Wrongful Death Attorney

Vacaville Wrongful Death Lawyer

Fighting For Those Who Have Lost Loved Ones Due to Negligence in California

When someone you love dies unexpectedly due to the carelessness or negligence of another person, your world will be turned upside down as you attempt to deal with your tragic loss. Further complicating matters is that you will also be forced into dealing with financial, legal, and law enforcement matters while attempting to bring comfort to yourself and your family.

While nothing can bring a loved one back, when another person’s thoughtless and reckless actions result in the loss of someone you love, you do have recourse to seek compensation for your loss by filing a wrongful death claim. It is well within your rights to be paid for your pain and suffering, the loss of companionship, medical and funeral expenses and other related financial impacts that you may be facing.

Our Vacaville Wrongful Death Lawyers (The Cartwright Law Firm) have been helping families work through this type of tragic loss for many years, and have developed a well-earned reputation for being compassionate partners in a time of need. Helping a family heal during an emotionally fragile time is balanced by our aggressive pursuit of compensation on behalf of those who have been affected by the loss of a loved one.

Call us today at (707) 606-0955 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our wrongful death attorney in Vacaville.

Who Is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

Only certain individuals are legally allowed to bring a wrongful death lawsuit:
  • Surviving partner of the deceased
  • Children of the deceased
  • Grandchildren, if the deceased’s children are also deceased
If none of the above existed, anyone entitled to inherit under California’s intestate succession laws, such as parents or siblings, would be entitled to inherit.
Financial dependents of the deceased, including stepchildren, putative spouses (someone who believed in good faith they were married to the deceased), or parents, if they relied on the deceased for financial support

What Damages Are Available in a Wrongful Death Claim?

Damages in California wrongful death cases are divided into economic and non-economic losses:

Economic Damages

  • Financial support the deceased would have contributed
  • Loss of benefits or gifts the heirs would have received
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Value of household services the deceased would have delivered

Non-Economic Damages

  • Loss of companionship, love, affection, guidance, and moral support
  • Loss of intimacy for a surviving partner
  • Loss of care, training, and guidance for children
Importantly, California does not allow recovery for the deceased’s pain and suffering or punitive damages in a wrongful death claim. However, punitive damages may be available in a related survival action.

FAQs About Wrongful Death 

What is the statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim in California?

Family members generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in California. Filing within this period preserves your ability to pursue your case in court.

Do wrongful death settlements face taxes?

Most wrongful death settlements are not subject to federal income tax. However, portions of a settlement, such as punitive damages or interest, can be taxed, depending on the specifics of the recovery.

Can multiple family members be part of the same case?

California law requires all eligible family members to join together in a single wrongful death claim. This approach streamlines proceedings by presenting a unified case before the court.

Contact Our Wrongful Death Lawyer in Vacaville Today

Our Vacaville Wrongful Death Lawyers are experts in all facets of wrongful death cases. We are diligent and thorough when it comes to gathering evidence, reconstructing accidents, working with medical and forensic experts, communicating and negotiating with insurance companies and law firms, and trying cases in front of a judge and jury when a situation warrants it.

The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc. is backed by over 70 years of experience, and we are recognized as one of Northern California’s leading wrongful death litigation firms. We take pride in our success, but we are just as proud of how we treat our clients, protecting their rights and helping them to regain a sense of normalcy in their lives while we work through difficult legal situations on their behalf.

If your family has been the victim of a wrongful death, contact The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc. for a free consultation today. Our Vacaville Wrongful Death Lawyer represents clients throughout the greater Bay Area with offices in Vacaville, San Francisco, Discovery Bay, and Santa Rosa.

Contact us today to get started with our Vacaville wrongful death attorney.

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  • American Board of Trial Advocates

Our Settlements & Verdicts

Results That Speak For Themselves

"Our successful case results are a true reflection of the values and virtues we believe in and uphold at Cartwright Law Firm. Nothing stops us from pursuing justice on behalf of those who most need it." - Robert E. Cartwright Jr. (Founder and Managing Partner)

  • $4,800,000,000 $4.8 Billion | Vioxx Litigation Heart Attack and Stroke

    The Cartwright Law Firm (TCLF) helped broker the biggest settlement in the history of drug litigation for as many as 20,000 plaintiffs nationwide that were injured or killed after ingesting Vioxx, an anti-inflammatory medication that was made and marketed by Merck.

  • $12,000,000 $12 Million | Deck Collapse

    Plaintiff fractured her femur when a deck upon which she was standing collapsed injuring her, as well as numerous other persons and killing one person. Combined judgment for all plaintiffs was in excess of $12 million.

  • $9,000,000 $9 Million | Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

    Multiple flight attendants sued multiple manufacturers in connection with hand, wrist and arm injuries, primarily carpal tunnel syndrome, related to these food and beverage carts manufactured by a German manufacturer.

Meet Our Team

Powerful Advocacy for Over 70 Years in Northern California

Our Satisfied Clients

Get The Justice You Deserve
    “I would recommend them to anyone who needs an attorney!”
    - Mariem R.
    “Absolute best decision I made after my accident was hiring the Cartwright law firm.”
    - Jeff Z.
    “Robert Cartwright, Andrew Ratto and the entire Cartwright team went above and beyond to make sure they left no stone unturned.”
    - Julie Z.
    “They are incredibly compassionate, always focused listening and treating their clients with respect.”
    - Sanjit M.
    “David, my attorney was very professional, made things easy to understand!”
    - Kaiona R.
    “It was a great pleasure to work with the attorneys at The Cartwright Law Firm!”
    - E. Quintero O.
    “I would highly recommend their professional legal services!”
    - John B.
    “Their skills negotiating the settlement were impressive to say the least!”
    - William A.
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