Los Angeles Wrongful Death Law, Lawsuits, & Claims

About wrongful death in California

It is unfortunate when anyone is the victim of a wrongful death. Los Angeles wrongful death claims often result from the negligent or reckless actions of another person. Additionally, accident injuries are often the cause of wrongful death lawsuits in Los Angeles.

The Cochran Firm Los Angeles has worked with surviving family members of wrongful death victims for many years and our attorneys understand how most cases are emotionally charged. Wrongful death claims in Los Angeles are particularly tragic when victims have their lives cut short despite being reasonably healthy at the time they pass away.  The unexpected death causes intense grief for survivors.

The attorneys at The Cochran Firm Los Angeles wish to assist clients however possible.  We have provided information about wrongful death law in Los Angeles to help plaintiffs make educated decisions about their claim and explain their rights thoroughly with a free consultation.

Who can file a Los Angeles wrongful death lawsuit?

The following people, or personal representatives these people select, may file a claim for damages resulting from a wrongful death in California:

• Dependents – A person who was dependent on the victim for financial support can file a Los Angeles wrongful death lawsuit; this includes stepchildren, parents, acknowledged or putative spouses and their children (putative spouses consider their marriage valid even though they are not).
• Dependent minors – Any minors who lived with the victim for 180 consecutive days prior to his or her death and depended on him or her for at least 50 percent of their financial support may file a wrongful death lawsuit under California law.
• Entitled parties – If there is no spouse or children, the law entitles a person who would receive the property of the victim if he or she died without a will, or intestate, to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
• Spouse and children – The spouse of the victim, domestic partner, children, and the offspring of deceased children.

Los Angeles wrongful death lawsuit damages

There is a two-year statute of limitations for the legally allowed parties to file wrongful death lawsuits in Los Angeles. The law allows for some modifications under specific circumstances that a wrongful death attorney can explain.

The Cochran Firm Los Angeles helps surviving plaintiffs file wrongful death claims for the following expenses:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Lost financial support
• Lost gifts and benefits
• Lost noneconomic damages
• Lost value of household services

Noneconomic damages are losses that the courts cannot calculate with a standard formula. These include:

Some cases also involve punitive damages. The courts apply these damages to cases where it is necessary to place punishment on the defendants in order to deter them from repeating their reckless actions.

Contact The Cochran Firm and learn more about Los Angeles wrongful death law. The firm maintains a sterling reputation based on 40 years of experience handling wrongful death, personal injury, civil violation, and criminal defense cases.