Lost a Loved One Due to Negligence? Get the Justice Your Family Deserves.

Free Consultation Available 24/7: (925) 778-0377

When tragedy strikes and you lose someone you love due to another’s negligence in Antioch, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a proven advocate who understands your pain and fights relentlessly for your family’s future. As the leading Antioch wrongful death lawyer team with over 50 years serving Contra Costa County, we know that no family should face this battle alone.

Antioch Wrongful Death Lawyer Helping a Family

Why Antioch Families Choose GJEL After Devastating Loss

$950+ Million Recovered | 99% Success Rate | No Win, No Fee

For over 50 years, GJEL Accident Attorneys has stood beside grieving families in Antioch, turning their devastating losses into powerful cases for justice. While no amount of money can bring back your loved one, we ensure those responsible are held accountable and your family’s financial future is protected.

Immediate Help for Your Family

  • Available 24/7 for emergency consultations
  • Local Antioch office at 5109 Lone Tree Way
  • No upfront costs—we only get paid when you win
  • Proven results against Antioch police departments, hospitals, and major corporations

“They really cared about our family” — Robyn R., whose husband died in an accident

We Handle Everything While You Grieve

From fatal car crashes on Highway 4 to medical malpractice at local hospitals, our Antioch wrongful death attorneys have seen it all. We immediately:

✓ Investigate the scene and preserve critical evidence
✓ Deal with insurance companies trying to minimize your claim
✓ Calculate the full value of your loss (often millions more than initial offers)
✓ Fight aggressively in Contra Costa County courts when needed

Time Is Critical—California Law Limits Your Rights

The statute of limitations is ticking. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Insurance companies hope you’ll wait too long.

Don’t let them win. Call (925) 778-0377 now for your free case review.

Featured in Forbes, Newsweek & US News | Top-Rated by Best Lawyers | Serving Antioch Since 1972

[Get Started Today – Free Consultation] [View Our $950M+ in Results] [Read 100+ Five-Star Reviews]

Losing a loved one in a car accident is a devastating and life-altering experience. In such situations, you not only deal with emotional turmoil but also face numerous legal complications. During this difficult time, GJEL Accident Attorneys will be on your side and be there to help you every step of the way.

If you want to speak to a lawyer to understand if you may have a wrongful death case, contact our Antioch personal injury lawyers or wrongful death lawyers in Antioch today at 925-778-0377 for a free case review.

Our attorneys are available 24/7 to speak with you and provide the support you need to help you get better.

Wrongful death on a paper with a gavel on a table

Do You Have a Case Under California Law?

Determining whether you have a valid wrongful death claim in Antioch requires understanding both California law and how local courts interpret these cases. As experienced Antioch wrongful death attorneys, we help families identify when negligence or misconduct has robbed them of their loved one.

California Wrongful Death Law Requirements

Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, you may have a case if your loved one died due to:

Negligence or Recklessness

  • Fatal car accidents on Highway 4 or Antioch streets
  • Medical malpractice at Sutter Delta or Kaiser Antioch
  • Dangerous property conditions at local businesses
  • Workplace accidents at Antioch industrial sites

Intentional Acts

  • Assault or homicide cases
  • Police misconduct (as seen in recent Antioch police department cases)
  • Criminal acts by third parties

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Contra Costa County?

California law specifically designates who may bring a wrongful death claim:

  • Surviving spouse or domestic partner
  • Children (including stepchildren in some cases)
  • Parents (if no spouse or children exist)
  • Anyone entitled to the property through intestate succession

Our top rated wrongful death law firm has successfully represented all categories of claimants in Contra Costa Superior Court.

Time Limits: The California Statute of Limitations

Critical deadline: You generally have only 2 years from the date of death to file your wrongful death lawsuit. However, exceptions exist:

  • Government claims (against City of Antioch, County, or State): Must file administrative claim within 6 months
  • Medical malpractice: Discovery rule may apply but strict limits exist
  • Criminal cases pending: May affect civil case timing

“After my husband’s accident, GJEL worked diligently, day and night to make sure we got the best outcome,” shares Robyn R., an Antioch resident whose family received substantial compensation through our firm.

