Wrongful Death

Fresno Wrongful Death Lawyer

DEVOTED

We Meet You Where You Are. Hospital and Home Visits Available.

RESULTS

Our Results Speak for Ourselves. Over $400 Million Recovered.

EXPERIENCE

60 Years of Combined Experience Serving Injured Individuals.

PRAISED

We Put Clients First. Over 900 Five-Star Customer Reviews.

ACCESSIBLE

We Meet You Where You Are. 7 Office Locations and Home Visits Available

Fresno Wrongful Death Attorney

Losing a loved one is one of the most devastating experiences a family can endure, and when that loss is caused by someone else’s negligence, the pain is compounded by a sense of injustice that demands action. Wrongful death claims exist to hold responsible parties accountable and to provide surviving family members with the financial support they need to move forward. At Setareh Law, we fight relentlessly to ensure those responsible are held accountable and that you receive every dollar you deserve. With over 60 years of combined experience and more than $250 million recovered for injured clients throughout California, our wrongful death attorneys bring both the knowledge and the determination needed to handle even the most complex wrongful death cases in Fresno. We handle every case on a contingency fee basis.

What Qualifies as a Wrongful Death in California?

A wrongful death claim arises when a person dies as a result of another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct. Common causes include car and truck collisions, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall incidents on dangerous properties, and workplace accidents. Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, certain individuals have the legal right to pursue a wrongful death claim, including the surviving spouse or domestic partner, children of the deceased, and in some cases, other relatives who were financially dependent on the decedent.

Case Result

$2,000,000 – Wrongful Death
See All Case Results

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Surviving Family Members

Eligible claimants in California generally include a surviving spouse, domestic partner, and children of the deceased. If none of those parties exist, other heirs such as parents or siblings who were financially dependent on the decedent may also have standing to file. Our attorneys work to identify all eligible claimants and ensure no one is left without the representation they deserve.

The Estate’s Role

In addition to a wrongful death claim, the decedent’s estate may have its own separate claim known as a survival action. This type of claim seeks to recover damages on behalf of the deceased for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost earnings from the time of the injury until death. Our legal team handles both types of claims simultaneously to maximize the compensation your family can recover.

What Damages Can Be Recovered?

The damages our attorneys pursue typically include financial support the deceased would have provided over their lifetime, loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support, funeral and burial expenses, medical costs incurred prior to the death, and loss of the care and household services the deceased provided. Every family’s situation is different, and the value of a wrongful death claim depends on many factors, including the age of the deceased, their earning capacity, and the circumstances of their death.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Fresno

Fresno’s busy roadways and commercial activity create a number of circumstances where accidents and wrongful deaths can occur. Our attorneys handle wrongful death claims arising from car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and dangerous conditions on commercial or residential properties.

How Long Do You Have to File?

California law generally requires that a wrongful death claim be filed within two years of the date of death. In some cases, the timeline may be shorter, for example when a government entity is involved. Missing the deadline can mean losing your right to compensation entirely, which is why we encourage families to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after a loss.

Contact Setareh Law Today For Help With Your Wrongful Death Claim

At Setareh Law, we are committed to standing beside families in Fresno who have lost loved ones due to the negligence of others. With over 400 five-star Google reviews and a proven record of results, we have the experience and dedication your family can count on. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation with a Fresno wrongful death attorney today. We also handle: Auto Accident | Bicycle Accident | Bus Accident | Dog Bite | Drunk Driving Victim | Electric Scooter Accident | Motorcycle Accident | Personal Injury | Premises Liability | Truck Accident | Whiplash

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Why Choose Setareh Law

The experienced team of Fresno Wrongful Death attorneys at Setareh Law is standing by, ready to provide you with zealous legal representation.

Fast Results

Our team moves quickly because we know delays cost you. From the moment you reach out, we begin building your case, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies so you can focus on recovering.

No Fees

At Setareh Law, you pay nothing unless we win. We handle every case on a contingency fee basis, which means our success is tied directly to yours. You get aggressive legal representation without any upfront financial risk.

Free Consultation

We offer a completely free, no-obligation consultation so you can understand your legal options before making any decisions. There’s no pressure and no cost — just honest answers from an experienced California personal injury attorney.

