Wrongful Death: Pursuing Justice for Lives Lost Too Soon

What Is Considered a Wrongful Death?

Under California law, a wrongful death occurs when someone dies as the result of another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm. This broad category includes a wide range of tragic circumstances, including:

• Police Brutality or Misconduct: Use of excessive force or denial of medical care while in custody
• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Fatal crashes caused by speeding, DUI, or distracted drivers
• Medical Malpractice: Surgical errors, misdiagnoses, or failure to treat life-threatening conditions
• Workplace Accidents: Unsafe equipment, lack of safety training, or employer negligence
• Premises Liability: Fatal injuries on unsafe property, such as falls or electrocution
• Defective Products: Products that malfunction or lack safety warnings, leading to death

In each of these cases, legal action can uncover critical evidence and bring about reforms that protect others in the future.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?

California law limits who may bring a wrongful death action. The following parties are typically eligible:

• The deceased person’s spouse or domestic partner
• Children of the deceased
• If no spouse or children exist: parents, siblings, or other dependent relatives
• In some cases, a personal representative of the estate may file on behalf of surviving heirs

Only one wrongful death claim can be filed for each decedent, so it’s important to work with an experienced attorney to coordinate among surviving family members and ensure a clear, united legal strategy.

Damages Available in a Wrongful Death Claim

Compensation in wrongful death cases is designed to address both tangible and intangible losses. Common damages include:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Medical expenses related to the final illness or injury
• Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support
• Pain and suffering experienced by surviving family members
• Punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct

At The Christian Contreras Firm, we work closely with economic experts, grief counselors, and life care planners to ensure that every loss—emotional, financial, and personal—is fully documented and valued.

How a Wrongful Death Attorney Helps

Grieving families are often overwhelmed with practical and legal questions. While coping with emotional trauma, they must also make urgent decisions about medical bills, funeral arrangements, and potential legal claims. We take on the burden of the legal process so families can focus on healing.

Our firm’s approach includes:

• Independent Investigation: We go beyond official reports to uncover missed details, challenge false narratives, and gather hard evidence.
• Expert Witness Coordination: Medical experts, crash reconstructionists, or forensic pathologists may be critical in proving liability.
• Access to Police Records and Surveillance: Especially in cases of law enforcement misconduct, we push for transparency.
• Aggressive Legal Strategy: We are prepared to take the case to trial if insurance companies or public entities refuse to settle fairly.
• Client-Centered Communication: We keep you informed at every step, providing clear, compassionate guidance.

We treat every wrongful death case with the urgency it demands—and the humanity it deserves.

Special Focus: Police-Involved Deaths

As a firm deeply committed to civil rights, we frequently represent families in wrongful death cases involving law enforcement. These often include:

• Deaths from excessive force or unjustified shootings
• Failure to provide medical care to people in custody
• In-custody deaths under suspicious circumstances
• Retaliation or silence from police departments or correctional officers

These cases are complex, high-profile, and emotionally charged. Our team has the experience to pursue truth even when powerful institutions stand in the way.

We don’t back down from government agencies or their legal teams. We demand transparency, accountability, and justice for every life lost to state-sanctioned negligence or violence.

Statute of Limitations: Don’t Wait

In California, the deadline to file a wrongful death claim is typically two years from the date of death. However, cases involving public entities—such as police departments or county hospitals—require filing a government claim within six months. These timelines are strict, and missing them can permanently bar your claim.

Even if you’re unsure about legal action, contacting an attorney early can help protect your rights and preserve critical evidence.

Why Choose The Christian Contreras Firm?

We understand that families aren’t just looking for a settlement—they’re looking for answers, accountability, and peace of mind. Our firm brings:

• A track record of success in complex wrongful death and civil rights litigation
• Deep understanding of systemic failures that lead to preventable deaths
• A compassionate and trauma-informed approach to supporting grieving families
• Trial-readiness backed by real courtroom experience

We do more than represent our clients—we stand with them in their fight for truth and justice.

Begin the Path to Justice

If someone you love died due to another person’s negligence or misconduct, you don’t have to face it alone. The Christian Contreras Firm is here to guide you through every legal step while honoring your loved one’s life and legacy.

Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. Let us help you seek the accountability and justice your family deserves.