Losing a loved one is always heartbreaking. When that loss is a wrongful death caused by negligence, the pain is compounded by a deep sense of injustice. In these moments, families are left not only grieving but also facing unexpected financial burdens.

We have guided countless families through these moments as California wrongful death lawyers. We understand how overwhelming the emotions can be and how difficult the legal process feels. Our role is to provide strong legal representation, handle your wrongful death case, and pursue the justice and compensation your family deserves.

No amount of money can ever replace your loved one. But bringing a wrongful death lawsuit can hold negligent parties accountable and provide the financial resources you need to move forward.

At GJEL, we take on wrongful death cases on a no win, no fee basis. You pay no upfront costs and no contingency fee unless we win or settle. This allows your family to pursue justice for the wrongful death of your loved one without incurring any financial risk. Call us today at (866) 249-2142 for a free, compassionate consultation.

Our 3-Step Process for California Wrongful Death Cases

Step 1. Contact Us for a Free Case Review

Meet with one of our experienced wrongful death attorneys who will listen to your story and begin building your case.

Step 2. We Investigate and Build Your Case

We gather evidence, manage paperwork related to the wrongful death and deal directly with insurance companies on your behalf.

Step 3. You Recover Compensation and Begin the Healing Process

We fight for full compensation you desire for your loved ones wrongful death so can can begin the process of healing.

Why Grieving Families Trust GJEL

99% Success Rate: Our track record speaks for itself.
Decades of Experience: We’ve helped countless families find justice and healing.
No Win, No Fee: You don’t pay unless we win your case.
Compassionate Guidance: We’re more than lawyers – we’re your partners in this difficult journey.

Take the First Step Towards Healing

The path ahead may seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Let GJEL’s experienced wrongful death attorneys shoulder your legal burdens so you can focus on what truly matters – honouring your loved one’s memory and healing your family.

Call GJEL now at (866) 249-2142 for a free, compassionate consultation.

Remember, in California, time limits apply to wrongful death cases. Don’t let crucial evidence slip away – reach out today and let us help you transform your pain into purpose.

GJEL California wrongful death lawyers comforting client

Don’t Face This Difficult Time Alone: Call GJEL Accident Attorneys Now

Here are a few reasons you should discuss your case with our attorneys right away:

We offer Immediate Support & Compassion: We understand the overwhelming shock and grief you’re experiencing. Our team is here to offer support and guidance every step of the way.
Proven Track Record of Results with a 99% success rate GJEL has a long history of securing fair compensation for families who suffered wrongful death. We fight tirelessly for the justice you deserve.
Expert Legal Representation: Our experienced wrongful death attorneys have the knowledge and resources to navigate complex legal issues and protect your rights.
Financial Security After Loss: We understand the financial burden wrongful death can create. Let us fight for compensation to help secure your future.
Holding Negligent Parties Accountable: You deserve closure. We’ll work relentlessly to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

Don’t wait to get the help you deserve. Call GJEL Accident Attorneys today for a free consultation. We’re here to fight for you.

Recent Accidental Death Settlement from GJEL

11.7 Million

East Bay family awarded $11.7 million in Marsh Creek Road wrongful death accident

View Case

Losing a loved one is always heartbreaking. If that loss has been caused by someone else’s negligence, the pain is compounded by a sense of injustice. In these challenging times, you need a strong ally to help you navigate the complex and emotionally fraught world of wrongful death litigation. You need the experience and tenacity of GJEL Accident Attorneys.

We understand that no amount of money can replace your loved one, but we also believe in the power of legal action to bring closure and help you move forward.

If you’re in California and grappling with the loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, don’t navigate this difficult time alone. Let our team of skilled and empathetic lawyers guide you through the process, and help you seek the justice your loved one deserves.

Start your journey towards justice today. Click the button below to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our team. We’re ready to listen, support, and fight for you. Because at GJEL, your family is our family, and your fight is our fight. Let’s seek justice, together.

Have your case reviewed by one of our Experienced Attorneys

Have our fatal accident attorneys review your case. There is no cost or obligation.

