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Wrongful Death

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Legally Reviewed by Tom Willford on October 9, 2026

Losing a loved one because of someone else’s carelessness or wrongful act is painful and unfair.

While no legal action can undo your loss, a wrongful death claim can help you recover financial support and hold the responsible party accountable.

At Willford Law Corporation, we help families in Santa Ana understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.

Wrongful Death Santa Ana California

Time-Sensitive: California Law Limits Your Window to File

In most California wrongful death cases, a lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of death.

Tom Willford has represented injured clients and their families for 30 years. You pay nothing upfront, and you pay only if we win.

Wrongful Death medical mistake

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim is a lawsuit that allows certain family members to seek compensation when someone’s negligence or intentional act causes a death.

These claims often arise from:

  • Car or truck accidents.
  • Medical mistakes.
  • Workplace incidents.
  • Unsafe property conditions.
  • Defective products.

To succeed, you must show that the other party owed a duty of care, violated that duty, and directly caused your loved one’s death.

Attorney Tom Willford at his desk in Santa Ana office

Legal Services for Wrongful Death Cases in Santa Ana

If you lost a loved one because of someone’s carelessness or wrongful act, an experienced attorney can help you:

  • Investigate what caused the death and gather evidence.
  • Collect medical records, accident reports, and witness statements.
  • Identify everyone who may be responsible.
  • Calculate the full value of your financial and emotional losses.
  • File insurance claims or a wrongful death lawsuit.
  • Negotiate a fair settlement or represent you in court if needed.

Wrongful death cases can feel overwhelming. A skilled lawyer will guide you through each step, protect your rights, and work to recover the compensation your family deserves.

Call us at: (714) 975-5777
Call or text today to schedule your free consultation.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Under California law, the following people can usually file:

  • The deceased person’s spouse or domestic partner
  • Children or grandchildren
  • Other dependent relatives if no direct heirs exist
  • Stepchildren or a putative spouse in some cases

It is important to consult with a lawyer to confirm your eligibility before moving forward.

File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Medical costs

What Can You Recover?

A wrongful death lawsuit can help pay for:

  • Medical costs related to the final injury or illness.
  • Funeral and burial expenses.
  • Loss of the loved one’s income and financial support.
  • Loss of companionship, care, and guidance.
  • Emotional suffering caused by the loss.

These damages can ease financial stress during an already difficult time.

How Insurance May Affect Your Claim

Many wrongful death cases involve insurance companies.

For example:

  • Drivers must carry liability insurance
  • Businesses often have general liability coverage
  • Doctors carry malpractice insurance

While insurance may cover part of your loss, insurers often try to pay as little as possible.

They may claim your loved one shared blame or that other factors caused the death.

Having an attorney protects you from these tactics and helps you pursue fair compensation.

Insurance May Affect Your Claim
Deadlines for Filing in California

Deadlines for Filing in California

You have a limited time to act.

In most cases, you must file a wrongful death lawsuit within two years of the date of death.

If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to recover any compensation.

It is wise to speak with a lawyer as soon as you can to protect your claim.

Let's Get Started.

Call us now to discuss your case. At Willford Law Corporation, our clients come first. We know how to navigate the complicated legal system, have represented thousands of clients, and we can help you too.

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FAQ Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in California?
California law allows certain family members, such as a surviving spouse or domestic partner and children, to bring a wrongful death claim. If there are none, other people who would inherit from the person may be able to file, and in some cases financial dependents can as well. An attorney can explain who qualifies in your situation.
Compensation may include funeral and burial costs, lost financial support and benefits, and loss of care, guidance, and companionship. Each case depends on its facts, and we do not promise any specific result.
In most cases, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in California. If a government agency is involved, a written claim generally must be presented within six months. Contact Willford Law Corporation as soon as possible so your deadline is not missed.
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How long does a wrongful death lawsuit take?
Timelines vary widely, from several months to several years, depending on the number of parties involved, how much evidence must be gathered, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. We keep families informed at each stage and explain what to expect.
In some cases, yes. Claims against a public agency in California have special rules, including a written claim that generally must be presented within six months. Learn more on our government claims page or contact us right away so the deadline is protected.
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, so a claim may still be possible if the person who died shared some fault, although the compensation can be reduced by that share. An attorney can explain how this may affect your case.
Willford Law Corporation works on a contingency fee, so there are no upfront costs and you pay only if we win. We explain the fee terms in writing before you sign anything.