California Wrongful Death Attorney
Pursuing Justice for Grieving Families in San Francisco
Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is an unimaginable tragedy for many families. At Peterson Injury Law, we understand the overwhelming grief, anger, and unanswered questions that come with a wrongful death. If your friend or relative passed away as a result of another’s carelessness, we can fight tirelessly to bring the responsible parties to justice.
Our wrongful death lawyer has decades of experience and a proven track record of results in San Francisco and across California. With millions recovered in settlements and a reputation for record-breaking verdicts, you can trust us to give your case the time and personalized attention it deserves. Attorney Erik Peterson has earned national acclaim and is a Senior Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America®, an honor held by fewer than 0.05% of practicing lawyers nationwide.
While no legal outcome can undo the tragic loss of a loved one, seeking justice in a wrongful death claim can offer grieving families justice and a sense of closure, as well as financial relief for accrued medical debt and other losses. Don’t fight this battle alone—turn to Peterson Injury Law for the diligent advocacy and unwavering legal support you deserve. Our firm is available 24/7 to address any questions or concerns you have.
If your loved one passed away due to negligence in California, our attorney can tirelessly seek justice for your family. Contact us online to discuss your case.
What Constitutes a Wrongful Death?
Under California law, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of the negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct of another person or entity. This can result from a variety of accidents and injuries, such as fatal car accidents caused by negligent drivers, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, or defective products.
In the event of a wrongful death, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation under California’s Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) § 377.60. At Peterson Injury Law, we understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate these legal complexities, especially while grieving the loss of a cherished friend or family member. Our firm can guide your steps with care while advocating for the fair outcome you deserve.
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$3.75 Million Anesthesia Error
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$6.25 Million Anoxic Brain Injury, Anesthesia Error
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Record-Setting $17 Million Birth Injury Settlement
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“He couldn't have managed independence to this extent, his current level of physical activity, or the complexity of his recent social interactions 6 months ago. None of it would have happened without ongoing therapeutic support - which has only been possible with the financial settlement.”- Former Client
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“In my world, you have been very successful in the ways most important, most lasting, most valuable. And I know that [deceased husband] feels this way as well.”- Former Client
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“His knowledge and attention to detail was stellar, making me feel secure during a difficult case. Unlike most people in life, he was always upfront with me and kept me updated every step of the way, which is truly not what I was expecting from a lawyer. Although it was determined my case could take several years, especially during a pandemic, due to his dedication it was over in only 2yrs and made the process as easy for me as possible. I would absolutely recommend this firm and use him again if I ever need to, although I hope I don't.”- Kristy N.
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“My husband passed due to medical malpractice and I didn't know what to do or who to call. All I knew was I needed to get him justice. I researched and found Erik Peterson on google and reviewed various reviews on various sites. He was very patient and fought for me and my late husband. Erik told me what to expect ahead of time so I could prepare myself mentally. All in all, I HIGHLY recommend them to anyone who may need legal assistance in personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death. They are excellent and I can't say enough good things about them.”- Kiki A.
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“Very knowledgeable, professional and honest. I needed an attorney for malpractice and from the moment we first had our meeting, he explained everything in terms I could easily understand and very thorough, was always very responsive when I had questions. The case wasn’t an easy one to settle, but Erik never lost hope and kept fighting. Any time I had to get ahold of the staff at the law firm for paperwork, they were always so understanding and very helpful and always got back to me in a timely manner. I would highly recommend Erik Peterson and his law firm. He was an excellent lawyer and truly a genuine person.”- Lila D.
Who Is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
In California, only certain parties are eligible to file wrongful death claims. The primary individuals entitled to bring a wrongful death lawsuit include the deceased person’s surviving spouse or domestic partner, biological or adopted children, and stepchildren or other minor dependents who were financially reliant on the decedent.
If no surviving individuals exist in these categories, the claim may be pursued by those entitled to the deceased person’s property through intestate succession, such as parents or siblings. Our attorney has a deep understanding of these legal nuances to build a robust case and advocate for fair compensation while protecting your rights at every step.
What Compensation Is Available in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Families may be entitled to various damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. Common forms of compensation include outstanding medical debt, loss of future wages and benefits, funeral and burial expenses, and loss of consortium. Our attorney is well-versed in these legal intricacies to assess available damages and advocate for the full settlement your family deserves.
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Do I Need a Wrongful Death Lawyer?
Securing experienced representation after a wrongful death is crucial to achieving a just outcome. Some important reasons to work with a wrongful death attorney include:
- Legal guidance. Wrongful death claims involve intricate legal processes and state statutes. Your lawyer can help you navigate these complexities with care and in compliance with state law.
- Maximizing compensation. Your attorney can assess every avenue for financial recovery and calculate the full extent of damages available to you, including economic and non-economic losses, to maximize the value of your claim.
- Proving liability. Establishing liability in wrongful death cases is notoriously challenging. Your lawyer can gather evidence and interview witnesses to build a strong case and meet the burden of proof in your claim.
- Negotiation and litigation skills. A skilled litigator can represent your best interests at trial if necessary to negotiate a fair settlement while protecting your rights against greedy insurers and corporations.
If you lost a loved one due to another’s carelessness, choose a firm with proven results and experience to pursue justice. Call (415) 630-2913 to schedule a free consultation.
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