Confidentiality

Everything you share with us stays between you and your legal team. Attorney-client privilege protects every detail of your case, giving you the freedom to speak openly and honestly so we can fight effectively on your behalf.

Frequently
Asked Questions

If you, a family member or a friend has suffered a personal injury, contact us today at 310-659-1826 for a free case evaluation. Our experienced team can evaluate the facts of your case, discuss the viable avenues for compensation recovery, and serve as your counsel throughout the personal injury claims process.

Who is entitled to file a wrongful death claim in California?

Under California law, a wrongful death claim may be filed by the deceased person's surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, or other dependents who were financially reliant on the decedent. In some cases, parents or siblings may also have standing to file.

What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action?

A wrongful death claim is filed by surviving family members for their own losses, such as loss of financial support and companionship. A survival action, on the other hand, is filed on behalf of the deceased person's estate and seeks damages the decedent could have recovered had they survived, such as medical expenses and pre-death pain and suffering.

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

You generally have two years from the date of the death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If a government entity is involved, the timeline may be significantly shorter. Given the emotional difficulty of these situations, consulting an attorney early helps ensure you do not miss critical deadlines.

What types of situations can give rise to a wrongful death claim?

Wrongful death claims can arise from car accidents, truck collisions, motorcycle accidents, premises liability, construction site accidents, dog attacks, and any other situation where someone's negligence caused a fatal injury.

What damages can surviving family members recover?

Damages in a wrongful death case may include loss of financial support, loss of household services, funeral and burial expenses, loss of love, companionship, and guidance, and in survival actions, the decedent's medical costs and pain and suffering prior to death.

Can I file a wrongful death claim if the at-fault party is also facing criminal charges?

Yes. Civil and criminal cases are entirely separate. A wrongful death lawsuit can proceed regardless of whether a criminal case is pending or how it is resolved. The standards of proof are also different, meaning a civil case can succeed even if a criminal case does not.

What if the deceased person was partially at fault?

California's comparative fault rule applies to wrongful death cases. The amount of recoverable damages may be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the deceased, but a claim can still be pursued.

How can an attorney help with a wrongful death case?

An attorney can investigate the cause of death, identify all liable parties, calculate the full scope of your family's financial and emotional losses, and advocate for fair compensation. These cases are deeply personal, and having strong legal support allows families to focus on healing while their rights are protected.

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

How We Handle Your Car Accident Claim

Step 1: Free Consultation

We’ll review your accident details, explain your legal rights, and answer all your questions. You have no obligation to hire us.

Step 2: Investigation & Evidence Collection

Our legal team collects police reports, medical records, witness statements, and evidence to build your strongest case.

Step 3: Negotiation with Insurance

We handle all insurance communication, presenting compelling evidence and pushing back against lowball offers to secure full compensation.

Step 4: Filing Your Claim/Lawsuit

If negotiations fail, we file a formal lawsuit to protect your rights while handling all legal filings and keeping you informed.

Step 5: Settlement or Trial

Many cases settle before trial, but we’re fully prepared to present your case to a jury if needed to secure fair compensation.

Step 6: Recovery of Compensation

Once we reach a settlement or win at trial, you receive your compensation and move forward with your recovery.

Contact
us today

Home Visits are Available. Call for More Details

If you, a family member or a friend has suffered a personal injury as a result of an accident, negligence, or a defective drug, contact us today at 310-659-1826 for a free case evaluation. Our experienced team can evaluate the facts of your case, discuss the viable avenues for compensation recovery, and serve as your counsel throughout the personal injury claims process.

Wrongful Death Results

Our Track Record Speaks For Itself

Truck Accident

Truck Accident

$725,000

Conflicting accounts of a stop sign dispute put liability at the center of this commercial truck accident. We cut through the disagreement and secured $725,000 for a client who required back surgery.

Truck Accident

Truck Accident

$900,000

What appeared to be a low-impact collision with a commercial truck quickly became a high-stakes legal battle over liability and the severity of our client’s injuries. We fought through every challenge and secured a $9,000,000 result for our client, who required back surgery.

Truck Accident

Truck Accident

$1,000,000

The opposing vehicle was a commercial truck, but our client’s injuries did not require surgery. We recovered $1,000,000 through persistent advocacy and a thorough presentation of the evidence.

Client Testimonials

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