Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence is one of the most painful experiences a family can face. During this difficult time, families are often left dealing with emotional grief, financial stress, and uncertainty about what steps to take next. Our personal injury lawyers at The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker can help you understand your rights and the legal options available to you.

For more than 50 years, our firm has represented injury victims and families across California. We support families pursuing accountability after a tragic loss and provide guidance throughout the legal process.

Free case evaluation
No upfront attorney fees. Fees are only paid if compensation is recovered
Over 100,000 clients served and $2B+ recovered in personal injury cases*
Bilingual support available 24/7

If your family has lost a loved one due to negligence, our Los Angeles wrongful death attorney can review your situation and help you understand your next steps. Contact us and let us handle this battle for you.

*Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome. Amounts listed are gross recoveries before attorney fees and costs.

Why Families in Los Angeles Trust Us to Fight for Their Loved Ones

Apart from grief and pain, losing someone due to negligence is infuriating. Your loved one didn’t deserve to lose their life due to another individual’s wrongful actions. The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker understands how difficult it can be to pursue legal action while grieving. During this challenging time, our team is here to provide guidance, support, and experienced legal representation as your family considers its options. We believe you deserve justice, and your loved one deserves to be remembered, and we take action to achieve this.

Your Family Comes First – From the moment you contact us, we provide compassionate guidance, legal support, and advocacy to protect your rights.

Fighting for Their Legacy – We honor your loved one’s life. We listen to your story, honor their memory, and seek justice for them.

No Upfront Costs, No Risk – You shouldn’t have to worry about legal fees on top of everything else. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win.

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

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

Wrongful Death

Losing someone you love due to another’s negligence is heartbreaking, unfair, and life-changing. Overwhelming doesn’t even begin to describe the pain of such an experience. In such tragic times, seeking justice shouldn’t add to your burden, and you should do this alone.

While nothing can bring your loved one back, seeking justice can provide a sense of accountability and financial security for your family’s future. A wrongful death claim isn’t just about compensation but about making sure those responsible are held accountable.

At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, our Los Angeles wrongful death lawyers stand beside you during this difficult time. We take on your legal case so you can focus on healing and remembering your loved one.

What to Do After Losing a Loved One in an Accident

In the immediate aftermath of a loved one’s passing, knowing what steps to take can feel overwhelming. While every situation is different, taking certain actions may help preserve important information and protect your family’s legal rights.

Contact authorities – If you were present at the scene, call 911 right away. Police and emergency responders can document the incident and prepare official reports that may be important later.
Preserve evidence – If possible, gather information related to the incident. This may include photographs of the scene, contact details for witnesses, and any documents connected to the accident.
Obtain the death certificate – This document is often required for legal matters, insurance claims, and financial accounts connected to your loved one’s estate.
Notify insurance companies – Some insurance policies require timely reporting of an incident. However, it may be helpful to understand your options before providing detailed statements.
Consult with a wrongful death lawyer – Speaking with a wrongful death attorney is a crucial first step to discuss legal options. We offer a no-obligation consultation to provide valuable insights into your case.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death

Wrongful death claims can arise from a wide range of circumstances. Understanding the common causes of wrongful death in California can help families recognize when they may have a valid claim.

1. Car Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of death in California, with over 4,061 traffic fatalities in 2023, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. These accidents often result from reckless or negligent driving, such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence. When a fatal car accident occurs due to another driver’s negligence, the surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death claim.

2. Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the standard of care, resulting in a patient’s death. Common examples of medical malpractice include surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication errors, and failure to provide appropriate treatment. Families who lose a loved one due to medical malpractice may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim.

3. Workplace Accidents

Workplace accidents, particularly in high-risk industries such as construction, can lead to fatal injuries. Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe working environment, and when they fail to do so, they may be held liable for wrongful death. In some cases, third parties such as equipment manufacturers may also be held responsible.

4. Defective Products

Product liability claims arise when a defective product causes a person’s death. This can include defective vehicles, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and consumer products. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can all be held liable in wrongful death cases involving defective products.

5. Criminal Acts

Wrongful death claims can also result from intentional acts, such as homicide or assault. In these cases, the responsible party may face criminal charges in addition to civil liability. While a criminal conviction can provide some measure of justice, a wrongful death lawsuit allows the family to seek financial compensation for their loss.

6. Dog Attacks

Severe dog attacks can sometimes lead to fatal injuries. Under California law, dog owners may be held responsible when their pet causes harm, particularly if the attack occurs in a public place or while the victim is lawfully on private property.

Common Fatal Injuries That Lead to Wrongful Death

Wrongful death may occur when a person suffers fatal injuries caused by another party’s negligence. While every case is different, certain types of severe injuries are more likely to lead to fatal outcomes.

