impact of losing a loved one—both financially and emotionally.
Why Strong Evidence Matters
Building a successful wrongful death case requires compelling evidence that proves negligence and damages. This may include:
- Police reports and accident records
- Medical records detailing the cause of death
- Witness statements from those who saw what happened
- Expert testimony from medical or accident reconstruction specialists
- Additional evidence such as security footage, phone records, or inspection reports
Insurance companies look for any excuse to deny claims or pay less than what’s fair, so working with a skilled personal injury attorney is crucial. At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we gather and present the strongest possible case to ensure families get the justice and fair compensation they deserve.
How Much Does a Wrongful Death Lawyer Cost?
Many families worry about the cost of hiring a lawyer, especially when they’re already facing financial uncertainty. The good news is that you don’t need to pay anything upfront.
At our firm, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay us if we win your case. Our fees come out of the settlement or verdict, not out of your pocket. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
This way, you can focus on healing without worrying about the cost of legal representation.
How Our Hollywood Wrongful Death Lawyers Can Help You
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we know how difficult this time is for you and your family. That’s why we are committed to making this process as smooth as possible while aggressively fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Here’s what sets our firm apart:
- Proven Experience in Wrongful Death Cases – With 19 years of experience, we have helped countless families pursue justice after devastating losses.
- Millions Recovered for Families – Our firm has secured significant settlements in wrongful death claims, ensuring families receive the financial relief they need.
- We Take Care of Everything – From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, we handle all legal aspects so you can focus on healing.
- No Upfront Fees—You Pay Nothing Unless We Win – We believe justice should be accessible. You don’t pay us unless we recover compensation for you.
When you work with us, you’re not just another case number you’re a family who deserves justice.
Call us today for a free consultation. Let’s fight for your family’s future together.
What to Do If You Suspect a Wrongful Death
If you believe your loved one’s death was caused by negligence, follow these steps:
1. Obtain the death certificate – This is essential evidence in any case.
2. Gather medical records – If medical malpractice attorneys are needed, these records are crucial.
3. Document financial losses – Keep track of funeral expenses, medical bills, and lost wages.
4. Consult a wrongful death attorney – The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
We’ll handle the legal work while you focus on healing.
Hollywood Wrongful Death FAQs
How much can you sue for in a wrongful death case?
There’s no fixed limit on how much you can recover in a wrongful death lawsuit in California. It all depends on the financial losses such as medical bills, funeral costs, and lost income as well as non-economic damages like emotional distress and loss of companionship.
However, there is one exception. If the case involves medical malpractice, California law caps non-economic damages at $500,000.
How long does a wrongful death case take?
Some cases settle within a few months, while others can take a year or more, especially if they go to trial. The timeline depends on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the strength of the evidence, and whether the insurance company is willing to negotiate.
How do you prove wrongful death in California?
To win a wrongful death claim, we need to show that the responsible party had a legal duty to act safely, failed in that duty, and caused your loved one’s death. We work with experts such as accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals to build the strongest case possible.
Contact Our Hollywood Wrongful Death Lawyers Today
This is an incredibly difficult time, and no amount of money can bring your loved one back. But a wrongful death lawsuit can provide financial stability, hold negligent parties accountable, and prevent similar tragedies from happening to others.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we’re committed to fighting for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation let’s seek justice together.
