Wrongful Death matters in Richmond
Wrongful Death Claims in Richmond
When a person dies because of another's negligence or wrongful act, California law allows certain surviving family members to bring a wrongful death claim. In Richmond, these cases arise from fatal collisions on Interstate 80 and the Richmond Parkway, truck crashes near the port and refinery, pedestrian fatalities on busy arterials, and unsafe property conditions. No lawsuit can undo your loss, but it can provide financial stability and a measure of accountability.
Under California Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60, a wrongful death claim may be brought by the deceased person's spouse, domestic partner, children, and, in some cases, other dependents. Recoverable damages can include funeral and burial expenses, the financial support the loved one would have provided, and the loss of their love, companionship, and guidance. A separate survival action may also recover certain losses the person experienced before death.
Two Types of Claims After a Fatal Accident
California recognizes two related but distinct claims. The wrongful death claim belongs to the surviving family members and compensates them for their own losses, such as lost financial support and lost companionship. A separate survival action, brought by the deceased person's estate, recovers losses the person suffered between the injury and death, including their medical bills and, under recent California law, the pain and suffering they endured before passing. We evaluate both so your family pursues the full measure of accountability the law allows.
Handling Your Case With Care
These claims are emotionally and legally complex. We investigate thoroughly, working with the police report, the coroner's findings, and accident reconstruction when needed to establish exactly what happened and who is responsible. When a fatal crash involves a commercial truck or multiple vehicles, several parties and insurance policies may be involved, and we identify every source of accountability.
We deal with the insurers and, when needed, file suit in the Contra Costa County Superior Court in Martinez, while keeping your family informed at every step and handling the process with sensitivity to your grief. There is never a fee unless we recover for you, and the first conversation is always free and confidential.
Taking the Burden Off Your Family
In the aftermath of a sudden loss, dealing with insurers and legal deadlines is the last thing a grieving family should have to face. We take that weight on, handling the investigation, the paperwork, and every conversation with the insurance companies while you focus on your family. We move with both urgency, to preserve evidence, and patience, giving you the space and information you need to make decisions. The first consultation is free and entirely confidential.
Our attorney
How Mihran M. Ghazaryan helps with wrongful death
These are the matters Mihran M. Ghazaryan approaches with the most care. He identifies the family members California law allows to bring a claim, handles the process so the family doesn't have to relive it at every turn, and accounts fully for both the economic and the human losses — quietly, respectfully, and with the family's wishes leading the way.
Types of wrongful death matters we handle
Motor-vehicle fatalities
Includes pedestrian, bicycle, motorcycle, and passenger fatalities. Federal regulations and CHP investigation drive the timeline.
Premises and workplace fatalities
Cal-OSHA reports become available later than family expects. We coordinate the investigation around their pace, not the agency's.
Medical-related deaths
MICRA limits and physician/hospital coordination create unique procedural rules. We work with consulting experts early.
Damages
What compensation can cover
Every wrongful death claim is different, but California law allows injured plaintiffs to seek several categories of damages. We build each one with documentation — medical records, wage statements, expert opinions — so nothing is left on the table.
Medical expenses
Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and the future treatment your providers say you'll need.
Lost wages
Income you lost while recovering — and, where the injury affects your ability to work, diminished future earning capacity.
Pain and suffering
Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the ways the injury has changed how you live day to day.
Property damage
Repair or replacement of your vehicle and other property damaged in the incident.
Out-of-pocket costs
Transportation to appointments, medical equipment, household help, and the other expenses an injury forces on you.
How we work
- 1
Free, no-pressure consultation
We listen first. We answer your questions. There is no fee for the initial conversation — and you decide whether to engage us at the end of it.
- 2
Investigation and evidence preservation
Police reports, scene photos, witness statements, vehicle data, surveillance video, medical records. The earlier we collect, the harder it is for the other side to reshape the story later.
- 3
Treatment, demand, and negotiation
We coordinate with your providers, document the full extent of damages — medical, lost income, pain — and present a demand backed by evidence. We push back firmly when an insurer lowballs.
- 4
Litigation when necessary
Most matters settle. When an insurer refuses to be reasonable, we file. Preparing every case as if it will be tried is what makes the settlement number move.
What to do right away
- Take the time you need before making decisions about a case.
- Preserve any evidence in your possession — vehicles, clothing, devices.
- Do not sign anything from the at-fault party's insurer.
- Be cautious of social-media posts; they will be reviewed.
- When ready, call us. The consultation is free and there is no rush.
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
Deadlines that matter
Most California personal-injury claims must be filed within two years of the injury (Code of Civil Procedure §335.1). Miss the window and the court will almost always dismiss the case, no matter how strong it is.
Claims against government entities are much shorter — generally a written claim within six months (Government Code §911.2). Crashes involving city vehicles, public buses, or dangerous public-road conditions can fall under this rule.
Exceptions exist in both directions — discovery rules, minors, continuing violations, out-of-state defendants — so don't assume your deadline has passed or that you have time to spare. Call (818) 539-7969 and we'll tell you exactly where you stand.