Wrongful Death Attorneys

Wrongful Death Lawyers in Glendale

Our Los Angeles-area wrongful death lawyers are available 24/7 to discuss your case – confidentially, without obligation, and at absolutely no charge to you. If a loved one dies due to the negligence or misconduct of another person or entity, you may be entitled to a significant cash settlement or verdict through a wrongful death claim. The experienced wrongful death attorneys at Dordulian Law Group will fight aggressively on your behalf to secure justice. We are dedicated to the well-being and financial restitution of those with wrongful death claims in the Los Angeles area and throughout California. With a 98% case success rate, we have recovered more than $200 million for our clients over the years. Our case victories include winning many wrongful death claims for families who have been devastated by another’s negligence. Our team of elite and proven California wrongful death lawyers will help you secure the compensation you deserve. We will be by your side throughout every step of the legal process, ensuring that you and your family are treated with utmost compassion, respect, and discretion. At Dordulian Law Group (D Law Group), we work tirelessly to protect the rights of clients like you, focusing on the priorities that matter to you and your family after a tragic wrongful death.

California Wrongful Death Claims

• Important Questions & Answers for Your Family
• Important 2024 Wrongful Death Statistics
• How Much is Your Wrongful Death Case Worth?
• Who is Liable for Wrongful Death?
• How Much Time do I Have to File a Claim?

California Wrongful Death Claims:
Important Questions & Answers for Your Family

• What is a wrongful death lawsuit?
  When a person dies because of someone else’s negligence or misconduct (up to and including murder), this can lead to a wrongful death claim. Unlike assault or murder cases, which are criminal matters brought by the state, a wrongful death claim is filed in civil court by the spouse, family members, or other dependents of the deceased person. Additionally, someone who represents the decedent’s estate can bring a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim can involve everything from major car accidents to medical malpractice to product liability. If the case succeeds, the court will order the defendant to pay money damages to the surviving dependents. No jail time or other criminal penalties are imposed in a wrongful death lawsuit (although criminal charges are often brought separately). Even if the defendant is acquitted of criminal charges, your claim can still succeed because the standard of proof is actually lower in a wrongful death civil lawsuit.
• Who can sue for wrongful death?
  If you’ve lost a loved one due to the negligence, carelessness, or recklessness of a person, business, or other entity, you may be eligible to sue for wrongful death. Wrongful death claims are civil actions brought by surviving family members – typically when criminal action is either not possible or has failed (the most notorious example of such a case would likely be the $33 million O.J. Simpson wrongful death award after a suit was brought by the Brown and Goldman families).
• Who can bring a wrongful death claim?
  California law allows for a number of dependents to sue for wrongful death after losing a loved one. The surviving spouse, children, domestic partner, stepchildren, grandchildren, or others who depended on the deceased for financial support may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.
• Who pays in a wrongful death suit?
  In many cases, an insurance company that provides liability coverage for the negligent party will pay the majority of a wrongful death cash settlement. The defendant or liable party – whether a person or entity – can also be held personally responsible for financially compensating the eligible surviving family members and dependents. When a wrongful death lawsuit is brought, the goal is to help the surviving family members recover financial compensation for things like loss of companionship, medical bills, funeral expenses, emotional pain and suffering, loss of gifts or benefits, etc.
• Where to file a wrongful death lawsuit?
  You and your family can begin the process of filing your wrongful death lawsuit by calling D Law Group’s wrongful death lawyers today at GO-SEE-SAM for a free and confidential consultation. These types of cases can be complex and difficult to prove in court. Having an experienced team of wrongful death attorneys fighting for you and your family is the best way to ensure that you recover the justice and maximum financial compensation you deserve after the tragic loss of a loved one.
• Are wrongful death settlements taxable in California?
  Most California wrongful death settlements are not taxed. In some cases where punitive damages are awarded in a trial, that portion of your damages award may be taxable. Punitive damages are typically awarded when gross negligence leads to a death (typically as a result of a felony). Punitive damages are not capped in California wrongful death cases. D Law Group’s wrongful death lawyers are experienced and proven at securing punitive damages when severe or wanton negligence causes the death of a loved one.
• What is the average wrongful death settlement in the U.S.?
  Every wrongful death case is unique, but the average cash settlement may range from between $500,000 and $1 million (depending on the degree of negligence, the extent of harm caused to the surviving family members, etc.). However, it’s important to understand that your wrongful death case could be valued at a significantly higher or lower figure depending on the unique circumstances of your case. At D Law Group, our wrongful death lawyers will fight tirelessly to secure you and your family the maximum allowable cash settlement or verdict for your claim.

