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Losing a loved one unexpectedly is one of the most devastating experiences any family can endure, especially when the death was caused by someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or wrongdoing. Whether it was a fatal crash on Holt Boulevard, a workplace accident near Ontario Mills, or a preventable act of medical malpractice, the emotional and financial toll can be overwhelming.
In these moments of pain, families are left with unanswered questions and a sense of injustice.
Why did this happen?
Could it have been prevented?
What happens now?
While no legal action can ever replace your loss, a wrongful death lawsuit can hold the responsible party accountable and help secure the resources your family needs to move forward.
California law gives surviving family members the right to seek compensation for funeral costs, lost income, emotional suffering, and more. But navigating this process requires legal guidance, strong evidence, and a law firm that understands how to handle these complex, sensitive cases.
At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we represent families throughout Ontario and the Inland Empire who have lost loved ones due to fatal accidents and acts of negligence. We provide clear answers, strong legal representation, and the compassion your family deserves.
If you’re unsure whether you have a case or what your next steps should be, speak with a trusted wrongful death lawyer in Ontario. We’re here to help you honor your loved one’s memory by pursuing the justice they deserve.
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit brought by surviving family members against a person, company, or entity responsible for causing someone’s death through negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, this legal action is designed to compensate the family for the emotional and financial losses caused by a preventable death.
Wrongful death cases are not criminal prosecutions; they don’t result in jail time or criminal penalties for the defendant. Instead, they focus on holding the responsible party financially accountable for the harm caused to the surviving family. This often includes losses such as funeral expenses, lost income, emotional suffering, and loss of companionship.
Common incidents that can lead to a wrongful death lawsuit include:
In many cases, a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed in addition to any criminal charges brought by the state. For example, if a drunk driver in Ontario killed your loved one, the driver may face DUI manslaughter charges. But your family can also file a civil claim to recover damages.
Filing a claim doesn’t just provide financial relief; it also sends a message that your loved one’s life mattered. An experienced fatal injury attorney in Ontario can guide your family through the process and fight for justice every step of the way.
Wrongful deaths can occur in a wide range of tragic and unexpected situations, but what they all have in common is that someone’s negligence or misconduct caused an otherwise preventable loss of life. In Ontario, California, some of the most common causes of wrongful death include everyday risks that suddenly turn deadly due to carelessness, poor decisions, or outright recklessness.
Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents are among the leading causes of wrongful death in Ontario. Crashes on I-10, Holt Boulevard, or Archibald Avenue are often caused by speeding, distracted driving, or DUI, leaving families devastated and looking for answers.
Pedestrians and rideshare passengers are especially vulnerable in busy areas like Ontario Mills or near transit stops. When drivers fail to yield to traffic signs or operate recklessly in high-traffic zones, it can result in fatal injuries.
Fatalities on job sites, especially in logistics, warehouse, or construction industries, are common in Ontario and may involve falls, equipment failures, or safety violations. Employers or third-party contractors may be held liable in these cases.
Negligent care by doctors, nurses, or long-term care staff can lead to fatal injuries or complications. Common issues include surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication mistakes, or nursing home abuse.
If your loved one was the victim of a violent crime, your family can pursue a wrongful death claim separate from any criminal prosecution. Civil justice can help provide closure and financial support.
No matter the cause, an experienced wrongful death lawyer in Ontario can identify liability and pursue a claim that honors your loved one’s life and legacy.
In California, not everyone who grieves the loss of a loved one is legally eligible to file a wrongful death claim. The law prioritizes certain family relationships. It defines who can bring legal action when someone else’s negligence caused the death.
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, the following individuals are typically allowed to file a wrongful death lawsuit:
These individuals are given the highest priority when filing a claim.
If none of the above individuals exist or choose not to file, other family members who were financially dependent on the deceased may be eligible to bring a claim. This can include:
In some cases, the person representing the deceased’s estate may bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of all heirs or beneficiaries.
