Losing a loved one is never easy, especially when that loss might have been prevented. If you recently lost a loved one because of another person’s negligent or wrongful act, you are not alone. The knowledgeable San Francisco wrongful death attorneys at Alexander Law Group LLP can immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death, gather evidence, and determine your options. They can also pursue a wrongful death claim or lawsuit for compensation.

Why Select Us?

At Alexander Law Group LLP, our compassionate and experienced attorneys can handle every step of the wrongful death claims-filing and litigation processes. Our attorneys are highly experienced and knowledgeable within the greater Santa Clara County legal community, and we are prepared to fight for your rights. Our attorneys have recovered more than $1 billion for our injured clients over the years.
 
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced San Francisco wrongful death lawyer, please call us at (408) 289-1776 or contact us online today.

Our San Francisco office is conveniently located at 1 Sansome St., Ste. 3500, San Francisco, CA 94104. 

How Much is a San Francisco Wrongful Death Case Worth?

In San Francisco, California, a wrongful death claim can be filed when someone dies due to another person’s negligent or wrongful actions. Under California law, certain close family members are allowed to file this type of lawsuit. The people who can file include the deceased person’s spouse, domestic partner, and children. If none of those people are available, others who would inherit under California’s laws—like parents or siblings—may be able to bring the case.

The value of a wrongful death case in California can vary widely. There is no fixed amount. Instead, it depends on several factors, such as the age and health of the deceased person, their income, how much they supported their family, and the emotional and financial impact their death had on surviving family members. Cases involving young parents or main income earners often have higher values. At Alexander Law Group LLP, we can estimate the value based on the facts of the case.

There are two main losses or damages that can be recovered in a California wrongful death claim. The first type is economic damages. These include lost financial support, funeral and burial costs, the value of household services the deceased would have provided, and lost gifts or benefits. The second type is non-economic damages. These cover things like the loss of love, care, comfort, guidance, and companionship that the deceased person would have given their loved ones. California does not place a cap on these damages in most wrongful death cases, except in cases involving medical malpractice.

It’s important to know that California has a strict time limit for filing a wrongful death lawsuit. In most cases, the claim must be filed within two years of the person’s death. Waiting too long can mean losing the right to recover any compensation.

Common Types of Wrongful Death Accidents in San Francisco

In San Francisco, California, wrongful death cases often happen when someone dies because of another person’s careless or negligent actions.

One of the most common causes is motor vehicle accidents. These include car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian crashes. In San Francisco, busy streets, high traffic, and distracted driving can create dangerous situations. If a driver is speeding, texting, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or simply not paying attention, they can cause a fatal collision. When someone dies in such an accident, their family may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Another frequent cause is bicycle accidents. San Francisco is a popular city for cycling, but many drivers fail to share the road safely. If a driver fails to yield, makes a careless turn, or opens a car door into a cyclist’s path, it can lead to deadly results. In cases where a bicyclist dies due to someone else’s negligence, their loved ones may have grounds for a wrongful death case.

Slip and fall accidents can also lead to wrongful death. While these might not seem deadly at first, falls can be fatal, especially for older adults. Property owners in California have a legal duty to keep their premises safe. If they fail to fix hazards like broken stairs, wet floors, or uneven walkways, and someone dies from a fall as a result, the property owner can be held responsible.

Fatal dog attacks or injuries caused by unsafe property conditions are also potential causes of wrongful death. If a property owner or dog owner fails to take proper precautions and their negligence leads to someone’s death, they may face a wrongful death lawsuit.

Each of these situations involves negligence, when someone fails to act reasonably or safely. If that failure causes someone’s death, their surviving family members may be entitled to financial compensation.

Proving the Legal Elements of a San Francisco Wrongful Death Case

To win a wrongful death case in San Francisco, California, the person filing the lawsuit must prove several legal elements. These elements are required under California law and must be shown clearly in court for the family to recover compensation. There are four main parts to proving a wrongful death claim.

