Encino Wrongful Death Lawyer
Serving Families in Sherman Oaks & Studio City, CA
Losing a loved one is always heartbreaking, followed by the necessity of coming to terms with their absence. When such a loss occurs unexpectedly due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, it can be especially shocking and grievous.
Pursuing a wrongful death claim can never bring back the person you lost, but it can help you seek closure by holding the at-fault party accountable. Justice through accountability can include compensation for your emotional loss and related economic damages, such as funeral costs and more.
At Law Offices of Colleen O'Hara, we can help you pursue the justice you and your family deserve in the wake of an unpredicted death that could have been avoided. Attorney Colleen O’Hara is a proven trial lawyer with decades of experience. Her firm has a reputation for integrity, compassion, and aggressive advocacy in the legal system.
Discuss your case in a free consultation with our Encino wrongful death attorney at the Law Offices of Colleen O'Hara. Call (213) 996-0529 or reach us online to make an appointment. Hablamos español.
Types of Incidents That Can Lead to a Wrongful Death Claim
Wrongful deaths can arise from many different circumstances. These can include but are not limited to the following.
- Car accidents: Fatal collisions caused by speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence.
- Truck accidents: Catastrophic crashes due to truck driver negligence, improper maintenance, or overloaded cargo.
- Motorcycle accidents: Motorcycle fatalities often result from a driver’s failure to notice or yield to a motorcyclist, reckless driving, or unsafe road conditions. These collisions frequently cause severe trauma due to the lack of protection for riders.
- Pedestrian accidents: Fatal pedestrian accidents are often caused by distracted or speeding drivers, especially in busy intersections or residential areas. Pedestrians are especially vulnerable to severe injuries in these situations.
- Workplace accidents: Fatal injuries caused by unsafe working conditions or inadequate safety training.
- Defective products: Deaths from dangerous or faulty products, including vehicles, appliances, or medications.
- Slip and fall accidents: Fatal injuries sustained in falls caused by hazardous property conditions.
- Drowning accidents: Fatal drownings can occur due to lack of supervision, unsafe swimming areas, defective pool equipment, or a property owner’s negligence in maintaining a safe environment. Such incidents are particularly tragic and preventable with proper care and oversight.
- Criminal acts: Muggings, robberies, or other violent acts that result in the death of an innocent victim.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Encino?
California law specifies which individuals are eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The following parties may pursue a claim on behalf of the deceased.
- Immediate family members: Spouses, domestic partners, and children of the deceased have the highest priority.
- Parents or siblings: If no immediate family members exist, other close relatives, such as parents or siblings, may file a claim.
- Dependents: Individuals who were financially dependent on the deceased, such as stepchildren or putative spouses, may also be eligible to file.
Our firm is experienced in navigating these eligibility rules so that claims are brought by the appropriate party, as defined by California law.
Compassionate Service, Unwavering Integrity.
Our Commitment
to You
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Fighting for Justice, Every Step of the WayWhether you’ve been injured due to negligence or are seeking a second chance through post-conviction relief, we are committed to protecting your rights and your future.
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Legal Advocacy Without BarriersWith Spanish-speaking services and free consultations, we ensure that language and cost are never obstacles to getting the legal help you need.
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Proven Results, Compassionate RepresentationFrom personal injury claims to post-conviction relief, we fight tirelessly for the best outcome, so you can move forward with confidence.
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Your Case, Your Future—Handled With CareEvery case is personal. Whether you’re recovering from an accident or challenging a conviction, we provide strategic, results-driven representation tailored to your needs.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
A strict statute of limitations governs wrongful death claims in California. Surviving family members typically have two years from the date of the death to file their claim. Missing this deadline can result in losing the right to pursue compensation entirely.
However, certain exceptions may apply depending on the details of your case. For instance, cases involving government entities may have shorter deadlines, while others, like fraud-related claims, could extend the filing period.
Choose the Law Offices of Colleen O'Hara for Proven Legal Help
We understand that no amount of compensation can replace your loved one. What we can do is fight to hold negligent parties responsible and provide you with the financial security needed to cope with the future. Our firm has the legal skills, resources, and determination to handle these challenging cases.
We provide personalized attention, guiding you through every step of the process with care and sensitivity. From investigating the cause of death to skillfully negotiating with insurance companies, we are relentless in our pursuit of justice for you and your family.
Contact us online or at (213) 996-0529 for a free case review with our Encino wrongful death attorney.
