Losing a loved one unexpectedly is one of life’s hardest experiences. When that loss happens because of someone else’s negligence, the grief can be overwhelming and the financial impact immediate.
At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we help families across San Diego seek accountability and financial recovery after a wrongful death.
A San Diego wrongful death attorney from our firm can handle the legal burden so you can focus on healing. We assist clients who’ve lost loved ones due to:
- Car, truck, or motorcycle crashes
- Pedestrian or bicycle accidents
- Dangerous property conditions or slip-and-falls
- Defective vehicles or equipment
- Fatal dog attacks or boating accidents
We understand that no amount of compensation can replace what you’ve lost—but a successful wrongful death claim can provide stability and justice for your family’s future. Call (619) 864-7101 to schedule a free consultation. We’re here to listen, explain your rights, and take legal action when negligence leads to tragedy.
Table of contents
- Why Choose Harris Personal Injury Lawyers
- Local Knowledge That Strengthens Your Case
- Comprehensive Legal Support for Families
- Free Consultations and Contingency-Based Fees
- Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
- Helping Families Navigate Emotional and Financial Loss
- Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California
- Damages Recoverable in a Wrongful Death Case
- How Negligence and Liability Are Proven
- Statute of Limitations and Why Acting Quickly Matters
- Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Cases
- Looking for a San Diego Wrongful Death Attorney?
Why Choose Harris Personal Injury Lawyers
When your family is dealing with a wrongful death, you need more than legal guidance—you need compassion, communication, and trust. Harris Personal Injury Lawyers provides personalized representation designed to reduce stress while protecting your rights.
What sets our firm apart:
- Dedicated support: You’ll work directly with an attorney who understands wrongful death law and the emotional challenges involved.
- Experience with complex cases: We’ve represented families in fatal auto, premises, and dog bite cases throughout California.
- Clear communication: We explain each step, from investigation to settlement discussions.
- No upfront fees: You pay nothing unless we secure compensation.
A San Diego wrongful death attorney from our firm investigates your case carefully, working with experts to determine liability, quantify losses, and pursue the justice your loved one deserves. Our focus is on giving you the clarity and peace of mind to move forward.
Local Knowledge That Strengthens Your Case
Wrongful deaths can occur anywhere in San Diego—from a fatal crash on I-5 to an accident at a construction site in Mission Valley. Understanding local laws, courts, and resources is key to building a strong case.
Harris Personal Injury Lawyers has deep roots in the San Diego community and experience handling cases throughout the county.
We’re familiar with the agencies, investigators, and experts needed to support your claim. This includes:
- Accessing police and medical examiner reports
- Collaborating with accident reconstruction specialists
- Consulting with local medical professionals and financial experts
- Filing all claims within California’s statute of limitations
Because our attorneys live and work here, we know the nuances of local courts and insurance carriers. A San Diego wrongful death attorney from our team uses this insight to pursue your case efficiently and effectively, helping your family obtain justice with professionalism and care.
Comprehensive Legal Support for Families
Managing a wrongful death claim involves more than paperwork—it requires compassion, strategy, and persistence. Our attorneys handle every aspect of your case so your family can focus on emotional recovery.
Here’s what we do for you:
- Investigate the cause of death through records, witnesses, and expert analysis.
- Identify liable parties, whether individuals, businesses, or government entities.
- Document financial and emotional losses, including lost income and companionship.
- Negotiate with insurance companies to pursue fair compensation.
- Litigate when necessary if insurers refuse to settle in good faith.
Your San Diego wrongful death attorney acts as both advocate and advisor, guiding your family through each step of the process. We take pride in providing compassionate communication and skilled representation to help you rebuild after unimaginable loss.
Free Consultations and Contingency-Based Fees
At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we know financial stress can add to emotional pain. That’s why we offer free consultations and handle all wrongful death claims on a contingency-fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win compensation for your family.
During your consultation, we will:
- Listen to your story and answer your questions.
- Review available evidence and determine if negligence caused the loss.
- Explain who may file a claim under California law.
- Outline what damages may be recoverable, including funeral costs and loss of future income.
We believe every grieving family deserves justice, regardless of financial standing. If your loved one’s death was preventable, a San Diego wrongful death attorney can stand by your side and fight for the accountability your family deserves. Call (619) 864-7101 today to speak with our compassionate legal team.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
Every wrongful death case is different, but they all share one thing in common—someone’s preventable negligence led to the loss of life. At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we have experience representing families across a wide range of fatal accident scenarios throughout San Diego County.
Our firm regularly handles claims involving:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents caused by reckless or distracted drivers.
- Pedestrian and bicycle fatalities on busy roads or intersections.
- Rideshare and commercial vehicle crashes involving Uber, Lyft, or delivery services.
- Premises liability cases, such as fatal slip-and-fall incidents or unsafe property conditions.
- Dog attacks and animal-related injuries resulting in death.
- Boating and watercraft accidents off Mission Bay or the San Diego Harbor.
We investigate every case with the goal of uncovering truth and accountability. A San Diego wrongful death attorney works closely with law enforcement, medical professionals, and financial experts to determine liability and evaluate damages. By building a complete, evidence-based claim, our team ensures your family’s voice is heard and your loved one’s story is told with dignity and care.
Helping Families Navigate Emotional and Financial Loss
When a loved one dies unexpectedly, the aftermath affects every part of life. Emotional pain often mixes with financial uncertainty, especially if the deceased was a family’s primary provider. At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand this dual challenge and provide both practical guidance and compassionate support.