In most cases, California law gives you two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. If the claim involves a government agency or public entity, such as a fatal crash involving a city vehicle, you only have six months to take legal action.
Because of these deadlines and eligibility rules, it’s critical to consult with a death claim lawyer in Ontario as soon as possible. They can help you understand your rights and protect your family’s ability to recover compensation.
A wrongful death lawsuit is not only about accountability, it’s also about ensuring your family has the financial support it needs after an unimaginable loss. California law allows eligible survivors to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, reflecting the full impact of the death on those left behind.
Here are the key categories of compensation that a fatal injury attorney in Ontario can help you pursue:
In addition to burial services, cremation, headstones, and other related arrangements, you may be able to recover reasonable costs connected to laying your loved one to rest, including funeral arrangements.
If the deceased contributed to your household financially, you may be entitled to the estimated value of future income they would have earned had they lived. This includes:
Wrongful death damages can also account for the emotional suffering caused by the loss of a parent, spouse, or child. This includes the loss of:
If your loved one received medical treatment after the injury before passing, those bills can be recovered through a survival action, which may accompany a wrongful death claim.
Every case is unique, and the value of your claim depends on the facts. A compassionate and experienced wrongful death lawyer in Ontario will work to ensure your family receives the full compensation it needs and deserves.
Pursuing a wrongful death claim goes beyond financial compensation; it offers families a path to find answers, achieve justice, and attain peace of mind during a difficult time. After experiencing a tragic loss, the focus for many families should be on healing, rather than navigating the complexities of insurance companies, legal documentation, or court processes. This is where the expertise of a dedicated fatal injury attorney in Ontario becomes invaluable.
Our A team of supportive legal team can guide your family through this challenging journey in several ways:
We start by gathering all available evidence, police reports, medical records, witness statements, surveillance footage, and expert testimony. Whether the death was caused by a truck crash on the I-10 or a medical error in a hospital near Ontario Mills, we leave no stone unturned.
Wrongful death claims often involve multiple defendants, such as drivers, employers, manufacturers, or healthcare providers. We analyze all the facts to determine who should be held legally accountable.
From dealing with insurance adjusters to filing the lawsuit itself, we manage every aspect of your claim, so you can focus on grieving and healing.
We calculate your losses carefully, using financial experts, actuaries, and medical professionals when necessary. Our goal is to ensure your family receives full and fair compensation under California law.
We understand that this is a deeply emotional time. We maintain clear and compassionate communication, providing honest advice and guiding you through every step of the legal process.
At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we are here not just to fight for your rights, but to stand beside you through every challenge. Your family’s dignity, stability, and future matter to us.
Martin C., a 47-year-old father of two, was driving home from work on Holt Boulevard when a commercial delivery truck ran a red light and collided with his sedan. The crash was severe, and Martin died at the scene from blunt force trauma. The driver of the truck was found to be fatigued and behind schedule for a major retailer’s logistics partner.
Martin’s family was devastated. He was the primary provider for his wife and teenage children. The trucking company initially denied liability, arguing that the driver was an independent contractor, not an employee, and offered a minimal settlement that barely covered funeral costs.
That’s when the family turned to Countrywide Trial Lawyers.
We immediately launched an independent investigation, obtained traffic camera footage, and uncovered internal records showing that the driver had exceeded legal driving hours. We also demonstrated that the company exerted enough control over the driver’s schedule to qualify as an employer under California law.
After filing a wrongful death lawsuit and engaging in extensive negotiations, we secured a $950,000 settlement. This covered funeral expenses, lost income, future financial support, and emotional damages for the surviving spouse and children.
Martin’s family now has financial security and the peace of knowing those responsible were held accountable.
The wrongful death legal process can feel overwhelming, especially for grieving families. But understanding the timeline and what to expect can help ease the pressure and ensure your rights are protected from the start. Here’s how a typical wrongful death claim unfolds in Ontario, CA:
Your journey begins with a free consultation. A wrongful death lawyer in Ontario will listen to your story, review preliminary details, and determine if a valid claim exists under California law.
