Wrongful Death Lawyers in San Diego

A wrongful death action may be filed by certain close family members such as a spouse, domestic partner, children, or other dependents. The law recognizes those who have suffered loss or inheritance due to the deceased person’s death.

Families can recover both economic and non-economic damages, including things like:

• Medical and funeral expenses
•  Lost wages and future income
• Loss of financial support and services the deceased would have provided
• Pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and grief

We handle a wide range of wrongful death cases, including (but not limited to):

• Fatal car accidents
• Construction or workplace accidents
• Defective products
• Toxic exposure (asbestos, chemicals, unsafe drugs)
• Neglect or abuse
• Wildfire-related deaths

Generally, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in California. If you miss that deadline, you may lose your right to recover damages.

To succeed, you must typically show that:

1. The death was caused by someone’s negligence or intentional act.

2. That wrongful act directly caused the death.

3. The death led to measurable damages (medical bills, lost wages, funeral costs, emotional loss).

The value depends on several factors, including:

• Economic losses such as medical bills, funeral costs, and lost income.

• Non-economic losses like pain, suffering, loss of companionship.

• The age, earning capacity, and health of the deceased.

• Strength of evidence, liability, and whether multiple parties are involved.

Yes. Many wrongful death cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay upfront fees. The attorney’s fee comes as a percentage of the recovery when the case resolves.

It depends on the complexity:

• If liability is clear and the defendant cooperates, it may settle in several months to around a year.

• More complex cases (e.g. multiple defendants, medical expert witnesses, or product liability) can take longer, sometimes multiple years.

• Consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible.

• Preserve evidence (medical records, accident reports, photos).

• Get documentation for expenses (medical bills, funeral receipts).

• Avoid talking to insurance companies without legal advice