Seek justice for your loved one.
Los Angeles Wrongful Death Attorneys: Fighting For Families Who Have Lost Loved Ones
Losing a loved one in a traffic accident is devastating. Let us help you hold negligent parties accountable and provide financial security. For over 20 years, our firm has helped hundreds of grieving families through this difficult process.
- Direct Access to Your Attorney
- Bilingual Support: English & Spanish
- Trial-Tested Lawyers at Your Side
- Excellence in Every Interaction
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 985-1120
(888) 539-1422
Helping Families Seek Justice and Compensation After Losing a Loved One
The death of a loved one represents one of life’s most agonizing ordeals. When that loss was avoidable, the anguish for surviving family members is even worse.
In these tragic situations, families in Los Angeles have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim to obtain justice and financial compensation for their profound loss.
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, our compassionate Los Angeles wrongful death lawyers understand the immense emotional turmoil you are facing.
We are here to provide unwavering legal guidance and support during this difficult time.
Our dedicated team will fight tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
- Millions recovered for grieving families
- No fees unless we win
- Compassionate, aggressive legal representation
Topics On This Page
Losing a loved one is unbearable—losing your chance at justice would be even worse. You only get one shot, and we won’t let you take it alone. For over 20 years, we’ve fought for families who deserve answers, accountability, and real results. We’ll fight for you, too.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim allows family members to seek compensation when someone’s negligent or wrongful conduct causes the death of their loved one. In traffic accidents, this often involves:
- Car accidents
- Commercial truck collisions
- Motorcycle crashes
- Bicycle and pedestrian accidents
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) incidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
Wrongful death claims allow compensation for losses including: funeral and burial expenses, lost income and financial support, loss of companionship and emotional support, and the pain and suffering endured by the deceased before their passing.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
Under California law, the following family members may be entitled to compensation:
- The victim’s surviving spouse or partner
- The deceased person’s surviving children
- If there are no surviving children, the deceased person’s grandchildren may file a claim
- Parents or siblings, who were financially dependent on the deceased
It’s important to note that there are strict time limits for filing a wrongful death claim in California. In most cases, the claim must be filed within two years of the date of the deceased person’s death.
Compensation Available to Surviving Family Members
Economic Damages
- Lost future income and financial support
- Lost benefits (health insurance, pension, etc.)
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills from the accident
- Lost household services
- Loss of inheritance
Non-Economic Damages
- Loss of love, companionship, and emotional support
- Loss of guidance and mentoring (especially for children)
- Loss of consortium (for surviving spouse)
- Loss of training and education
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
Important California Damage Rules
- No caps on compensatory damages in wrongful death cases. This means there’s no legal maximum limit on the amount of money your family can recover. The amount is based on your actual losses, both financial and emotional.
- Punitive damages generally not available in wrongful death actions. In California, if someone’s negligence killed your loved one, you can’t get these extra “punishment” damages in the wrongful death case.
- Survival actions may allow recovery of punitive damages. A survival action is different from a wrongful death case – it’s a separate lawsuit based on what your loved one could have sued for had they lived. If your loved one survived for even a short time after the accident, their estate might be able to file this separate case. In this type of case, you CAN get punitive damages to punish extremely bad behavior.
- California’s pure comparative negligence system allows recovery even if your loved one was partially at fault. The compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault.
Negligence
Negligence is the failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to others. It happens when someone acts carelessly—or fails to act—causing an accident or injury that a responsible person would have prevented.
Liability
Liability means being legally responsible for something—typically an accident or injury. If your actions (or failure to act) cause harm to someone else, you may be required to pay damages or face legal consequences.
Key Factors That Affect Wrongful Death Compensation
Evaluating the value of a wrongful death case depends on a variety of factors. Key factors a wrongful death settlement takes into consideration include:
- Economic Losses: Medical bills, funeral costs, lost wages, and household services
- Non-Economic Losses: Emotional distress, loss of companionship, and parental guidance
- Liability Strength: Clear fault leads to higher settlements; disputes may lower value
- Insurance & Assets: Coverage limits and defendant’s financial status impact recovery
- Jurisdiction Trends: Some courts and juries award more than others
- Legal Representation: An experienced lawyer can negotiate a stronger settlement
Courts and jury trends influence case value, as some jurisdictions award higher damages. This is why having El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers’ skilled legal representation can help maximize compensation.
We have recovered millions in settlements and verdicts for hundreds of families in Los Angeles and earned a stellar reputation in local courts.
Each case is unique, so understanding the factors affecting settlements is crucial for families seeking justice.
$18 million verdict
Pedestrian struck by distracted car driver.
$5.5 million jury verdict
Car driver struck by a Commercial Truck
$4.3 million settlement
Wrongful death in motorcycle accident.
