Los Angeles Wrongful Death Attorney: Fighting For Families Who Have Lost Loved Ones

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 attorneys 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.

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
• Other individuals, such as 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.

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 possess an in-depth mastery of the intricate laws and protocols surrounding these claims. Our substantial resources and extensive expertise allow us to conduct meticulous investigations into the circumstances of your loved one’s tragic passing.

Compassion and personalized service are core tenets of our firm’s approach. We take the time to truly listen to your story and develop a profound understanding of the unique details of your situation. With this knowledge, we meticulously craft a tailored legal strategy aimed at delivering the justice and compensation you deserve.

• Established expertise: For over three decades, El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers has advocated for families in Los Angeles navigating the aftermath of a wrongful death. Our Los Angeles wrongful death attorneys boast an exhaustive grasp of California’s wrongful death statutes and have secured multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for our clients.
• Relentless advocacy: 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.
• Rigorous investigations: Our team conducts painstaking investigations, amassing evidence, consulting leading expert witnesses, and constructing an ironclad case to establish liability and maximize your recoverable damages.
• Individualized attention: 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.
• Contingency fees: 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: Los Angeles is notorious for its congested roadways, aggressive drivers, and high rates of motor vehicle accidents. Wrongful deaths frequently occur due to negligent actions such as drunk driving, distracted driving (texting, eating, etc.) and many other common causes of collisions. The city’s heavy traffic and large population of pedestrians and cyclists also contribute to fatal accidents involving these vulnerable road users.
• Medical malpractice: With numerous world-renowned hospitals and medical facilities, Los Angeles attracts patients from across the state and nation. However, medical errors and negligence can lead to devastating consequences, including wrongful deaths. Common examples include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, birth injuries, and failure to properly monitor or treat patients.
• Workplace accidents: Los Angeles is home to various industries, from construction and manufacturing to entertainment and hospitality. Workplace accidents resulting in wrongful deaths can occur due to safety violations, lack of proper training, defective equipment, exposure to hazardous materials, falls from heights, and other negligent practices by employers or third parties.
• Premises liability incidents: With its numerous commercial and residential properties, Los Angeles sees its fair share of premises liability cases involving wrongful deaths. These can include slip and fall accidents caused by wet floors or poor lighting, inadequate security leading to violent crimes, swimming pool drownings, and other incidents stemming from property owners’ failure to maintain safe conditions. 
• Defective products: As a major hub for product distribution and consumption, Los Angeles is not immune to the dangers of defective products. Wrongful deaths can result from faulty automotive parts, malfunctioning medical devices, dangerous children’s toys, contaminated food or drugs, and other consumer products that fail to meet safety standards or contain proper warnings.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Seek Justice with El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers

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 El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers today to schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our Los Angeles wrongful death attorneys. We are here to listen to your story and help you navigate this difficult process with compassion, dedication, and unwavering advocacy.

Call us today at (213) 985-1120 and trust in our 50 years of combined experience and 99% success rate.

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