Orange County Wrongful Death Lawyer Larry H. Parker

Orange County Wrongful Death Lawyer

No one should lose a loved one due to someone else’s negligence. However, it unfortunately happens. If you are in similar situations, we understand that you’re grieving, overwhelmed with questions, and facing financial burdens you never expected. It’s unfair, and you shouldn’t have to go through this alone.

While nothing can bring your loved one back, a wrongful death claim can help you find justice by holding the responsible party accountable and securing the financial support your family needs to recover.

At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, our Orange County wrongful death lawyers understand the depth of your loss, and we’re here to stand by your side. We’ll handle the legal aspects of your case so you can focus on healing.

Call us today at 866-537-2488 for a free consultation. Let us help you through this difficult time.

Why Families in Orange County Trust Us with Their Wrongful Death Cases

Losing a loved one from an accident is an experience no one wants to go through. Your grief is partnered with frustration towards the individual who caused it. We get it and want you to get the justice you and your loved one deserve.

At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we’ve spent over 50 years fighting for families like yours. We don’t just take cases but take a stand for those who can no longer fight for themselves during this challenging time.

Your Family Comes First—We provide compassionate support, legal guidance, and relentless advocacy from the moment you contact us.

We Fight for Their Legacy – Your loved one’s life mattered. We listen to your story, honor their memory, and pursue justice on their behalf.

No Upfront Costs, No Risk – You shouldn’t bear the damage expenses another individual caused. So, we work on a contingency basis. You pay nothing unless we win.

Support on Your Terms – Whether you prefer an in-person meeting or a virtual consultation, we make it easy to get the legal help you need.

Proven Results – With 100,000+ cases won and over $2 billion recovered, we have the experience and dedication to take on even the most challenging wrongful death cases.

Wrongful Death Lawyers Near Me

Larry H. Parker – Orange County Office
Address: 500 N State College Blvd Suite #1100, Orange, CA 92868, United States
Get your Free Consultation Today: +17145821266

When to Hire a Lawyer for Wrongful Death

If a loved one has lost their life in an accident, grief and pain can drown you. Unfortunately, you must also handle the funeral and burial bills and manage a case for compensation during this difficult time.

Overwhelming is an understatement for such an experience. This is why hiring attorneys for wrongful deaths is crucial when seeking justice for your loved one’s death. We will handle everything and anything about your case so you can grieve and process the loss.

Here’s when you should reach out to an accidental death lawyer:

Right After the Crash

The moments after a loved one’s death are chaotic, but they’re also critical for gathering evidence to prove your wrongful death case. Unfortunately, you can miss proof, especially if you are grieving. The sooner you call an attorney, the sooner they can gather evidence and prove liability.

If It’s Unclear Who’s Responsible

Demonstrating who caused the accident can be challenging, especially if the involved party has already passed. You will need witnesses and other evidence to determine who is at fault. Unfortunately, the other party can quickly refuse liability if you lack these.

When the Insurance Company Tries to Undercut You

Insurance companies are not on your side. They’ll try to pressure you into accepting a lowball offer or even deny your claim altogether. Don’t let them take advantage of you. A wrongful death lawyer knows their tactics and will fight for the full compensation you deserve.

When the Financial Burden Becomes Too Much

Mounting hospital bills, lost income, funeral expenses, and burial costs – the aftermath of an accident is financially crushing. A legal expert will ensure every single cost is accounted for to help you recover.

When the Legal Process Feels Overwhelming

Wrongful death cases involve federal laws that most people aren’t familiar with. A wrongful death attorney understands these laws and will manage your legalities.

When You Don’t Have Time

California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the accident date. Miss that deadline, and you lose your right to seek compensation. A lawyer ensures all paperwork is filed on time so you don’t miss your chance at justice.

When Is a Death Legally Considered Wrongful?

Losing a loved one in an accident is devastating, but when their death is preventable, it’s even harder to accept. If someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or misconduct led to their passing, it may be considered wrongful death.

Negligence happens when someone fails to act responsibly—doing something no reasonable person would do in the same situation. For example, if a speeding driver causes a fatal crash, they’re clearly negligent because going over the limit is reckless. When that recklessness results in someone’s death, the responsible party should be held accountable.

A wrongful death claim allows grieving families to seek justice and financial support to cover the following:

Medical bills
Funeral and burial costs
Lost income
Emotional pain and suffering
Other damages

While no lawsuit can bring back a loved one, it can ease the financial strain and ensure the responsible party is held accountable, helping to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Four Elements to Prove When Filing a Wrongful Death Case

To win a wrongful death case, you need to prove four critical elements:

1. Duty of Care – Did They Have a Responsibility to Protect Your Loved One?

Every person has a legal obligation to act in a way that doesn’t put others at risk. Drivers must follow traffic laws. Doctors must provide competent care. Property owners must maintain safe conditions. The first step in any wrongful death case is proving that the at-fault party owed your loved one a duty of care.

2. Breach of Duty – Did Their Negligence Lead to the Accident?

Negligence happens when someone fails to uphold their responsibility. This can occur if a driver was texting and caused a fatal crash, a doctor misdiagnosed a treatable condition, or a construction site failed to provide proper safety measures. Whatever the case, proving negligence is essential to your claim.

