Wrongful Death Lawyer in Los Angeles

Who We Are: Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney in Los Angeles, CA

Losing a loved one is devastating. At The Law Offices of Anthony Ellis, we stand by families in Los Angeles during their hardest moments. Our focus is on securing justice, accountability, and rightful compensation under California wrongful death law.

Attorney Anthony Ellis brings decades of trial experience, proven verdicts, and strong negotiation skills. Recognised by bar associations and trusted across Los Angeles County, our firm combines deep legal knowledge with compassion. We have recovered millions for clients, and we never charge upfront fees — we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win.

What sets us apart is personalised care. We keep clients informed, explain every step clearly, and fight tirelessly against insurance companies and negligent parties. Families choose us for our track record, integrity, and commitment to protecting their rights. With Anthony Ellis, you get more than a lawyer — you get a dedicated partner in your pursuit of justice.

What Is Wrongful Death Under California Law?

California wrongful death law, explained under California Code of Civil Procedure §377.60, allows certain surviving family members to seek justice when a loved one dies due to another party’s negligence or misconduct. Wrongful death is distinct from a criminal case—it focuses on civil compensation for the losses families endure.

Eligible claimants may include a spouse, domestic partner, children, or financial dependents. In some cases, parents or stepchildren who relied on the decedent for support can also file. California law also distinguishes between wrongful death claims (which compensate family members for their own losses) and survival actions (which allow the estate to recover damages the deceased could have claimed if they had survived, such as medical bills or lost wages).

At The Law Offices of Anthony Ellis, our attorneys guide families through these legal complexities, ensuring every eligible party’s rights are fully protected.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Los Angeles County, CA

Common causes of wrongful death in Los Angeles County often stem from preventable accidents and negligence across different settings. The most frequent include:

• Auto accidents & vehicle collisions — fatalities caused by reckless drivers, drunk driving, or unsafe road conditions on Los Angeles freeways and streets.
• Medical malpractice & hospital negligence — errors such as surgical mistakes, medication overdoses, or misdiagnosis leading to tragic outcomes.
• Workplace disasters & industrial accidents — construction falls, equipment failures, or exposure to hazardous substances.
• Defective products or unsafe premises — malfunctioning machinery, dangerous consumer goods, or poorly maintained properties.
• Violent crimes or negligent security — cases where businesses or property owners fail to provide reasonable safety, leading to assaults or homicides.

Our firm investigates each cause with precision, working with medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and investigators to prove liability and maximise compensation for grieving families.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Los Angeles, CA?

Understanding who can bring a wrongful death lawsuit in Los Angeles is critical to protecting your legal rights. Under California law, the statutory heirs—including the surviving spouse, domestic partner, and children—are first in line to file. If none exist, other financially dependent relatives, such as parents or stepchildren, may have standing.

In cases involving complex family structures, such as blended families or disputes between heirs, courts carefully determine eligibility. Additionally, a personal representative or estate executor may bring the claim on behalf of the estate to ensure all beneficiaries are included.

At The Law Offices of Anthony Ellis, we help families navigate these sensitive issues, ensuring every rightful claimant is represented and their financial future safeguarded.

What Damages Are Recoverable in a Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Damages recoverable in wrongful death Los Angeles fall into several categories, designed to address both the financial and emotional toll of losing a loved one.

Economic damages cover the measurable financial losses, including:

• Lost income and benefits the deceased would have provided over their lifetime.
• Medical expenses related to the final injury or illness.
• Funeral and burial costs can be substantial for grieving families.

Non-economic damages recognise the human impact of a wrongful death. Families may seek compensation for loss of companionship, guidance, and consortium, as well as emotional distress, pain, and suffering caused by the sudden loss.

In cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct, California courts may award punitive damages to punish wrongdoers and deter future misconduct.

Damages are typically calculated based on the decedent’s age, earning capacity, life expectancy, and relationship to the claimants. Courts also determine how compensation is distributed among eligible heirs. At The Law Offices of Anthony Ellis, we work with economists and financial experts to ensure families receive maximum, fair compensation.

Steps You Should Take Immediately After a Wrongful Death in Los Angeles

Knowing the right steps after a wrongful death incident in Los Angeles can strengthen your case and protect your family’s rights.

• Secure medical and police records — Obtain hospital reports, EMT documentation, and law enforcement records related to the incident.

• Obtain the death certificate and coroner’s or medical examiner’s report — These official documents establish the cause of death and are essential for filing.

