Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyer

Professional Wrongful Death Attorney in Los Angeles

Losing a loved one is never easy. If their death is caused by someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm, the pain can feel unbearable. At Compass Law Group, LLP, we understand the overwhelming grief and confusion you may be experiencing.

Our Los Angeles wrongful death lawyers are here to provide the legal support and compassionate guidance you need during this challenging time. With a No Win, No Fee Guarantee, you can trust that we’ll fight relentlessly for your family’s rights without the worry of upfront costs.

If you believe your loved one’s death was caused by another party’s actions, contact us today for a free case evaluation.

What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

In California, a wrongful death lawsuit allows surviving family members to seek justice and compensation if a loved one’s death is caused by someone else’s wrongful actions. California law defines wrongful death as a death that occurs due to someone else’s negligence, wrongful act, or inaction.

By filing a wrongful death lawsuit, surviving family members may be able to recover damages for financial losses, emotional pain, and suffering caused by the death of their loved one.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?

California law specifies who is eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. According to California Code of Civil Procedure §377.60, the following individuals can file a claim:

Spouse or domestic partner of the deceased.
If no spouse or domestic partner exists, the children of the deceased can file the lawsuit.
Other family members, such as parents, siblings, or sometimes even grandparents.

If no immediate family members are available to file a claim, others who have an interest in the deceased’s estate, such as financial dependents, may be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. Our Los Angeles wrongful death attorneys can guide you through the process and help you understand your rights.

How Does a Los Angeles Wrongful Death Attorney Help?

Navigating the legal complexities of who is entitled to what can be overwhelming during an already difficult time. That’s where we come in.

At Compass Law Group, we’ll guide you through every step:

Identifying Eligible Parties: We’ll carefully assess your family situation and determine who is legally entitled to seek compensation.
Maximizing Your Claim: We’ll fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation allowed under the law for each eligible person.
Handling the Legal Hurdles: We’ll navigate the legal process, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and even represent you in court if necessary.

Our goal is to take the legal burden off your shoulders, so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your lives.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death Claims

There are many causes of wrongful death claims, especially in a densely populated and high-traffic area like Los Angeles. Below are some of the most common causes of wrongful death cases in California:

Auto Accidents: Car accidents are one of the leading causes of wrongful death in California. With heavy traffic on the 405 and other major freeways, collisions often result in fatalities, especially when caused by reckless driving, speeding, or distracted driving.
Medical Malpractice: Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional fails to provide the standard level of care, leading to serious injury or death. This can include surgical errors, misdiagnosis, improper medication, or failure to diagnose.
Workplace Accidents: Construction sites, factories, and other hazardous workplaces are high-risk environments where accidents can result in fatal injuries. If your loved one died due to unsafe working conditions, lack of proper training, or failure to follow safety protocols, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim.
Defective Products: Sometimes, wrongful death results from the use of a dangerous or defective product. For instance, if a faulty automobile part causes a deadly crash, or a defective pharmaceutical leads to fatal complications, the manufacturer may be held liable for the death.

In each of these cases, Compass Law Group, LLP has the experience and resources to investigate the circumstances and hold the responsible parties accountable.

How to Prove Wrongful Death in California

Proving a wrongful death case in California requires the surviving family member to establish several key elements. The Los Angeles wrongful death attorneys at Compass Law Group, LLP will work to prove these elements by gathering evidence, expert testimony, and witness statements.

Here are the four critical elements necessary to prove wrongful death in California:

Duty of Care: The defendant must have a responsibility to protect the deceased individual’s safety.
Breach of Duty: The defendant must have failed this duty of care. This could be through negligent driving, medical errors, or unsafe workplace conditions.
Causation: The defendant’s breach of duty must have directly caused the deceased’s death. This requires showing that the defendant’s actions (or lack of actions) were the direct cause of the fatal injury.
Damages: Finally, the plaintiff must prove that damages occurred as a result of the death. This includes both economic damages and non-economic damages.

Our Los Angeles wrongful death lawyers have decades of experience helping families navigate the legal system and prove these elements. We’ll work tirelessly to gather the necessary evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if needed, take your case to trial to secure the justice your family deserves.

What Is the Cap on Wrongful Death Damages in California?

The cap on wrongful death damages in California is a bit nuanced, as it depends on the circumstances surrounding the death.

General Rule: No Cap

In most wrongful death cases in California, there is no cap on the amount of damages you can recover. This means there’s no legal limit on the compensation a jury can award for both economic damages (like lost income, medical expenses) and non-economic damages (like pain and suffering, loss of companionship).