Proving Your Wrongful Death Claim

To win your case at the Contra Costa County courthouse, we must establish:

  1. Duty of Care: The defendant owed your loved one a legal duty
  2. Breach: They violated that duty through action or inaction
  3. Causation: Their breach directly caused the death
  4. Damages: You suffered measurable losses as a result

California Wrongful Death Damages You May Recover

Economic damages:

  • Medical bills before death
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Lost income and benefits
  • Loss of household services

Non-economic damages:

  • Loss of love, companionship, and comfort
  • Loss of guidance and training (for children)
  • Loss of intimacy (for spouses)

Survival Action: Additional Claims

Beyond wrongful death, you may also file a “survival action” for damages your loved one could have claimed if they had survived, including:

  • Pain and suffering before death
  • Punitive damages in certain cases
  • Lost wages between injury and death

Local Success: Antioch Wrongful Death Cases

GJEL has secured justice for Antioch families in cases including:

  • Multi-million dollar settlements against negligent drivers
  • Successful claims against local police departments
  • Medical malpractice victories involving East County hospitals
  • Workplace fatality compensation exceeding insurance offers by 300%

“Based on my experience, GJEL Accident Attorneys are truly impressive in handling personal injury cases… I would absolutely recommend them,” says Peter Kerlin, whose Antioch wrongful death case resulted in significant compensation for his family.

Free Case Evaluation: Know Your Rights Today

Not sure if you have a valid wrongful death claim? Our best wrongful death lawyers near you offer free consultations to evaluate your case under California law. We review police reports, medical records, and witness statements to determine the strength of your claim.

During your consultation, we will:

  • Analyze whether negligence occurred
  • Identify all potentially liable parties
  • Calculate preliminary damage estimates
  • Explain the legal process at Contra Costa Superior Court
  • Discuss our no win, no fee guarantee

Don’t let uncertainty prevent you from seeking justice. Contact our Antioch wrongful death law firm at (925) 778-0377 to discuss your case confidentially with a top rated attorney who knows California law inside and out.

What Damages Are Available in a California Wrongful Death Case?

When pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit through Contra Costa County courts, understanding the full scope of available compensation is crucial. California law recognizes that no amount of money can replace your loved one, but financial recovery can help secure your family’s future and hold negligent parties accountable.

Economic Damages: Quantifiable Financial Losses

Economic damages represent the measurable financial impact of your loss. Our Antioch wrongful death attorneys work with financial experts to calculate:

Lost Financial Support

  • Future income your loved one would have earned
  • Employment benefits including health insurance and retirement contributions
  • Bonuses, raises, and career advancement potential
  • Self-employment or business income

Household Services Value

  • Childcare and parenting duties
  • Home maintenance and repairs
  • Transportation services
  • Meal preparation and household management
  • Financial management and planning

Direct Expenses

  • Medical bills incurred before death
  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Memorial service expenses
  • Travel costs for family members

“GJEL fought hard and secured a fair settlement for my car accident case in Antioch,” notes Nicole Harris, whose family received comprehensive economic damage compensation.

Non-Economic Damages: The Immeasurable Losses

California wrongful death law recognizes that the greatest losses cannot be measured in dollars. Non-economic damages compensate for:

Loss of Companionship and Society

  • The everyday presence of your loved one
  • Shared activities and experiences
  • Emotional support and comfort
  • Family relationships and bonds

Loss of Guidance and Training For children who lost a parent, this includes:

  • Moral guidance and life advice
  • Educational support and mentorship
  • Career guidance and skill development
  • Role modeling and character building

Loss of Intimacy For surviving spouses, compensation for:

  • Loss of love and affection
  • Loss of marital relations
  • Loss of partnership and shared life plans

Important Distinction: Pre-Death Pain and Suffering

Critical legal point: Under California law, compensation for your loved one’s pre-death pain and suffering is NOT part of a wrongful death claim. Instead, these damages must be pursued through a separate “survival action” filed by the estate.