Some of the most common fatal injuries involved in wrongful death cases include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries: Severe head trauma can cause brain swelling, bleeding, or permanent brain damage that may result in death.

Internal Organ Damage or Internal Bleeding: Blunt force trauma can damage vital organs such as the liver, lungs, or kidneys. Internal bleeding can quickly become life-threatening if not treated immediately.

Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe spinal cord trauma can affect breathing, heart function, and other critical bodily systems.

Crush Injuries: These injuries occur when the body is trapped or compressed between heavy objects, often causing severe tissue damage and organ failure.

Broken Bones: Trauma to the chest can damage the heart, lungs, or major blood vessels, which can lead to fatal complications.

Severe Burns: Extensive burns may lead to infection, organ failure, or other life-threatening complications.

Neck and Airway Injuries: Damage to the neck or airway may interfere with breathing and can quickly become fatal without emergency treatment.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in California

A wrongful death claim arises when someone dies due to another person’s wrongful or negligent actions. The legal framework for these claims is established under California’s wrongful death statute, found in Code of Civil Procedure 377.60.

Wrongful death claims can stem from a variety of incidents, such as car accidents, murder, dangerous products, toxic exposure, and medical errors. Recognizing these causes is key to determining the applicability of a wrongful death claim.

This aims to seek wrongful death damages for the loss of a loved one caused by negligence or intentional harm. This process provides financial compensation and holds the responsible parties accountable, offering justice to the grieving family.

Who Is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Under California Civil Code 377.60, the following individuals are eligible to file a wrongful death claim:

Surviving Spouse – The deceased’s legally married spouse at the time of death.
Children – Biological or legally adopted children.
Parents – If there is no surviving spouse or children.
Siblings – If there are no surviving spouses, children, or parents.
Legal Heirs – If no direct family exists, individuals entitled to the estate under California’s intestate succession laws may file.

In some cases, domestic partners, financial dependents, or stepchildren may also be eligible to file, depending on their relationship with the deceased. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, our wrongful death attorneys in Los Angeles can clarify your rights.

How to Prove a Wrongful Death Claim in Los Angeles

When filing a wrongful death claim, you must prove four key elements to hold the at-fault party accountable.

1. Duty of Care: Did They Have a Duty to Keep Your Loved One Safe?

Every person has a legal responsibility to avoid actions that could endanger others. The first step in your case is proving that the responsible party owed your loved one a duty of care.

For instance, all drivers are legally required to ensure everyone’s safety by following traffic laws and regulations.

2. Breach of Duty: Did Their Negligence Cause the Accident?

Negligence happens when someone fails to uphold their responsibility, putting others at risk. For example:

A driver driving while intoxicated
A doctor misdiagnosing a treatable condition
A construction company ignoring safety protocols

If their careless or reckless actions led to your loved one’s fatal accident, it could be considered a breach of duty.

3. Causation: Can You Prove Their Actions Directly Led to the Death of Your Loved One?

Apart from negligence, you must connect their actions to your loved one’s passing. This often requires strong evidence, such as:

Accident or police reports

Photos or videos of the accident scene

Medical records

Witness statements

Expert testimony

Death certificate

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

A wrongful death claim must demonstrate how the loss has affected those left behind. This includes both financial hardships and emotional suffering, such as:

Medical bills and funeral expenses
Loss of financial support and future income
Loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support

No amount of money can replace your loved one, but securing compensation can help ease the burden of living without them.

Who May Be Liable for a Wrongful Death?

Liability in a wrongful death case may fall on the individuals or entities whose negligence or wrongful actions caused the fatal incident. Determining responsibility often requires reviewing the circumstances of the accident and identifying all parties who may have contributed to the loss. Potentially liable parties may include:

Individuals: A person whose negligent or reckless actions caused the fatal incident. Examples may include a driver responsible for a car accident or a property owner who failed to maintain safe conditions.

Professionals: Certain professionals may be liable if their failure to meet the appropriate standard of care results in a person’s death. This may include healthcare providers in cases involving medical malpractice.

Employers or Corporations: Companies may be held responsible when an employee causes a fatal accident while performing work duties. Businesses may also face liability if unsafe policies, inadequate training, or unsafe working conditions contributed to the incident.

Manufacturers: If a defective product causes a fatal injury, manufacturers, distributors, or retailers may be held liable under product liability laws.

Government Agencies: Public entities may be responsible if dangerous road conditions, poor maintenance, or other hazards under government control contributed to the fatal accident.

