Wrongful Death in
Santa Monica? They Owe You.
I-10 freeway fatal crashes, Pier-area drownings, Ocean Avenue bluff fall cases, hospital negligence at UCLA Santa Monica or Providence Saint John's — SaMo wrongful death cases require CA's dual family-plus-survival claim approach.
Free Santa Monica Case Review
Same-day response · No fee unless we win
The legal framework — plain language.
California recognizes two related but distinct claims when someone dies from another's negligence: the wrongful death claim (brought by surviving family for their loss) and the survival claim (the estate's claim for what the person could have recovered if they'd lived). We file both where the facts support it. Damages include loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and the decedent's pre-death pain and suffering.
Where it happens in Santa Monica — and how we handle it.
SaMo wrongful death case categories: I-10 freeway fatal crashes at or near the terminus, pedestrian fatalities on Ocean Avenue and Wilshire, drowning cases at hotel pools and the Pier area, hospital-negligence at UCLA Santa Monica Hospital and Providence Saint John's Health Center, and Pier-premises fatal cases.
City of Santa Monica premises wrongful death cases require Government Tort Claims Act notice within 6 months — fatal if missed. We file immediately on intake. UCLA Santa Monica cases involve the Regents of the University of California — state-entity defense; separate procedural considerations.
More context for your case.
Santa Monica questions, answered.
Who can bring a wrongful death claim in Santa Monica?
Usually close family or the estate's representative. The rules on who can file and what can be recovered are specific — we'll walk you through exactly where you stand, with care.
We're still grieving. Isn't it too soon to call a lawyer?
There's no pressure, but deadlines run even during grief, and evidence fades. A single call now protects the family's options. We handle the rest gently.
What does it cost?
Nothing up front. Contingency — no fee unless we win. The first conversation is free.
How long do we have to act?
California sets a firm deadline. Call us when you're ready and we'll quietly make sure nothing is lost while your family grieves.
Tell us what happened.
Free case review. We respond same day. No fee unless we win.
The clock started the day you were hurt.
California gives you two years for most wrongful death cases. The sooner we open your file, the more evidence we preserve in Santa Monica.