Glendale Wrongful Death Lawyer
Glendale Wrongful Death Lawyer - Wrongful death attorneys fighting for your family. Free consultation. Call (818) 514-7680.
California Wrongful Death Attorneys
Compassionate wrongful death representation for families who have lost a loved one due to negligence. We handle wrongful death claims from car accidents, truck accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, defective products, and elder abuse.
California wrongful death statute of limitations: two years. Free consultation: (818) 514-7680.
Fees, Costs and Case Results
Where representation is offered on a contingency basis there is no attorney fee unless we recover, and the firm advances case costs — filing fees, expert witnesses and medical records — which are then repaid out of any recovery. If there is no recovery, you owe no attorney fee. The specific terms that apply to a matter are set out in the written fee agreement for that matter.
Where this site refers to a verdict, settlement or court order, that result was dependent on the facts of that case, and results will differ if based on different facts. Past results do not predict or guarantee the outcome of any other matter, and no particular outcome is promised or guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Glendale?
- Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, the surviving spouse or domestic partner, children, and grandchildren (if the children are deceased) of the decedent may file a wrongful death lawsuit. If none of these exist, anyone who would be entitled to the decedent's property by intestate succession may file. Stepchildren, parents, and putative spouses may also qualify under certain circumstances.
- What is the statute of limitations for wrongful death in Glendale?
- California law provides a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims, beginning from the date of the decedent's death. If the wrongful death was caused by a government entity (such as a City of Glendale vehicle or Glendale Beeline bus), you must file a government tort claim within six months. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim.
- How much is a wrongful death settlement in Glendale worth?
- Glendale wrongful death settlements vary widely based on the circumstances. What a claim is actually worth turns on the documented medical course and prognosis, proven lost earnings, the share of fault attributed to the claimant, and the insurance limits available to pay a judgment. Factors include the decedent's earning capacity, number of dependents, medical expenses, and the degree of defendant negligence.
- What types of accidents cause wrongful death in Glendale?
- Common causes of wrongful death in Glendale include auto accidents on the 134 Freeway and SR-2, pedestrian accidents on Brand Boulevard and in downtown Glendale, motorcycle crashes on mountain roads, medical malpractice at local hospitals including Adventist Health Glendale, workplace accidents in the entertainment and media industry, bicycle accidents, and violent crimes. Each type requires different legal strategies.
- What compensation is available in a Glendale wrongful death case?
- Families may recover funeral and burial expenses, loss of the decedent's expected income and financial support, loss of love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, and protection, loss of consortium for the surviving spouse, loss of training and guidance for minor children, and reasonable value of household services the decedent would have provided.
- How long does a Glendale wrongful death lawsuit take?
- Most Glendale wrongful death cases resolve within 12 to 24 months. Cases involving clear liability and insurance coverage may settle faster, while complex cases involving multiple defendants, entertainment industry accidents, or government entities may take longer. Cases filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court's Glendale Courthouse benefit from our attorneys' familiarity with local procedures.
- Can I file a wrongful death claim for a pedestrian accident on Brand Boulevard?
- Yes. Brand Boulevard is one of Glendale's busiest pedestrian corridors, with heavy foot traffic near the Glendale Galleria, The Americana at Brand, and numerous restaurants and shops. Drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians, speed through crosswalks, or drive distracted in this high-traffic area can be held liable for wrongful death.
- What if the wrongful death was caused by a drunk driver in Glendale?
- Drunk driving wrongful death cases in Glendale often result in larger settlements because punitive damages may be available. California allows punitive damages when the defendant acted with malice, oppression, or fraud. A drunk driver's conscious disregard for public safety typically qualifies, potentially doubling or tripling total compensation.
- Do I need a lawyer for a Glendale wrongful death claim?
- While not legally required, an experienced Glendale wrongful death attorney is essential for maximizing your recovery. Insurance companies aggressively minimize payouts, and wrongful death cases involve complex legal issues including damages calculations, liability determination, and statute of limitations compliance. Trembach Law works on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win.
- Can I file a wrongful death claim if the death was partially the victim's fault in Glendale?
- Yes. California follows a pure comparative negligence system. Even if the decedent was partially at fault, you can still recover damages. Your compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the decedent. For example, if damages total $1 million but the decedent was 20% at fault, recovery would be $800,000.
- Where are wrongful death lawsuits filed in Glendale?
- Wrongful death lawsuits in Glendale are typically filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. The Glendale Courthouse handles many local civil matters, though some cases may be assigned to the Stanley Mosk Courthouse or Burbank Courthouse. Our attorneys are familiar with all Los Angeles County court locations and local rules.
- Can I file a wrongful death claim against the City of Glendale?
- Yes, but government claims have strict requirements. You must file a government tort claim within six months of the death. This applies to cases involving Glendale city vehicles, Glendale Beeline buses, dangerous road conditions maintained by the city, or negligence by city employees. Our attorneys are experienced with government tort claims.
Contact Trembach Law Firm
Trembach Law Firm, APC
27001 Agoura Road, Suite 350, Calabasas, CA 91301
Phone: (818) 514-7680
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