Damages That Can Be Recovered Through a Wrongful Death Claim

Wrongful death claims allow the surviving family members to seek compensation for losses resulting from the death of their loved one. These damages are generally divided into economic damages and non-economic damages, depending on the type of loss experienced by the family.

Economic Damages

Economic damages address the financial losses caused by the death. These may include:

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support that the deceased would have provided
Loss of household services, such as childcare or other contributions to the home
Loss of benefits or income that the deceased may have earned in the future

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address the personal and emotional impact of losing a loved one. These may include:

Loss of companionship and care

Loss of love, guidance, and support

Loss of consortium for a surviving spouse or domestic partner

California generally does not allow punitive damages in a wrongful death claim itself. However, in some situations, punitive damages may be pursued through a separate survival action, which focuses on damages the deceased person could have recovered if they had survived the incident.

Understanding what damages may apply often requires reviewing the circumstances of the case and the losses experienced by surviving family members.

California’s Statute of Limitations for a Wrongful Death Claim

In California, family members who wish to pursue a wrongful death claim are generally given two years from the date of the person’s death to file a lawsuit. If a claim is not filed within this time period, the family may lose the ability to seek compensation.

However, certain exceptions may apply in wrongful death cases:

Medical malpractice cases: If the death resulted from medical malpractice, the claim generally must be filed within 1 year of the date the negligence was discovered or within 3 years of the date of death, whichever occurs first.
Claims against the government entities: When a government agency or employee may be responsible, the victim’s family is usually given six months after the death to file a claim.
Minor children: If the person eligible to file the wrongful death claim is a minor, the two-year statute of limitations may be paused until the minor reaches 18 years of age.

Understanding these deadlines can be important when considering a wrongful death claim. Speaking with a Los Angeles wrongful death attorney can help families understand the time limits that may apply and the steps involved in pursuing a claim.

Wrongful Death vs. Survival Actions: Understanding Your Legal Options

Seeking justice after losing a loved one can be overwhelming, and you may encounter two legal paths: wrongful death claims and survival actions. While both hold the responsible party accountable, they serve different purposes.

Wrongful Death Claims – brought by the surviving family members (such as a spouse, children, or parents) to compensate for the losses they have suffered due to their loved one’s passing. This can include:

Emotional pain and suffering
Lost income and financial support
Funeral and burial costs
Loss of companionship and love

Survival Actions – filed on behalf of the deceased person’s estate and focuses on the suffering and damages the victim experienced before they passed away. If the deceased did not die immediately from their injuries, their estate may recover compensation for what they endured before their passing. Damages in such a claim can include the following:

Medical expenses incurred before passing
Lost wages from the accident until their death
The pain and suffering they endured

One honors the family’s loss, while the other ensures your loved one’s suffering isn’t ignored. At our wrongful death law firm, we file both cases to ensure you are fully compensated for the TOTAL loss you suffered from losing a loved one.

Why You Need a Wrongful Death Lawyer

The loss of a loved one due to another person’s negligence can place an emotional and financial burden on a family. In addition to grief, families may face unexpected expenses, insurance questions, and legal decisions during an already difficult time.

A wrongful death lawyer can help families understand their legal rights and the options available under California law. These cases often involve complex issues such as determining liability, gathering evidence, and reviewing insurance policies.

Having experienced legal guidance can help families navigate the legal process while focusing on healing and honoring their loved one’s memory. A Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer can assist with investigating the circumstances of the death, communicating with insurance companies, and preparing the necessary documentation for a claim.

During this process, clear communication and careful case preparation are important. The right legal team can help explain each step of the process and provide support as families consider how to move forward.

How Our Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyers Build Your Case

Wrongful death claims can be difficult for families—not only emotionally, but also because of the legal and administrative steps involved. We understand that pursuing a claim after losing a loved one can feel overwhelming. With decades of experience, our team follows a structured process designed to guide families through each stage of the case while handling many of the legal details on their behalf.

Free case evaluation: Every case begins with a free consultation. During this meeting, we listen to your story, review the circumstances of the incident, and explain the legal options that may be available.

Early and thorough investigation: If you decide to move forward, our team will begin gathering important information, including accident reports, witness statements, and other documentation that may support your claim.

Establishing liability: We carefully review the evidence to identify who may be responsible for the death and determine which parties may be held liable under California law.

Documents the impact of the loss: Our attorneys work with families to understand and document the full impact the loss has had on their lives.

Evaluating damages: We review the financial and personal losses related to the death to help determine which types of damages may be included in the claim.

Handle negotiations: Our team communicates with insurance companies and other parties involved, helping to manage the legal process while your family focuses on healing.