• Preserve evidence — Collect photographs of the scene, witness statements, accident reports, and any physical evidence that shows negligence.

• Document financial losses and emotional impact — Keep records of medical bills, funeral costs, and the effect on your family’s daily life.

• Contact a wrongful death attorney quickly — Legal deadlines are strict. Reaching out early allows your lawyer to investigate, secure expert testimony, and build a compelling case.

Our firm, The Law Offices of Anthony Ellis, offers immediate support after a tragic loss, handling legal details so families can focus on healing.

Our Proven Process for Handling a Wrongful Death Case in Los Angeles

At The Law Offices of Anthony Ellis, we follow a clear and strategic process to ensure families receive justice and maximum compensation.

Step 1: Free Consultation & Case Review
We begin with a confidential case evaluation, reviewing the facts, medical records, and police reports to determine the strength of your wrongful death claim.

Step 2: Investigation & Evidence Gathering
Our legal team secures critical evidence, including witness statements, accident reconstructions, medical examiner reports, and financial loss assessments, to build a solid case.

Step 3: Filing the Wrongful Death Lawsuit
We file the claim in the appropriate Los Angeles County court, meeting all statutory deadlines and ensuring compliance with California wrongful death law.

Step 4: Negotiation with Insurance Companies
We aggressively negotiate with insurance carriers, corporations, and liable parties to pursue a fair settlement that reflects your full economic and emotional losses.

Step 5: Trial Preparation & Litigation
If insurers refuse to pay fair value, we prepare for trial before a Los Angeles jury, presenting expert testimony and compelling evidence to secure justice.

Step 6: Resolution & Compensation Recovery
We work to obtain the maximum compensation available for your family—whether through a settlement or trial verdict—covering medical bills, lost income, and emotional damages.

Statute of Limitations & Filing Deadlines for Wrongful Death Actions

The wrongful death statute limitations in California time limit set a strict time limit to file a claim. Under California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1, families generally have two years from the date of death to bring a wrongful death lawsuit.

There are important exceptions to this rule:

• Discovery rule: If the cause of death was not immediately known, the statute may begin when the family reasonably discovered the negligence.
• Claims involving minors: If the claimant is a child, timelines may be extended until they reach legal age.
• Government entity cases: Wrongful death claims against public agencies (e.g., city hospitals, transit accidents) must be filed within six months by submitting an administrative claim.

Failing to meet these deadlines can bar families from recovering compensation entirely. That’s why it’s critical to consult a lawyer as soon as possible. At The Law Offices of Anthony Ellis, we act swiftly to preserve your rights, file claims on time, and ensure your case meets all statutory requirements.

How Liability and Negligence Are Proven in Wrongful Death Cases in Los Angeles?

Understanding how negligence is proven in wrongful death cases in Los Angeles is essential for building a strong legal claim. Under California wrongful death law, four key elements must be established:

• Duty of Care — The defendant (driver, doctor, employer, manufacturer, or property owner) owed a legal obligation to act responsibly toward the victim.
• Breach of Duty — That duty was violated through reckless, negligent, or intentional actions.
• Causation — The breach directly caused or contributed to the death.
• Damages — The family suffered measurable financial and emotional losses.

Liability can involve multiple parties—such as negligent drivers, healthcare providers, employers, or product manufacturers—and their insurance companies. At The Law Offices of Anthony Ellis, we leverage expert witnesses, investigative resources, and litigation strategies to hold all responsible parties accountable.

Why Choose The Law Offices of Anthony Ellis for Your Wrongful Death Lawyer in Los Angeles, CA?

• Proven Results: We have secured millions in verdicts and settlements for grieving families across Los Angeles County.
• Trial Experience: Insurance companies know we are real trial lawyers, prepared to take cases before a jury when settlement offers fall short.
• Personalised Care: We provide compassionate guidance and clear communication, ensuring you never feel alone during the legal process.
• No Upfront Fees: Our contingency fee promise means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
• Recognition: Named among the Top Trial Lawyers in California, recognised by organisations like Super Lawyers and respected within the Los Angeles legal community.
   

Contact a Wrongful Death Attorney Near You in Los Angeles County Today

If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence, don’t wait—deadlines can impact your ability to recover compensation. The time to act is now. Our team is ready to help families searching for a “contact wrongful death lawyer near me, Los Angeles”. We offer:

Call The Law Offices of Anthony Ellis today to schedule your consultation. We are committed to helping you achieve justice, accountability, and financial security after your loss.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Wrongful Death in Los Angeles (2025)