GJEL is A Award Winning Accidental Death Law Firm

GJEL was just rated Top Injury Attorneys by Best Lawyers for 2021 and 2022. We have also recovered over 950 million dollars with a 99% success rate for our clients. We specialize in serious injury and wrongful death cases only. In the aftermath of a sudden loss, contacting an accidental death law firm like GJEL Accident Attorneys can help you navigate legal matters and potentially recover compensation for your loved one’s passing.

Wrongful Death Lawyers with Decades of Experience

– We have achieved strong settlements and verdicts for wrongful death cases
– 99%+ success rate
– Our legal professionals for wrongful death have handled cases similar to yours
-Attorney Luke Ellis has been rated one of the best lawyers for wrongful death cases.

The unexpected death of a loved one is a devastating event that no one prepares for. The emotional toll of such a tragedy can be much harder to bear when another person or entity is to blame for your loss. The pain and suffering that come with losing a loved one shouldn’t be accompanied by financial distress. If your family has suffered a loss like this, contact our wrongful death lawyers in California now.

How We Help Families Through Complex Wrongful Death Litigation

The litigation process can be time-consuming and stressful, involving many different rules and procedures. The following are only a few things a GJEL wrongful death attorney in California will do during litigation:

FILING THE LAWSUIT

A wrongful death lawsuit has many requirements and must be persuasive enough to successfully present your legal case and stand up to challenges by the other party.

GATHERING EVIDENCE

Evidence in your favour is gathered in many different ways, including through investigators, depositions, document requests, and more.

CHALLENGING THE OTHER SIDE’S DEFENSES

The other party will certainly raise legal defences to avoid liability. Our wrongful death attorney will answer back to challenge those defences and protect your rights to a recovery.

NEGOTIATE A FAVORABLE SETTLEMENT

The majority of wrongful death lawsuits are settled out of court but this does not mean you should accept a settlement that is too low just to avoid trial. GJEL’s fatal accident attorneys will effectively use new arguments and evidence to negotiate until you receive the settlement offer you deserve. We are not afraid to litigate your case and hold wrongdoers responsible.

REPRESENT YOU AT A JURY TRIAL

If the liable party refuses to make an adequate settlement offer, your wrongful death lawyer in CA will present your case at a trial, which involves strict rules of evidence and procedural requirements. This takes place in a courtroom with a judge and jury.

You May Be Able To File a Wrongful Death Suit in California

In California, when someone’s death is the result of wrongful behaviour or negligence, surviving family members can file what is known as a “wrongful death” lawsuit in civil court. An experienced wrongful death lawyer can explain your rights and help you and your family seek justice for the pain you are experiencing.

In this article, we provide a basic overview of wrongful death laws in California. We’ll cover the elements of a wrongful death claim, who can file a wrongful death lawsuit, and the different types of damages that are available to a successful plaintiff.

We also discuss how the statute of limitations can impact your claim. This post is designed to give you basic information and should not be relied upon in the absence of advice from a qualified California wrongful death attorney. If you have questions about your rights or your family’s rights, contact one of our accidental death lawyers right away.

Elements of a Wrongful Death Case

In legal terminology, an “element” is an essential building block of a case. For someone to succeed in a case, the evidence must establish all of the required elements. In a wrongful death lawsuit in California, the following elements must be proven.

The death of a human being;
That was caused by another’s negligence, or with intent to cause harm; and
The surviving family members are suffering financial losses as a result of the death.

GJEL accidental death attorneys will discuss and help you fortify each of these elements for your case.

ELEMENT ONE: WHAT KINDS OF ACCIDENTS OR INTENTIONAL ACTS CAUSE WRONGFUL DEATH?

Several different kinds of accidents can lead to wrongful death. These include car accidents, commercial truck accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, the use or consumption of dangerous or defective products, prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals, medical malpractice by a doctor or healthcare facility, fires, and other types of fatal accidents. Intentional acts such as a deadly assault, manslaughter, murder, arson, or other deliberately harmful act also may be the basis of a wrongful death claim.