Exception: Medical Malpractice

The exception to this rule is in cases of wrongful death caused by medical malpractice. In these situations, there is a cap on non-economic damages, which has been increasing incrementally over the years:

2025: $600,000 cap on non-economic damages
Future Increases: The cap will continue to increase by $50,000 annually until 2033, when it will reach $1 million. After that, it will be adjusted for inflation.

It’s important to note that this cap only applies to non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases. There is still no cap on economic damages.

Why Does This Matter to You?

Understanding the potential caps on damages is crucial when pursuing a wrongful death claim. It helps you set realistic expectations and make informed decisions about your case.

How Can Compass Law Group Help?

Compass Law Group has extensive experience navigating the complexities of California’s wrongful death laws. We’ll carefully assess your case, determine the applicable caps (if any), and fight tirelessly to maximize the compensation you receive, regardless of the circumstances.

California’s “One Action” Rule: A Unique Twist in Wrongful Death Claims

California’s legal landscape has a unique feature when it comes to wrongful death lawsuits – the “One Action Rule.”

Here’s what you need to know:

One Lawsuit, One Chance: Unlike some states where multiple family members can file individual lawsuits, California law mandates that all eligible parties must join together in a single wrongful death action.
Protecting Defendants (and Streamlining the Process): The rationale behind this rule is to prevent defendants from facing multiple lawsuits for the same wrongful death, ensuring a more efficient and streamlined legal process.
Identifying All Heirs: If you’re the one filing the lawsuit, you have a legal duty to include all known heirs in the claim. This includes anyone who might be entitled to compensation under California law, even if their relationship with the deceased seems distant.
Shared Compensation: Any compensation awarded in the lawsuit is granted to the family as a whole. It’s then up to the family to decide how to divide the compensation amongst themselves. If an agreement can’t be reached, the court can step in and make a decision.

Why Does This Matter to You?

Understanding the One Action Rule is crucial for several reasons:

Missed Opportunities: If you fail to include all eligible heirs in the initial lawsuit, they might miss out on their rightful compensation.
Legal Disputes: Disagreements over how to divide the compensation can lead to further legal battles within the family, adding stress and delay to an already difficult situation.

Why Choose Compass Law Group for Your Wrongful Death Case

When dealing with the aftermath of a wrongful death, you need a California wrongful death lawyer who has your best interests at heart. At Compass Law Group, LLP, we understand that this is not just about a legal case; it’s about fighting for justice for your loved one.

Here’s why families across Los Angeles trust us with their wrongful death cases:

Decades of Experience: With years of experience handling wrongful death cases, we know how to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contingency Fee Structure: We believe that everyone should have access to justice, which is why we operate on a contingency fee basis. You only pay if we win your case.
Personalized Attention: We treat each case with the care and attention it deserves. You’ll work directly with our dedicated team of attorneys, so your case gets the best possible outcome.
Proven Results: Our Los Angeles wrongful death lawyers have recovered substantial settlements for our clients in wrongful death settlements and verdicts. We are proud of our success, but more importantly, we are proud of the positive impact we’ve had on our clients’ lives.
Local Expertise: As trusted members of the Los Angeles legal community, we’re committed to serving our local community.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Let Us Help You

We understand that navigating the complexities of a wrongful death claim can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with grief and loss. But you don’t have to go through it alone.

At Compass Law Group, we’re here to guide you, fight for you, and get you the justice you deserve. Our compassionate team of Los Angeles wrongful death attorneys has years of experience handling wrongful death cases in Los Angeles, CA, and we’re committed to providing you with the support and advocacy you need during this difficult time.

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Understanding Your Rights:

Frequently Asked
Questions

What kind of lawyer do I need for a wrongful death lawsuit?

For a wrongful death claim, you need an experienced personal injury attorney specializing in wrongful death cases who will help you navigate the legal complexities and fight for the justice your family deserves.

What is the average payout for a wrongful death lawsuit?

The value of a wrongful death lawsuit can vary depending on the cause of death, the circumstances surrounding it, and the damages involved. An experienced Los Angeles wrongful death attorney will be able to give you a better understanding of the potential compensation based on the specifics of your case.

Is it hard to win a wrongful death lawsuit?

Winning a wrongful death lawsuit can be challenging, as it requires proving that the defendant’s actions directly caused the death of your loved one. However, with the right wrongful death lawyer in Los Angeles, the process can be much smoother. A skilled attorney will help you gather evidence, present a strong case, and fight for the compensation you deserve.