Wrongful Death Attorney in California
Compassionate Legal Guidance From Our CA Wrongful Death Lawyer
Losing a loved one because of negligence changes every part of life in an instant. You may be trying to plan a funeral and figure out how your family will manage without your loved one. In the middle of that grief, understanding your legal and financial options in California can feel overwhelming.
At Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld, we help families navigate the aftermath of fatal incidents. As a wrongful death attorney in California with experience dating back to 1956, we understand how wrongful deaths affect spouses, partners, children, and parents. Our goal is to shoulder as much of the legal burden as we can so you can focus on your family.
We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay legal fees unless there is compensation. If you have questions about what comes next, we can listen and explain your options in clear, straightforward terms.
To request a free consultation with our compassionate team, call us at (805) 243-2179. Our wrongful death lawyer in California can help you.
What Is Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death occurs when a person loses their life because of another individual’s or entity’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. These claims are designed to hold the responsible party accountable and to provide financial support to surviving family members who are left to cope with the loss.
Wrongful death can happen due to:
- Automobile accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Premises liability incidents
- defective products
- Medical malpractice
Our wrongful death lawyers in California work with families to investigate what happened, explain available legal options, and pursue accountability through the civil justice system. While no legal action can undo the loss, a wrongful death claim can help provide stability and a sense of justice for surviving loved ones.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in CA?
In most cases, California law allows two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death claim. If a claim is not filed within this timeframe, you may lose the right to pursue compensation entirely.
As deadlines can vary depending on the circumstances, it is important to speak with a California wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can explain how much time you have, begin building your case, and help preserve important evidence before it is lost or memories fade.
Recoverable Damages in Wrongful Death Claims
Wrongful death damages address the financial and personal losses suffered by surviving family members. These damages can help ease the economic burden caused by the loss and recognize the profound impact it has on loved ones.
Recoverable damages may include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of household services
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of guidance and training
- And more
Every case is different, and the damages available depend on the relationship to the deceased and the specific facts involved. Our experienced California wrongful death attorney can help evaluate the full scope of losses and pursue compensation that reflects the true impact of your loss.
Why Choose Our Firm?
When you are deciding who to trust with something as important as your loved one’s memory and your family’s financial future, experience and focus matter. Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld has represented clients since 1956. That long history means we have guided generations of families with tailored care.
Choose us to benefit from the following and more:
- Statewide presence: Our firm has eight offices throughout California, allowing us to stay closely connected to the communities where our clients live and work.
- Contingency fee representation: You do not pay legal fees unless there is a financial recovery, making it easier to seek legal help when finances may already be strained.
- Client-centered advocacy: Our attorneys and staff are driven by a commitment to justice for families and keep your interests at the center of every decision.
- Proven results: Over the years, we have successfully resolved approximately 95 percent of the cases we have handled.
If you have lost a loved one due to negligence, you do not have to navigate this alone. Speaking with our wrongful death team in California can help you understand your rights before important deadlines pass.
To talk with our team, call (805) 243-2179 for a free, confidential consultation. Our wrongful death attorneys in CA can support you during this challenging time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Advantages of Hiring a Wrongful Death Lawyer?
Hiring a wrongful death lawyer can ease the burden during an already overwhelming time. An attorney can help pursue the maximum compensation available, make sure important deadlines are met, explain complex legal terms in plain language, and provide clear, unbiased guidance when emotions may make decision-making difficult. This support allows families to focus on healing while a professional handles the legal process and works to guard their rights.
What Will Working with Your Team Be Like?
Families can expect clear communication, careful investigation, and a structured plan. We explain each step, answer questions in plain language, and work to take on as much of the legal burden as possible. Our attorneys and staff stay focused on your family’s needs throughout the process.