Other Factors That Can Affect Your Settlement Amount
Why Hire El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers?
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, our Los Angeles wrongful death legal team has an impressive record of victories in even the most complex, high-stakes wrongful death cases.
We have a deep understanding of the complex laws and rules for wrongful death claims.
Our experience and resources help us thoroughly investigate your loved one’s passing.
Compassion and personal service are at the heart of our firm. We take the time to listen, understand your situation, and build a legal strategy tailored to seeking the justice and compensation you deserve.
Trusted Law Firm
For over 20 years, El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers has fought for families in Los Angeles after the wrongful death of a loved one. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of California’s wrongful death laws and have won millions in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
We Fight for You Like Family
We are not deterred by powerful adversaries like major corporations, insurance giants, or government agencies. Our wrongful death attorneys in Los Angeles are consummate negotiators and seasoned courtroom litigators who will vigorously fight to uphold your rights and protect your interests.
No Lowball Offers
Our team conducts painstaking investigations, amassing evidence, consulting leading expert witnesses, and constructing an ironclad case to establish liability and ensure you receive a settlement that covers all of your expenses and lost support.
Get Clarity and Guidance
You are not just a number. We recognize that no two cases are identical. Therefore, we furnish each client with individualized attention catered to their unique circumstances. You will collaborate directly with your attorney, ensuring seamless communication and a comprehensive understanding of your case.
Peace of mind
Our firm operates under a contingency fee arrangement, meaning you will not be required to pay any upfront costs or fees. We only receive compensation if we obtain a favorable settlement or verdict on your behalf.
Wrongful Death Statistics in Los Angeles and California
According to data from the California Department of Public Health, there were over 4,700 wrongful deaths reported in Los Angeles County in 2021. This staggering number highlights the devastating impact of preventable accidents and negligence on families and communities.
Statewide, California consistently ranks among the top states for wrongful death cases, with thousands of families affected each year.
Some of the leading causes of wrongful deaths in the state include:
Motor Vehicle Accidents +
Medical Malpractice +
Workplace Accidents +
Premises Liability Incidents +
Defective Products +These statistics and causes underscore the importance of holding responsible parties accountable and providing families with the legal support they need during these traumatic times. Have a good attorney on your team for the best results.
Time is limited to file your claim. Don’t wait—speak to a lawyer now! We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Wrongful Death FAQs
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
How long will the process take?
While every case is unique, most wrongful death claims take 12-24 months to resolve. We work diligently to expedite the process while maximizing your compensation.
What if the responsible party is uninsured?
We explore all possible sources of compensation, including:
- Your own insurance coverage
- Other responsible parties
- Corporate entities
- Government entities
- Property owners
Can I still recover damages if my loved one was partially at fault?
Yes. California follows comparative negligence rules, allowing recovery even if your loved one was partially responsible for the accident.
What Differentiates Personal Injury Cases from Wrongful Death?
Personal injury lawsuits and wrongful death claims share very similar core elements. In both situations, the case arises from the negligent or wrongful conduct of another party that ends up causing harm or injury.
For personal injury cases involving non-fatal injuries, the victim often faces towering medical bills, loss of income due to missed work, and substantial physical and emotional anguish – all of which profoundly diminish their overall quality of life.
The critical distinction between a personal injury case and a wrongful death claim hinges on whether the individual injured by the negligent act ultimately survives or passes away from their injuries.
In the tragic event that your loved one dies as a result of the damages they sustained, the legal course of action would shift from a personal injury lawsuit to a wrongful death claim.
In most cases, a family member or other representative would work to define their deceased loved one in a wrongful death claim. This is in accordance with local laws.
In a personal injury case, the injured person themselves would be the plaintiff seeking compensation for damages like medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering they directly experienced.
Conversely, in a wrongful death claim, certain surviving family members or representatives bring the legal action on behalf of the deceased person. They can seek compensation for damages such as funeral/burial costs, loss of the deceased’s expected income, loss of love and companionship, and more.
While the underlying negligence may be the same, the distinction of whether the injured person survived or not dictates if it will proceed as a personal injury or wrongful death case. Consulting an experienced wrongful death lawyer in Los Angeles is crucial to ensure the proper legal path is taken to recover maximum compensation.
Contact Our Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyers For A Free Consultation
If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions in Los Angeles, it’s crucial to seek legal representation from experienced and compassionate wrongful death attorneys.
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we understand the profound grief and emotional turmoil you are experiencing, and we are here to provide unwavering support and guidance.
Our team will fight tirelessly to pursue justice on your behalf, hold the responsible parties accountable, and secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
We are committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that your loved one’s memory is honored.
Don’t hesitate to seek justice for your loved one. Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our Los Angeles wrongful death attorneys.
