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Losing someone you love due to someone else’s negligence is a heartbreaking and overwhelming experience. At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we understand the pain and confusion you’re going through. The emotional toll of such a loss can feel unbearable, and the financial pressures that follow—medical bills, funeral costs, or lost income—only make it harder to focus on healing.
What makes it worse is knowing that this tragedy could have been avoided. Whether it was a reckless driver, a negligent healthcare provider, or an unsafe workplace, you shouldn’t have to bear this burden alone. You deserve justice, accountability, and a sense of closure. However, navigating the legal system in a time of grief can feel like an impossible task.
That’s where we come in. Countrywide Trial Lawyers specializes in wrongful death cases in Los Angeles, California. We have a proven track record of holding responsible parties accountable and securing the compensation families deserve.
The firm is led by Managing Attorney Shawn S. Rokni, a former insurance defense attorney with extensive experience in personal injury litigation, including wrongful death matters. Our compassionate team will guide you through every step, ensuring your voice is heard, and your loved one’s story is told.
Don’t let another day go by without taking action. Contact Countrywide Trial Lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you focus on healing while we fight for the justice you and your family deserve.
When a loved one’s death occurs due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful act, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim under California law. This legal action allows eligible family members to seek compensation for the financial and emotional losses caused by the death.
California law specifies who has the legal right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The primary individuals eligible to file include:
In some cases, a personal representative of the deceased person’s estate may file a civil wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the family.
Under California law, surviving family members must file a wrongful death lawsuit within a specific timeframe, known as the statute of limitations. In most cases, this period is two years from the date of the deceased person’s death. Missing this deadline can result in losing the legal right to seek compensation, regardless of the strength of the claim.
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which can impact the amount of compensation awarded in a wrongful death case. This rule allows compensation to be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the deceased person or the surviving family members.
For example:
This rule ensures that fault is fairly distributed but also highlights the importance of working with an experienced wrongful death attorney who can minimize the impact of comparative negligence on the claim.
Wrongful death is a tragic event resulting from another party’s negligence or intentional actions. Los Angeles, as a densely populated and bustling metropolis, experiences a variety of scenarios that lead to wrongful death claims.
These cases often arise from traffic accidents, medical malpractice, workplace incidents, defective products, and violent crimes.
Traffic accidents are one of the leading causes of wrongful death in Los Angeles. The city’s congested roads, frequent reliance on personal vehicles, and high pedestrian activity contribute to a significant number of fatal collisions. Common causes of fatal traffic accidents include:
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and city reports, Los Angeles experiences hundreds of traffic-related fatalities annually. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable in these accidents. Efforts like Vision Zero aim to reduce these fatalities, but negligence on the part of drivers remains a persistent issue.
In wrongful death cases stemming from traffic accidents, at-fault drivers, employers (in commercial vehicle cases), and even government entities (for poorly maintained roads) may be held liable.
Medical malpractice is another common cause of wrongful death in Los Angeles. These incidents occur when healthcare providers fail to meet the standard of care expected in their profession. Examples include:
Proving negligence in medical malpractice cases can be complex and often requires expert testimony. Surviving family members must demonstrate that the healthcare provider’s actions directly caused the loved one’s death. Additionally, medical malpractice cases in California are subject to caps on non-economic damages, making legal representation essential for navigating these claims.
Workplace accidents account for a significant portion of wrongful deaths in Los Angeles. Industries with particularly high fatality rates include:
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets regulations to ensure workplace safety. When employers fail to adhere to these standards, resulting in fatal workplace accidents, they can be held liable in a wrongful death suit.
While California’s workers’ compensation laws provide death benefits to families, these benefits are often limited. A wrongful death claim may provide additional compensation if the employer’s negligence or a third party’s actions contributed to the fatal accident.
Defective products can also lead to wrongful death when consumers are harmed by unsafe or improperly designed items. There are three main types of product defects:
Product liability cases leading to wrongful death include:
Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers may all be held liable in wrongful death claims stemming from defective products.
Wrongful death can also occur as a result of violent crimes, such as homicide or assault. In these cases, family members may file a wrongful death claim against the perpetrator to seek financial compensation for their losses.
