Wrongful Death matters in Ventura
When a sudden, preventable death occurs on a Ventura roadway, at a worksite, or on someone's property, the surviving family is left with grief and, too often, financial uncertainty. A fatal collision on US-101, a crash on State Route 126 involving a heavy agricultural truck, or a fall on unsafe premises near the harbor can give rise to a wrongful-death claim. While no legal action can undo the loss, California law allows certain family members to seek compensation for what the death has taken from them, and pursuing a claim can also bring a measure of accountability.
Who may bring a claim in California
Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 sets out who has standing to file a wrongful-death action. It generally includes the deceased person's surviving spouse or domestic partner, their children, and — if there is no surviving spouse or children — others entitled to inherit under California's intestate-succession rules, such as parents or siblings in certain circumstances. People who were financially dependent on the deceased, such as a putative spouse or stepchildren, may also qualify in some cases. Determining the proper plaintiffs early avoids disputes that can delay a case.
A related "survival" action under Code of Civil Procedure § 377.30 may also exist, brought by the deceased person's estate, to recover certain losses the person experienced before death. We can explain how these claims fit together for your family's situation.
What a wrongful-death claim can recover
California wrongful-death damages can include the financial support the deceased would have provided, funeral and burial expenses, the loss of the person's love, companionship, guidance, and support, and other losses recognized by law. Because these cases involve sensitive evidence and emotional testimony, they require careful, respectful handling, and we approach every family with that in mind.
Deadlines and accountability
You generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful-death lawsuit under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. If a public entity is responsible — for example, a dangerous condition on a state route or a government vehicle — a written claim must usually be presented within six months under Government Code § 911.2. These deadlines are firm, so it is important to speak with a lawyer before evidence is lost. California's pure comparative fault rule may reduce, but does not eliminate, recovery if the deceased shared some fault.
We handle the investigation — obtaining the collision or incident report, preserving evidence, and consulting appropriate experts — so your family can grieve. Serious incidents in Ventura are often handled at Ventura County Medical Center or Community Memorial Hospital, and those records help establish what happened. We work on contingency, meaning no fee unless we recover, and are prepared to file in Ventura County Superior Court.
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.