ELEMENT TWO: WAS THE DEATH CAUSED BY NEGLIGENT OR INTENTIONAL CONDUCT?

The causation element is critical in a wrongful death claim. To recover damages, you must be able to show that your loved one’s death was actually caused by the negligent or intentional conduct of the defendant. For example, you cannot sue a hospital just because your loved one died of cancer there. There is no wrongful death liability when someone dies purely from natural causes. However, if you can show that your loved one died of cancer as a result of prolonged exposure to cancer-causing chemicals in his or her workplace, you may be able to sue the former employer for wrongful death due to carelessness.

Because causation in a wrongful death lawsuit can be difficult to establish, it is important to hire a lawyer for wrongful death who has extensive experience taking wrongful death lawsuits to trial and obtaining successful verdicts for his or her clients.

ELEMENT THREE: HAVE SURVIVORS SUFFERED A LOSS?

You and your family must be able to establish that you have suffered losses as a result of your loved one’s death. These might include the loss of your loved one’s affection and emotional support, financial support, or contributions to the household. Other types of losses include money you spent or will need to spend to take care of your deceased loved one’s medical expenses and funeral costs.

A wrongful death law firm can help you understand the full value of your wrongful death claim and will carefully calculate the amount of damages to which you are entitled.

A Recent Case Settlement / Verdict

A bicyclist was struck by a vehicle as he crossed an intersection on Fairgrounds Drive in Vallejo. After fighting for his life for months in the hospital he eventually succumbed and passed away, leaving behind a wife and three young daughters. His post-accident treatment at the hospital produced a staggering bill.

Jim Larsen and the lawyers for wrongful death cases at GJEL investigated the accident thoroughly, deposing police officers and witnesses from the scene of the accident.

Through witness and expert testimony, our pro bono wrongful death lawyers were able to demonstrate that even though the bicyclist was crossing against a red light, the driver still had ample time to see the cyclist and slow down to avoid the collision. Unfortunately for all parties involved, this was not the case. GJEL was able to secure a $500,000 settlement, with $100,000 going to each of the three daughters as a college fund.

Other Wrongful Death Settlements from GJEL

Below are just a few of the recent settlements from wrongful death cases from GJEL clients of our wrongful death firm. Click here to view all wrongful death settlements and verdicts.

10.8 Million from a Defective Tire Case

4.5 Million from a car accident case

Man killed in Contra Costa County

Here are Some of the Reasons our Clients Hired our Lawyers for Wrongful Death Cases:

We will hold wrongdoers accountable for their actions.
We have a 99% success rate with wrongful death claims throughout California.
We have recovered over $950 million for our clients injured or killed due to the negligent acts of others.
As a small wrongful death law firm you will get our full undivided attention to your case.
We are 2021 / 2022 / 2023 recognized as the best northern California wrongful death attorneys from bestlawyers.com.

Have a question or want to talk to a wrongful death lawyer? Call us today at 1-866-254-5579 for a free case review.

The grieving process can be overwhelming and the last thing you want to worry about is navigating the legal system on your own. At GJEL, we can help you through this difficult time by fighting for justice and compensation on behalf of your loved one.

What Damages are Available in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

The wrongful death statute in California is relatively vague when it comes to the damages that surviving family members can recover after proving a wrongful death.

In fact, the law simply states that any “just” damages may be available in a particular situation. Many different parties may bring wrongful death claims in CA, including spouses, children, stepchildren, parents, and other potential heirs.

The damages that each different party can recover will vary depending on their own specific and personal losses from the death. The law gives the court discretion to determine the rights of each party to certain damages.

For the above reasons, it is impossible to say exactly what damages you may receive without a thorough evaluation of your situation. While the best way to learn about potential damages in a wrongful death case is to consult with an experienced wrongful death in California.

SOME LOSSES WHICH YOU MAY BE ABLE TO RECOVER

Reasonable funeral and burial expenses
The estimated amount of income and benefits the deceased person would have earned in their lifetime had the accident not occurred
Loss of financial support for the household
Loss of services around the household, including cleaning, landscaping, cooking, caring for children, and other everyday tasks and contributions to the family
Loss of intangible support, including love and affection, encouragement, moral support, guidance, attention, and more.

