Millions in Compensation Recovered for Families

California allows surviving relatives to seek justice when someone else’s misconduct causes death. By filing a wrongful death and survival action, your family can hold the people or companies responsible for your loved one’s death liable in civil court – regardless of whether there is any civil case. 

During these difficult experiences, a caring legal team can make all the difference when it comes to navigating the wrongful death process and fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Why You Can Count on Drake Law Firm

Drake Law Firm has earned a reputation for our compassionate approach, and has recovered millions against negligent individuals, companies, and powerful insurance carriers. Our Woodland Hills attorneys can review your wrongful death case and discuss how we can help during a FREE consultation. 

Reasons to choose us:

• We leverage over 100 years of experience to fight on your behalf.
• We have recovered over $150 million in compensation for clients.
• Our award-winning team prioritizes personal service and client satisfaction.
• There is no cost to hire our firm and if we don’t win, you don’t pay.

Drake Law Firm is led by a top-rated lawyer who began his career as a defense attorney. We know how the “other side” thinks and how to fight back against companies that put profits over people. 

Contact us to request a FREE case review with a Woodland Hills wrongful death attorney. We serve families throughout the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles area, and beyond.

What Are My Legal Options After a Loved One’s Wrongful Death?

California’s wrongful death law allows eligible surviving family members or a decedent’s estate to sue for damages when someone dies because of another’s wrongful act – whether that act was intentional (such as violence) or negligent (such as a car accident).

When a victim is wrongfully killed, two civil claims can be brought:

1. A wrongful death action, which is brought by surviving family members for damages they suffered because of their relative’s death (CA Code of Civil Procedure 377.60).
2. A survival action, which is brought by the decedent’s estate for claims and losses the decedent would have been entitled to had they lived (CA Code of Civil Procedure 377.30).

Wrongful death and survival actions are typically brought as part of one case. Our attorneys can help you understand more about these specific actions and your available options during a consultation.

Am I Eligible to Bring a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Per California’s wrongful death law, the following people can bring a wrongful death claim:

• A surviving spouse or domestic partner
• Surviving children
• Surviving grandchildren (if the victim’s children are deceased)
• Other dependent minor children / stepchildren
• Eligible heirs entitled to the victim’s estate under California law

How Do I Know if I Have a Case?

Assessing your ability to bring a wrongful death lawsuit is a task best left for a qualifying lawyer who can review the specifics of the accident, the parties involved, and the prevailing laws. 

Generally, survivors have cases when their loved one’s death was preventable if not for another’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. Examples include:

• Fatal car accidents, including drunk driving accidents
• Pedestrian or bicycle accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Unsafe property conditions
• Drowning or electrocution
• Fatal medical mistakes
• Workplace deaths involving negligent third parties
• Abuse, neglect, or murder / manslaughter

Survivors may also bring wrongful death claims on strict liability. In California, wrongful death claims based on strict liability most commonly involve dog bites / animal attacks or defective products. These claims can be brought regardless of whether the at-fault party was negligent. 

What You Need to Prove in a Wrongful Death Claim

Wrongful death lawsuits accuse defendants of causing a preventable death, and are supported by evidence that establishes the main elements of successful claim:

1. The defendant owed the victims a duty of care; 
2. The defendant breached the duty of care due to negligence or wrongful acts;
3. The defendant’s negligence / wrongful act was a substantial cause of the victim’s death; and
4. The victim’s family and estate suffered damages as a result.

Recoverable Damages for Survivors 

• Loss of consortium / emotional support
• Lost financial support and benefits
• Lost value of household services
• Funeral expenses
• Other economic and non-economic damages

Call to Request a FREE Consultation: 844-513-7253

If you have lost a family member due to negligence or wrongdoing, protecting your right to compensation requires experienced legal guidance.

Drake Law Firm is an award-winning practice that helps families in the aftermath of life-altering accidents. We have the tools to ensure negligent parties are held fully accountable. Contact us for a FREE view of your case.