Mon - Fri 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

admin@hackettfirm.com

Call Us: (415) 410-9931

Wrongful Death Attorney in California

Legal support for families facing an unimaginable loss. We hold those responsible accountable for negligence and misconduct.

Compassion & Support

Support for Families Facing Unimaginable Loss

Losing a loved one is devastating—especially when their death was caused by someone else’s negligence, misconduct, or reckless behavior.

While no legal action can bring them back, California law allows surviving family members to seek accountability and financial compensation through a wrongful death claim.

An experienced wrongful death attorney can guide you through this difficult process, protect your rights, and ensure those responsible are held legally accountable.

Legal Definitions

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim arises when a person dies due to the wrongful act or negligence of another individual, business, or entity. Under California law (Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60), eligible parties may include:

⚖️  The spouse or domestic partner of the deceased.

⚖️  Children or stepchildren

⚖️  Parents or legal guardians

⚖️  Other financial dependents or heirs

The goal is to compensate the family for losses resulting from the death, including both economic and emotional damages.

Liability & Causes

Common Causes of Wrongful Death

Wrongful deaths can result from a wide range of preventable incidents involving negligence or misconduct.

Transportation Accidents

Fatalities involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrian crashes caused by reckless driving.

Medical Malpractice

Tragic errors including surgical mistakes, misdiagnosis, or pharmacy errors that lead to loss of life.

Workplace Fatalities

Construction or industrial accidents resulting from safety violations or equipment failure.

Defective Products

Dangerous drugs or faulty machinery that malfunctions with fatal consequences.

Criminal Misconduct

Intentional acts or extreme negligence, including assault or drunk driving incidents.

Unsafe Properties

Fatal premises liability cases involving slips, falls, fires, or structural collapses.

Financial Recovery

Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases

Survivors endure both financial and personal losses. We aggressively pursue damages covering:

Funeral and burial expenses

Loss of financial support and future earnings

Loss of companionship, guidance, and affection

Emotional pain and suffering

Value of lost household services

Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases

A wrongful death claim compensates survivors. A **Survival Action** is separate—filed to recover damages the deceased would have been entitled to had they survived, such as medical bills and pain experienced before death.

Filing Eligibility

Who Can File in California?

The right to file is typically limited to immediate family members. If no surviving spouse, child, or parent exists, individuals who would inherit under California’s intestate succession laws may qualify.

Statute of Limitations

The deadline is generally **two years from the date of death**. Exceptions exist for government entities or medical malpractice. Delaying action may result in losing your legal rights.

Our Role

How an Attorney Can Help

We handle the legal burden so you can focus on healing. Our firms provides:

📁 Thorough incident investigation & liability determination

🔬 Coordination with medical & forensic experts

📞 Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies

🏛️ Powerful advocacy in court and litigation

Additional Support

External Resources for
Grieving Families

California Courts – Overview of Wrongful Death Procedures

Office of Victim Services – California Attorney General Support

NIOSH – Fatalities and Workplace Safety Standards