How To Decide if You Should Sue for Wrongful Death

Whether to sue for wrongful death after the tragic loss of a loved one is an intensely personal decision. In many cases, a family that has been irreparably harmed by the loss of a loved one due to negligence feels compelled to seek justice through a civil action. If you’ve suffered due to the loss of a loved one, you and your family may wish to pursue justice by filing a claim for financial compensation. D Law Group’s Los Angeles wrongful death lawyers are standing by 24/7 to answer any questions you have and help you better understand your rights.

How Common are Accidental Deaths?
Important 2024 Wrongful Death Statistics

Sadly, wrongful death incidents occur much more often than many people realize. In the U.S. alone, the following wrongful death statistics updated for 2024 are alarming:

• More than 251,000 deaths due to medical malpractice (preventable medical errors) occur annually.
• Medical errors are actually the third-leading cause of death in the U.S. (at a staggering 9.5% of all fatalities).
• Only heart disease and cancer are more common types deaths in the U.S. (when compared statistically to medical malpractice).
• Over $3 billion is paid out annually to victims of medical malpractice leading to wrongful death.
• One in three medical care providers is sued for medical practice during their career.
• Nearly all successful medical malpractice lawsuits are settled out of court (it is estimated that 96.9% never go to trial). However, if your loved one’s death requires a lawsuit leading to trial, D Law Group’s wrongful death lawyers are prepared to take on the challenge.
• California has the highest number of medical malpractice claims per capita (with nearly 5,000 recorded in 2022).
• New York and Florida recorded the highest payouts for medical malpractice damages paid in 2022 (totaling $551 million and $382 million, respectively).
• 227,039 unintentional injury deaths occur every year in the U.S. While some of these may not warrant a wrongful death claim, it’s important to discuss your individual case with an experienced attorney. If negligence is involved, you may have a claim for a wrongful death cash settlement.
• 44,630 people die every year due to unintentional falls. If a fatal fall was due to negligence (e.g. a property owner failed to properly maintain the premises), a wrongful death claim may be filed.
• More than 36,000 slip and fall fatalities occur annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
• Over 44,000 car accident and motor vehicle deaths occur every year in the United States. When negligence – such as distracted driving, drunk driving, or speeding – leads to a car accident fatality, a wrongful death claim may be brought.
• More than 17,000 DUI-related fatalities (including over 5,000 trucking accidents) occur annually.
• Nearly 103,000 unintentional poisoning deaths occur annually, according to the CDC.

If you’re one of the thousands of people whose loved one has tragically died due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct, call a D Law Group wrongful death attorney today at 866-GO-SEE-SAM. We have more than 25 years of experience in personal injury and wrongful death cases and will provide you with a free consultation to determine whether or not you have a viable case. During your free consultation, we will explain all of your rights under California law and answer any questions you may have regarding your wrongful death claim.

How Much is Your Wrongful Death Case Worth?

In a wrongful death case, the decedent’s heirs can sue for both economic and non-economic damages.

The purpose of economic damages in a wrongful death case is to compensate heirs for the financial support they could reasonably have expected to receive from their loved one if he or she had not died. This type of financial injury is usually determined primarily by considering the circumstances at the time of the decedent’s passing. Factors can include the decedent’s age, income potential, and life expectancy, as well as his or her health before the injury. Additional factors can include the income, parental, and other needs of family members or representatives who were affected by the death.

Ready to file a claim and pursue justice through a financial damages award? Our expert attorneys are available online or by phone now.

Economic damages include things that can be calculated, such as:

• The financial support the deceased would have contributed to the family during his or her lifetime
• The loss of gifts or benefits the heirs could have expected to receive from the deceased
• Funeral and burial expenses
• The reasonable value of household services the deceased would have provided
• Medical bills and other expenses incurred
• Value of lost benefits, such as the decedent’s pension or health insurance

Non-economic damages are more intangible, and fall under California’s loss of consortium law. “Loss of consortium” applies to a surviving spouse or domestic partner, and can result in damages for the loss of:

• The deceased’s companionship and support
• Protection
• Affection
• Moral support
• Training and guidance
• Sexual relations

DLG’s experienced attorneys will need to make an extensive inquiry to determine how much you may be entitled to in your wrongful death case. We will consider all of the factors listed above in an effort to secure the largest possible settlement given your specific situation. If we take your case, we will conduct exhaustive research into everything that could possibly affect the financial damages you may be owed. You can have confidence that we, as your legal representatives, will always put your best interests first.

