MMGLaw Firm

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Pasadena Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one because of someone else's negligence is a pain no family should face alone. While no lawsuit can undo the loss, holding the responsible party accountable can ease the financial burden and provide a measure of justice. MMG Law Firm guides Pasadena families through this difficult process with care.

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Wrongful Death matters in Pasadena

Fatal incidents in the Pasadena area can arise anywhere, on the 210 (Foothill Freeway) and the 134, along the historic 110 Arroyo Seco Parkway, at busy intersections near Colorado Boulevard and Lake Avenue, or on unsafe properties around Old Pasadena and the Rose Bowl. Whatever the cause, the sudden loss of a parent, spouse, or child leaves a family facing grief and uncertainty at the same time. We understand how overwhelming these moments are. Under Code of Civil Procedure §377.60, the people who may bring a wrongful-death action generally include the deceased person's surviving spouse, domestic partner, and children, and if there are none, those who would inherit under California's intestate succession rules, along with certain dependents. Insurers and defendants often dispute liability and the value of the loss, and California's pure comparative negligence rule may reduce recovery if the decedent shared fault. A wrongful-death claim generally must be filed within two years under Code of Civil Procedure §335.1, and if a public entity is involved, a written claim is usually due within six months under Government Code §911.2. A Pasadena wrongful-death case proceeds in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, with matters now heard at the Alhambra Courthouse or the Stanley Mosk Courthouse downtown since the historic Pasadena courthouse closed. Our Glendale office is minutes from Pasadena, and we offer free, private consultations in English, Armenian, and Russian. We handle these cases on contingency, so there is no fee unless we win.

Types of wrongful death matters cases 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. 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. 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. 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. 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, 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.

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Pasadena Wrongful Death FAQ

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