Wrongful Death Attorney in Riverside County

Personalized Guidance After a Preventable Death

We represent families throughout Riverside County, California, in wrongful death claims involving:

• Fatal car, motorcycle, truck, and bicycle accidents
• Unsafe conditions and dangerous products
• Workplace incidents
• Dog attacks
• Catastrophic injuries
• Criminal acts

Our local roots date to 2001, and our team brings more than 25 years of collective personal injury experience. We take time to understand each family’s relationships, financial concerns, and priorities, then provide personalized attention throughout the case.

Call (714) 881-7300 for a free case evaluation with a wrongful death lawyer serving Riverside County.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

California law generally gives first priority to the surviving spouse or domestic partner, children, and descendants of a deceased child. If none of those relatives survive, people who would inherit through intestate succession, which governs inheritance when someone dies without a valid will, may be eligible to bring the claim.

Putative spouses, stepchildren, and parents may qualify when they can demonstrate financial dependence on the person who died. California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60 also permits a dependent minor to pursue a claim when the child lived in the decedent’s household for the 180 days before the death and depended on the decedent for at least half of their support.

The One-Action Rule

California’s one-action rule generally requires all eligible heirs to participate in a single wrongful death lawsuit. Identifying and notifying every potential claimant is therefore an important early step. A personal representative may bring the action on behalf of the eligible parties.

Estate Representation

Probate proceedings may be necessary when an estate needs someone authorized to act. Riverside County Superior Court probate matters are generally handled at the Riverside Historic Courthouse in Riverside, California, though some matters are assigned to other regional courthouses. Local probate rules also allow the appointment of a special administrator whose limited authority includes prosecuting a wrongful death civil action.

Compensation in a Riverside County Wrongful Death Claim

A wrongful death action addresses losses experienced by eligible heirs. Available damages depend on the claimant’s relationship to the decedent, the circumstances of the death, and the evidence establishing each loss.

Economic damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Related medical bills
• Lost financial support and future earnings
• The value of household services the decedent provided

Non-economic damages may address the loss of love, companionship, comfort, moral support, consortium, and parental guidance. Because these losses don’t come with invoices, evidence about the family relationship and the decedent’s role can be especially important.

Wrongful Death Claims & Survival Actions

A survival action is legally distinct from a wrongful death claim. It belongs to the decedent’s estate and addresses damages the decedent sustained before death, which may include medical expenses and other economic losses. Not every case includes a survival action.

Punitive damages may be pursued through a companion survival action when the evidence supports malicious, oppressive, or fraudulent conduct. Availability depends on the applicable law, the underlying conduct, and the evidence. We evaluate the circumstances before identifying which claims and damages may apply.

Evidence, Fault & Wrongful Death Deadlines

A claim requires evidence showing how the death occurred, who was legally responsible, and what losses eligible family members suffered. Depending on the incident, relevant materials may include official reports, photographs, video, medical records, witness information, employment records, and documents showing financial support.

California follows pure comparative negligence. If the decedent shared responsibility for the incident, the family’s potential recovery can be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to the decedent. Shared fault doesn’t automatically prevent a claim.

California’s General Two-Year Filing Period

Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, a wrongful death lawsuit generally must be filed within two years of the date of death. Exceptions and other rules can affect the applicable period, so this general deadline isn’t a substitute for reviewing the specific facts.

Claims Involving Government Entities

When a government entity may be responsible, California Government Code Section 911.2 generally requires a written administrative claim within six months of the incident before a lawsuit may proceed. This deadline is separate from and substantially earlier than the general two-year filing period. Prompt review can determine which notices and deadlines apply.

What to Expect from Our Wrongful Death Attorneys

During the free case evaluation, we review the circumstances of the death, available evidence, and the people who may have a legal claim. We listen to your concerns and priorities before developing an individualized approach. Bilingual staff members are available to assist Spanish-speaking families.

As the case progresses, we maintain consistent communication and explain significant developments. A claim may resolve through settlement or proceed to trial if the parties don’t reach an agreement. Timing and resolution depend on liability disputes, the evidence, the damages claimed, and the parties involved.

Discuss Your Family’s Claim Without Upfront Legal Costs

We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront attorney fees. Clients pay an agreed-upon percentage of a settlement or award, and we charge no attorney fee when there’s no recovery. Our team is available 24/7, and free case evaluations are offered by phone or through our contact form.

Call (714) 881-7300 to discuss your Riverside County wrongful death claim with KAL Attorneys.