A survival action may recover:

  • Physical pain and mental anguish before death
  • Emotional distress experienced by the deceased
  • Punitive damages (in cases of egregious conduct)
  • Medical expenses paid by the deceased

Our top rated wrongful death law firm routinely files both wrongful death claims and survival actions to maximize recovery for Antioch families. This dual approach ensures no element of compensation is overlooked.

Calculating Your Family’s Damages

Every wrongful death case presents unique circumstances. Factors affecting your potential recovery include:

Age and Health of Deceased

  • Younger victims typically yield higher economic damages
  • Life expectancy calculations based on health status
  • Career trajectory and earning potential

Family Circumstances

  • Number and ages of dependents
  • Financial dependency levels
  • Nature of family relationships

Defendant’s Conduct

  • Degree of negligence or recklessness
  • Corporate defendants versus individual drivers
  • Insurance coverage availability

No Cap on Wrongful Death Damages in California

Unlike some states, California places no maximum limit on wrongful death compensation in most cases. However, exceptions exist:

  • Medical malpractice non-economic damages (limited to $250,000 until 2023, with increases thereafter)
  • Government entity cases may have damage caps
  • Certain federal claims have specific limits

How GJEL Maximizes Your Recovery

Our Antioch wrongful death lawyer team employs proven strategies to secure maximum compensation:

  1. Comprehensive Investigation: Uncovering all liable parties and insurance policies
  2. Expert Testimony: Economists, vocational experts, and life care planners
  3. Detailed Documentation: Creating compelling evidence of your losses
  4. Aggressive Negotiation: Fighting insurance companies attempting to minimize claims
  5. Trial Readiness: Preparing every case as if it will go before a Contra Costa County jury

“They really cared about our family,” shares Robyn R., whose husband’s wrongful death case resulted in compensation addressing both economic and non-economic damages.

Learn More About Your Potential Recovery

For detailed information about damage calculations and recent case values, visit our comprehensive guide on recoverable damages in wrongful death cases.

Get Your Free Damage Assessment Today

Every day you wait potentially weakens your claim. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies prepare their defenses. Our best wrongful death attorneys near you will evaluate your case and provide a preliminary damage assessment at no cost.

Call (925) 778-0377 now to discuss what compensation may be available in your wrongful death lawsuit. With over $950 million recovered and a 99% success rate, we know how to maximize your family’s recovery under California law.

How GJEL’s Antioch Lawyers Can Help You With Your Case

With over 40 years of experience, GJEL has helped many families get the justice they deserve after the loss of a loved one. Hiring GJEL can help you navigate the difficult process and maximize the value of your case.

Here are just some of the ways that we can help you with your wrongful death case:

1. Investigating the Cause of Death

The first step in any wrongful death case is to investigate the cause of death thoroughly. GJEL has a team of experienced investigators who can help determine the cause of your loved one’s death. This investigation may involve gathering evidence, talking to witnesses, and consulting with experts to determine liability.

2. Establishing Liability

Once the cause of death has been established, GJEL will work to determine who is liable for your loved one’s death. This may involve identifying individuals or companies who acted negligently, recklessly, or intentionally, causing your loved one’s death.

3. Determining Damages

In a wrongful death case, damages are meant to compensate the surviving family members for their loss. GJEL will work to determine the full extent of your damages, which may include compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

GJEL has recovered over $950,000,000 and achieved millions in wrongful death settlements.

4. Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to pay out as little as possible in wrongful death cases. GJEL has experience negotiating with insurance companies to ensure their clients receive fair compensation for their losses.

5. Going to Court

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, GJEL will take your case to court. Their experienced trial lawyers will tirelessly ensure you receive the justice you deserve.

