Beverly Hills Wrongful Death Lawyer

Get the Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney You Need

The sudden loss of a family member due to someone else’s negligence creates an emotional void that no legal remedy can truly fill. Beyond the grief, families often face unexpected financial burdens—including funeral expenses, lost income, and medical bills—all while trying to navigate complex legal proceedings.

At Setareh Law, we guide grieving families in Beverly Hills through the wrongful death claim process with compassion and dedication. Our Beverly Hills wrongful death lawyers understand the profound impact of your loss and work diligently to secure the compensation your family deserves. Our team handles the legal complexities while you focus on healing.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in California

Wrongful death claims arise when someone dies due to another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. These claims differ from criminal proceedings, as they seek financial compensation rather than criminal penalties.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim

California law restricts who may bring wrongful death actions. Eligible family members include surviving spouses, domestic partners, and children. If these individuals don’t exist, those who would inherit through intestate succession may file. The personal representative of the deceased’s estate may also bring the claim.

Time Limitations for Filing

California imposes a strict two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims, beginning from the date of death. This deadline makes prompt legal consultation essential. Limited exceptions exist, but they rarely apply and require specific circumstances that a wrongful death attorney can evaluate.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Beverly Hills

Understanding the cause of your family member’s death helps establish liability and strengthens your claim for compensation.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Fatal car, truck, and motorcycle accidents often result from distracted driving, speeding, or impaired driving. When investigating these cases, we gather evidence including police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage. Establishing the at-fault driver’s negligence forms the foundation of your claim.

Premises Liability Incidents

Property owners who fail to maintain safe conditions may be liable when fatal accidents occur on their premises. Deadly slip and falls in hotels, restaurants, or retail establishments often result from hazardous conditions like wet floors or inadequate lighting. Evidence like incident reports can demonstrate the owner’s negligence.

Medical Malpractice

When healthcare providers deviate from accepted standards of care and cause fatal outcomes, families may pursue wrongful death claims. These complex cases require a thorough review of medical records and expert testimony to establish that substandard care directly caused the death. Claims may involve surgical errors, medication mistakes, diagnostic failures, or improper treatment.

Damages Available in Beverly Hills Wrongful Death Cases

California law allows families to recover both economic and non-economic damages through wrongful death claims. The specific compensation available depends on your relationship to the deceased and the circumstances of their death.

Economic Damages

These tangible financial losses include funeral and burial expenses, medical costs incurred before death, lost income and benefits the deceased would have earned, and the value of household services they would have provided. Calculating these damages often requires financial experts who can project future earnings and support the deceased would have contributed over their expected lifetime.

Non-Economic Damages

These intangible losses address the emotional aspects of your loss, including loss of love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection, and moral support. While no amount can truly compensate for these losses, California law recognizes their significance and allows for appropriate financial recovery. These damages form a crucial component of wrongful death claims.

Proving Liability in Wrongful Death Cases

Successfully establishing liability requires demonstrating four key elements, each supported by compelling evidence.

Your claim must establish:

• The defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased
• They breached this duty through negligent actions or omissions
• This breach directly caused the death
• The death resulted in damages to the surviving family members

For example, in a fatal car accident case, all drivers owe others a duty to operate their vehicles safely. Running a red light breaches this duty. If this violation directly causes a collision resulting in death, liability exists. Our investigation gathers evidence supporting each element to build a compelling case.

The Wrongful Death Claim Process in Beverly Hills

Understanding the legal process helps families prepare for what lies ahead while seeking justice for their loved one.

Initial Investigation and Case Evaluation

The process begins with a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the death. We gather evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert opinions. This investigation helps determine liability, identify all responsible parties, and assess the potential value of your claim.

Filing the Wrongful Death Complaint

Once we establish a solid foundation, we file a formal complaint in the appropriate court, officially initiating your wrongful death lawsuit. This document details your allegations against the responsible parties, outlines the legal basis for your claim, and specifies the damages you seek. This filing starts the legal timeline for your case.

Discovery and Negotiation

During discovery, both sides exchange information through document requests, written questions, and depositions. This phase often reveals additional evidence strengthening your position. Concurrently, we engage in settlement negotiations with the defendants and their insurers, seeking fair compensation without the need for trial.

Resolution Through Settlement or Trial

Most wrongful death cases resolve through negotiated settlements, providing faster resolution and certainty. However, when defendants refuse fair compensation, we prepare thoroughly for trial, presenting compelling evidence and arguments to a jury. Our trial experience ensures your case receives strong advocacy throughout the process.

Why Choose Setareh Law for Your Beverly Hills Wrongful Death Case

At Setareh Law, we bring substantial experience handling wrongful death cases throughout California. Our Beverly Hills personal injury lawyers speak Spanish, ensuring clear communication regardless of language preference. We advance all case costs and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for your family.

We understand that no legal outcome can replace your loved one, but proper compensation can provide financial security during this difficult time. Our Beverly Hills wrongful death lawyers are committed to responsive communication to ensure your family receives the support you need. Contact Setareh Law today at (310) 659-1826 or through our contact form to discuss your case.

Schedule a Free Consult at Our Beverly Hills Location

Setareh Law, APLC

8484 Wilshire Blvd #870,

Beverly Hills, CA 90211