Wrongful Death Lawyer in the San Francisco Bay Area, California
Compassionate, Experienced Legal Help for Families Seeking Justice
When a loved one's life is tragically cut short because of another person's negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing, surviving family members have the right to seek justice through a wrongful death claim.
At Ginny Walia Law Offices, our California wrongful death lawyers serve clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, including Alameda County, Santa Clara County, Contra Costa County, and San Joaquin County, helping families recover compensation and find closure after devastating loss.
Understanding Wrongful Death Under California Law
A wrongful death occurs when a person's death is caused by the negligent, careless, or intentional act of another individual or entity. The right to bring a wrongful death claim is governed by California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, which allows certain surviving family members to pursue compensation for their losses.
Common causes of wrongful death in California include:
- Car accidents and truck accidents caused by distracted or drunk drivers
- Motorcycle collisions and bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian fatalities at intersections and crosswalks
- Commercial vehicle or rideshare accidents (Uber, Lyft, delivery trucks)
- Medical malpractice or surgical errors
- Construction and workplace accidents
- Defective products or dangerous consumer goods
- Nursing home neglect or abuse
- Intentional acts of violence or crime
Whether the death resulted from a fatal car crash in San Jose, a construction site accident in Oakland, or medical negligence in Fremont, our Bay Area wrongful death attorneys have the experience to handle complex litigation and negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
Only certain individuals are legally allowed to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, the following parties may be eligible:
- The surviving spouse or registered domestic partner
- The children of the deceased
- The grandchildren, if the deceased's children are no longer living
- Parents, stepchildren, or other dependents who relied on the deceased for financial support
If you are unsure whether you qualify, our wrongful death lawyers can help determine your eligibility and guide you through every stage of the process.
What Compensation Can Families Recover in a Wrongful Death Case?
Wrongful death damages are designed to cover both economic and non-economic losses caused by a loved one's death.
Economic Damages:
- Loss of financial support, income, and benefits
- Funeral and burial expenses
- The value of household services provided by the deceased
Non-Economic Damages:
- Loss of love, companionship, comfort, and moral support
- Loss of consortium (for spouses and partners)
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
If the death involved gross negligence or intentional misconduct, a separate survival action may also seek punitive damages under California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.30, allowing the estate to recover compensation for the decedent's pain and suffering before death.
California's Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Lawsuits
In California, you generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit (Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). However, some exceptions apply:
- Medical malpractice wrongful death claims must usually be filed within one year of discovery.
- Claims against a government entity (e.g., city, county, or state) require a government claim within six months of the death.
Failing to act within these timeframes can result in losing your right to compensation. Our Bay Area wrongful death attorneys ensure all filings are timely and strategically prepared.
How Wrongful Death Claims Work in California
Filing a wrongful death claim involves multiple steps that can feel overwhelming while you are grieving. Ginny Walia Law Offices will handle every aspect of your case, including:
- Initial consultation and case evaluation
- Investigation and evidence collection - including police reports, medical records, accident reconstruction, and expert witness testimony
- Determination of liability - identifying all responsible parties (e.g., drivers, employers, manufacturers, hospitals)
- Filing the wrongful death lawsuit
- Negotiation with insurance companies for fair settlements
- Litigation and trial, if necessary, to secure full justice
We combine compassionate client care with strategic legal action to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Why Choose Ginny Walia Law Offices for a Wrongful Death Case
For more than 20 years, Ginny Walia Law Offices has represented clients across the San Francisco Bay Area in personal injury and wrongful death cases. We understand that your case is about more than money - it's about accountability, justice, and honoring your loved one's memory.
Our firm offers:
- Proven courtroom advocacy in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases
- Personalized legal strategy tailored to your family's needs
- Local experience with courts in Alameda, Santa Clara, Contra Costa, and San Joaquin counties
- No upfront fees - you pay only if we win
Local Areas We Serve
We represent families across:
- Alameda County: Fremont, Oakland, Berkeley, Hayward, Pleasanton
- Santa Clara County: San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Palo Alto, Milpitas
- Contra Costa County: Walnut Creek, Concord, Richmond, Antioch
- San Joaquin County: Stockton, Tracy, Manteca, Lodi
If you're searching for a wrongful death lawyer near me, Bay Area wrongful death attorney, or California wrongful death law firm, Ginny Walia Law Offices is here to help.