Some parties may have contributed to funeral expenses while others may not have. In addition, older parents may have lost financial support but not any household services if they did not live in the same place as the deceased. As you can see, the situations can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances.

Calculating Damages in a Wrongful Death Case

Once you have determined the type of damages that may be available in your wrongful death case, it becomes necessary to calculate the exact amount you want to seek.

Some damages are much easier to calculate than others–for instance, to determine funeral and burial costs, you should simply examine all of the bills and receipts you received from the funeral home and other service providers. Note that only reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. This means that if you throw a lavish funeral and reception for your loved one, you may likely only receive a portion of the costs back.

FACTORS TO CALCULATE LOST FUTURE EARNINGS

The age of the deceased and how many more years they would be expected to work;
The education, skills, and abilities of the deceased;
The deceased’s potential for promotions, raises, and other adjustments to income throughout the course of their career;
Inflation and how wages and earnings would be adjusted over the years; and
The benefits and retirement account contributions the deceased would have received.

Considering all of these factors into one calculation can be complicated and you will often need the assistance of an occupational and economic expert to reach an accurate estimate.

Experts are also used to determine the monetary value of household services lost, as well as the loss of affection, love, and other intangible support. Our California wrongful death attorneys have the resources needed to obtain expert analysis to ensure you receive a fair and just result in your case and always seek the maximum possible damages available.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?

Spouse, domestic partner, children, and, if none, other heirs (Probate Code §6402) are typically eligible. …

California Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations

You generally have two years from the date of death to file (Code Civ. Proc. §335.1). …

Damages Available in a California Wrongful Death Action

Economic: funeral and burial costs, lost financial support…
Non-economic: loss of companionship, guidance…

How GJEL Wrongful Death Lawyers Stands up in Settlements

Much of what we do, however, in terms of proving damages in a wrongful death case revolves around the duty to show everyone exactly who this person was, who has passed away so suddenly and tragically – and we do that by talking to anyone and everyone we can find who knew them. Mostly family members, friends, and coworkers – the people close to this person who help us show exactly what they meant to their family and friends.

We do statements, we do video, we use photographs – all kinds of things to put together a portrait that ultimately is normally turned into a video about this person, who they were, and most importantly what they meant to the family member or family members we represent.

At GJEL We’re Here to Help You Get Through This Difficult Time

If you have questions about your fatality case or the process please Call Andy Gillin, our managing partner to discuss your situation. We will meet you to discuss your case and we always provide free consultations.

Our attorneys are known for specializing in wrongful death litigation, we’re with you every step of the way and you won’t pay anything unless and until we win your case.

Find the GJEL Office Nearest You

You don’t have to travel far to meet with us. We have offices across California. Find a nearby GJEL office and call us directly, or click the address to open directions in Google Maps.

Types of Wrongful Death Accidents We Represent

We represent families across California in wrongful death cases caused by preventable accidents, unsafe conditions, and negligent acts. Over decades of work, we’ve seen the same types of tragedies come up again and again. These are the main categories of wrongful death cases we handle:

Wrongful Death from Vehicle Accidents

Fatal car, truck, and bus crashes are among the most common wrongful death cases we see. We hold negligent drivers, unsafe road conditions, and defective vehicles accountable.

Wrongful Death from Drunk or Impaired Driving

When a driver chooses to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the results are often deadly. We help families pursue justice in civil court while criminal charges are pending.

Wrongful Death from Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

Careless or distracted drivers can cause fatal collisions with pedestrians and cyclists. We stand with families in these heartbreaking cases to secure compensation and accountability.

Wrongful Death from Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable on California roads. When drivers fail to share the road safely, we have represented families in wrongful death claims after devastating crashes.

Wrongful Death from Workplace Accidents

Unsafe job sites, faulty equipment, and ignored safety rules can cost workers their lives. We represent families in wrongful death claims against employers, contractors, and negligent third parties.

