Wrongful Death matters in Santa Rosa
When a Sonoma County Family Loses Someone
Some of the most devastating wrongful death cases in Santa Rosa arise on the very roads that define the North Bay. The two-lane rural stretches of State Route 12 and State Route 116, the high-speed US-101 corridor, and the wine-country roads that draw heavy tourist and agricultural-truck traffic all carry an elevated risk of fatal collisions. Fatal crashes are not the only source of these claims; a preventable fall, a dangerous property condition, or a careless commercial driver can also take a life. When the worst happens, families are often left not only with grief but with sudden financial uncertainty.
Catastrophic injuries in the region are treated at Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, the North Bay's trauma center, and when those efforts cannot save a life, the family is left to make sense of what happened. Attorney Ghazaryan investigates how and why the death occurred, identifies everyone who may bear responsibility, and pursues accountability so the loss is not compounded by an insurer's indifference.
Who May File Under California Law
California Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60 sets who may bring a wrongful death claim. The right generally belongs to the surviving spouse or domestic partner, the children, and, if there are none, those who would inherit under California's intestacy rules, and in some cases financially dependent family members such as a putative spouse, stepchildren, or parents. A wrongful death claim can recover for the family's loss of financial support, the loss of the loved one's companionship, guidance, and care, and funeral and burial expenses. A separate survival action, brought by the estate, may also recover certain losses the person suffered between the injury and death.
Sorting out who has the right to file, and coordinating the claims so the family speaks with one voice, is one of the first things Attorney Ghazaryan helps with.
Deadlines and Contingency Representation
Wrongful death lawsuits are filed in the Sonoma County Superior Court at the Hall of Justice on Administration Drive. Under California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, the family generally has two years from the date of death to sue. If a public entity is involved, such as a death caused by a dangerous road condition maintained by Caltrans or the county, Government Code section 911.2 requires a written claim within six months. California's comparative-fault rule may reduce but does not necessarily eliminate recovery if the deceased shared some fault. Attorney Ghazaryan handles these cases on contingency, so the family pays no fee unless he recovers, and the consultation is always free.
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.