Santa Ana & Riverside Wrongful Death Attorneys

Over 20 Years of Experience Fighting for Families in Orange County

When someone dies because of another party’s negligence, California law gives surviving family members the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. These claims can provide compensation for lost financial support and companionship while holding the at-fault party accountable. Our wrongful death attorneys in Santa Ana and Riverside are here to guide your family through this process from the very first call.

Speaking with an attorney early matters. Evidence can disappear quickly, and California’s filing deadlines are firm. At KAL Attorneys, our team brings over 20 years of collective personal injury experience. We work on a contingency fee basis, so your family pays nothing upfront and nothing at all unless there is a recovery.

Call (714) 881-7300 to discuss your loss, your rights, and your options with a compassionate legal professional. Your consultation is free.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60 defines who may bring a wrongful death action. Not every family member qualifies automatically, and the law establishes a clear priority order. Our wrongful death lawyers in Santa Ana and Riverside can evaluate eligibility and identify all rightful claimants before the statute of limitations runs.

First-priority claimants under CCP 377.60 are:

• Surviving spouse or domestic partner
• Children of the decedent
• Surviving issue of deceased children

If none of those parties exist, the right to file passes to those entitled to the decedent’s property under California’s intestate succession laws, which may include parents, siblings, and other relatives depending on the family’s circumstances.

Putative spouses, stepchildren, and parents of the decedent may also file, but they must first demonstrate financial dependence on the decedent at the time of death. A personal representative of the decedent’s estate may also bring an action on behalf of eligible parties. One important rule shapes how these claims proceed: California requires all eligible heirs to join a single wrongful death lawsuit. Multiple family members can’t file separate suits against the same defendant. This one-action rule makes it essential to identify every eligible claimant early in the process.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Santa Ana & Riverside

Wrongful death claims arise whenever negligence, recklessness, or misconduct costs someone their life. We handle these cases across a wide range of incident types and are available 24/7 for families dealing with the immediate aftermath of a loss.

Wrongful death can result from:

• Car, motorcycle, truck, and bicycle accidents on Orange County roads and intersections
• Dog attacks
• Fatal falls caused by unsafe premises
• Deaths caused by defective or dangerous products
• Medical malpractice
• Workplace accidents
• Criminal acts

Traffic fatalities on busy Orange County roads are among the most frequent sources of wrongful death claims in the Santa Ana area. Workplace accidents and corporate negligence represent another significant category. Whatever the circumstances surrounding your family’s loss, our attorneys can help you understand who may bear liability and what your family may be able to recover.

Types of Compensation in a Wrongful Death Case

California recognizes both economic and non-economic damages in wrongful death cases. The total value of a claim depends on the decedent’s age, income, health, and life expectancy, as well as the nature of the family’s loss and the egregiousness of the at-fault party’s conduct. We conduct detailed assessments of all losses to quantify the full extent of your family’s damages.

Economic & Non-Economic Damages

Economic damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills related to the incident
• Lost financial support and future earnings the decedent would have provided
• Value of household services

Non-economic damages may include:

• Loss of companionship, love, and comfort
• Loss of moral support and consortium
• Loss of a parent’s guidance and training

Punitive Damages & Comparative Negligence

When the defendant’s conduct was malicious, oppressive, or fraudulent, punitive damages may be available through a companion survival action filed alongside the wrongful death claim. These are intended to punish the at-fault party and are separate from the compensation the wrongful death claim provides directly to the family. It’s also worth knowing that California follows a pure comparative negligence rule: if the decedent is found to have shared any portion of fault for the incident, the family’s recovery may be reduced by that percentage. This is a feature of California law, not a bar to recovery, and we can explain how it applies to your specific situation.

Why Santa Ana & Riverside Families Choose KAL Attorneys

Families who come to us don’t face this process alone or at financial risk. We work on a strict contingency fee basis: no upfront legal costs, and our fee is a percentage of the settlement or award agreed upon in advance. If there’s no recovery, there’s no fee. Our team is available 24/7 because grief and urgent legal questions don’t follow a business schedule. With over 20 years of collective personal injury experience, a history of substantial settlements and verdicts, and a commitment to keeping clients informed from initial consultation through final resolution, we bring the resources your family needs at the most difficult time.

We handle wrongful death actions arising from car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, bicycle accidents, dog attacks, fatal falls, and deaths caused by defective or dangerous products throughout Santa Ana, Riverside, and the surrounding area. Learn more about why hiring an injury attorney can make a difference in your case, or reach out to our team directly.

Contact us online or call (714) 881-7300 for your free, confidential consultation. Our wrongful death lawyers in Santa Ana and Riverside are ready to help your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is generally two years from the date of death under CCP 335.1. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim. If the death involved medical malpractice, different timeframes may apply. Consulting with our team at KAL Attorneys as early as possible can help protect your right to pursue a claim.

Does the Deadline Change If a Government Entity Was Responsible?

Yes. When a government agency or public entity bears responsibility for the death, the Government Claims Act requires the family to file an administrative claim within six months of the date of death before a civil lawsuit can proceed. This deadline is separate from and earlier than the standard two-year statute of limitations, and missing it can eliminate the right to sue entirely. We can help families determine whether a government entity is involved and file required claims on time.

How Is a Settlement Amount Determined in a Wrongful Death Case?

Settlement amounts depend on several factors: the decedent’s income, age, health, and life expectancy; funeral and medical costs; and non-economic losses such as companionship, emotional suffering, and the loss of a parent’s guidance. We conduct detailed assessments of these factors to quantify the full extent of your family’s losses.

How Often Do Wrongful Death Cases Go to Trial?

Most wrongful death cases settle before trial. When the responsible party’s insurer refuses to offer a fair amount, however, taking the case to a jury may be the right path. Our experience in Santa Ana and Riverside court systems, including Orange County Superior Court, allows us to give your family an informed recommendation based on the specific facts of your case.