Wrongful Death Attorneys in Orange County

The loss of a loved one is one of the greatest challenges you may ever face, especially when you know that someone else’s negligence caused it. When a family member dies, the entire family structure changes.

Although no amount of money can truly make this type of loss right, a fair settlement can hopefully help the family adjust to a new normal without financial stress hanging over their heads.

We’re sorry for your loss and the pain it brings.

As you figure out what your next steps are, we recommend contacting one of the Orange County wrongful death lawyers listed below.

Orange County Wrongful Death Lawyers:

Hicks Law Firm...

765 The City Drive South, Suite 120 Orange, CA 92868
765 The City Drive South, Suite 120 Orange, CA 92868

DeWitt Algorri & Algorri...

4220 Von Karman Avenue Newport Beach, CA 92660
4220 Von Karman Avenue Newport Beach, CA 92660

Quincey Law...

34135 Pacific Coast Hwy, Suite 318 Dana Point, CA 92629
34135 Pacific Coast Hwy, Suite 318 Dana Point, CA 92629

Helpful Information About Choosing an Orange County Wrongful Death Lawyer

  • You can research the Bar license status, suspensions or reprimands of an attorney at the California Bar Association website.
  • Typically, you have only two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. There are exceptions and rules for this, so you need to talk to a local attorney for details.
  • Wrongful death lawyers are paid on contingency, typically 33% – 45% (plus case costs), you can read more about this below.
  • Some attorneys will be able to meet with you at their office, your home, the hospital, or over Zoom. It’s important to ask these questions when you call.

Wrongful Death Laws in California

Under California law, there are limits on when you can file a wrongful death claim and who is permitted to file a claim. The statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is two years, but it’s important to begin the process as soon as you can. This ensures that you have full access to the evidence you need to prove your claim.

Legally, these parties can file a wrongful death lawsuit:

  • The surviving spouse or domestic partner
  • Surviving children of the deceased
  • Grandchildren of the decedent’s deceased children

Certain other parties may also file a claim if they were financially dependent on the victim. They include the decedent’s stepchildren, their putative spouse, children belonging to the putative spouse, and the decedent’s parents.

You may file a wrongful death case if your loved one died as a result of injuries caused by negligence, medical malpractice, or intentional acts against them.

Types of Damages You May Seek

You may seek both economic and non-economic damages in a wrongful death suit. Economic damages include financial support that you could have expected the victim to contribute to the family, funeral expenses, and the cost of household services the decedent would have been responsible for. These losses are ones that are easier to calculate.

Non-economic damages relate more to the pain and suffering of the surviving family members. Damages in this category include the loss of the decedent’s affection and companionship, the spouse’s loss of intimacy, and loss of the decedent’s support and guidance.

Orange County Wrongful Death LawyerChoosing the Right Law Firm for Your Matter

The right attorney should make this time easier for you, not more difficult. Consider working with a lawyer with extensive experience in wrongful death cases.

They may be better able to understand how much information you want, how involved you want to be, and why you may need to take a step back at times.

However, empathy is only one part of this. You’ll still want your attorney to be aggressive when it counts—during negotiations or in court.

This is the only shot you have at justice for your loved one’s death, and you do not need an attorney who will coax you into a low settlement for their own convenience.

Which Wrongful Death Lawyer is Right For Me?

When choosing a wrongful death attorney in Orange County, it’s CRITICAL to consider the following factors:

  1. Experience: Look for a lawyer who has experience handling wrongful / accidental death claims and has a track record of success.
  2. Practice Focus: Wrongful death claims can be especially complex. For this reason, you’ll want to choose a law firm that focuses 100% of their practice on catastrophic personal injury & wrongful death.
  3. Availability & Communication: A good lawyer should be able to explain complex legal concepts in a way that you can understand. Choose a lawyer who will be available to answer your questions and keep you informed about the progress of your case.
  4. Reviews and Testimonials: Read reviews on Google, Yelp and Avvo from previous clients and check for endorsements from other attorneys.

It is also recommended to meet with the attorney in person, if possible, to discuss your claim and decide if the attorney is the right fit for you.

Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me

The wrongful death lawyers listed on this page serve cities near you in: Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Orange, Fullerton, Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Newport Beach, Buena Park, Tustin, Yorba Linda, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, La Habra, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Brea, Ladera Ranch and all courts throughout Orange County and Southern California. If a family member was killed due to the negligence of another, you need to talk to a local attorney and get your questions answered, call an attorney listed here today.

Retaining a Lawyer

During your consultations with attorneys, come prepared with questions. You may want to ask how much of their practice is dedicated to wrongful death claims, if they have experience with the specific type of wrongful death case you have, and how they go about calculating potential damages.

Ready to start your search? Browse our Orange County wrongful death attorney listings now to find the right lawyer to support you during this period of transition.

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