Santa Ana Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing someone you love is an unimaginable heartbreak, especially when their passing could have been prevented. We know that no amount of money can replace what you’ve lost, but seeking justice can bring a sense of closure and financial relief during this overwhelming time. 

The Santa Ana wrongful death attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers are here to guide you with compassion, fight for your rights, and hold those responsible fully accountable. You don’t have to navigate this difficult journey alone — let us be your advocates when you need it most.

Here’s what makes our firm uniquely qualified to support your family:

• Harvard-Educated Leadership: Our President, Neama Rahmani, one of the youngest graduates in Harvard Law School’s history, leads our firm with a sharp legal mind and an unwavering commitment to justice.
• Available 24/7 – We Come to You: We understand that legal emergencies can’t wait. That’s why our team is available 24/7 and ready to come to you wherever you are, ensuring you get the help you need when it matters most.
• Multilingual Legal Team: Legal processes can be confusing — but language shouldn’t be a barrier. Our multilingual staff will explain every step clearly and answer your questions in the language you’re most comfortable with.
• No Fees Unless We Win: Financial worries should never stand in the way of seeking justice. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and no fees at all unless we win or settle your case.

Speak to an experienced Wrongful Death Attorney in Santa Ana today, Call us at (213) 927-3700 or schedule a free consultation with this online contact form.

Why Choose a Santa Ana Wrongful Death Attorney?

When facing the aftermath of a wrongful death, selecting the right attorney can make all the difference. An experienced wrongful death lawyer not only protects your family’s rights but also ensures they receive proper compensation. In Santa Ana, hiring a local attorney comes with significant advantages, including a deep understanding of local regulations and a proven track record of favorable outcomes for clients. For example, Our firm has secured over $1.6 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients, consistently setting new standards of success through our world-class legal representation.

A Santa Ana wrongful death attorney brings a unique blend of expertise and compassion. We conduct thorough investigations, gather evidence, and provide the necessary resources for closure and compensation. A compassionate attorney allows families to honor their loved ones and manage unexpected funeral and burial costs. With unwavering commitment and strategic legal guidance, we help you navigate these difficult times with strength, clarity, and care.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in California

In California, wrongful death refers to a person’s death caused by someone else’s recklessness, carelessness, or negligence. Unlike criminal charges, a wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit that seeks to provide compensation to the surviving family members and beneficiaries. Entities responsible for wrongful death can include individuals, businesses, or other organizations.

California’s legal framework makes it somewhat easier to pursue compensation in wrongful death cases. The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim in California is two years from the date of death, according to California’s wrongful death laws. Filing within this timeframe is paramount to avoid losing the right to recover compensation.

Potential damages in a wrongful death lawsuit are vast and can include lost wages, medical and funeral expenses, and loss of companionship. Non-economic damages like emotional distress and support for the family can also be addressed through wrongful death lawsuits, aiding families as they cope with their loss.

We highly recommended speaking to an attorney as soon as possible after losing a loved one due to wrongful death. An attorney can provide you proper guidance and support, ensuring that all legal aspects are carefully managed.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Santa Ana?

California law specifies who can file a wrongful death claim. Typically, this includes the surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children of the deceased. These family members are given priority when a wrongful death claim arises, ensuring that those closest to the deceased can seek justice and compensation.

In cases where there are no surviving descendants, the spouse or domestic partner is entitled to the estate. Additionally, guardians can file a wrongful death claim for a minor if the deceased child was under 18 and their parents are deceased. This ensures that even the youngest and most vulnerable are represented.

Other individuals who were dependent on the deceased, such as stepchildren, parents, or legal guardians, may also be eligible to file a claim. This broad eligibility ensures that all family members who suffered a significant loss can seek the compensation they deserve.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Santa Ana

 

Wrongful deaths in Santa Ana can stem from a variety of causes, each with its own set of circumstances and legal intricacies. One of the most common causes is vehicle accidents that are often the result from negligent driving behaviors such as speeding and drunk driving. These fatal accidents not only cause immense grief but also bring about complex legal challenges.