We are California wrongful death case experts. We have recovered over $950,000,000 for our clients while maintaining a 99% success rate.

Importance of hiring a local Antioch wrongful death lawyer

Hiring a wrongful death lawyer from Antioch is crucial to ensuring that your legal rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. The process of filing a wrongful death claim can be complex and emotionally draining, making it essential to have a knowledgeable and empathetic attorney by your side.

GJEL has served the Antioch area since 1972 and has experience dealing with the local courts. This gives us an upper hand when fighting your case.

Why Talk to GJEL Accident Attorneys?

GJEL Accident Attorneys is a renowned law firm based in Antioch, California, specializing in personal injury and wrongful death cases. With a team of skilled and experienced attorneys, GJEL has been helping families seek justice for their loved ones for over four decades.

Areas of expertise

GJEL Accident Attorneys has a wide range of expertise, but we are most widely recognized as an award-winning wrongful death law firm in California.

We have been featured in Newsweek, Forbes, US News & World Report, and Best Lawyers, to name a few.

Record of success

GJEL Accident Attorneys has a proven track record of success, with over 99% of cases won or settled. They have recovered more than $950 million for their clients, demonstrating their commitment to helping families receive the compensation they deserve.

Local knowledge

Hiring a wrongful death lawyer from GJEL Accident Attorneys gives you the advantage of local knowledge. They understand the Antioch legal system, rules, and regulations, ensuring that your case is handled with the utmost professionalism and efficiency.

Personalized service

GJEL Accident Attorneys prioritize their client’s needs, providing personalized service tailored to your unique circumstances. They understand that each case is different, and they take the time to listen to your concerns and develop a strategy that addresses your specific needs.

Expertise in auto accidents

With extensive experience in handling auto accident cases, GJEL Accident Attorneys are well-equipped to investigate the circumstances of your loved one’s crash, identify the responsible parties, and hold them accountable for their actions.

No-win, no-fee policy

GJEL Accident Attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless they win or settle your case. This policy ensures that you can focus on healing and recovery without worrying about the financial burden of legal fees.

Don’t Let The Statute of Limitations Expire. Contact GJEL Today

If you want to speak to a lawyer to understand if you may have a wrongful death case, contact our Antioch personal injury lawyers today at 925-778-0377 for a free case review.

How can an Antioch wrongful death lawyer help?

At GJEL Accident Attorneys, a leading personal injury law firm in California, we understand that a wrongful death can be a devastating experience. If it is found that the death was due to someone’s negligence, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed to seek compensation for the bereaved family.

Our experienced attorneys are committed to helping families navigate the legal process and achieve the best possible outcome for their case. You may ask yourself, “How can I find a wrongful death attorney near me?” Look no further than GJEL.

Our team begins by investigating the accident site to determine liability. Our lawyers use legal and medical experts and advanced reconstruction techniques to understand the cause of the death. If the at-fault party has been convicted, it strengthens the case for the bereaved family.

Our Antioch, CA, law firm can also gather evidence such as police reports, video footage, and records from government agencies to build a strong case.

Our law firm provides exceptional representation, and our attorneys are dedicated to achieving a favorable settlement or award of damages. We understand the importance of compensation and will work tirelessly to secure the best outcome for our clients. If you or a loved one has suffered a wrongful death, our law firm is here to help.

Where Your Antioch Wrongful Death Case Will Be Filed

When pursuing justice for your loved one, your case will be filed in the Contra Costa County Superior Court system. As your Antioch wrongful death lawyer, GJEL has extensive experience navigating each courthouse in the county and understanding the unique procedures and judicial preferences at each venue.

Contra Costa County Superior Court Locations for Civil Cases

Your wrongful death lawsuit will typically be heard at one of these three courthouses, depending on case assignment and scheduling:

Martinez: Wakefield Taylor Courthouse 725 Court Street, Martinez, CA 94553

The main civil courthouse for Contra Costa County, located in the county seat. This historic courthouse handles the majority of complex wrongful death cases and high-value civil litigation. Our attorneys have argued hundreds of cases in these courtrooms and know the court staff, filing procedures, and local rules that can impact your case timeline.

