Wrongful Death Lawyer Serving the San Fernando Valley & Woodland Hills, CA

At Barry P. Goldberg, A Professional Law Corporation, we are committed to recovering just compensation for families who have lost loved ones in tragic accidents. California’s wrongful death laws are complicated, and the insurance companies do not care that you are grieving the loss of a loved one. To ensure that you are fully and fairly compensated for your loved one’s loss, let attorney Barry P. Goldberg fight for you.

If you have lost a spouse, child, parent, or other close family member in an accident, it is important to make sure you have a clear understanding of how the law applies to your family’s circumstances. Wrongful death cases are different from non-fatal injury cases, and California’s wrongful death law has some unique provisions that require careful planning and consideration. In addition, the window to file a wrongful death claim in California is limited; so, to make sure you and your family have the financial resources you need to cope with your loss, it is important that you speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

What constitutes a “wrongful death?” California’s wrongful death statute provides this definition: “the death of a person caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another.” The key terms here are, “wrongful act,” and “neglect.”

The list of wrongful and negligent acts that can lead to an untimely and unnecessary death is almost endless. At Barry P. Goldberg, A Professional Law Corporation, we have extensive experience in cases involving a wide variety of scenarios in which one person or company is to blame for someone else’s death. From violent car crashes to fatal falls, if you lost a loved one and you are entitled to financial compensation, you can trust attorney Barry P. Goldberg to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Where Other Attorneys Go for Help

It is not just accident victims and grieving families who trust Mr. Goldberg, other attorneys trust him with their clients’ and family members’ cases, too. To get help from the lawyer who other lawyers trust to handle their wrongful death claims, contact our Woodland Hills law offices today:

“As an attorney with a legal matter outside my area of expertise, one involving my own family member, I decided to contact Mr. Goldberg after viewing some of his quality legal work. His grasp of the particulars was very impressive, as was his advice in regard to proceeding forward. His speedy and friendly response was refreshing, highlighting an engaged and highly competent professional.” – Referring Attorney

“Barry Goldberg is a tenacious advocate, who is responsive . . . and gets great results for his clients. He has more than earned my trust with the effective way he has represented clients and family of mine who I have referred to him.” – Referring Attorney

Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle

Bicycle Accidents

Mr. Goldberg is available to represent families who have lost loved ones in bicycle accidents throughout Southern California. In most situations, these cases involve claims against at-fault drivers’ auto insurance companies, although there are several other parties that can potentially be liable for fatal bicycle accidents as well (such as trucking companies, other employers, and vehicle and bicycle manufacturers).

Car Accidents

We represent families who have lost loved ones in car accidents involving drunk and distracted drivers, reckless drivers, drivers who are asleep behind the wheel, vehicle defects, road defects, and all other potential causes of fatal collisions. We begin each case with a prompt and exhaustive investigation in order to identify all available sources of financial recovery.

Motorcycle Accidents

Fatal motorcycle accidents are an all-too-common occurrence on Southern California’s roadways. We fight on behalf of families who have tragically lost loved ones who knew how to ride safely, but were forced into situations that left them unable to protect themselves from fatal injuries.

Truck Accidents

Truck accidents cause a disproportionate number of roadway fatalities, and there is no question why. Semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and other commercial trucks present numerous dangers on their own, and the risks of a fatal collision are magnified when an unqualified driver is behind the wheel. Mr. Goldberg has what it takes to hold trucking companies, shipping companies, truck manufacturers, and other large corporations responsible for the wide variety of issues that can lead to deadly truck accidents.

Slips and Falls

Fatal falls are far more common than most people realize, as are the dangers that can lead to these tragic accidents. Open pits and trenches, loose stair railings and treads, malfunctioning escalators, dangerous construction sites, and unprotected pools are just some of the issues that can be to blame for deadly falls. Properly owners and construction companies owe legal duties to maintain their premises in safe condition, and when they fall short of meeting these duties they deserve to be held accountable.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Accidents

Barry P. Goldberg is a recognized authority in the area of uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) compensation claims. Oftentimes, the at-fault driver in a fatal accident will either (i) be uninsured, or (ii) have only minimal insurance coverage that falls far short of providing the compensation the grieving family needs and deserves. Mr. Goldberg is familiar with the unique issues and procedures involved in UIM claims; and, if your family is entitled to UIM coverage, he can make sure your insurance company pays what is rightfully owed.

California Wrongful Death FAQs

Q: Who can file a wrongful death claim in California?

In California, the right to file a wrongful death claim is governed by statute. California’s wrongful death law identifies three categories of family members who are eligible to seek compensation:

• “The decedent’s surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, and issue of deceased children, or, if there is no surviving issue of the decedent, the persons, including the surviving spouse or domestic partner, who would be entitled to the property of the decedent by intestate succession.”
• “[I]f they were dependent on the decedent, the putative spouse, children of the putative spouse, stepchildren, or parents.”
• “A minor . . . if, at the time of the decedent’s death, the minor resided for the previous 180 days in the decedent’s household and was dependent on the decedent for one-half or more of the minor’s support.”

If you find this confusing, you are not alone. Mr. Goldberg can help you understand your rights, and we strongly recommend that you seek legal advice before making any assumptions about whether you are eligible to pursue a claim for wrongful death.

Q: If my loved one was killed in an accident involving a commercial vehicle, could the company that owns the vehicle be responsible?

Yes. In fact, there are a couple of different ways to seek financial compensation from an employer whose employee causes a fatal accident. The first is the law of “respondeat superior.” This law states that employers are liable for their employees’ negligent acts committed within the scope of employment. Driving for business purposes will almost always qualify as, “within the scope of employment.”

The second is for the employer’s own direct negligence. If the employer failed to conduct an appropriate background check, hired an untrained or unlicensed driver, forced the employee to spend too many hours behind the wheel, or made any other negligent mistake, then the employer can be held legally and financially accountable.

Q: How long do I have to file a claim for wrongful death in California?

In California, the “statute of limitations” for wrongful death claims is typically two years from the date of the fatal accident. But, if you have lost a loved one, it is important not to delay in seeking legal representation. It may be necessary to act quickly in order to recover key evidence before it disappears, and you need to make sure you avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your legal rights.

When Your Legal Representation Matters, Choose Barry P. Goldberg

Losing a loved one in an accident is devastating. No one deserves to have their life cut short, and no family deserves to endure the consequences of someone else’s negligence. While enforcing your family’s legal rights can never fully right the wrong, it can ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable, and that your family suffers no more than is necessary.

We have said it before and we will say it again: Wrongful death claims are complicated. In order to win just compensation, you need an experienced and aggressive advocate on your side. Here are five reasons why we believe Barry P. Goldberg, A Professional Corporation, is the best choice for your wrongful death claim in Woodland Hills or the San Fernando Valley:

• We have extensive experience in wrongful death litigation.
• We take a personalized approach focused on maximizing each family’s financial recovery.
• We take the tough cases and are not afraid to go to trial.
• We know how important it is for families to be fully compensated for their loss.
• We only get paid if we win.

To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with Mr. Goldberg, please call (818) 222-6994 or contact us online. We are here to help, and we will do everything we can to help you and your family move on.