Why Choose Larry H. Parker to Represent Your Case

Choosing the right lawyer ensures you have a skilled advocate to guide you through the legal process, fight for your rights, and secure the best possible outcome.

At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we have over 50 years of compassionate legal experience and will fight tirelessly to make sure you receive fair compensation.

When you choose our wrongful death law firm, you choose:

A legal team prepared to represent your interests in court if necessary

24/7 availability with bilingual support, so someone is always available to assist you

Extensive experience in personal injury and motor vehicle cases, with more than 100,000 clients served

A firm that has recovered over $2 billion in personal injury cases

Personalized attention and guidance throughout your case

A team that understands the emotional challenges families face during this time

Disclaimer: Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee similar outcomes.

What Our Clients Say

Our impact on the community is reflected in the feedback shared by our clients on our reviews page.

“This review has been long overdue. Staff have been exceptionally accommodating to any of my questions or needs. Everything was handled with such professionalism and in a timely manner. Thank you for all your hard work and commitment during my time of despair. I would highly recommend your firm to others who find themselves in my situation. Keep up the good work!”

R. Hamm

“ This review has been written by Mitchell Beck at the Law Offices of Larry Parker, who will go to battle for you. He did for me. I never expected to have to hire a Lawyer or be in the position to get one, but I’m very grateful to Mitchell Beck for going to work for me.”

Rosa T.

If you would like to read more about the experiences of our clients, you can visit our reviews page.

Disclaimer: Client testimonials reflect individual experiences. Past results and client reviews do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases.

Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me

The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker assists victims and their families throughout Los Angeles County, including Downtown Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, the Westside, East Los Angeles, South LA, and surrounding areas.

So if you lost a loved one due to other people’s negligence, you can reach out to our wrongful death attorney for assistance. We serve:

Central Los Angeles & Core Business Hubs

Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA)
Century City
Mid-Wilshire / Miracle Mile
Koreatown

Westside & The “Silicon Beach” Corridor

Beverly Hills
Santa Monica
Culver City
Playa Vista
Westwood
Malibu

San Fernando Valley (The Valley) & North County

Burbank
Studio City / Sherman Oaks
Woodland Hills / Warner Center
Santa Clarita

South Bay & Harbor Area

Torrance
El Segundo / LAX Corridor
Long Beach
Inglewood
San Pedro

San Gabriel Valley (SGV) & Northeast

Pasadena
Glendale
Alhambra / Monterey Park
East Los Angeles (Unincorporated Area Focus)

Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Claims

Are wrongful death claims different from a criminal case?

Yes. A wrongful death claim is a civil case that allows surviving family members to seek compensation for their losses due to their loved one’s death, such as financial support and companionship. A criminal case is brought by the government to determine whether a law was violated and may result in penalties like imprisonment or fines. In some situations, both cases may arise from the same incident but are handled separately. justice.

Do we have to go to trial for a wrongful death claim?

Not necessarily. Many wrongful death claims are resolved through settlement negotiations before reaching trial. However, if the parties cannot reach an agreement or liability is disputed, the case may proceed to court, where a judge or jury will determine the outcome.

How long will a wrongful death case take to resolve?

The timeline for a wrongful death case varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the evidence involved, and whether liability is disputed. Some claims may be resolved through settlement within months, while others may take longer if litigation becomes necessary.

What if the other party claims that the victim was partially at fault?

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means a wrongful death claim may still proceed even if the deceased person was partially responsible for the incident. However, any compensation awarded may be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the deceased.

How much does it cost to hire your firm?

At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. This means there are generally no upfront attorney’s fees, and legal fees are paid as a percentage of any recovery obtained in the case. The fee structure and any potential case-related costs are explained during the consultation.

If you would like to learn more about filing a claim, you can visit our FAQ page for additional information or contact our team for answers.

Let Our Los Angeles Wrongful Death Attorneys Fight For You

At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we know how overwhelming life can feel after losing someone in an accident, especially if you’re facing legal and financial uncertainty. That’s why our wrongful death lawyers are here to fight for you.

We handle your case – From investigating your accident to dealing with insurance companies, we take care of the legal details so you can focus on healing.
Contingency fee arrangements available – Attorney fees are only paid if compensation is recovered. Certain case-related costs may still apply.
Decades of experience – Since 1974, we’ve been helping accident victims recover fair compensation.

If you’ve lost a loved one in an accident in Los Angeles or anywhere in California, let us help you. Call us today for a free consultation. You have rights, and we’re here to protect them.

Disclaimer: This content is purely for informational purposes and is not legal advice. Every case is different, with its own facts and circumstances. Results from past cases do not guarantee similar outcomes in the future.

California Wrongful Death Lawyer