Award-Winning San Francisco Wrongful Death Lawyers

We hold an outstanding record of success in recovering substantial financial compensation for the families of wrongful death accident victims

• Rated 2024 Best Personal Injury Attorneys in San Francisco by Expertise.com
• Ranked 2024 Northern California Super Lawyer by SuperLawyers.com
• Ranked Among The 5 Best Personal Injury Attorneys in San Francisco by KevsBest.com
• 2022 California Top 20 Personal Injury Settlements Award Winner Topverdict.com

Trust Our San Francisco Wrongful Death Lawyers With Your Case – We have Over 100 Years Of Combined Legal Experience, And Experience Matters.

Our San Francisco Wrongful Death Lawyers Are Here To Help You

The lawyer you choose to represent your legal interests in a wrongful death claim can make a substantial difference in maximizing the value and success of your case. Choosing the right wrongful death law firm to protect your legal interests is crucial. Experience matters. The Hassell Law Group is consistently ranked among the best wrongful death accident lawyers in San Francisco and The Bay Area. Our law firm has won numerous professional awards for its top results. With an undefeated record at trial for our clients and over 100 years of combined legal experience, we are experts in recovering maximum compensation for surviving family members of wrongful death accident victims.

Our attorneys are top-level negotiators and highly skilled litigators, and we will fight tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions. We have the resources and expertise necessary to investigate your case thoroughly and determine the full extent of your damages.

We will demand the maximum compensation available for our clients. We have helped numerous families who have lost loved ones as a result of an accident get the compensation they are entitled to. Let us help you.

If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or intentional actions of another party, contact our San Francisco wrongful death lawyers today to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you get the justice and the financial compensation you deserve.

At our firm, we work on a contingency fee, and there are NO attorney’s fees unless we recover money for you.  Contact us online or by phone at (415) 334-4111 today for a free consultation and case evaluation to learn how we can help you.

The loss of a loved one in a Wrongful Death Accident

The death of a loved one in an accident is painful far beyond what words can ever express. When the death of a loved one occurs as a result of negligence, it is considered a wrongful death and a legal claim can be brought against the negligent party or parties. First and foremost, if you have suffered the loss of a loved one due to wrongful death, the attorneys at The Hassell Law Group express our heartfelt condolences.

Our compassionate San Francisco wrongful death lawyers are here to help you through this difficult time. We understand that no amount of compensation can bring back your loved one, but we believe that holding the responsible parties accountable for their actions can help you obtain some sense of justice and closure.

You can be assured that we will honor the life of your loved one by pursuing justice on your behalf from all responsible parties and seeking the maximum compensation possible. While no amount of money could ever make up for your grief, pain, and loss, a just and proper settlement and successful resolution of your claim may offer some sense of closure and justice. We understand your pain, grief, and deep suffering. You should know that you are not alone, we will be here for you every step of the way.

How do I prove wrongful death in California?

If someone else’s negligence caused or contributed to the death of your loved one, you may be able to file a California wrongful death claim.

In California, there are 4 necessary elements to prove liability in a wrongful death case:

• Duty: The negligent party or entity must have owed the deceased a legal duty of care. This is a responsibility to act in a way that a prudent and rational person would in the same or similar circumstances. For example, all drivers in California have a legal duty to operate their vehicles in a way that will not cause harm or injury to others.
• Breach: A breach of the duty of care can refer to any act or omission that a reasonable person likely would not have committed. It can refer to any careless or reckless acts by the negligent party or entity, as well as a blatant disregard for the safety of others and/or even an intent to harm.
• Causation: Causation simply means that the breach of the duty of care caused or substantially contributed to the injury and death in question. In a wrongful death case, the fatal injury would not have happened if not for the other party’s breach of their duty of care. For example, a driver who runs a red light and kills a pedestrian has breached a duty of care.
• Damages: Damages are the economic and non-economic losses suffered by the heirs because of another party’s wrongful or reckless act or negligence.

A wrongful death claim arises when a person dies as a result of the negligence or legal fault of another person or an entity such as a corporation or government entity. Wrongful death cases often stem from car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents. The negligence or legal fault may also be attributed to more than one person or entity if the negligence or legal fault of multiple parties contributed to the wrongful death. Unlike a criminal action which seeks consequences such as a prison sentence, a wrongful death claim is brought in civil court by the deceased person’s surviving family members seeking compensatory (financial) damages. If the wrongful death claim is not settled out of court before the need for a court trial, the wrongful death claim is brought before a judge and jury to decide. The legal standard of proof in a California wrongful death claim is lower than that in a criminal case. The other party or entity’s liability must only be shown by a preponderance of the evidence, which means that it is more likely than not that the other party/entity caused or contributed to the wrongful death of the deceased.

When evaluating a fatal accident case, the question which most frequently arises is; What Constitutes Wrongful Death in California?

If any insurance company contacts you (yours or the other parties), do not speak to them, and instead let your lawyer handle it. What you say after an accident could damage your case. It is best to refer all insurance company inquiries to your lawyer.

How much is a wrongful death lawsuit worth in California?

The value of a wrongful death case can vary greatly depending on many different factors of the case. In California, case values can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of millions of dollars. It is best to consult with our legal team to review the details of your specific wrongful death claim, and we can provide you with an estimated case value.

Who can file a Wrongful Death lawsuit in California?

State laws primarily govern who can file a lawsuit after the wrongful death of a loved one. In California, a wrongful death claim can be filed by the surviving family members or the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. The specific rules regarding who can file a wrongful death claim can be complex, and it’s important to consult with our experienced wrongful death lawyers to determine your legal rights.

Under California law, the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased person are typically considered to be the primary beneficiaries of a wrongful death claim. These individuals have priority in bringing a claim and can seek compensation for their losses, as well as the losses suffered by the deceased person before their death.

