Wrongful Death Lawyer in Santa Ana
When someone else’s negligence causes a death, California law offers a way to seek justice. This is called a wrongful death claim, and it allows certain family members to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.
It’s not about replacing your loved one, because nothing ever could. Instead, it’s about acknowledging the deep losses you are experiencing, both emotional and financial, and making sure your family has the resources to move forward.
At Hicks Law Firm, our Santa Ana wrongful death attorneys are here in Santa Ana to help you sort through the legal path ahead, offering clear guidance and a steady hand during this difficult time. Learn more about our firm.
We are conveniently located at 765 The City Dr S, Suite 120, Orange, CA. Our office is easy to find, situated near the 22 and 5 freeway interchange, making it a straightforward drive from Santa Ana and across Orange County. You’ll find us close to prominent landmarks like The Outlets at Orange and UC Irvine Medical Center.
Ready to discuss your case? Contact us for a free consultation by calling 949-541-9944 or reaching out to us online.
Recent Review
“Aaron was truly a shining beacon of hope in such a tumultuous time in my life. I had the absolute honor of working with him and I am so grateful for his knowledge, attentive care, professional manner, quick response, and the ultimate support when I needed it most. I highly recommend Aaron to anyone! I truly can’t thank him enough and am forever grateful for his support and guidance. Thank you Aaron!”
Our Promise to You in Santa Ana
We understand that considering legal action may feel overwhelming at this time. You are grieving, and the idea of adding more stress is probably the last thing you want. That’s precisely why we are here. Our approach is direct and empathetic. We handle the complexities, so you can focus on your family and healing.
We will listen to your story with care, answer your questions simply, and walk you through every step of the process. You will always be informed about the status of your case, and we will never pressure you into making a decision. Our goal is to lift the legal burden from your shoulders and fight tirelessly to secure the justice and compensation your family deserves. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
The law in California is specific about who can file a wrongful death claim. It recognizes the profound impact of such a loss on immediate family and those financially dependent on the person who died.
Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, the following people can typically bring a wrongful death claim:
- Surviving spouse or domestic partner: The person married to or in a registered domestic partnership with the deceased.
- Children of the deceased: This includes biological and adopted children.
- Issue of deceased children: If a child of the deceased has also passed away, their children (the grandchildren of the deceased) can file.
- Parents: If there is no surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children, the deceased’s parents may file a claim.
- Stepchildren: If they were financially dependent on the deceased.
- Putative spouse: Someone who believed in good faith that they were married to the deceased, along with their children, if they were financially dependent.
- Minors who lived in the household: A minor who resided in the deceased’s household for at least 180 days before the death and was dependent on the deceased for at least half of their support.
- Other heirs: Anyone else who would be entitled to the deceased’s property by intestate succession (if there was no will).
It’s important to remember that all eligible heirs must join together in a single wrongful death case. The law does not allow for multiple separate claims for the same death. Determining who precisely qualifies can be complicated. We help families in Santa Ana understand who has the right to file and how to work together to pursue a claim.
What Does “Wrongful Death” Mean?
A death is considered “wrongful” when it results from the neglect, recklessness, or intentional actions of another person or entity. This is not about criminal charges, though sometimes a death that is part of a criminal case can also lead to a civil wrongful death claim. In a civil claim, the focus is on holding the responsible party financially accountable for the harm they caused.
Common situations that lead to wrongful death claims in Santa Ana include:
- Car, truck, or motorcycle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Defective products
- Workplace accidents
- Premises liability
- Criminal acts
In these cases, we work to show that the responsible party owed a duty of care, they breached that duty, and this breach directly caused your loved one’s death and your family’s losses.
The Damages You Can Recover in a Wrongful Death Claim
While no amount of money can bring back your loved one, a wrongful death claim can help cover the financial burdens that come with such a loss and provide a measure of justice for the non-economic impacts. In California, damages are broadly categorized as “economic” and “non-economic.”
Economic Damages are the measurable financial losses, such as:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost financial support
- Loss of household services
- Medical expenses
- Loss of gifts or benefits
Non-economic damages are harder to put a dollar figure on, but they are very real and deeply felt losses:
- Loss of companionship and affection
- Loss of moral support
- Loss of guidance and training
- Loss of enjoyment of sexual relations
Contact Our Santa Ana Wrongful Death Attorneys
If you’ve lost a loved one, we want you to know that we’re here for you during this difficult time. You have been through enough. Let us help carry this burden. Reach out to us. A confidential conversation costs nothing, and it’s a chance to simply talk about what happened and understand your options.
Call us today for a free and private case review, or fill out our contact form. We are here to listen to your story and explain your options. Call Hicks Law Firm today at 949-541-9944.
