Wrongful Death matters in San Rafael
When a San Rafael Family Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim
A wrongful death claim arises when a person dies because of another's negligence or wrongful act — a fatal crash on US-101 or the I-580 approach to the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge, a collision on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, a pedestrian struck downtown near Fourth Street, a deadly fall on poorly maintained property, or a defective product. Under California law, these claims may be brought by specific surviving family members, generally a spouse or domestic partner, children, and in some cases others who depended on the person financially.
The losses recognized in California include the family's loss of financial support, funeral and burial expenses, and the loss of the loved one's love, companionship, comfort, care, and guidance. A separate survival action may also recover certain losses the person experienced before death. These are difficult subjects, and we handle them gently, doing the legal and investigative work so the family does not have to carry that burden during a time of grief.
Investigating What Happened
Establishing how and why a death occurred takes prompt, careful investigation. We gather the police or coroner reports, locate and interview witnesses, preserve physical evidence and any available camera footage, and consult qualified experts when reconstruction or specialized analysis is needed. In incidents involving fatal injuries, records from first responders and MarinHealth Medical Center in Greenbrae can be important to the timeline and the cause of death.
Fatal cases in Marin often involve more than one potentially responsible party — a negligent driver and a trucking company, a property owner and a maintenance contractor, or a manufacturer and a distributor. Identifying every responsible party and every applicable insurance policy is central to securing the family's future. Because evidence fades and memories blur, beginning early makes a real difference, even though there is no rush to make any decision before the family is ready. We coordinate quietly with the insurers and other parties so the family can focus on one another, and we keep you informed at the pace that feels right for you.
California Deadlines and the Marin County Court
Most California wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the death under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1. If a government entity may be responsible — for example, a dangerous public road, an unsafe intersection, or a government vehicle — a claim generally must be presented within six months under Government Code section 911.2, a much shorter and easily missed deadline. Acting within that window can be essential to preserving the family's rights. Marin County wrongful death cases are filed at the Marin County Superior Court at the Civic Center on North San Pedro Road. MMG Law Firm pursues full and fair accountability for each family we represent and is prepared to take a case before a Marin jury when a fair resolution is refused.
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.