Wrongful Death

San Diego Wrongful Death Attorneys

Pursuing Justice and Compensation for Families Who Have Lost a Loved One to Negligence

The sudden, unexpected loss of a loved one is devastating in every way — and when that loss results from another party’s negligence or recklessness, the grief is compounded by a profound sense of injustice. Surviving family members should not be left to bear the financial burden of that loss alone.

At Banker’s Hill Law Firm, our San Diego personal injury attorneys represent the families of individuals killed in accidents caused by negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct throughout Southern California. As experienced wrongful death attorneys in San Diego, we pursue accountability on behalf of those who can no longer speak for themselves — and fight to recover the full compensation your family deserves.

Contact our office today for a free, confidential consultation. There are no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your family.

Proven Track Record

Our Wrongful Death Results

Our wrongful death lawyers have recovered significant compensation for grieving families across San Diego County and Southern California.

Below are examples of past case results. Individual outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case.

$1,000,000+
Settlement
Multiple seven-figure recoveries for seriously injured clients and their families
$742,000
Settlement
Serious injury matter; full recovery obtained on behalf of client
$663,000
Settlement
Full compensation recovered for seriously injured client

Additional Results

$557,000 Client sustained serious injuries; full recovery obtained after litigation
$330,000 Client recovered full policy limits following a personal injury claim
$215,000 Full compensation recovered following serious personal injury matter
$136,000 Compensation recovered for documented physical injuries
$129,650 Medical expenses and lost wages recovered
$100,000 Policy limits recovered for injured client following collision

Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is unique and depends on its individual circumstances. Results may vary based on the specific facts of your case.

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What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit brought by surviving family members or the estate of a deceased person whose death was caused by another party’s wrongful act or negligence. Common scenarios giving rise to wrongful death claims include:

In California, a wrongful death lawsuit must generally be filed by the deceased’s surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, or — in certain circumstances — other dependents or the personal representative of the estate. Our legal team will help you determine who is entitled to file and guide the entire process.

How Our San Diego Wrongful Death Attorneys Handle Your Case

1
Free Case Evaluation
We begin with a no-cost, confidential consultation to understand the circumstances of your loved one’s death and your family’s legal options. No obligations, no upfront fees.
2
Investigation and Evidence Collection
Our team gathers accident reports, medical records, expert opinions, witness statements, and all other available evidence to construct a thorough and compelling case.
3
Damage Calculation
We calculate the full scope of your family’s economic and non-economic losses, including projected future earnings, financial support, and the profound personal losses your family has suffered.
4
Negotiation with Insurance Companies
Insurers routinely undervalue wrongful death claims. We negotiate aggressively on your family’s behalf and will not accept an inadequate offer.
5
Trial Representation, If Necessary
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to litigate your wrongful death lawsuit in court and advocate for your family before a judge and jury.

What Compensation Is Available in a California Wrongful Death Case?

Economic Damages

  • Funeral, burial, and memorial expenses
  • Medical bills incurred prior to death
  • The deceased’s lost wages and projected future earnings
  • Loss of financial support and benefits the deceased provided to the family
  • Value of household services the deceased would have performed

Non-Economic Damages

  • Loss of companionship, love, affection, and moral support
  • Loss of parental guidance for surviving children
  • Emotional distress suffered by surviving family members
  • Survival action damages for pain and suffering experienced by the decedent prior to death

Frequently Asked Questions: Wrongful Death Claims in San Diego

California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60 designates who may bring a wrongful death claim. This typically includes the surviving spouse or domestic partner, surviving children, and — if there are no surviving spouse or children — the deceased’s parents or other intestate heirs. The personal representative of the estate may also bring a survival action. Contact our office to confirm your standing to file.
The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in California is generally two years from the date of the deceased’s death. Important exceptions apply — cases involving government entities may have a six-month administrative claims deadline. Contact our office without delay to protect your family’s rights.
A wrongful death claim compensates surviving family members for their own losses resulting from the death. A survival action is brought by the estate of the deceased and seeks recovery for the damages the decedent suffered personally — including pain, suffering, and financial losses — between the injury and their death. In many cases, both can be pursued simultaneously.
Yes. A civil wrongful death claim is entirely separate from any criminal prosecution. The burden of proof in a civil case is lower than in a criminal case, meaning a wrongful death lawsuit can succeed even if the at-fault party was acquitted or no charges were filed.
California’s pure comparative fault rule applies to wrongful death cases. If the deceased bore some responsibility for the accident, the compensation awarded to surviving family members may be reduced proportionally — but it will not be eliminated entirely.
We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs, and you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your family.

Contact Our San Diego Wrongful Death Lawyers Today

Professional Woman With Glasses And A Red Blazer Sitting

If your family has lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, do not wait to seek legal counsel. Evidence must be preserved, and filing deadlines are strict. The sooner you contact our firm, the sooner we can begin building a strong case on your family’s behalf.

At Banker’s Hill Law Firm, we provide compassionate, aggressive legal representation to grieving families throughout San Diego and Southern California. Our wrongful death attorneys offer a free initial consultation and charge no fees unless we win your case.

Call us today at (619) 230-0330 or contact our office online to schedule your confidential, no-cost case evaluation.