Lost a Loved One Because of Someone Else’s Mistake? We’re Here to Help.
No one should have to lose a family member because someone else acted carelessly. It’s not just about grief it’s about sudden changes to your life, your finances, and your future. If someone’s negligence took someone from you, the law may give you a way to hold them accountable.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we focus on helping families in Studio City file wrongful death lawsuits. As experienced personal injury lawyers in Studio City, we know this isn’t about case numbers t’s about people. It’s about your family, your loss, and making sure your voice is heard.
Many families come to us feeling unsure. Can I really do this? Is it worth it? What will it involve? We answer all those questions and more, with honesty and care. Because this process should bring clarity not more confusion.
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What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
A wrongful death claim is a legal action brought when someone loses their life because of another person or company’s careless or reckless actions. Under California law specifically, Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 the family has the right to seek justice through a civil lawsuit.
This isn’t about punishment. It’s about fair compensation. It covers things like funeral costs, medical bills, lost income, and the emotional pain that comes with the loss of a partner, parent, or child.
Think of it like this: if your loved one had survived and filed a personal injury claim, this is the legal path the family now takes in their place.
For example, if a father dies in a motor vehicle accident caused by a drunk driver, his children may be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. The goal is to hold the negligent party responsible and help the family stay financially stable through such a difficult time.
Can I File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit for My Loved One?
In California, not everyone can file a wrongful death lawsuit. The law makes it clear who can and in what order.
The closest relatives have the first right. That includes a spouse or registered domestic partner, children, and in some cases, stepchildren or others who depended financially on the person who died.
If none of these people are living, other relatives like parents or siblings may be able to file. If you’re unsure where you fall, a wrongful death attorney in Studio City can look at your situation and help you understand your options.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Studio City?
Many wrongful death claims start with everyday situations that turn tragic often because someone didn’t follow the rules or ignored safety.
A car crash on Ventura Boulevard. A fall on a construction site. A delayed diagnosis in a local clinic. These aren’t rare. And when they happen, the families left behind are the ones who pay the price.
Here are some of the most common causes of wrongful death we’ve seen in Studio City:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents - Drivers who speed, text, or drive under the influence can change a family’s life in seconds. We’ve handled cases where a loved one never made it home from what should’ve been a routine drive.
- Pedestrian and bike collisions - Studio City has walkable streets, but distracted drivers make it risky for those on foot or bike.
- Medical malpractice - Missed test results, wrong medications, or surgical mistakes can all lead to wrongful death lawsuits. Medical costs add up fast, especially when something goes wrong.
- Construction or workplace injuries - Employers are responsible for keeping work zones safe. When they don’t, fatal accidents can happen, and families are left with not only loss, but unanswered questions.
- Defective products - A car part that fails. A machine that malfunctions. When a product isn’t safe, the company that made it can be held responsible.
- Nursing home neglect - Families trust facilities to care for their loved ones. When that trust is broken and someone dies because of poor care or neglect, legal action may be possible.
- Criminal acts - In some cases, a wrongful death lawyer can file a civil case even if criminal charges are also being pursued. These are separate and the civil claim can offer compensation the criminal case doesn’t cover.
How We Prove Wrongful Death in California
The Five Elements of Negligence
To win a wrongful death lawsuit, your attorney needs to show that someone failed to act with reasonable care and that failure led directly to your loved one’s death. We do this by establishing five things:
- There was a duty of care - like a driver’s responsibility to follow traffic laws.
- That duty was breached - maybe the driver was texting or speeding.
- That breach caused the accident.
- The accident led to damages - physical, emotional, and financial.
- And ultimately, those damages resulted in the loss of life.
It’s not about making things complicated. It’s about telling the full story and proving that it didn’t have to end this way.
What Evidence We Use
Every case is built on facts. We dig into the details. We review medical records to understand the injuries. We bring in experts when needed, especially in complex cases like surgical mistakes or truck accidents.
We collect accident reports, talk to witnesses, and sometimes work with accident reconstruction professionals to understand what really happened especially in traffic or workplace injury cases.
We also gather records that show the financial impact. This could be lost future income, funeral costs, or what it would’ve taken to raise young children left behind.
And we don’t overlook the emotional side letters, journal entries, or statements from family can help the court understand the real human loss.
What Does a Wrongful Death Lawyer Actually Do?
A wrongful death lawyer doesn’t just file papers and wait. We take on the full weight of the legal work so you don’t have to.
That starts with investigating the accident whether it was a car crash, a fall on a job site, or a case of medical negligence. We collect every document, track down witnesses, and talk to experts who can strengthen your claim.
We handle all communication with insurance companies and other parties. You shouldn’t have to argue with insurers while you’re dealing with loss.
We also make sure everything is filed properly and on time. California law sets firm time limits on filing wrongful death claims and missing them can mean losing your right to sue.
If we can reach a fair settlement, great. But if not, we’re prepared to go to court. Our law firm has helped clients across Studio City, Beverly Hills, and beyond fight for results when the stakes were high.
What Compensation Can You Get in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
When someone you love is gone, no amount of money can undo what happened. But a wrongful death claim can help ease the financial pressure and give you a sense that something was done to hold the right parties accountable.
Economic Damages
These are the losses you can measure. Things like funeral costs, burial expenses, and any medical care given before your loved one passed.
It also includes loss of income not just now, but what your loved one would’ve earned over a lifetime. If they helped with bills, childcare, or daily needs, that’s counted too.