Richmond: George D. Carroll Courthouse 100 37th Street, Richmond, CA 94805

Serving the western portion of Contra Costa County, this courthouse frequently handles cases involving accidents on Interstate 80 and incidents in the Richmond and San Pablo areas. The Carroll Courthouse features modern facilities and typically offers faster scheduling for certain hearings.

Pittsburg: Richard E. Arnason Justice Center 1000 Center Drive, Pittsburg, CA 94565

The newest addition to the county’s court system, serving East County residents including Antioch, Brentwood, and Oakley. This state-of-the-art facility is just 15 minutes from our Antioch office, making it convenient for local families. Many Antioch wrongful death cases are heard here due to its proximity to where incidents occur.

Why Local Court Experience Matters

Each courthouse has its own filing deadlines, motion schedules, and administrative procedures. Our five decades of practice in Contra Costa County means we know exactly how to navigate these systems efficiently, avoiding delays that could impact your compensation. We maintain relationships with court clerks and understand each judge’s preferences, giving your case every possible advantage.

Your case deserves an Antioch wrongful death lawyer who knows these courtrooms inside and out. Call (925) 778-0377 to discuss your case today.

GJEL’s Wrongful Death Offices Serving Northern California

While our Antioch office at 5109 Lone Tree Way serves East Contra Costa County families, GJEL maintains a network of wrongful death attorneys throughout Northern California. No matter where your tragedy occurred, we have local attorneys ready to fight for your family.

Nearby East Bay Offices

Our closest offices to Antioch provide convenient access for families throughout the East Bay:

Contra Costa County

Alameda County

How to Find Our Antioch Wrongful Death Law Office

Our Antioch office is conveniently located at 5109 Lone Tree Way, Suite B, Antioch, CA 94531, making it easily accessible for families throughout East Contra Costa County during this difficult time.

Directions from Popular Antioch Landmarks

From Sutter Delta Medical Center Head south on Lone Tree Way from the hospital for approximately 0.5 miles. Our office is on the right side in the professional building complex, just past the Deer Valley Road intersection. The drive takes about 2 minutes.

From Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center Take Deer Valley Road west to Lone Tree Way (about 1.5 miles). Turn right onto Lone Tree Way and continue for 0.3 miles. Our office will be on your right. Total drive time is approximately 5 minutes.

From Antioch City Hall Head east on W 4th Street, then turn right onto G Street. Continue to Lone Tree Way and turn left. Drive approximately 2 miles south. Our office is located on the right side after passing Empire Avenue. The journey takes about 7 minutes.

From Highway 4 (Main Freeway Access) Take the Lone Tree Way exit from Highway 4. Head south on Lone Tree Way for approximately 1.2 miles. Our office is on the right side, in the business complex before you reach Deer Valley Plaza shopping center.

From Prewett Community Park Exit the park onto Lone Tree Way heading north. Continue for about 1 mile. Our office will be on your left side, just after the Country Hills Drive intersection. Drive time is approximately 3 minutes.

Office Location Details

Our building features:

  • Free parking directly in front of the office
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance and facilities
  • Ground floor location for easy access
  • Professional setting designed for private, comfortable consultations

We are located in a modern professional complex near several recognizable businesses including Wells Fargo Bank and various medical offices. Look for the GJEL Accident Attorneys signage at the building entrance.

Can’t Make It to Our Office?

We understand that grief and injury can make travel difficult. That’s why we offer:

  • Home and hospital visits throughout Antioch
  • Virtual consultations via video conference
  • Evening and weekend appointments by request
  • Meeting locations in Brentwood, Oakley, and Pittsburg when needed

Lost or need assistance finding us? Call (925) 778-0377 and our staff will provide detailed directions from your location.

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