San Diego Wrongful Death Lawyer

Wrongful death is a civil claim arising when negligent or wrongful conduct causes a death. Vehicle collisions, unsafe property, and other incidents may support a claim. Where negligence is alleged, the evidence must establish a duty, breach, causation, and compensable loss. The civil process is separate from any criminal prosecution.

California Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60 identifies eligible claimants, including certain spouses or domestic partners, children, and others who qualify under the statute. Some dependent people may qualify under specific conditions. Family structure, surviving relatives, and dependency matter. An estate’s survival claim is distinct from the heirs’ wrongful death claim and requires separate analysis.

Damages may include funeral and burial expenses, lost financial support, household services, and the loss of companionship, care, guidance, and other legally recognized relationship benefits. California wrongful death damages generally do not compensate grief itself. The types of recovery available to the estate can differ, so avoid combining the two claims without reviewing the applicable rules.

Keep incident records, medical information, financial support records, and funeral expenses. Wrongful death lawsuits generally have a two-year period in California, but government claims and other exceptions can require much earlier action. jD LAW can investigate responsibility and coverage, identify proper claimants, and discuss a path forward without making promises about the outcome.