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California Wrongful Death Lawyer

Guidance for families seeking answers after the loss of a loved one.

Support after a preventable loss

After a fatal collision or another incident, families may face unanswered questions, insurance calls and the loss of everyday support. DFG LAW, APC helps California families evaluate whether another person or business may be responsible and what steps may protect a potential claim. You do not need a complete set of records before contacting us.

Who can bring a California wrongful-death claim?

California Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60 identifies who may bring a claim. Depending on the family circumstances, eligible people may include a surviving spouse or registered domestic partner, children, certain heirs and qualifying dependents. Not every relative qualifies automatically. We review the family relationships and whether a personal representative should be involved before proceeding.

What losses may be considered?

A wrongful-death claim may address lost financial support, household services, funeral and burial expenses, and the loss of companionship and related benefits of the relationship. The law distinguishes those losses from grief itself. A separate survival claim concerns claims belonging to the deceased person; its requirements and available damages need a separate analysis. No online average can determine the value of your family’s case.

How we approach the investigation

  • Identify the people or businesses potentially responsible and the insurance that may apply.
  • Request preservation of relevant video, vehicle information and other evidence that could be lost.
  • Review incident reports, available medical records, witness accounts and the circumstances of the death.
  • Document the support and services the family lost, using employment records and other available evidence.
  • Explain the claim process, communication with insurers and any settlement or litigation decisions.

What to bring to a consultation

If available, gather the incident date and location, report number, insurance letters, death certificate, funeral invoices and basic information about the surviving family. Keep original records and make copies. If an insurer has sent a release or settlement offer, bring that document too. Avoid posting case details publicly while the facts are being investigated.

Have deadlines reviewed promptly

The applicable deadlines depend on the facts and parties. Claims involving a public agency or medical care can involve different rules, and evidence may disappear before a filing deadline arrives. Do not wait for an insurance investigation to finish before asking about the deadline for your family’s situation.

Serving families across California

Our office is in Los Angeles. We discuss California matters in English and Spanish and can start with a phone consultation. Learn about our statewide service, car accident claims and truck accident claims.

Speak with DFG LAW, APC

Call 888-341-4562 or request a free consultation. We will discuss the circumstances, available records and next steps. Any representation and fee arrangement will be set out in a written agreement.

Legal references: California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60; California Civil Jury Instruction 3921. General information; application depends on the facts.