If the deceased person does not have a surviving spouse, children, or parents, other individuals who were financially dependent on the deceased person may be able to bring a wrongful death claim. This can include stepchildren, putative spouses, or domestic partners.

In some cases, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate may also be able to bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of the estate. This can include claims for damages such as funeral expenses, medical bills, and other expenses incurred by the estate because of the wrongful death.

How long do I have to file wrongful a death lawsuit in California?

Wrongful death claims are governed by California’s Statute of Limitations. If your claim is against a private party or company, California law requires that a wrongful death claim be filed within two (2) years of a loved one’s death. If your claim involves a public entity such as a City, County, or State or their employee, you have only six (6) months under California law to prepare and file a formal Notice of Claim. If the public entity rejects your claim, you have only six (6) months from the date of rejection to file a lawsuit.

How do I file a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

To bring a claim for wrongful death, you must be able to prove that negligence either caused or contributed to the death of your loved one.

Filing a California wrongful death claim can be a complex and emotionally difficult process, but with the help of our skilled legal team, you can navigate the legal process and obtain the compensation you deserve. These are the general steps involved in filing a wrongful death claim in California:

Contact an experienced wrongful death lawyer: The first step in filing a wrongful death claim is to contact our experienced wrongful death lawyers. Our legal team will evaluate your case, explain your legal rights, and guide you through the legal process.

Investigation: Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death. This can involve gathering evidence including surveillance videos, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts in various fields.

Identify responsible parties: Your attorney will identify the parties or entities responsible for your loved one’s death and determine whether they can be held legally liable for their actions.

File the claim: Your attorney will file a wrongful death claim on your behalf with the negligent party’s insurer. The claim will outline the facts of the case, the damages you are seeking, and the legal basis for your claim. If the claim is not settled, your attorney can file a lawsuit with the appropriate court.

Negotiation or litigation: Once the claim is filed, your attorney will work to negotiate a just settlement with the responsible parties or their insurance carrier. If a settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys will likely file a lawsuit and take your case to trial if it does not settle in the litigation process.

Compensation: If your case is successful, you may be able to recover compensation for a wide range of damages, including medical bills, funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and for the loss of the relationship.

Filing a wrongful death claim in California can be a complex and emotionally challenging process. At The Hassell Law Group, our experienced San Francisco wrongful death attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

We will seek to recover maximum compensation for the death of your family member

The Hassell Law Group’s attorneys are committed to helping families recover maximum compensation for the death of their loved ones. Here are some of the ways we seek to recover compensation in wrongful death cases:

Thorough investigation: Our attorneys conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death. We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts in various fields to build a strong case.

Identifying all potential sources of compensation: We work to identify all parties who may be held legally responsible for your loved one’s death and determine whether they have insurance coverage or other assets that can be used to compensate you.

Calculating damages: We work with economists, and other financial experts to calculate the full extent of your losses, which may include medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of household services the deceased could have provided during their lifetime, and loss of any other benefits and gifts expected to be received by the deceased.

Aggressive negotiation: Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who will work to negotiate a fair settlement with the responsible parties or their insurance companies.

Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys are prepared to take your case into litigation and also to trial. We have extensive experience litigating wrongful death cases and will fight tirelessly to assert your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve.

Speak with a Wrongful Death Attorney Today – Contact our office at (415) 334-4111 for a free no-obligation consultation.

In California, Wrongful Death damages can include:

• Medical costs incurred after the accident up until the deceased’s death
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of the deceased’s income
• Loss of financial support from the deceased
• Value of deceased’s lost household contributions
• Loss of love, companionship, emotional support, and guidance
• Loss of consortium (for spouse)

Families of wrongful death accident victims may also be entitled to recover various other damages related to their loss. These damages can include:

• Economic damages: These damages are meant to compensate for the financial losses suffered by the deceased person’s family as a result of their death. They can include medical bills, funeral expenses, and loss of income or support.
• Non-economic damages: These damages are meant to compensate for the loss of love, affection, moral support, training and guidance, and loss of companionship of the deceased person.
• Survival damages: In addition to wrongful death damages, the estate may also be entitled to recover damages related to the pain and suffering that the deceased experienced before their death. These are known as survival damages and can be recovered in a separate legal action.

Our San Francisco wrongful death lawyers are committed to helping families recover the maximum compensation available under the law. We seek the full extent of your damages and fight tirelessly to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your losses.

Why you should choose The Hassell Law Group for Your Wrongful Death Claim

In a word, experience. After the wrongful death of a loved one, the most important decision you will make is selecting the right lawyer to represent you and your family’s interests. It is crucial to choose a highly experienced and skilled wrongful death lawyer to achieve the best possible financial outcome for your case. The Hassell Law Group is consistently ranked among the best wrongful death lawyers in San Francisco and The Bay Area. With an undefeated record at trial and over 100 years of combined personal injury law experience, we are experts in the wrongful death law field. We consistently achieve outstanding case results for our clients. Contact us for a free consultation and case evaluation.

When dealing with a matter as serious as a wrongful death case, there is absolutely no substitute for this kind of legal experience.

The San Francisco Wrongful Death Lawyer you choose to represent you can make a substantial difference in maximizing the value and success of your case – Let us help you maximize the recovery of financial compensation for the loss of your loved one. Our Wrongful Death Lawyers will fight to ensure your family is compensated for the loss of your loved one. Please contact our office today at (415) 334-4111 for a free consultation and case evaluation.

 

The general information provided on this website should not be considered legal advice and does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice, you should consult directly with an attorney. If you contact us by telephone, email, letter, or by contact form submission through this website, please note that such communication does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship. We cannot act as your attorney until we are hired as your attorney by a formal written agreement.