While criminal charges are pursued by the state, a civil wrongful death lawsuit allows families to hold the responsible party financially accountable.
A wrongful death lawsuit can proceed independently of any criminal charges. Even if the defendant is acquitted in criminal court, they can still be found liable in a civil suit, as the burden of proof is lower. This dual legal process ensures that families have an avenue to pursue justice, regardless of the outcome of criminal proceedings.
The loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful act is a devastating experience. In addition to the emotional toll, surviving family members often face financial burdens and complex legal challenges.
A Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer provides essential support, guiding families through the legal process to ensure accountability and secure fair compensation. Here’s how an experienced attorney can help in a wrongful death case.
A wrongful death lawyer’s first step is to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the loved one’s death. This involves:
This investigative process lays the foundation for a strong wrongful death claim by establishing a clear link between the responsible party’s actions and the victim’s death.
Building a compelling case requires substantial evidence and, in many cases, expert testimony. A wrongful death lawyer has the resources and expertise to gather and present this information effectively. Key steps include:
By presenting detailed evidence and expert opinions, the lawyer ensures that the case is well-supported and persuasive.
A significant aspect of a wrongful death lawyer’s role is calculating the full extent of damages to ensure fair compensation for surviving family members. Damages in a wrongful death claim are categorized as:
By thoroughly evaluating these damages, the lawyer ensures that all aspects of the family’s loss are considered and quantified.
Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts in wrongful death cases, using tactics such as disputing liability or undervaluing damages. A skilled wrongful death lawyer acts as an advocate for the family, handling all interactions with insurers and ensuring that the family’s rights are protected.
A wrongful death lawyer not only manages the legal process but also provides compassionate support during an incredibly difficult time. By handling complex legal tasks and negotiations, the attorney allows surviving family members to focus on grieving and healing. This includes:
This support ensures that families have the time and space they need to process their loss while knowing that their case is in capable hands.
Los Angeles wrongful death cases often involve unique legal challenges due to the city’s size, traffic patterns, and diverse industries. An experienced wrongful death lawyer understands the specific laws, regulations, and court systems that apply to these cases in Los Angeles. This familiarity includes:
This localized expertise ensures that the family’s claim is handled efficiently and effectively.
Losing a loved one unexpectedly due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful act is devastating. During such a challenging time, it can be difficult to know what steps to take.
While grieving is paramount, taking specific actions can help protect your legal rights and preserve your ability to seek justice and compensation.
Consulting an experienced wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible is one of the most critical steps you can take. Early legal advice ensures that you understand your rights and can take the necessary actions to build a strong case. A lawyer will help you:
Wrongful death cases often involve time-sensitive evidence, such as surveillance footage or witness statements. A lawyer can act quickly to secure this evidence and prevent it from being lost or destroyed.
To build a wrongful death case, you’ll need to gather and organize essential documents related to your loved one’s death. These records provide the foundation for proving negligence and calculating damages. Key documents include:
Organizing these documents early can streamline the legal process and provide your lawyer with the information needed to pursue your case effectively.
After losing a loved one, you may be contacted by insurance companies seeking to settle claims quickly. It’s important to avoid making any statements or agreeing to settlements without consulting your wrongful death attorney. Insurance companies often:
A lawyer can handle all communications with insurance companies, ensuring that your rights are protected and that any settlement offers are fair and comprehensive.
California law imposes strict deadlines for filing a wrongful death claim, known as the statute of limitations. Generally, you have two years from the date of death to file a claim. However, certain exceptions apply:
Missing the statute of limitations can result in losing your right to seek compensation, no matter how strong your case is. A wrongful death lawyer will ensure that your claim is filed on time and that all necessary legal procedures are followed.
Wrongful death cases are among the most emotionally and legally complex legal actions. While the goal is to secure justice and financial compensation for the surviving family members, various challenges can arise during the process.
One of the most significant challenges in wrongful death cases is proving that the responsible party’s wrongful or negligent act directly caused the death. This requires establishing:
These elements often require substantial evidence, expert testimony, and detailed legal arguments, making them challenging to establish.
Wrongful death cases demand thorough investigations and robust evidence to build a strong claim. Key evidence, such as medical records, accident reports, or surveillance footage, can be difficult to obtain or may require subpoenas.
