San Francisco Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one in an accident caused by another party’s negligence is something no family should have to endure. At Vaziri Law, LLP, our wrongful death lawyer serving San Francisco provides experienced legal representation to help families pursue justice and compensation. 

With over 200 years of combined experience, our team is dedicated to securing meaningful results for grieving families who have experienced this loss in negligence-based incidents. Our San Francisco personal injury lawyers offer the compassionate legal representation your family deserves. 

Reach out to us today to discuss your case during a complimentary consultation. 

Which Family Members Have the Right to File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

California only gives certain individuals the legal right to file a wrongful death claim. Primarily, this includes the deceased person’s surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, or the decedent’s personal representative on their behalf. These immediate family members are usually the primary beneficiaries.

If no personal representative has been appointed at the time of death, the court can designate one, often a close family member such as a parent, sibling, or adult child. 

In the absence of a surviving spouse, partner, or children, others who were financially dependent on them may also have the right to file, such as parents, stepchildren, or other heirs as outlined under California’s intestate succession laws.

In some cases, distant relatives or other individuals may have standing to file if they can prove financial dependence or a legal right to inherit. Each situation is unique, requiring careful legal evaluation to determine who has standing to pursue the claim. 

Why Choose Our Wrongful Death Attorneys Serving San Francisco?

At Vaziri Law, LLP, we take a different approach to wrongful death cases. Our firm is built on a foundation of selectivity and quality, allowing us to dedicate the time, resources, and personalized attention each case deserves. 

Instead of being a volume-based law firm, we intentionally limit the number of cases we take on so that every client receives exceptional care and thorough preparation. Our team includes highly regarded trial attorneys, including members of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), a prestigious recognition reserved for the nation’s top litigators. 

With over 200 years of combined experience, we are trusted by families, referral partners, and other law firms alike to handle high-stakes litigation. Though our case results do not guarantee outcomes, our attorneys have recovered over $1 billion in client settlements and verdicts.

Potential Damages in Wrongful Death Claims

A wrongful death claim is a civil claim that gives certain surviving family members the opportunity to seek damages from a negligent party. Each case has unique facts related to the fatal injuries. Potential compensation depends on these particular details. 

Our wrongful death attorneys serving San Francisco can evaluate your case and determine which damages to pursue. 

Funeral and Burial Expenses

Families may recover the costs associated with funeral services, burial, or cremation. These unexpected expenses can place a significant financial burden on families, and a wrongful death claim can help ease that strain.

Loss of Financial Support

If your loved one provided income or benefits to the family, a claim may account for the financial support they would have contributed over their lifetime. 

Loss of Companionship or Guidance

The loss of a loved one goes beyond financial impact. Families can seek compensation for the loss of love, support, and guidance a spouse or loved one provided.

Hiring a Lawyer for Wrongful Death Can Help You File Your Lawsuit on Time

California families seeking to file a wrongful death lawsuit must do so within the timeframe established in California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. California’s statute of limitations generally allows surviving family members or the personal representative of the deceased’s estate two years from the date of the individual’s death to file a suit in civil court.

If a public entity bears liability, you must first file an administrative claim within six months before filing a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically leads to the court barring you from pursuing compensation. 

Our wrongful death attorney serving San Francisco can help ensure your claim is filed within the statute of limitations, but the sooner you call, the sooner we can get started on your case. 

How Our Wrongful Death Attorneys Build Your Claim

At Vaziri Law, LLP, we understand that every wrongful death case is unique, which is why we take a meticulous and strategic approach to building your claim. Our attorneys dedicate the time and resources necessary to develop a strong foundation for your case.

Comprehensive Investigation

We start by conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death by gathering police reports, medical records, accident scene evidence, and any available surveillance footage. 

Our wrongful death lawyer serving San Francisco works to uncover how negligence or wrongdoing led to the loss.

Identifying Liable Parties

Wrongful death cases can involve multiple parties who may share responsibility, such as a negligent driver and their employer. We carefully analyze every potential source of liability.

Consulting Experts

We may call in the help of leading experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals, to strengthen your claim. These experts help us demonstrate the cause of the incident, the extent of your family’s losses, and the impact on your future.

Negotiating a Settlement and Preparing for Trial

We prepare every claim as though it will proceed to trial. Our team is known for meticulous trial preparation and a willingness to stand up to large insurance companies and defense firms. This reputation often leads to stronger settlement offers, as opposing parties recognize our readiness to litigate.

Find a Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me in San Francisco

At Vaziri Law, LLP, we are here to provide the support, guidance, and skilled representation your family deserves. With over 200 years of combined experience and a reputation for handling high-stakes cases, our team is ready to stand by your side and fight for the justice and compensation to help your family cope with your loved one’s absence.

Contact Vaziri Law, LLP today for a free consultation. We are available for Zoom consultations and remote case handling.