Once retained, your attorney will conduct a full investigation. This may include reviewing accident reports, obtaining surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and consulting medical or forensic experts to establish the cause of death and identify all liable parties.
If negotiations aren’t possible or productive early on, your lawyer will file a formal wrongful death lawsuit in civil court. Claims must generally be filed within two years of the date of death.
Most wrongful death claims are settled before going to court. Your attorney will negotiate aggressively with insurers and opposing counsel to secure a settlement that reflects your family’s full losses, both economic and emotional.
If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your case may proceed to trial. Countrywide Trial Lawyers is always trial-ready, and we prepare every case with litigation in mind from the start.
Through every step, we guide you with compassion, respect, and clear communication so your family can focus on healing while we focus on justice.
When your family is facing the unimaginable loss of a loved one, you deserve more than just legal representation; you deserve a team that brings strength, compassion, and relentless advocacy to your side. At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we understand the emotional weight of wrongful death cases, and we treat every family with the care and respect they need during this difficult time.
Here’s why families across Ontario trust us with their most critical legal matters:
We have successfully handled numerous wrongful death cases across California, including complex claims involving commercial truck crashes, pedestrian fatalities, workplace accidents, and medical negligence. We know what it takes to win, and we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial.
Wrongful death claims often involve significant insurance policies and even greater resistance. We push back against delay tactics and lowball offers, using evidence and negotiation strategies that consistently deliver results.
We’re based in Southern California and understand the unique dynamics of Ontario’s roadways, courts, and insurance providers. Whether your case involves local agencies like the Ontario Police Department or hearings in San Bernardino County Superior Court, we’re already familiar with the terrain.
California law allows spouses, children, and other dependents of the deceased to file a claim. In some cases, stepchildren, parents, or estate representatives may also qualify. If you're unsure about your eligibility, a wrongful death lawyer can evaluate your relationship and guide you through the process.
Generally, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim in California. However, if a government entity is involved (such as a city vehicle or public hospital), the time limit could be as short as six months, so early legal action is critical.
A wrongful death claim compensates the family for their losses. A survival action is brought on behalf of the deceased’s estate for damages the person could have claimed had they survived, such as medical bills or lost wages between injury and death. Both actions can be filed together.
Yes. A civil wrongful death claim is independent of any criminal proceedings. You can pursue compensation regardless of whether the defendant is charged or convicted. The civil burden of proof is lower, which may improve your chances of recovering damages.
California follows comparative negligence rules. If your loved one was partially at fault, your family may still recover compensation, though the total amount may be reduced based on their percentage of fault. Your attorney can evaluate the situation and fight to minimize liability.
You only need to prove negligence, not intentional harm. If someone failed to act with reasonable care and that failure caused your loved one’s death, they can be held financially responsible through a wrongful death claim.
Damages consider many factors, including the deceased’s age, earning capacity, health, and the emotional and financial losses suffered by survivors. Your attorney may work with economists, actuaries to determine a fair and accurate value.
Settlements vary widely, ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions, depending on the circumstances, liability, and insurance coverage. A skilled attorney can help you pursue the maximum compensation your family is entitled to under California law.
Many wrongful death cases settle out of court through negotiations. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit and preparing for trial. We handle all steps for you.
At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Your consultation is free, and we only get paid when your family receives compensation.
No one is ever prepared to lose a loved one unexpectedly, especially due to someone else’s negligence. In the aftermath, families are left grieving while also facing funeral expenses, lost income, and the painful question of what comes next. While no lawsuit can bring your loved one back, it can help ensure your family is financially secure and that those responsible are held accountable.
At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we stand with grieving families in Ontario and across the Inland Empire. We understand the emotional weight of these cases, and we’re here to offer strength, clarity, and a path forward.
When you work with us, you’ll have:
We’ve helped families recover damages after fatal car crashes, pedestrian accidents, workplace injuries, and medical negligence. Let us help your family do the same.
We don’t charge you for speaking with us; we only get paid after winning your case.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.
