Wrongful Death Lawyers in Encino

Helping Families Seek Justice in Wrongful Death Claims

The loss of a loved one is the most devastating of the events in a lifetime. The loss is even more tragic and upsetting if a death was avoidable, caused by a negligent or reckless act. Under California state law, specific family members have the right to seek compensation in cases of wrongful death, and our firm, V&A Law Firm, can guide you in this legal issue.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim is a legal action brought against a responsible party when death occurs due to a negligent, reckless, or intentional act. In California, specific surviving family members, including the spouse, children, or other dependents—could be entitled to compensation for the emotional and financial losses from a loved one’s passing.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Encino, CA

A wrongful death may be the result of a wide range of accidents and incidents caused by negligence, recklessness, or behaviors that fail to provide a reasonable level of care to protect others. Some of the most common causes include the following:

Car Accidents – Fatal crashes may be the result of negligent driving conduct, such as speeding, distracted driving, DUI driving, or other dangerous vehicle control.
Truck Accidents – Collisions with large commercial trucks may lead to fatal injuries due to the size and weight of a truck that hits a passenger vehicle.
Bicycle Accidents – Cyclists are vulnerable when sharing the road, and accidents with vehicles can leave an innocent cyclist with fatal injuries.
Motorcycle Accidents – Motorcyclists face a higher risk of fatal injury due to limited protection and being thrown onto the roadway when hit by another vehicle.
Defective Products – Faulty machinery, auto parts, dangerous drugs or medical devices, or any consumer product can cause fatal injuries if faulty or unsafe, if a manufacturer fails to warn, or when the product causes harm when used as directed.
Dog Bites – In severe cases, dog attacks, especially when a dog has attacked a child or an older adult, could cause such severe injuries that the victim is unable to recover and passes away.
Pedestrian Accidents – Pedestrians struck by vehicles risk sustaining catastrophic or fatal injuries.
Construction Accidents – Unsafe working conditions, falling objects, equipment failures, scaffolding or trench collapses can cause fatal injuries.
Slip & Fall Accidents – Many slip and fall injuries prove to be fatal due to severe head and brain injuries.
Medical Malpractice – All healthcare providers must provide the accepted standard of care—what another similarly educated medical professional would do under similar circumstances. When they fail, make a medical error, or commit an act of negligence and the patient dies, a medical malpractice claim can be brought. These claims aim to hold a responsible party accountable for the terrible impact on the close family and provide the family financial support during one of life’s most difficult situations.

What Compensation Is Paid in a Wrongful Death Claim?

When a wrongful death occurs, surviving family members may be eligible for financial and emotional losses. In California, the compensation paid in a wrongful death lawsuit could include the following:

Funeral and burial expenses – Costs related to laying your loved one to rest.
Lost income and financial support – The wages or benefits the deceased would have provided the family had they lived.
Loss of companionship and emotional support – Compensation for the absence of the love, care, and guidance provided by the family member.
Value of household services – Tasks the deceased would have contributed to the family’s daily life.
Medical expenses – The costs of medical treatment administered to a loved one before they passed away.

The compensation can help ease the burdens on the family and deliver some degree of justice for a deeply painful situation.

How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?

California law sets a strict deadline—known as the “statute of limitations”—for filing a wrongful death lawsuit. In almost all cases, the claim must be filed within two years of the date of the death. When this deadline is missed, the family loses the right to seek compensation at all, with some exceptions, such as when the cause of death was delayed.

You must connect with a wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible after your loved one passes away to ensure all evidence is collected and preserved and the case filed within the time restrictions under state law.

Do You Need an Attorney?

It is legally possible to file a wrongful death claim without the support of an attorney; these are complex cases to resolve and may be very challenging. Wrongful death cases may involve investigations, negotiating with insurance companies, naming multiple liable parties, or challenges from the defense.

A skilled attorney will guide you through the legal process, gather critical evidence, calculate the full value of a claim, act as your partner, and advocate for justice. While your family focuses on rebuilding your lives and healing, all legal details, including required filings, court appearances in civil court, gathering evidence, and working with expert witnesses, are all managed by your lawyer.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Under California state law, specific parties have the right to file a wrongful death claim after losing a loved one as the result of an act of negligence. These parties include the following:

Surviving spouse
Domestic partner
Children

When a spouse, domestic partner, or children are no longer living, other parties may be eligible to file a claim, including the following:

Grandchildren
Parents
Siblings
Stepchildren

V&A Law Firm: How We Help Our Clients Achieve Justice

At our firm, we understand that every wrongful death case is different—and so is every family. We perform a thorough investigation to uncover the truth as the foundation of a case to win in court or when negotiating the terms of a settlement. Our process may include the following:

Gathering Evidence – We collect police reports, medical records, witness statements, photos, and any other documentation related to the incident.
Working with Experts – We collaborate with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and financial experts to prove fault and calculate the full extent of damages.
Identifying All Liable Parties – In some cases, more than one party may be responsible. We investigate every angle to hold all accountable parties liable.
Handling All Communication – We deal directly with insurance companies, employers, or opposing legal teams—so you don’t have to.
Building a Strong Legal Strategy – Whether negotiating a settlement or preparing for trial, our team will seek maximum compensation for your family.

