Santa Clarita Wrongful Death Attorneys

Have You Lost a Loved One Due to Negligence?

Have you lost a loved one because of someone else’s wrongful or negligent actions in California? At the Law Offices of C. Ray Carlson, we handle wrongful death claims in Santa Clarita and throughout Los Angeles County on behalf of families who have suffered unimaginable losses as a result of someone else’s careless or reckless actions. We have represented clients in these types of cases for more than 40 years, and we work diligently to recover the compensation they deserve for the loss of their loved ones.

On This Page

• What Is Wrongful Death?
• How Are Wrongful Deaths Classified?
• Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in California
• Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

Contact us online or call (661) 765-8484 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Santa Clarita wrongful death attorneys.

What Is Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death is the death of another person due to the negligence or intentional actions of someone else. Whether as a result of drunk driving, a defective product, a truck accident, or murder, there are countless ways in which wrongful death can occur.

A wrongful death attorney can help eligible individuals and families seek justice and fair compensation for funeral costs, the loss of future income of the deceased, and loss of companionship, to name a few. Though we know that nothing can negate the immense suffering you and your family have endured, we also understand the value a successful wrongful death claim can bring for surviving family members, both in terms of achieving justice and allowing the family to heal.

How Are Wrongful Deaths Classified?

A wrongful death case is separate from any potential criminal case that the accused party may face. Whether the individual is found guilty or not, a wrongful death lawsuit can still be filed against the negligent person. Wrongful death doesn’t require the same burden of proof that the crime of murder does. It is actually possible for someone to be found guilty of wrongful death but not of a criminal charge.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in California

When it comes to wrongful death lawsuits in California, a lawyer must prove several things including:

• A human being has died
• The death was caused by negligence or another’s intent to cause harm
• A personal representation for the decedent’s estate has been appointed already
• Surviving family members are suffering monetarily because of the death

Wrongful deaths in the state require a preponderance of the evidence in determining liability.

Some damages that are available in these claims include:

• Expenses related to medical bills
• Funeral/burial expenses
• Amount of money they would have earned
• Loss of financial support for surviving family members
• Loss of companionship for surviving partner or spouse

The statute of limitations in California for wrongful death cases is two years from the date of the final injury, not the date that the individual died. If you have any questions about the time limit or the legal process associated with wrongful death claims in California, contact our team of experienced wrongful death attorneys today and schedule a free initial consultation. During this important phone call, we can discuss the particulars of your case.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

In California, certain surviving family members are entitled to file a wrongful death claim when the death of their loved one resulted from someone else’s negligent or wrongful act.

These family members include:

• The spouse or domestic partner of the deceased
• Any children of the deceased
• The deceased’s grandchildren
• The deceased’s parents
• The putative spouse, child, or stepchild of the deceased
• Anyone who was dependent on the deceased at the time of death

Contact the Law Offices of C. Ray Carlson Today

Our Santa Clarita wrongful death attorneys understand what you are going through, as well as the legal challenges that lay ahead. We are here to help you understand your options and protect your rights, including your right to justice and recovery for yourself and your family.

We serve clients throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, the San Fernando Valley, and the Greater Los Angeles Area. Our attorneys offer services in Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, and Tagalog, and we provide contingency fee services, meaning you do not pay unless we win your case.

Give us a call at (661) 765-8484 to learn more during a free, confidential consultation.