Encino Wrongful Death Lawyer

Under California law, the primary right to file belongs to the surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children. If these heirs do not exist, the claim may be brought by parents, siblings, or anyone who would be entitled to the deceased’s property through intestate succession. Additionally, those who were financially dependent on the deceased, such as stepchildren or a putative spouse, may also have grounds to file.

Generally, you have two years from the date of the person’s death to file a lawsuit. However, if the death involved a government entity—such as an accident involving a City of Los Angeles vehicle or a dangerous condition at a local public park—the deadline is significantly shorter. You must file a formal administrative claim within six months of the incident. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your family from seeking justice.

California requires that all eligible heirs join together in a single lawsuit. This is known as the “One Action Rule.” It prevents a defendant from being sued multiple times by different family members for the same death. Our attorneys specialize in coordinating these complex multi-party claims to ensure every family member’s loss is accurately represented and accounted for in the final settlement or verdict.

Yes. California follows a “pure comparative negligence” system. Even if your loved one was partially responsible for the accident—for example, 25% at fault in a collision near Balboa Boulevard—your family can still recover the remaining 75% of the total damages. We work with expert investigators to minimize the fault attributed to your loved one and maximize the accountability of the other negligent parties.