3. Causation – Did Their Actions Directly Cause the Death?

It’s not enough to show negligence. You must also prove that their reckless actions directly led to your loved one’s passing. This often requires evidence, such as accident reports, medical records, and expert testimony, to connect the wrongful act to the fatal outcome.

4. Damages – How Has This Loss Impacted Your Family?

A wrongful death case must also show how the loss has affected surviving family members.

While you can seek compensation, proving these elements can be stressful and overwhelming. At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, our Orange County wrongful death lawyers take this burden off your shoulders and fight tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable.

Common Accidents That Lead to Wrongful Death

Wrongful deaths can happen in countless ways, but some of the most common causes include:

Car Accidents – Distracted, drunk, and reckless drivers take innocent lives every day. In 2022, 17734 injured and fatal victims were involved in traffic crashes in Orange County.
Truck Accidents – Massive commercial trucks can cause catastrophic injuries, especially when drivers ignore safety regulations, drive fatigued, or speed.
Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents – Drivers who fail to yield or ignore crosswalks put pedestrians and cyclists at serious risk. Unfortunately, 1,903 cyclists and pedestrians were injured and killed in crashes in 2022 in Orange County.
Motorcycle Accidents – With little protection, motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to negligent drivers. In 2022, 939 injured and fatal victims resulted from motorcycle crashes in the county.
Workplace Accidents – Unsafe working conditions, faulty equipment, and lack of training can lead to fatal injuries, particularly in construction and manufacturing jobs.
Medical Malpractice – Misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and medication mistakes can turn routine procedures into tragic losses.
Defective Products – When manufacturers fail to warn about dangerous defects, lives can be lost.
Premises Liability Accidents – Property owners are responsible for maintaining safe conditions. Negligence in fixing hazards, such as faulty wiring, unsafe staircases, or inadequate security, can lead to fatal injuries.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Orange County?

Under California Civil Code § 377.60, the following individuals may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit:

Surviving Spouse – The legally married partner of the deceased.
Children of the Deceased – Both biological and legally adopted children.
Parents of the Deceased – If no spouse or children exist.
Siblings of the Deceased – If there are no surviving parents, spouse, or children.
Legal Heirs – If no immediate family members are available, individuals entitled to the estate under California’s inheritance laws may have the right to file.

Additionally, domestic partners, financial dependents, and stepchildren may be eligible in certain circumstances. If you’re unsure whether you can file a lawsuit, our Orange County wrongful accident lawyers can guide you through the process and protect your rights.

What Compensation Can I Recover in a Wrongful Death Case?

While no lawsuit can fill the void left by a loved one’s passing, a wrongful death claim can ease the financial burdens and hold the responsible party accountable. You and your family may be entitled to compensation, including:

Economic Damages (Tangible Financial Losses)

Medical expenses related to the accident before your loved one passed.
Loss of income and financial support your loved one would have provided.
Loss of benefits such as health insurance, retirement funds, or pensions.
Funeral and burial costs to honor your loved one’s memory properly.

Non-Economic Damages (Emotional & Psychological Impact)

Loss of companionship, love, and affection.
Loss of emotional support and guidance from a parent, spouse, or guardian.
Pain and suffering endured by surviving family members.

Punitive Damages (For Extreme Negligence or Misconduct)

In cases where the responsible party acted recklessly or intentionally, the court may award punitive damages to punish wrongdoing and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Placing a value on non-economic damages can be one of the most challenging aspects of your claim. Unlike medical bills or lost wages, emotional distress doesn’t come with a clear price tag. How do you quantify pain and suffering? It’s not simple, but our skilled wrongful death lawyers in Orange County know how to calculate the TOTAL losses you suffered. We’re dedicated to securing the maximum compensation you deserve and achieving the best possible outcome.

Is There a Limit to the Compensation You Can Receive in an Orange County Wrongful Death Case?

In Orange County, California, there is generally no cap on compensation in wrongful death cases, except in specific situations.

Medical Malpractice Cases – If your loved one’s death was caused by medical negligence, non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering) are capped at $500,000 under the Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act.
Government Liability – If a government entity is responsible, additional restrictions and strict deadlines may apply.
Punitive Damages – While rare, punitive damages (meant to punish reckless or intentional harm) are not guaranteed and depend on the court’s discretion.

Statute of Limitations of Wrongful Death Cases in Orange County, CA

The statute of limitations sets the timeframe in which you are allowed to file a personal injury claim for compensation. California law gives you two years from the date of death to pursue a claim, but certain exceptions, such as claims against government entities, may have shorter deadlines.

Waiting too long can make it harder to gather crucial evidence or even prevent you from filing at all. That’s why speaking with an experienced Orange County wrongful accident lawyer is essential as soon as possible.

Justice for Your Loved One Starts Here

Losing someone you love because of another’s negligence is heartbreaking, and no one should have to face this battle alone. At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we understand the pain, the questions, and the overwhelming burden you’re carrying. Our Orange County wrongful death attorneys are here to stand by your side, fight for accountability, and help you seek the justice your loved one deserves.

When you work with us, we will:

Listen to your story with compassion and respect.
Hold negligent parties accountable for their reckless actions.
Fight fiercely to secure the compensation and justice your family needs to move forward.

You don’t have to do this alone. Call us today at 866-537-2488 for a free, no-obligation consultation. You pay nothing unless we win. Let us handle the legal fight so you can focus on healing.

Orange County Wrongful Death Lawyer Larry H. Parker