Wrongful Death Lawyers
Losing a loved one because of someone else’s careless or intentional actions is one of the most painful experiences a family can face. In Southern California, wrongful death laws allow surviving family members to pursue justice and financial compensation when a preventable tragedy occurs. These cases often arise from car accidents, unsafe property conditions, medical errors, or other dangerous situations caused by negligence or misconduct.
During such a difficult time, navigating legal procedures and dealing with insurance companies can feel overwhelming. That is why having knowledgeable and compassionate legal support is so important. At Bentley & More LLP, our Southern California wrongful death lawyers understand both the emotional toll and the financial challenges that follow a sudden loss. We handle every aspect of the legal process, from gathering evidence and communicating with insurers to negotiating settlements and taking cases to court when necessary. Our goal is to protect your family’s rights and help secure the compensation and justice you deserve.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a skilled wrongful death attorney, please call us at 949-870-3800 or contact us online for more information.
Why Choose Us to Handle Your Wrongful Death Case in Southern California?
Choosing the right legal team is vital when your family is facing the overwhelming challenges of a wrongful death case in Southern California. At Bentley & More LLP, you will find dedicated attorneys who have built a strong reputation for achieving justice on behalf of families harmed by another party’s negligence. Our firm is known throughout the region for its exceptional commitment to clients and its deep experience handling high-stakes cases.
Since 2015, our trial lawyers have successfully resolved hundreds of complex matters and secured millions in compensation for those who suffered devastating losses. Other law firms frequently trust us with referrals, reflecting the respect we have earned within the legal community.
Our team works closely with respected medical professionals and independent experts to thoroughly document the full extent of your family’s financial, emotional, and personal losses. This detailed approach allows us to build powerful claims that stand up to insurance company tactics and, when necessary, to arguments made in court.
From the first investigation to final negotiations or trial, our attorneys handle every step for you, ensuring you never face this process alone. If you need support, call 949-870-3800 to learn how we can fight for the compensation your family deserves.
You can also view our most recent case results and client testimonials on this site.
Fast Facts – Wrongful Death Cases in Southern California
- A wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to another person’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions, including car accidents, medical malpractice, unsafe property conditions, or violent acts.
- California law allows certain family members to file a wrongful death claim, including the surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, parents, or siblings, and the personal representative of the estate may also pursue the claim.
- Compensation in a wrongful death case can include economic damages, such as lost income, future financial support, and funeral expenses.
- Non-economic damages may also be awarded for emotional loss, including the loss of love, companionship, guidance, and moral support.
- Strong evidence is critical, including police and medical reports, photographs, witness statements, and expert testimony to establish liability and document losses.
- Insurance companies often attempt to minimize settlements, making legal representation essential to protect family rights.
- At Bentley & More LLP, our attorneys work closely with medical and industry experts to fully document financial, physical, and emotional damages. We guide families through every step, from evidence collection and insurance negotiations to trial if necessary.
How Much Money is My Wrongful Death Case Worth?
In Southern California, the amount surviving family members may receive for a wrongful death case varies widely because every situation is different. The final value often depends on factors like the deceased person’s age, health, earning capacity, and the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Courts and insurance companies also consider how much financial support the individual provided to their family and the extent of emotional harm their sudden loss caused. These factors help determine whether the case resolves for a more modest amount or results in a significantly higher value.
Some cases may settle for thousands of dollars, while others—especially those involving high earners or severe misconduct—can reach hundreds of thousands or even several million dollars. Ultimately, the goal is to compensate the family for both economic and intangible losses.
Types of Available Damages
Wrongful death damages in Southern California fall into both economic and non-economic categories. Economic damages cover financial losses, including the income the person would have earned in the future, the value of household services they provided, and medical or funeral expenses.
Non-economic damages address the emotional impact of the loss. These include compensation for the loss of love, companionship, guidance, and moral support.
Although no amount of money can truly replace a loved one, these damages help ease the financial strain and acknowledge the profound emotional suffering families experience.
Wrongful Death Laws in Southern California
What is a Wrongful Death Case?
Wrongful death laws in California allow certain individuals to seek compensation when a person dies because of someone else’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. Negligence might involve careless driving or unsafe property conditions, while recklessness includes conduct that shows a disregard for human safety. Intentional acts, such as assaults, can also form the basis of a wrongful death lawsuit.
A wrongful death claim is a civil action, separate from any criminal charges, and its purpose is to compensate surviving loved ones for the financial and emotional harm caused by the loss. Even if the responsible party faces criminal prosecution, the family may still pursue a civil claim to recover damages.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
California law limits who may bring a wrongful death case. The primary individuals who can file include the deceased person’s surviving spouse, domestic partner, and children. If none of these individuals are available, other family members who would have inherited from the deceased, such as parents or siblings, may be eligible.
The personal representative of the deceased person’s estate can also file the claim on behalf of all eligible beneficiaries. It ensures that every qualified party can pursue compensation fairly and efficiently.
Types of Occurrences that Lead to Wrongful Death in Southern California
Wrongful death claims in Southern California can arise from many types of preventable incidents, all of which involve someone’s negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct.
- One of the most common causes is motor vehicle collisions. Crashes involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, or pedestrians often occur because a driver was speeding, distracted, impaired, or otherwise careless. These accidents can be especially devastating and frequently form the basis of wrongful death lawsuits.
- Medical malpractice is another major source of wrongful death claims. When a doctor, nurse, or hospital fails to meet the required standard of care—such as by misdiagnosing a condition, performing a surgical error, or providing improper medication—the consequences can be fatal. Families may pursue a claim if the death could have been prevented with proper medical attention.
