Losing someone you love is devastating — and when that death was preventable, the pain is compounded by questions, anger, and immediate financial stress. If this happened in Los Angeles, a wrongful death lawyer Los Angeles-based can do more than chase compensation: they investigate what went wrong, preserve evidence that disappears fast, and fight to hold the responsible parties to account so your family can begin to rebuild. For help in Los Angeles, consider contacting Forward Law Group’s wrongful death team.

 What “wrongful death” actually means in California

A wrongful death claim is a civil action brought after someone dies because of another party’s negligence, reckless behavior, intentional act, or medical error. It is separate from criminal charges: a person can be criminally acquitted yet still be liable in civil wrongful death court. Families pursue wrongful death claims to cover funeral costs, lost financial support, loss of companionship, and other damages.

Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in California?

California law specifies who may bring a wrongful death action. The most common plaintiffs include:

• Surviving spouse or registered domestic partner

• Children (including adopted children; sometimes grandchildren if a parent predeceased)

• If none of the above exist, other heirs who would inherit under California intestacy rules (for example, parents or siblings).

These rules come from the California Code of Civil Procedure and shape who is eligible for damages. If you’re unsure whether you qualify to file, a Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer can review your situation quickly.

Important deadlines: file promptly (but know the exceptions)

In California the general statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years from the date of death. Missing that deadline usually means losing the right to sue — though there are exceptions (for example, claims against government entities follow different time rules, and some medical malpractice-related deaths may have special notice requirements). Because evidence and witnesses fade with time, acting quickly matters both legally and practically.

 Typical causes of wrongful death claims in Los Angeles

Wrongful death suits in LA arise from many scenarios:

• Car, motorcycle, and pedestrian collisions

• Drunk or distracted driving incidents

• Medical malpractice (surgical mistakes, misdiagnosis)

• Dangerous or improperly maintained premises (falls, assaults on property)

• Defective products and industrial accidents

• Workplace incidents and construction site accidents

The remedies pursued and the evidence needed differ by scenario — an experienced wrongful death lawyer Los Angeles families hire will know the checklist for each type of case.

 What a wrongful death lawyer will do for you (step-by-step)

• Preserve evidence: obtain police reports, medical records, surveillance footage, and maintenance logs.

• Investigate liability: determine who had a legal duty and whether that duty was breached.

• Identify damages: calculate economic losses (wages, benefits) and non-economic losses (loss of care, guidance, companionship).

• Negotiate with insurers: most wrongful death cases settle; a lawyer maximizes settlement value and pushes back against low offers.

• File suit and litigate when necessary: take the case to trial if settlement fails.

 Real-world example: the Bryant helicopter lawsuit (what families should notice)

When Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna died in the 2020 helicopter crash, Vanessa Bryant filed civil claims alleging negligence by the helicopter operator and seeking accountability and compensation. High-profile cases illustrate two points families in Los Angeles should remember: (1) wrongful death suits can run alongside criminal or regulatory reviews, and (2) detailed expert investigation (aviation records, pilot training, maintenance logs) is vital to build a strong civil claim. While every case is different, this example shows how specialized investigation and expert witnesses often determine outcomes.

 Case study snapshot (illustrative, anonymized)

Case: Fatal motorcycle collision — Los Angeles County
Facts: Motorcyclist struck at intersection by left-turning truck; truck driver claimed obstructed view.
Action taken by counsel: Immediate evidence preservation (dashcam request, traffic signal maintenance logs), hired accident reconstruction expert, subpoenaed driver logs.
Result: Settlement covering past/future lost earnings, funeral costs, and loss of companionship — settlement value substantially higher than the insurance company’s opening offer because experts established clear driver fault.

(This is an anonymized, representative case used to show typical steps and outcomes.)

 How damages are calculated (brief)

Damages in wrongful death cases typically include:

• Funeral and burial expenses

• Loss of the decedent’s expected earnings and contributions to the family

• Loss of household services (care a spouse or parent provided)

• Loss of companionship, care, and guidance (non-economic)

• In rare cases, punitive damages when the defendant acted with malice or extreme recklessness

A wrongful death lawyer Los Angeles residents rely on will work with economists and life-care planners to put credible numbers behind each category.

 Practical next steps if you’re facing this right now

1. Get immediate legal advice — contact a wrongful death lawyer to preserve evidence and meet legal deadlines.

2. Collect documents — death certificate, medical records, police report, employer info for the decedent, photos, and any witness names.

3. Avoid public comments — don’t post factual or emotional details on social media that insurers or defense lawyers could use.

4. Be cautious with insurance calls — insurers may ask recorded statements early; speak with counsel first.

5. Ask about fee structures — most wrongful death firms work on contingency (they’re paid only if you recover).

Frequently asked questions

Q — How long do wrongful death cases take?
A — It varies: many settle within months; complex cases with significant disputed liability or high damages can take a year or more.

Q — Can criminal charges affect a wrongful death claim?
A — Yes, criminal findings can be helpful evidence, but civil standards are different. A civil suit can proceed independently.

Q — Will the family be compensated for emotional loss?
A — Yes — “loss of companionship” and related non-economic damages are part of wrongful death recovery in California.

Final note + how Forward Law Group can help

If you’re in Los Angeles and considering a wrongful death claim, you do not have to navigate this alone. Forward Law Group has a practice devoted to wrongful death representation and can evaluate your case, preserve evidence, and explain your legal options in plain language. For a free consultation, visit Forward Law Group’s wrongful death page: https://www.forwardlg.com/practice-areas/wrongful-death.