Compassionate Wrongful Death Attorneys in Orange County

Compassionate Wrongful Death Attorneys in Orange County

Fighting for Justice When You Have Lost a Loved One

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is devastating. No amount of money can replace the person you have lost, but a wrongful death claim can provide financial security for your family and hold the responsible parties accountable. At Sky Law Group, our Orange County personal injury attorneys handle wrongful death cases with the compassion families deserve and the aggressive legal representation needed to secure maximum compensation.

We understand this is the most difficult time of your life. That is why we offer a free, no-obligation consultation and work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your family. Call (844) 475-9529 today.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, a wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit filed when a person dies as a result of another party’s wrongful act, neglect, or default. Unlike a criminal case, a wrongful death lawsuit focuses on obtaining financial compensation for the surviving family members — not on punishing the at-fault party with jail time.

A wrongful death claim is separate from any criminal charges that may be filed. Even if criminal charges are not pursued or the at-fault party is acquitted, you can still pursue a civil wrongful death case. The burden of proof in a civil case is lower — you must prove negligence by a “preponderance of the evidence” rather than “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Orange County

Wrongful death can result from many types of negligent or reckless conduct. Sky Law Group has experience handling wrongful death cases arising from:

Car Accidents — Fatal car crashes caused by speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, and reckless behavior are among the most common wrongful death cases in Orange County.

Truck Accidents — Collisions with commercial trucks and tractor-trailers are frequently fatal due to the massive size and weight difference between trucks and passenger vehicles.

Motorcycle Accidents — Motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable on the road, and fatal motorcycle crashes are tragically common in Orange County.

Pedestrian Accidents — Pedestrians struck by vehicles face catastrophic and often fatal injuries, particularly at busy Orange County intersections.

Medical Malpractice — Surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication mistakes, and hospital negligence can lead to patient death.

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect — Elder abuse, inadequate care, falls, and medication errors in nursing facilities can be fatal for vulnerable residents.

Workplace Accidents — Fatal construction accidents, industrial incidents, and unsafe working conditions can give rise to wrongful death claims.

Defective Products — Dangerous or defective consumer products, vehicles, medical devices, and medications that cause fatal injuries.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?

California law is specific about who has standing to file a wrongful death claim. The following individuals may bring a wrongful death lawsuit:

Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner — The deceased person’s husband, wife, or registered domestic partner has the first right to file a claim.

Surviving Children — The deceased person’s biological or adopted children can file a wrongful death claim.

Surviving Grandchildren — If the deceased person’s children are also deceased, the grandchildren may file.

Other Dependents — Any person who can demonstrate they were financially dependent on the deceased, including stepchildren, parents, or other individuals who were dependent on the deceased for at least 50% of their financial support.

Personal Representative of the Estate — The personal representative can also bring a survival action on behalf of the estate to recover damages the deceased person suffered before death.

Compensation Available in a Wrongful Death Case

California law allows surviving family members to recover both economic and non-economic damages in a wrongful death case:

Economic Damages include the financial value of the deceased person’s lost future earnings and benefits, the loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, funeral and burial expenses, the value of household services the deceased would have performed, and medical expenses incurred before death.

Non-Economic Damages include the loss of the deceased person’s love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection, society, and moral support. These damages also cover the loss of training and guidance the deceased would have provided to their children.

Punitive Damages — In a separate survival action, punitive damages may be available if the death was caused by intentional misconduct, fraud, or oppression. These damages are designed to punish particularly egregious behavior.

Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death in California

Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If the claim is against a government entity, you must file an administrative claim within six months. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your family from seeking compensation, so it is critical to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

Why Choose Sky Law Group for Your Wrongful Death Case?

Compassionate and Respectful Representation — We understand the emotional toll of losing a loved one. Our attorneys provide empathetic guidance while aggressively pursuing justice for your family.

Thorough Investigation — We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and financial analysts to build the strongest possible case and establish the full value of your loss.

No Fee Unless We Win — You pay nothing upfront. Our contingency fee arrangement means we are fully invested in your success.

Proven Track Record — Sky Law Group has recovered millions of dollars for wrongful death families across Orange County.

Trial-Ready Approach — While we pursue fair settlements, insurance companies know we are prepared to take your case to trial if they refuse to offer just compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death in Orange County

How is a wrongful death case different from a criminal case?

A wrongful death case is a civil lawsuit filed by surviving family members to recover financial compensation. A criminal case is brought by the government to punish the at-fault party. The two cases are separate — you can file a wrongful death lawsuit regardless of whether criminal charges are pursued.

How long does a wrongful death case take to resolve?

The timeline depends on the complexity of the case. Some cases settle within several months, while others — particularly those involving disputed liability or multiple defendants — may take a year or more. Sky Law Group works diligently to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while ensuring you receive maximum compensation.

Can I file a wrongful death claim if my loved one was partially at fault?

Yes. California’s comparative negligence law allows recovery even when the deceased was partially at fault. The compensation is reduced by the deceased person’s percentage of fault, but your family does not lose the right to seek damages.

What if the at-fault party has no insurance or assets?

Sky Law Group investigates all potential sources of recovery, including employer liability, vehicle owner liability, premises liability, uninsured motorist coverage, and other insurance policies that may apply. We leave no stone unturned in identifying every available source of compensation for your family.

Do I need a lawyer for a wrongful death claim?

While not legally required, having an experienced wrongful death attorney is essential. Insurance companies aggressively defend these high-value claims, and navigating the legal complexities while grieving is overwhelming. An attorney handles every aspect of the case so you can focus on your family.

If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, Sky Law Group is here to help. Call (844) 475-9529 or contact us online for a free, compassionate consultation. We serve all of Orange County including Orange, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Fullerton, and surrounding communities.