What Types of Wrongful Death Cases Occur in California? How Common Are They?

Wrongful death cases are particularly difficult to prove because all deaths feel wrong. Legally, however, “wrongful death” is only wrong if it is caused by the negligence or intentional actions of another. In the state of California, a loved one may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If the plaintiff can prove that the death of their loved one was due to the negligence of another, they may be able to recover financial compensation for economic losses.

Even though there could be a criminal prosecution related to the death of the victim, a wrongful death lawsuit is a civil action that is separate from criminal charges. The standard of proof the plaintiff is expected to show is typically lower in a civil case compared to a criminal case for murder.

If one of your loved ones has been killed and you believe it is because of the negligence of another, you may have a wrongful death lawsuit. Reach out to our experienced team of Los Angeles wrongful death attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers today to get started on the process of filing a claim.

To schedule a free consultation at our Los Angeles personal injury law firm, please contact our 24/7 legal team by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our quick contact form.

 Common Wrongful Death Cases in California

• Car Accidents 
  • Fatal car crashes rose by 4.9 percent in 2020 to 3,723 from 3,540 in 2019.
  • California is ranked as the second state with the most fatal car accidents, with a total of 3,259 deaths reported.
  • Car crashes rank the highest in wrongful death and personal injury claims for age groups between 5 to 34 years old.
• Truck Accidents 
  • California averages about 250 truck accident fatalities per year.
  • 40 percent of fatalities included drivers without seat belts.
  • Fatal accidents that involved trucks rose by 16 percent in 2017 to 841 from 725 in 2016.
• Firearm Deaths
  • Contributed heavily to the increase in homicides in 2020. Homicides involving guns rose by 35 percent.
  • There have been 3,184 wrongful deaths due to firearms in 2017.

• Homicide

• • According to US News, from 2019 to 2020, the homicide rate increased by 27 percent. 
  • About 5.8 homicides per 100,000 residents occurred in 2020.
  • Homicide victims increased by 36 percent for Black Californians.
  • Homicide victims rose by 30 percent for Hispanics.
  • Homicides for white victims increased by 15 percent, while Asian victims rose by 10 percent.
  • The common age demographic for homicide victims was between 15 to 34 years old.
  • Males were more likely to be victims of homicide than females.
  • Los Angeles County was one of the top counties in California with the highest homicide rates. The county experienced a 32 percent increase in 2020.

• Bicycle Accidents
  • According to US News, from 2016 to 2018, there have been a total of 106 fatal bicycle accidents in Los Angeles County. This is a 30 percent increase compared to data from 2006 to 2008, where the total amount was 74. 
  • to US News, from 2016 to 2018, there have been a total of 106 fatal bicycle accidents in Los Angeles County. This is a 30 percent increase compared to data from 2006 to 2008, where the total amount was 74.
  • Traffic accidents have contributed to the death of 455 cyclists in California.
  • Nationwide, the total number of cyclist deaths is 2,516.
• Slip and Fall Deaths

• • According to the National Safety Council (NSC),  in 2019, 880 workers died in a slip and fall. 
  • Falls contributed 5 percent of job-related fatalities for women and 11 percent for men.
  • Occupational fatalities caused by a slip and fall are about 600 per year.
  • Fatal slip and falls typically occur in construction, mining, and certain maintenance activities.
  • Deaths and wrongful deaths of about 1,800 nursing home residents occur each year due to fall-related injuries.
  • Elderlies who are 65 and older are 4 times more likely to pass away from a fall-related injury if they are living in a nursing home compared to those who are living at home with their family.

• Medical Malpractice

• • Medical malpractice is the third-leading cause of death in the United States.
  • An estimate of 250,000 lives are lost each year due to lack of proper medical care by healthcare providers.
  • The U.S. patient-care study released a report in 2016, which included death-rate data for 8 consecutive years. The study found that out of a total of 35,416,020 hospitalizations, a rate of 251,454 deaths occurred per year due to medical errors.

• Motorcycle Accidents
  • Motorcycle deaths account for 15.1 percent of fatal motor vehicle accidents in California.
  • Males ages 18 to 29 years old who ride sports bikes are the most common group of motorcyclists involved in a deadly motorcycle crash.
  • 68 percent of female motorcyclists involved in a fatal collision were passengers.
  • In 2016, 48 percent of motorcycle deaths would happen on the weekends around 6pm.
  • According to California’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), in 2019, 474 motorcycle fatalities were reported in California.
  • Also in 2019, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported a total of 2,811 fatal motorcycle accidents taking place in the United States.

West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here to Help

If you have lost a loved one due to negligent actions committed by another party, our expert team of wrongful death attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers will help you recover compensation for damages you have suffered. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and more. 

Contact us today by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our knowledgeable, caring, and compassionate legal team.