Wrongful Death from Defective Products

When defective auto parts, unsafe machinery, or dangerous consumer products cause fatal accidents, we pursue wrongful death claims against the manufacturers and sellers.

Wrongful Death from Premises Liability Accidents

Fatal accidents can occur because of unsafe property conditions such as broken stairs, poor lighting, or lack of security. We represent families in wrongful death lawsuits against negligent property owners.

Wrongful Death from Criminal Acts

Wrongful death isn’t always an accident. Homicide, assault, and arson can all give rise to civil wrongful death lawsuits. We help families pursue justice in civil court while criminal cases move forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions we get asked frequently pertaining to wrongful death cases.

How long do wrongful death cases take in California?

In our experience, most wrongful death cases in California take one to two years. Some settle sooner, while others take longer if a trial is required. We guide you through every stage so you always know what to expect.

What damages can families recover in a wrongful death claim?

We’ve helped families recover funeral and burial costs, unpaid medical bills, lost income and benefits, lost future earnings, and compensation for the loss of love and companionship. We work with experts to ensure nothing is overlooked.

Can I pursue a wrongful death case if the person responsible has died?

Yes. We’ve handled cases where the at-fault person passed away. In those situations, we pursue claims against their estate or their insurance company so your family can still recover compensation.

Do I need to hire an attorney right away?

Yes. We’ve seen how waiting can damage a case. Evidence fades, witnesses move, and California law sets strict deadlines. We step in quickly to protect your rights and preserve the proof you’ll need.

Where do you file a wrongful death claim in California?

We file wrongful death lawsuits in civil court in the county where the accident occurred or where the defendant resides. We’ve filed across California and know how each local court operates.

Whose insurance or estate pays damages in a wrongful death lawsuit?

In most cases, the at-fault party’s insurance pays damages. Policy limits are simply the maximum amount an insurance company will pay on a claim. When insurance was not enough, we pursued claims against the person’s estate to ensure families we represent received the full recovery they deserved.

What are the insurance policy limits in a wrongful death case?

One of the first steps we take is identifying insurance coverage. Policy limits often determine how much compensation is available. If coverage is low, we investigate other sources of liability such as an employer, manufacturer, or third party to maximize recovery.

How much is a wrongful death case worth?

There is no set value. In our experience, the worth of a case depends on the person’s age, income, life expectancy, medical costs, funeral costs, and the impact on surviving family. We’ve secured results from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of dollars depending on the facts.

Who pays for funeral expenses and final medical bills?

Families often worry about these immediate costs. We pursue compensation for funeral and burial expenses as part of every wrongful death case, along with reimbursement for any medical bills related to the final injury or illness.

What if more than one family member wants to file a wrongful death claim?

California law allows only one wrongful death lawsuit per person’s death. Multiple family members may join together in that single case. We guide families through this process to make sure everyone’s rights are represented.

What is your fee if you take my wrongful death case?

We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay us anything upfront, and you owe us nothing unless we win compensation for you. Families we’ve represented have told us this gave them peace of mind during an already stressful time.

Wrongful Death Resources for California Families

Quickly find the answers you need about timelines, eligibility rules, damages, taxes, and local counsel. Explore recent verdicts and settlements to understand what success can look like for families.

Featured Results and Case Studies
Find a Wrongful Death Lawyer Near You
Damages, Payouts, Taxes, and Calculators
Who Can File and Eligibility
Statute of Limitations and Deadlines
How a Wrongful Death Case Works and Proof
Choosing a Lawyer and Fees
Comparisons, Leading Causes, Key Cases
Guides, FAQs, and Info Center
Recent News and Result Highlights

Case Results and Verdicts

See how other California families have found justice through wrongful death claims:

Wrongful Death Settlements and Verdicts Explore representative wrongful death recoveries across California with $950M plus obtained for clients.
$11.7 Million Contra Costa Wrongful Death Verdict Landmark Contra Costa County result that drove policy and accountability.
$6.2 Million Motorcycle Wrongful Death Resolution Motorcycle crash wrongful death case resulting in a multimillion dollar recovery for the family.
$2.25 Million Dublin Wrongful Death Settlement Family awarded $2.25M following a fatal collision in Dublin, California.
Wrongful Death of a Child: Car Accident Case Sensitive case study outlining strategy and damages in a juvenile fatality.
Wrongful Death Settlement Case Study Detailed look at liability, negotiation, and outcome in a California wrongful death matter.