With a high volume of foot traffic in Orange County, pedestrians are also vulnerable to life-threatening injuries caused by careless drivers who ignore crosswalks, speed through intersections, or drive while distracted.

Medical malpractice is another significant cause of wrongful deaths, where misdiagnosis or surgical errors can lead to tragic outcomes. The medical professionals involved may be held accountable for their negligence, providing a pathway for the family to seek justice and compensation when a wrongful death occurs. Understanding these common causes helps in identifying the responsible parties and pursuing rightful claims.

Potential Damages in a Santa Ana Wrongful Death Case

The primary intent of a wrongful death claim is to provide compensation for the survivors and beneficiaries. The value of a wrongful death lawsuit can vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances of each case. This compensation aims to cover a wide range of damages that the family might suffer.

Types of recoverable compensation in a wrongful death claim include funeral costs, lost future earnings, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. These damages help alleviate the financial burden on the family, allowing them to seek compensation while focusing on healing and moving forward. Additionally, punitive damages may be awarded if the defendant acted with gross negligence or intentionally harmed the deceased.

The Legal Process for Wrongful Death Cases

The legal process for wrongful death cases is stressful and complex. A wrongful death attorney guides the family, advocates for their rights, and works toward a fair outcome by investigating, gathering evidence, building a case, negotiating settlements, and potentially going to trial.

During the lawsuit process, parties often engage in a phase called discovery, where evidence is shared and facts are established. This step is important for building a strong case and ensuring that all relevant information is brought to light. Mediation is another common step in California wrongful death cases, where both sides attempt to reach a settlement without going to trial.

If a case goes to trial, the jury does not need to be unanimous; only 9 out of 12 jurors must agree to hold the defendant liable. This aspect of California law can be advantageous for plaintiffs, as it reduces the likelihood of a hung jury. Throughout this process, having an experienced attorney ensures that all legal aspects are expertly managed, providing the family with the best chance of a favorable outcome.

The Importance of Legal Representation

When you decide to file a wrongful death claim, having a skilled wrongful death lawyer can make the difference between securing the compensation your family deserves and walking away with far less — or nothing at all. Insurance companies and opposing legal teams often use aggressive tactics to minimize payouts, leaving families vulnerable without a strong legal advocate.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our partners are seasoned former prosecutors with decades of courtroom experience. Unlike many firms that lack trial experience and outsource litigation cases, we handle every aspect of your case in-house. Our attorneys have successfully tried some of the toughest cases, earning multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements.

Contact a Santa Ana Wrongful Death Attorney Today

Having an experienced attorney by your side can be life-changing when facing the legal challenges of a wrongful death case. West Coast Trial Lawyers is a top-rated law firm with over 20 years of legal experience. Our partners, formerly attorneys at Los Angeles’ largest law firms, now use their insider knowledge and legal expertise to fight against the powerful corporations they once defended.

Honoring your loved one’s memory begins with taking action — and with one call or click, you’ll have a dedicated legal team ready to stand by your side, guide you through every step, and fight tirelessly for the justice your family deserves

Contact us today at (213) 927-3700 or use our online contact form to speak with our personal injury claim attorneys. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

In California, surviving spouses, domestic partners, children, stepchildren, parents, and other dependents are eligible to file a wrongful death claim. This ensures that those closely related to the deceased can seek justice and compensation for their loss.

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

The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim in California is two years from the date of death. It is crucial to initiate the process within this timeframe to ensure your claim is valid.

What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

In a wrongful death lawsuit, you can recover damages for funeral costs, lost future earnings, pain and suffering, and potentially punitive damages in cases of gross negligence. It’s important to seek legal guidance to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

How Can West Coast Trial Lawyers Assist With Wrongful Death Claims?

West Coast Trial Lawyers can assist with wrongful death claims by providing expert legal support with no upfront or out-of-pocket fees, ensuring that clients only incur costs when they win. WCTL also offers 24/7 support and a free consultation to clarify legal options for families during this difficult time.