Who is Liable for Wrongful Death?

In California, a wrongful death claim can be based on any type of wrongdoing, including negligence, gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. These claims can include, for example, cases involving death as a result of:

• Sexual assault
• Child abuse
• Slip-and-fall accidents
• Car accidents
• Medical malpractice

In some situations, the defendant may be liable for wrongful death under the doctrine of “strict liability,” even if they weren’t negligent. In California, these cases include most dog bites and injuries caused by defective products.

If you believe you have a personal injury case and wish to pursue a claim, don’t hesitate to contact our award-winning expert attorneys online or by phone today.

Who is Entitled to Wrongful Death Benefits?

Under California law, the following family members or personal representatives may bring a wrongful death lawsuit:

• Spouses
• Domestic partners
• Children
• Grandchildren (if the decedent’s children are also deceased)
• Other minor children, including stepchildren, if they depended on the decedent for at least half of their financial support
• Anyone else with a legal interest in the decedent’s property according to the laws of interstate success in California. These may include assets that would have passed through the decedent’s will, especially if the decedent was the sole owner

Because so many types of accidents and situations can lead to wrongful death lawsuits, it’s important to talk to a wrongful death attorney at DLG before you decide whether to pursue a claim. We have the expertise and experience to explain whether you have a solid case, and if so, how best to pursue financial damages. As our clients will attest, we will fight for you every step of the way to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

How are Wrongful Death Settlements Paid Out?

Normally, a wrongful death settlement is paid by the insurance company that provides liability coverage for the responsible party. However, there are limits to what some insurance policies will pay. If the judgment or settlement is above a certain amount, the insurance company will only pay up to the coverage limit. The defendant is personally liable for the remainder of any judgment or settlement that his or her insurance company doesn’t pay, including your legal fees in the case. Such cases can result in the defendant’s wages or bank accounts being garnished, or their assets being seized.
The Internal Revenue Service states that most wrongful death settlement payments can’t be taxed if they are compensatory, meaning the payments are designed to compensate the survivors for their pain and suffering due to the victim’s death. If you think you will receive a wrongful death settlement, talk with a DLG attorney about the tax implications before accepting it.

You May Also Have a Claim for Survival

Someone filing a wrongful death claim may also have a claim for “survival” on behalf of the decedent’s estate. Unlike a wrongful death action, a survival action seeks financial compensation for the decedent’s economic losses caused by the defendant’s negligence or misconduct, as opposed to losses suffered by the decedent’s family. According to Code of Civil Procedure 377.30, damages that can be awarded in a survival action include “the loss or damage that the decedent sustained or incurred before death that the decedent would have been entitled to recover had the decedent lived.” This can include medical expenses and lost wages, as well as penalties and punitive or exemplary damages. Essentially, California’s survival statute allows an heir to recover these damages on behalf of the decedent. However, damages for pain, suffering, or disfigurement are not recoverable in a survival action.

Ready to file a claim and pursue justice through a financial damages award? Our expert attorneys are available online or by phone now.

How Much Time do I Have to File a Claim?

In California, you generally have two years following the date that the deceased individual passed away to file a wrongful death claim. However, an exception called the “discovery rule” may apply if:

• You reasonably didn’t know that the person died, or
• The cause of the death giving rise to your wrongful death claim doesn’t become clear until some time after the person’s death

In these cases, you may have more time to file a claim – specifically, two years after the date on which the person’s death was (or should have been) known, or the cause of death giving rise to the wrongful death claim was determined.

There are other exceptions as well. For example, if you’re suing a public entity in California for wrongful death, you usually need to file a claim against the public entity within six months of the person’s death. If the claim is denied (which it often is), you will have an additional six months to sue in court.

In medical malpractice cases, you must file a wrongful death claim within three years of the date of injury, or one year after you reasonably should have discovered the injury – whichever is earlier.

There are other rules governing wrongful death cases filed by minors injured as a result of the death of a loved one or representative. A survival action can be brought up to two years from the date of the injury, or six months after the decedent’s death – whichever is later.

Because the statutes of limitations in wrongful death and survival actions vary depending on the circumstances, it’s important to talk with a DLG wrongful death attorney who can advise you as to exactly when your filing period expires. Our attorneys have more than 25 years of experience successfully litigating wrongful death cases, and we will work hard to obtain the compensation you’re entitled to receive.