Find a Wrongful Death Lawyer Near You

Connect with a local GJEL team that knows your courts and community.

Damages, Payouts, Taxes, and Calculators

Wrongful death settlement calculator Learn how case value is estimated in California wrongful death claims.
Understanding wrongful death damages Overview of economic and non‑economic losses families can recover.
Damages recoverable in California What categories of damages are available under California law.
How wrongful death settlements are paid out Lump sum vs structured payments, timelines, and practical considerations.
How compensation is divided among family Allocation rules and avoiding disputes among eligible heirs.
Taxes on wrongful death settlements in California Which portions may be taxable and how to plan for taxes.

Who Can File and Eligibility

Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in California Eligibility rules and priority of heirs under California law.
Can stepchildren sue for wrongful death Understanding stepchildren’s rights and proof of dependency.
Dependent parents and stepchildren claims How dependent relatives can qualify and recover damages.
Divorced parents in child wrongful death cases Rights and allocation for divorced or separated parents.
If the decedent never held a job Claims for non‑earners including children, students, and homemakers.
Wrongful death vs survival actions How the claims differ and when both may be filed.

Statute of Limitations and Deadlines

California wrongful death statute of limitations Key deadlines and exceptions that can extend or shorten your time to file.
Why acting quickly matters Preserving evidence, meeting notice rules, and avoiding dismissal.

How a Wrongful Death Case Works and Proof

How a wrongful death lawsuit works Step‑by‑step from intake to settlement or trial.
Elements of a successful claim Duty, breach, causation, and damages explained for California law.
Proving a wrongful death case Evidence, experts, and strategies used to establish liability.
Expert witnesses in wrongful death Accident reconstruction, economics, medical causation, and more.
Will I need to go to court When cases resolve without trial and what to expect if they do not.
Common problems in wrongful death cases Defenses, insurance issues, and pitfalls to avoid.
Chances of winning a wrongful death lawsuit Factors that influence liability, proof, venue, and recovery.

Choosing a Lawyer and Fees

How to choose the best wrongful death lawyer Credentials, results, resources, and fit for your family.
Should I hire a wrongful death lawyer near me Pros and cons of local counsel and statewide teams.
What kind of lawyer handles wrongful death cases Why specialized catastrophic injury firms matter.
Wrongful death attorney fees Contingency fees, costs, and what you should expect to pay.
10 essential questions to ask a wrongful death attorney Interview checklist to evaluate the right firm for your case.

Comparisons, Leading Causes, and Key Legal Foundations

Personal injury vs wrongful death How the claims differ in plaintiffs, damages, and procedure.
Wrongful death vs manslaughter Civil claim vs criminal charge and how the two interact.
Krouse v. Graham Foundational California case shaping wrongful death damages.
Leading causes of wrongful death Top scenarios that commonly lead to litigation in California.
Understanding wrongful death claims in California Comprehensive primer on rights, timelines, and damages.
Understanding wrongful death claims in California — Part 2
Understanding wrongful death claims in California — Part 3
Making sense of California wrongful death statutes Plain‑English overview of the governing code sections.

Guides, FAQs, and Info Center

Wrongful death FAQ Straightforward answers to the most common family questions.
When to sue or not for wrongful death How to evaluate liability, evidence, and family goals.
Navigating grief after a fatal car accident Supportive guidance while protecting your legal rights.
Do California courts undervalue life Context on damages limits and valuation debates.
Can you sue Uber for wrongful death Rideshare liability, coverage, and evidence preservation tips.
2021 amendments to Code Civ. Proc. § 377.34 How the changes affect recoverable damages.
Wrongful Death Information Center Browse all wrongful death articles and updates.
Wrongful Death Information Center — Page 2

Wrongful Death Lawyers in California | GJEL Attorneys