We had a case where a mother passed away due to a faulty product. Her two young kids were left with no support. We helped them recover compensation for her future earnings and care, giving them financial breathing room as they adjusted to life without her.
Non-Economic Damages
These are harder to measure but just as real. Pain and suffering. Loss of companionship. The missed birthdays, conversations, and guidance that would have been part of your life.
Courts recognize this. You may hear terms like loss of consortium or mental anguish. They all point to what families truly lose when someone dies not just the dollars, but the daily love and support that’s gone.
How Long Do These Lawsuits Usually Take?
Wrongful death lawsuits don’t move overnight. Most cases take several months, sometimes over a year, depending on the details. If the facts are clear, insurance companies may settle quickly. But if liability is disputed, or more than one party may be at fault, things take longer.
We’ve worked with families who wanted closure fast. In one case involving a traffic accident near Studio City, the case settled in under six months because the police report, medical records, and witness statements were strong. In other cases, especially where more investigation is needed ike accidents involving faulty equipment or workplace injuries it takes more time to gather what’s needed.
Court schedules, insurance delays, and expert testimony can all add time. But having an experienced lawyer helps you avoid setbacks and move things forward.
Will Your Case Go to Trial Or Settle?
Most wrongful death cases settle without going to trial around 95% nationwide. That means both sides reach an agreement before stepping into a courtroom.
A trial becomes necessary when the at-fault party denies wrongdoing, disputes the damages, or refuses to negotiate. When that happens, we present your story clearly and fight for the outcome you deserve.
In a recent California case, a jury awarded $40 million to the family of a man killed by a speeding CHP officer. The state wouldn’t settle, so the case went to trial. The jury listened and responded.
Trials take longer and can be stressful. But sometimes, they’re the best path to a fair result. Either way, our job is to help you weigh your options and make the best decision for your family.
What Happens If You Lose the Case?
If your case doesn’t win, you don’t owe us anything. Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if you recover compensation. There are no upfront costs and no hidden fees.
This structure takes the financial risk off your shoulders. You already have enough to handle legal fees shouldn’t be one of them.
If a case doesn’t succeed, we can also look at next steps. That might include appealing the decision or reviewing whether any legal issues or evidence were missed. Every option is considered carefully, and you’re never left without answers.
Why Families in Studio City Trust Us
We’ve helped families throughout Southern California including right here in Studio City through some of their hardest moments. With over a decade of experience in wrongful death law, we’ve built a reputation for results and respect.
Our firm isn’t a legal factory. We keep our caseload focused so we can offer real personal attention. That means when you call, you speak to your attorney not a case manager you’ve never met.
We’ve secured compensation in cases involving nursing home neglect, auto accidents, prescription medication errors, and more. In one Studio City case, we represented a son who lost his mother due to an anesthesia error during surgery. The hospital initially denied responsibility, but we fought for answers and ultimately secured a settlement that helped the family move forward.
Local knowledge matters. We know the courts, the procedures, and the players. That familiarity helps us build stronger legal strategies and avoid delays.
FAQs About Wrongful Death Lawsuits
What is the statute of limitations?
In California, you typically have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If you wait too long, the court may not hear your case no matter how strong it is. That’s why it’s important to speak with a lawyer early. In one Studio City case involving a product failure, we were able to act quickly and preserve evidence that made a major difference in the outcome.
Do you pay taxes on a settlement?
Most wrongful death settlements are not taxed at least not the portion related to compensating you for your loss, like funeral expenses, emotional distress, or lost income. However, certain portions like punitive damages or interest could be taxed. We’ll walk through what applies to your case so there are no surprises.
Can multiple family members file?
Only certain people have the right to bring a wrongful death claim, and they must do it together in one lawsuit. This usually includes spouses, children, and sometimes parents or dependents. California also recognizes the putative spouse doctrine, which means someone in a relationship who believed in good faith they were married could also be eligible. We’ve helped families sort out these legal issues before, so everyone who has a right to be included is.
What if the at-fault party is a government employee?
Claims against a public agency like a school, city employee, or law enforcement follow special rules. You usually have just six months to file a notice of claim. We’ve handled wrongful death cases involving government vehicles and even city workers, so we know how to work within those tight timelines while still building a strong case.
Why Hire a Local Studio City Wrongful Death Attorney
Hiring a wrongful death lawyer who knows Studio City isn’t just convenient it can help your case.
We’re familiar with how LA County courts operate, what local judges expect, and which experts have real credibility here. That knowledge makes the legal process smoother and often quicker. And if something urgent comes up, we're nearby not across town.
We’ve handled wrongful death claims related to everything from ride-hailing services to truck drivers ignoring traffic laws on Laurel Canyon. Whether it's aggressive driving, a workplace accident, or a case involving product failures, we've stood beside families here and helped them secure fair compensation.
When you hire a local law firm, you get more than legal representation. You get personal attention. And that can make all the difference.
Let Us Fight for Your Family - No Fees Unless We Win
Losing someone you love is already hard. You shouldn’t have to deal with legal stress on top of that.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we focus on helping families like yours move forward after wrongful death. As a trusted Studio City wrongful death lawyer, Adrianos understands what’s at stake and what fair compensation really means.
You don’t pay anything unless we win your case. No hidden fees. No upfront costs. Just real legal help when you need it most.
Schedule Your Free Case Review Now and let’s talk about what your family needs to start the next chapter.
