Wrongful Death Attorney

Do I have a wrongful death case?

If another party was negligent and you were hurt, the answer is usually yes — but the value of a case is everything. Strong cases share four traits: clear liability, documented injuries, a credible damages story (medical bills, lost wages, future care), and a defendant with insurance or assets. We screen for all four on the first call.

• Fatal car & truck crashes
• Motorcycle fatalities
• Pedestrian deaths
• Workplace fatalities
• Defective product deaths
• Medical negligence (where allowed)
• Drowning & swimming pool deaths
• Nursing home neglect

What we expect to recover

Most wrongful death settlements in Sonoma County land in the $250K – $5M+ range. The actual number depends on injury severity, treatment trajectory, comparative fault, and the at-fault party’s policy limits. Common injuries we see in these cases:

• Loss of financial support
• Loss of household services
• Loss of love & companionship
• Funeral & burial expenses
• Pre-death medical bills (survival action)

How long it takes

Wrongful Death cases typically resolve in 12–30 months. Roughly 95% settle without trial. The cases that go to trial usually involve disputed liability or insurers betting on jury bias — we plan for both from day one.

Why this matters in Sonoma County

California’s wrongful death statute (CCP § 377.60) is one of the broader statutes in the country in terms of who may bring a claim — spouse, domestic partner, children, and in some cases parents and stepchildren. Local knowledge isn’t marketing fluff — it’s the difference between an insurer’s opening offer and a number that actually covers what you lost. We know the Santa Rosa adjusters, the Sonoma County judges, and the medical providers who can document your case correctly.

What to do today

1. Get medical care. Same day if possible.
2. Don’t talk to the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
3. Photograph everything you still can.
4. Save every bill and out-of-pocket receipt.
5. Call us before they call you.