Wrongful Death Attorney in Rocklin, CA
Serving Placer County Families with Compassion & Determination
Losing a family member because of someone else’s negligence or recklessness is devastating. The grief is immediate. The financial and legal questions that follow can feel impossible to face. California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 gives surviving family members the right to hold responsible parties accountable. We can explain how that right applies to your family and pursue the claim on your behalf.
Patrick Law, P.C. has served families in Rocklin, Roseville, Auburn, and North Auburn since 2016. Our attorneys are award-winning, highly rated, and know Placer County’s courts well. We handle every aspect of your claim so you can focus on your family.
Call Patrick Law, P.C. at (949) 998-5495 or connect with us online for a free consultation with our Rocklin wrongful death attorneys. We offer virtual consultations for your convenience.
Wrongful Death Claims in California: What Families Need to Know
A wrongful death claim arises when a person dies due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional act of another individual or entity. Common causes include traffic collisions on roads like Interstate 80 or Highway 65, workplace accidents, medical negligence, and defective products. The civil claim exists independently of any criminal case. Even if no criminal charges are filed, a wrongful death action may still be pursued.
Under California’s two-year statute of limitations (CCP § 335.1), most wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the date of death. Acting promptly protects critical evidence and your right to recover.
Under California law, surviving family members may pursue damages for:
- Medical expenses. Costs tied to the deceased’s final injury or illness, including emergency care and hospitalization.
- Funeral and burial expenses. Reasonable costs of final arrangements.
- Loss of financial support. The income, benefits, and household contributions the deceased would have provided.
- Loss of love, companionship, and guidance. Recognition of the emotional presence and support your loved one gave.
- Loss of household services. The practical value of what the deceased contributed to daily family life.
- Punitive damages. Not available in a standard wrongful death claim under California law, but may be pursued through a related survival action where the defendant’s conduct involved malice, fraud, or oppression.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 identifies who has standing to bring a wrongful death action. The right belongs to the decedent’s surviving spouse or domestic partner, children, and the issue of deceased children. If none of these primary beneficiaries exist, the right may pass to other heirs under California’s intestate succession laws, including parents or siblings.
Individuals who were financially dependent on the deceased may also have standing in certain circumstances. This can include a putative spouse (someone who believed in good faith they were legally married), the children of a putative spouse, and stepchildren. We can assess your family’s specific situation during a free consultation and tell you clearly where you stand.
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“Highly Recommend”
“Lauren recently represented my family through a custody case and a restraining order case, and I couldn't be more grateful for her support and expertise.”- Josh J. -
“6 Out Of 5 Stars”
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“Highly Recommend”
“The matter was urgent, and not only was I able to get an appointment quickly, but Natalya also walked us through the process and explained everything, answering all our questions.”- Nadia T. -
“Best Lawyer”
“They were extremely hard working, making sure to always go into court prepared, and their responsiveness to all of my questions and concerns was unbelievable.”- S.C. -
“Detail Oriented”
“The team at Patrick Law, P.C. is amazing to say the least.”- Chad B.
How Patrick Law, P.C. Handles Your Wrongful Death Case
From the first call to the resolution of your case, we carry the legal burden. You shouldn’t have to negotiate with insurance adjusters or interpret complex legal filings while you’re grieving. Here’s what we do on your behalf:
Our wrongful death representation includes:
- Thorough investigation. We gather accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony to build a complete picture of what happened and why.
- Identifying all responsible parties. Liability sometimes extends beyond one obvious party. We work to identify individuals or entities whose negligence contributed to your loved one’s death.
- Accurate damage calculation. We work with qualified professionals to assess the full financial and emotional impact of your loss, including future needs your family will face.
- Handling all communications. We manage every interaction with insurers and opposing counsel. You won’t field demanding calls or wade through legal jargon.
- Aggressive negotiation. We pursue a settlement that reflects the severity of your loss, not just the minimum an insurer is willing to offer.
- Trial representation. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’re prepared to take your case to the Placer County Superior Court and present it at trial.
Wrongful Death Claim FAQs
Does a Wrongful Death Claim Require a Criminal Conviction?
No. A wrongful death claim is a civil action governed by a lower burden of proof than a criminal case. The defendant must be shown to have caused the death by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning it’s more likely than not they were at fault. A criminal acquittal doesn’t prevent a civil claim.
What If the Person Responsible Has Limited Insurance Coverage?
We investigate available sources of recovery, which may include umbrella policies, employer liability coverage, or claims against multiple parties. The specifics depend on the facts of your case, and we assess potential avenues before accepting that coverage is insufficient.
Can We File a Claim If Our Loved One Was Partially at Fault?
California follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning a wrongful death claim isn’t barred even if the deceased shared some responsibility. Any fault attributed to your loved one reduces the recoverable damages proportionally, but it doesn’t eliminate your right to file.
What Does It Cost to Hire a Wrongful Death Attorney?
We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront attorney fees. Our fee comes from the recovery we obtain for you.
Let us carry the legal burden while you focus on your family. Call (949) 998-5495 or reach us online to schedule a free consultation with our Rocklin wrongful death attorneys. You pay no upfront attorney fees; our fee comes from any recovery we obtain for you.