The sudden, tragic loss of a family member due to someone else’s negligence can leave loved ones devastated and struggling with overwhelming grief. The pain can be compounded when the death results in steep medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of financial support your loved one provided.
No amount of money can bring back the person you’ve lost. Still, those responsible for their death must be held accountable for the pain and financial hardship they’ve caused your family. That’s why California’s wrongful death law recognizes that certain family members deserve compensation when their loved one dies due to another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct. However, insurance companies and defendants often try to minimize these claims or deny responsibility altogether. This leaves grieving families to fight for justice during their most vulnerable time.
At Dordick Law Corporation, we have been fighting for families devastated by wrongful death since 1987. Our team has secured substantial settlements and verdicts that provide financial security and hold negligent parties accountable. We understand that wrongful death cases require compassionate representation combined with aggressive advocacy. Call (310) 551-0949 today for a free consultation with a Southern California wrongful death attorney.
Types of Southern California Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
Wrongful death claims arise from various types of accidents and incidents throughout Southern California. Our attorneys have experience handling all types of wrongful death cases, including:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents – Car accidents, truck collisions, motorcycle crashes, and pedestrian accidents claim thousands of lives annually due to distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and other forms of negligence.
- Medical Malpractice – Surgical errors, anesthesia mistakes, misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, medication errors, and nursing home neglect can prove fatal when medical professionals fail to meet accepted standards of care.
- Workplace Accidents – Falls from heights, machinery accidents, toxic exposure, explosions, and vehicle collisions can prove fatal when employers fail to maintain safe working conditions or provide adequate safety equipment and training.
- Product Liability Cases – Manufacturing defects, design flaws, and inadequate warnings can make everyday products deadly. Manufacturers must be held responsible for putting dangerous products on the market.
- Premises Liability Accidents – Slip and fall accidents, inadequate security leading to violent crimes, swimming pool accidents, and structural collapses can prove fatal when property owners neglect their duty to keep premises reasonably safe.
- Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect – Vulnerable elderly residents depend on caregivers for their basic needs. Medication errors, falls due to inadequate supervision, infections from poor hygiene, and physical abuse can prove fatal in institutional care settings.
- Criminal Acts – Property owners and employers can be held responsible when they fail to provide adequate security or take reasonable precautions to prevent foreseeable violence. Even when criminal charges are filed, families can pursue civil claims for compensation.
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents – Drivers who fail to yield right-of-way, run red lights, or drive while distracted can kill vulnerable road users who have no protection from the force of vehicle collisions.
Whether you lost a loved one in one of these incidents or another situation involving someone else’s negligent behavior, we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Southern California Wrongful Death Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, around 40,000 people die in motor vehicle accidents nationwide each year. The California Office of Traffic Safety reports that over 10 percent of these deaths occur here in our state, with 4,428 traffic fatalities happening in 2022. Many of these deaths result from preventable causes such as distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving. With proper care and attention, these lives could have been saved.
When you widen the lens to include injury-related deaths from all types of incidents, the numbers are even more alarming. National injury statistics show that 227,039 injury-related deaths occurred nationwide in one recent year. These statistics represent more than numbers – they reflect thousands of families throughout Southern California who have lost loved ones to preventable accidents and negligence. Each wrongful death leaves behind grieving spouses, children, parents, and other family members. These loved ones must cope with both emotional trauma and financial hardship.
Recent Case Results
Our track record of success in wrongful death cases demonstrates our ability to secure substantial compensation for families. We also work to achieve meaningful safety reforms that can prevent future tragedies.
$31 Million Settlement – Defective Pool Drain Wrongful Death
The experienced wrongful death attorneys at Dordick Law Corporation obtained a $31 million partial settlement for the family of a child who died after being trapped by a defective Jacuzzi drain. This tragic case involved multiple defendants, including property managers, pool maintenance companies, and the manufacturer.
As part of the settlement, the manufacturer agreed to notify over 4,000 distributors to remove and replace the dangerous drain design. This case exemplifies our firm’s mission: fighting not only for financial compensation but for meaningful changes that protect other families from similar devastating losses.
Anton Yelchin v. Fiat – Confidential Settlement (March 2018)
In a high-profile wrongful death case, our firm filed a lawsuit against Fiat Chrysler motor company for a defective transmission that led to the untimely death of the gifted actor Anton Yelchin. The case highlighted dangerous design defects in the vehicle’s transmission system that created fatal risks for drivers and the public.
Through thorough investigation and aggressive litigation, our team demonstrated how the manufacturer’s defective design contributed to this preventable tragedy. The case reach a resolution through a confidential settlement in March 2018. It provided compensation for the loss while maintaining privacy for the family during their grieving process.
Frequently Asked Questions
The sudden loss of a loved one can leave families with overwhelming questions. Some of the most common legal questions we hear from our clients include the following:
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in California?
California law allows specific family members to file wrongful death claims. These include the deceased’s spouse, domestic partner, children, and, in some cases, parents or siblings. Additionally, individuals who financially depended on the deceased, such as stepchildren or domestic partners, may also have standing to file claims. An experienced wrongful death attorney can help determine who has the legal right to pursue compensation in your specific situation.
How much time do I have to file a wrongful death claim?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, different deadlines may apply in cases involving government entities or medical malpractice. Missing the statutory deadline typically means losing your right to compensation forever. For this reason, it’s crucial to contact an attorney immediately to protect your family’s rights.
What types of compensation are available in wrongful death cases?
California wrongful death claims can recover both economic and non-economic damages. This includes medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, pain and suffering of surviving family members, and loss of guidance and support.
Contact Dordick Law Corporation Today
The loss of a loved one due to someone else’s actions is a tragedy that no family should endure alone. By holding the responsible party accountable for their actions, you can secure financial security for your family and prevent other families from experiencing similar devastating losses.
At Dordick Law Corporation, we understand the profound grief and overwhelming challenges you face after losing a family member to wrongful death. Our wrongful death attorneys will handle every aspect of your case with compassion and determination. This allows you to focus on healing while we fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves.
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we achieve a successful outcome for your family. Call (310) 551-0949 today or contact us online for a free consultation. Let us begin fighting for the justice your family deserves during this difficult time.