Our attorneys help families recover compensation for:
- Lost income and future financial support that the deceased would have provided.
- Medical and funeral expenses associated with the death.
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and care.
- Emotional suffering that accompanies a sudden, preventable loss.
We also ensure that surviving spouses, children, and dependents understand their rights under California’s wrongful death statutes. A San Diego wrongful death attorney can file claims on behalf of eligible family members and pursue fair compensation through negotiation or litigation.
While no amount of money can replace a life, financial recovery provides stability, closure, and the means to move forward. Our role is to make sure your family is supported—legally, emotionally, and financially—throughout the process.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California
In California, not everyone can file a wrongful death lawsuit. The law limits who has legal standing to bring a claim, and understanding those rules early ensures your case moves forward correctly. A San Diego wrongful death attorney can confirm eligibility and help your family act within the legal window.
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, the following individuals generally have the right to file a wrongful death claim:
- Spouses and domestic partners of the deceased
- Children (including adopted or stepchildren who relied on the deceased for support)
- Grandchildren, if the deceased’s children are no longer living
- Other dependents, such as parents or siblings, if they relied on the deceased financially
In some cases, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate may also file the claim on behalf of eligible family members.
Your personal injury attorney will help determine who qualifies, gather the necessary documents (such as death certificates and financial records), and ensure that all beneficiaries are represented fairly. By acting quickly, families can avoid disputes and meet the two-year filing deadline for wrongful death lawsuits in California.
Damages Recoverable in a Wrongful Death Case
A wrongful death claim seeks to compensate surviving family members for both economic and non-economic losses. While no amount of money can undo the loss, these damages provide financial stability and a measure of justice for the harm caused.
Economic damages may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills incurred before death
- Loss of income and future earning potential
- Loss of household services and benefits
Non-economic damages compensate for:
- Emotional suffering and grief
- Loss of companionship, care, and moral support
- Loss of guidance for children or dependents
A San Diego wrongful death attorney works closely with financial experts to calculate the full value of your claim. This includes evaluating your loved one’s earning history, life expectancy, and the financial contributions they provided to the family.
While some losses are easier to measure, emotional damages require careful presentation. We take the time to tell your loved one’s story, ensuring the full impact of their loss is understood by insurers or a jury.
How Negligence and Liability Are Proven
Proving a wrongful death case requires establishing that another party’s negligence directly caused the fatal incident. California law requires four elements to hold a defendant responsible:
- Duty of care: The defendant had a legal obligation to act reasonably and avoid causing harm.
- Breach of duty: The defendant failed to meet that obligation, such as a driver texting while driving or a business ignoring safety codes.
- Causation: The breach directly led to the victim’s death.
- Damages: The surviving family suffered measurable losses as a result.
To prove these elements, your San Diego wrongful death attorney gathers:
- Police and medical examiner reports
- Expert testimony (accident reconstructionists, engineers, or medical professionals)
- Witness statements and video footage
- Financial records and dependency documentation
Liability may rest with an individual, company, or even a government agency. By thoroughly investigating all potential defendants, Harris Personal Injury Lawyers ensures no avenue of recovery is left unexplored.
Statute of Limitations and Why Acting Quickly Matters
Time limits are strict in wrongful death claims. In California, families generally have two years from the date of death to file a lawsuit.
If the case involves a government entity—such as a city bus accident or public property incident—the window shortens to six months for an administrative claim.
Acting promptly allows your San Diego wrongful death attorney to:
- Preserve critical evidence before it’s lost or destroyed
- Contact witnesses while memories remain fresh
- Secure surveillance footage or public records
- Prevent procedural errors that could affect eligibility
Missing these deadlines can permanently bar recovery. Early legal involvement also gives families more control over the timeline and strategy of their case. Even if you’re unsure whether negligence occurred, consulting an attorney soon after the loss ensures your rights remain fully protected.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Cases
What qualifies as a wrongful death?
Any death caused by another person’s negligent, reckless, or intentional act may qualify—for example, a fatal car crash, unsafe property condition, or dog attack.
Can multiple family members file claims?
Yes. Eligible relatives often join together in a single wrongful death lawsuit to ensure compensation is distributed fairly.
What if the victim was partially at fault?
California’s comparative negligence rule may reduce compensation but doesn’t eliminate it. Your lawyer will work to minimize any assigned fault.
How long does a wrongful death case take?
Timelines vary based on complexity, but most cases take several months to more than a year. Your attorney will update you regularly throughout the process.
Do I have to go to court?
Many cases settle through negotiation, but if insurers refuse to pay fairly, Harris Personal Injury Lawyers is prepared to litigate to protect your family’s rights.
Looking for a San Diego Wrongful Death Attorney?
Your family deserves accountability, closure, and the financial stability to move forward after an unimaginable loss. The attorneys at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers stand beside you through every stage of the legal process—investigating, negotiating, and, when needed, fighting in court.
We’ve helped families across San Diego recover after fatal car accidents, construction incidents, and other preventable tragedies. Our approach combines legal precision with compassion and respect for your grief.
Call (619) 864-7101 today for a free, confidential consultation with a San Diego wrongful death attorney. You’ll pay no fees unless we recover compensation for your family. Let us help you find justice for your loved one and the peace of mind you deserve.
Schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation by calling us at (619) 864-7101.