- Dangerous property conditions can also lead to wrongful deaths. Property owners who fail to address hazards like broken railings, inadequate lighting, or unsafe walkways may be held responsible when these conditions cause fatal accidents.
- Additionally, wrongful death cases can arise from defective products, including unsafe vehicles, faulty medical devices, or hazardous consumer goods. In some situations, intentional acts like assaults or violent conduct lead to civil wrongful death actions, allowing families to seek compensation even when criminal charges are involved.
Important Evidence in Wrongful Death Cases
Proving a wrongful death case in Southern California requires strong and reliable evidence that clearly shows another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct caused the death. One of the most important types of evidence is official documentation, such as police reports, accident reports, and medical records. These documents help establish what happened, how the injuries occurred, and why the death was preventable.
Witness statements are also essential. Testimony from people who saw the incident, responded to the scene, or observed the victim’s condition can provide powerful support for the family’s claims. When witnesses offer consistent accounts, their statements can significantly strengthen the case.
Physical evidence also plays a crucial role. It may include photographs of the accident scene, video footage, damaged vehicles, defective products, or dangerous property conditions. Such items help demonstrate the exact circumstances that led to the fatal incident.
Expert testimony is often used to explain technical issues that are difficult for jurors to understand. Medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and engineers can clarify how the death occurred and whether the defendant acted unreasonably.
Finally, financial and personal records help establish the losses the family suffered, including the deceased person’s earnings, household services, and emotional contributions.
How We Can Fight the Insurance Company for You in a Southern California Wrongful Death Case
At Bentley & More LLP, our experienced wrongful death lawyers in Southern California understand the overwhelming challenges families face after losing a loved one. During such a painful time, dealing with an insurance company can feel impossible. Insurers often try to limit payouts, dispute liability, or push for quick settlements that fail to reflect the true extent of a family’s losses. Our legal team steps in to protect your rights and make sure your voice is heard.
We begin by conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances of your loved one’s death. This includes gathering evidence, consulting with experts, and identifying every party responsible. By building a strong foundation for your claim, we can challenge the insurance company when they attempt to deny or undervalue your case.
Our attorneys also handle all communication and negotiation with the insurance adjusters. We are familiar with the tactics insurers use, and we work tirelessly to counter them with facts, evidence, and a comprehensive understanding of wrongful death law. If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we are fully prepared to take the case to court.
Above all, Bentley & More LLP is committed to securing the financial support your family needs—compensation for lost income, emotional hardship, and the long-term impact of your loss—so you can focus on healing.
Most Important Steps to Take after Losing a Loved One
After losing a loved one in Southern California, taking the right steps can help protect your family’s well-being and preserve your legal rights.
- You should first obtain a copy of the death certificate and gather any available records related to the incident, such as accident reports, medical documentation, or photographs. These materials may become essential later if you pursue a wrongful death claim. Keeping important documents organized can help stay prepared during an otherwise difficult time.
- If the death resulted from someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act, it is crucial to avoid speaking with insurance companies before understanding your rights. Insurers may try to secure statements that limit their responsibility or lead you to accept a settlement far below what your family deserves.
- For this reason, one of the most critical steps is contacting our attorneys at Bentley & More LLP as soon as possible. Our experienced wrongful death lawyers can protect your interests, guide you through the legal process, and fight for the compensation your family needs during this painful period.
FAQs: Wrongful Death in Southern California
What is considered a wrongful death in California?
A wrongful death occurs when a person loses their life because of someone else’s negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct. It can include car crashes, medical malpractice, unsafe property conditions, or violent acts. The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to compensate surviving family members for the emotional and financial losses caused by the death.
Who is allowed to file a wrongful death claim?
California law allows the deceased person’s spouse, domestic partner, and children to file a claim. If none of these individuals are available, other family members who would have inherited from the deceased, such as parents or siblings, may qualify. A personal representative of the estate may also file on behalf of all eligible beneficiaries.
What types of compensation are available?
Families may recover economic damages, such as lost income, future financial support, and funeral costs. They may also receive non-economic damages for loss of love, companionship, guidance, and emotional support.
What evidence is needed to prove wrongful death?
Strong evidence may include medical records, accident reports, photographs, witness statements, and expert testimony. This evidence helps show how the incident occurred and the losses the family suffered.
How can your attorneys help?
At Bentley & More LLP, our experienced wrongful death attorneys handle every stage of the case—from gathering evidence and dealing with insurance companies to negotiating settlements and going to trial when necessary. We guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and fight for the full compensation your family deserves.
Consult an Experienced Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
At Bentley & More LLP, our skilled and compassionate attorneys are prepared to fight for the justice and compensation that you and your family deserve at this difficult time.
In California, a wrongful death lawsuit must ordinarily be filed within two years of your loved one’s death. Therefore, seek legal help right away!
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Southern California personal injury attorney, please call us at 949-870-3800 or contact us online right away.
Bentley & More, LLP – Office Location
Address: 4931 Birch Street Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone No: (949) 870-3800
What Our Clients Say
If you are looking for powerful lawyers, look no further. Mr. Bentley and his team are THE BEST lawyers. Very Professional and compassionate. From beginning to end they made me feel safe and protected. I will forever be grateful for them, Thank you for everything. I will always refer anyone looking for a lawyer to Bentley & More. This firm has all my respect. 11/10 experience. – Natasha A. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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