Additionally, expert testimony, such as medical professionals in a medical malpractice case or accident reconstruction specialists in a car accident case, is often necessary. Gathering and presenting this evidence effectively requires significant resources and legal expertise.
In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility for the wrongful death, such as in workplace accidents involving contractors or medical malpractice cases with multiple healthcare providers.
Determining the degree of fault for each party can complicate the legal process, particularly in California, which follows a comparative negligence rule. Disputes over shared liability can delay resolution and reduce the compensation awarded.
Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts in wrongful death claims. They may dispute liability, challenge the severity of damages, or offer low settlements to grieving families. Navigating these tactics requires a skilled wrongful death lawyer who can counter these efforts and negotiate for fair compensation.
California’s statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is typically two years, but shorter deadlines apply in cases involving government entities. Missing these deadlines can result in losing the right to seek compensation, adding urgency to an already overwhelming process.
Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences anyone can endure. Grief can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that healing is a journey, not a destination. While everyone processes loss differently, there are steps you can take to cope with your emotions, find support, and honor your loved one’s memory.
Grieving is a natural response to loss, and there’s no “right” way to do it. Allow yourself to feel the full range of emotions, whether it’s sadness, anger, confusion, or even relief in certain situations. Suppressing emotions can delay healing, so give yourself permission to process your feelings at your own pace.
You don’t have to face your loss alone. Lean on family members, friends, or support groups who understand what you’re going through. Talking about your feelings with someone you trust can provide comfort and help you feel less isolated.
After a loss, life can feel chaotic and unpredictable. Establishing daily routines can bring a sense of stability and normalcy. At the same time, prioritize self-care to ensure your physical and emotional well-being:
Finding ways to remember and celebrate your loved one can be a meaningful part of the healing process. Consider creating a memory book, planting a tree, or making a donation to a cause they cared about. Sharing stories and reflecting on their life can also bring comfort and keep their memory alive.
Healing takes time, and there’s no fixed timeline for coping with loss. Some days may be harder than others, but it’s important to be gentle with yourself. Celebrate small steps forward, and don’t hesitate to seek additional support if needed.
The timeline for resolving a wrongful death case varies based on the complexity of the case, the willingness of the parties to negotiate, and whether the case goes to trial. Many cases are resolved through settlement within 6 to 12 months, while cases requiring litigation may take 1 to 2 years or longer.
Settlement amounts in wrongful death cases depend on several factors, including the circumstances of the death, the financial losses incurred, and the impact on the surviving family members. While settlements can range from tens of thousands to several million dollars, consulting an experienced wrongful death lawyer is essential to determine a fair amount based on your specific case.
No. Under California law, eligible family members must file a single wrongful death claim collectively. This typically includes the surviving spouse, children, and, in some cases, parents or other dependents. A wrongful death lawyer can ensure all eligible parties are represented in the claim.
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the deceased. For example, if the deceased was 25% at fault, the settlement would be reduced by that percentage.
In a contingency fee arrangement, you don’t pay any legal fees upfront. Instead, your lawyer is paid a percentage of the settlement or court award. If you don’t win the case, you owe nothing for legal fees. This arrangement ensures access to quality representation without financial risk.
Losing a loved one unexpectedly is one of the hardest experiences anyone can face, especially when the loss is due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct. During this challenging time, the last thing you should have to worry about is navigating complex legal procedures. That’s why it’s crucial to contact a skilled Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer who can fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves.
Time is of the essence in wrongful death cases. California law has strict deadlines for filing a claim, and gathering evidence early can make all the difference in building a strong case. By reaching out to a dedicated wrongful death attorney, you’ll have someone on your side to handle the legal complexities so you can focus on grieving and healing.
An experienced lawyer will investigate the circumstances of your loved one’s passing, identify who is responsible, and ensure they are held accountable. Whether it’s pursuing financial damages for funeral expenses, lost income, or emotional suffering, your attorney will fight tirelessly to help you secure the compensation you need to move forward.
Don’t face this burden alone. Contact a Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer at Countrywide Trial Lawyers by calling 844-844-9119 today. We offer compassionate, personalized legal support and a free consultation to discuss 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.