We approach every case with sensitivity and determination, putting in long hours in the fight to hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue justice.

How is Liability Proven in a Wrongful Death Case?

It must be proven that another party’s negligence or wrongdoing was the cause of death to achieve a favorable outcome. In California, proving liability requires establishing the following legal elements:

Duty of Care – The responsible party had a legal obligation to act with reasonable care. For example, drivers must operate vehicles safely, and doctors must follow accepted medical standards.
Breach of Duty – The responsible party failed to meet the duty of care—by texting while driving, engaging in unsafe acts, manufacturing or selling dangerous consumer goods, or delivering substandard medical care.
Causation – There must be a clear link between the breach of duty and the person’s death. Proving causation could require expert testimony or a detailed investigation.
Damages – The family must show that the death caused actual losses, such as financial hardship, emotional suffering, and loss of companionship.

Wrongful Death Claims Filed Against Government Entities

When a wrongful death involves a government agency—such as a fatal accident caused by a city bus, a public employee, or unsafe conditions on public property—the legal process is more complex and time-sensitive.

In California, claims against government entities must follow strict procedures under the California Tort Claims Act. The process involves filing a special administrative claim within six months of the date of death. Failing to meet this deadline leads to losing the right to file suit against the negligent government employee or agency. These cases require special legal handling, and it’s essential to work with an attorney familiar with the unique rules and requirements of pursuing justice when a death involves a government entity.

Is a Wrongful Death Claim the Same as a Survival Action?

In California, wrongful death and survival actions are two separate but often related legal claims filed after a person’s death. A wrongful death claim is brought by surviving family members to recover damages for their losses, such as loss of companionship, emotional distress, and financial support.

A survival action is brought on behalf of the deceased’s estate to recover damages the person could have sought had they survived—like medical expenses, lost wages, or the pain and suffering endured between the time of the injury and the patient passing away. Both claims are filed together in many cases. Ensure you have the support of an experienced attorney so that every possible form of compensation is vigorously sought.

Why Choose Us for a Wrongful Death Case in Encino?

Losing a loved one is devastating—navigating the legal system shouldn’t add to that pain. Our firm focuses on guiding families through this difficult time with compassion and determination. We offer personalized legal counsel to families who are dealing with the tragic loss of a loved one.

Deep Experience with Wrongful Death Claims – We’ve handled a wide range of wrongful death cases, from auto accidents to medical negligence, and we know what it takes to pursue justice and secure fair compensation.
Personalized, Compassionate Support – We treat every case with the care it deserves. You’re not just another file—you’re a family looking for answers, and we’re here to help you find them.
Aggressive Advocacy, Inside and Outside the Courtroom – Whether we’re negotiating a settlement or going to trial, we fight to hold the responsible parties accountable.
No Fees Unless We Win – We take wrongful death cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront—and no legal fees unless we win for you.
Clear Communication And Support – We keep you informed, involved, and empowered throughout the legal process.

Call us at 818-369-3270 for a free 15 minute case evaluation. We offer legal services in English, Spanish, and Farsi.

Our Attorneys

At the heart of our firm is a team of dedicated, compassionate attorneys who bring both legal skill and genuine care to every case. When you choose us, you’re not just hiring a law firm—you’re gaining trusted advocates who will stand by your side during one of the most difficult times of your life.

Ghazal Amy Vahdat, Founder & Partner

As the firm’s founding partner, Ghazal Amy Vahdat is known for her relentless pursuit of justice and compassion when working with grieving families. She has extensive experience handling complex wrongful death and personal injury cases and has built a reputation for strategic thinking, negotiation strength, and unwavering client support. Amy takes the time to understand what happened and ensures that clients feel heard, informed, and empowered.

Kevin M. Davis, Senior Partner

Kevin M. Davis brings the firm years of legal experience and a powerful courtroom presence. As our Senior Partner, he has successfully represented families in high-stakes wrongful death litigation. Known for his meticulous case preparation and skilled advocacy, Kevin is a supportive ally whether your case settles out of court or proceeds to trial. His calm, confident guidance is a source of reassurance for clients in these emotionally charged situations.

Amy and Kevin form a powerful team committed to helping you fight for the compensation your family deserves. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation today to speak directly with an attorney and learn how we can help your family move forward.

FAQ: Wrongful Death Claims in Los Angeles and Encino

What qualifies as a wrongful death?

A wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to another person or entity’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act. Common examples include fatal car accidents, medical malpractice, or unsafe conditions on private, commercial, or government property.

Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in California?

California law allows certain family members to file, including the surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, or anyone who was financially dependent on the deceased, such as stepchildren or parents.

What languages

How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If a government entity is involved, the deadline may be as short as six months. It’s important to act quickly.

What damages can be recovered in a wrongful death case?

Families may be entitled to compensation for funeral costs, lost income, loss of companionship, emotional distress, and the value of household services the deceased would have provided.

Do I need to go to court to win a wrongful death case?

Not always. Many wrongful death cases are resolved through negotiated settlements. When a fair settlement offer is not forthcoming, we can take the case to trial.

How long does a wrongful death case usually take?

Every case is different, but many take several months to over a year. The timeline depends on the complexity of the case, the parties involved, and whether the case settles or will move forward to a trial in civil court.

How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death attorney?

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.