It’s important to file your wrongful death claim as soon as possible following the death in question. This is, in part, to preserve any evidence you may need to prove your case. We will work with medical experts and other investigative professionals like our in-house Chief Investigator with 30 years of experience in the LAPD, Detective Moses Castillo. Our team will help gather and preserve crucial evidence that will strengthen your case.

Don’t miss the deadline for filing a claim. If you do, you will waive your right to seek financial compensation for damages.

Who is eligible to sue for wrongful death on behalf of the deceased?

California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60 allows family members or personal representatives to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. This specifically includes:

• Spouses
• Domestic partners
• Children
• Grandchildren (if the decedent’s children are also deceased) 
• Other minor children (including stepchildren) provided they were dependent on the deceased for at least 50% of their financial support
• Any additional individuals who would be entitled to the decedent’s property under California’s laws on intestate succession (assets that would have passed through the decedent’s will are typically affected under such laws, usually pertaining to assets owned alone by the decedent, solely in their name)

Some of the most high-profile and prominent examples of wrongful death lawsuits that have made headlines recently include:

• The claim brought by Halyna Hutchins’ family against Alec Baldwin and the producers of the film “Rust”
• The claim brought by the family of George Floyd against the City of Minneapolis
• The claim brought against financial investment website Robinhood by the family of a trader who died by suicide
• The claim brought by Vanessa Bryant, the widow of Kobe Bryant, against the helicopter company and pilot involved in the tragic crash

Wrongful death law is covered under the California Civil Code of Procedure 377.30:

A cause of action that survives the death of the person entitled to commence an action or proceeding passes to the decedent’s successor in interest, subject to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 7000) of Part 1 of Division 7 of the Probate Code, and an action may be commenced by the decedent’s personal representative or, if none, by the decedent’s successor in interest.

To learn more about how to file a Los Angeles, California, wrongful death claim, contact DLG today at GO-SEE-SAM for a free, confidential, and no obligation consultation.

Schedule an appointment online for a free consultation today, or call us directly to speak to our top-rated, expert car accident attorneys.

How much can you sue for a wrongful death claim?

Wrongful death damages are a means for compensating heirs for the value of financial support they could reasonably have expected to receive from the decedent, should he or she have lived. Financial injury is the primary measure of damages in a wrongful death action. Typically, the main consideration in awarding damages is the decedent’s circumstances at the time of death. Said circumstances can include age, his or her earning potential, life expectancy, health prior to the incident, and the circumstances of the family members or representatives affected (such as loss of income or loss of parental guidance).

Determining the appropriate financial figure for you to claim in your case involves an extensive inquiry on the part of Dordulian Law Group’s expert analysts, factoring in all of the above criteria to successfully secure the largest possible settlement given your specific set of circumstances. As part of your case, we research every possible variable related to the financial damages impacting you, providing you with the necessary confidence and trust that your legal representatives always prioritize your best interests.

Contact DLG Today for a Free Consultation

There are several reasons to choose Dordulian Law Group to represent you in your wrongful death case. First and foremost, we have the most talented, most experienced, and most respected wrongful death attorneys in California. Our clients tell us again and again how thrilled they are with the level of service we provide and the results we obtain for them.

In addition, we don’t get paid unless you win your case and recover financial damages. If your case isn’t successful, we won’t charge you anything for our services. This means you will never have upfront expenses if you choose DLG. With DLG’s no fee guarantee, your personal financial situation should never keep you from filing a wrongful death claim and recovering the compensation you deserve. We have recovered more than $200 million for our clients with a 98% success rate. You won’t regret choosing DLG to represent you, because we won’t take your case unless we are confident we can win.

Our attorneys are available seven days a week to discuss your case with complete confidentiality, giving you the respect and attention you deserve. During your consultation, you will have an opportunity to ask questions, and we will help you understand your legal rights and options, as well as the statutory time limits that may apply to your case.

Contact us today by calling 800-880-777 or completing our online registration for a free consultation today.

Client Review

“I wanted to give a review to the law firm, they work very different from other offices, they tell you everything as they know about your case not giving you false hope! They also keep you updated throughout the process from the beginning and the end. Rafi was very professional and on point, he always handled everything excellent and went above and beyond!”
Raul U.

Spanish Version: Abogados de muerte por negligencia