• Duty of Care: The first step is showing that the person or company being sued had a legal duty to act with care toward the person who died. For example, drivers have a duty to drive safely and follow traffic laws. Property owners have a duty to keep their buildings safe for visitors. Proving this duty means showing that the person who caused the death had a responsibility to avoid harming others.
• Breach of Duty: Next, you must show that the person or company failed to meet that duty. This means proving they acted carelessly or irresponsibly. For example, a driver who was texting while driving or a business that left a dangerous hazard on the floor may be found to have breached their duty of care.
• Causation: After proving a breach of duty, you must prove that this breach directly caused the death. This can be one of the harder parts of a case. The family must show that the negligent actions were a substantial factor in causing the person’s death. In some cases, expert witnesses, like accident reconstruction specialists, may be needed to prove causation.
• Damages: Finally, the family must prove that they suffered losses because of the death. This can include financial losses like funeral expenses and lost income, as well as emotional losses like loss of companionship or guidance. These losses must be real and measurable.

In California, all four of these elements must be proven by a “preponderance of the evidence,” which means it must be more likely than not that the claims are true. If any part is not proven, the case may not succeed.

Fighting the Insurance Company in a San Francisco Wrongful Death Case

At Alexander Law Group LLP, our skilled San Francisco wrongful death attorneys understand how devastating it is to lose a loved one due to someone else’s negligence. We also know how difficult it can be to face an insurance company that tries to delay, minimize, or deny the compensation your family deserves. That’s why we fight aggressively on your behalf to make sure your rights are protected.

Insurance companies are focused on protecting their profits, not your best interests. They may offer a quick settlement that is far less than what your claim is truly worth. At Alexander Law Group LLP, we won’t let them take advantage of your grief. Our attorneys conduct a full investigation into the wrongful death, gather strong evidence, and work with experts to build a powerful case.

We carefully calculate the full value of your losses, including both economic damages—such as lost income, funeral expenses, and the value of household services—and non-economic damages like loss of companionship and emotional suffering. Our team knows how to present these losses clearly and effectively during negotiations or in court.

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. We are experienced litigators who are not afraid to stand up to powerful companies. We will use every legal tool available to fight for the compensation your family needs to move forward.

When you hire Alexander Law Group LLP, you gain a dedicated legal team that treats your case with the care and attention it deserves. We are here to guide you through every step of the legal process and provide strong, compassionate support. Let our San Francisco wrongful death attorneys fight for justice on your behalf.

What Happens During Wrongful Death Litigation?

Wrongful death litigation in San Francisco begins when a lawsuit is filed in the civil court system. This legal action is usually brought by close family members—such as a spouse, children, or parents—after a loved one dies due to another person’s negligence or misconduct. The claim must be filed within California’s statute of limitations, which is typically two years from the date of death.

Once the lawsuit is filed, the case moves into the discovery phase. This is when both sides exchange evidence and gather information to support their claims. Our attorneys at Alexander Law Group LLP work hard during this stage to collect medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert opinions that help prove who was at fault and what damages you have suffered.

During litigation, we also participate in depositions, where witnesses and parties answer questions under oath. At the same time, we prepare detailed legal arguments, respond to court motions, and keep you informed at every step. Our experienced legal team knows how to build a strong case and protect your rights throughout this process.

In many cases, wrongful death lawsuits are settled before going to trial. We negotiate directly with insurance companies and opposing attorneys to pursue a fair and full settlement. If the other side refuses to take responsibility or offer a reasonable amount, we are fully prepared to take your case to court.

Trial is the final stage of litigation. In a courtroom, our attorneys present evidence, examine witnesses, and argue your case before a judge or jury. At Alexander Law Group LLP, we have decades of trial experience and a strong record of success. We are committed to helping you achieve justice and holding the responsible party accountable. Let us handle the legal battle so your family can focus on healing.

Important Steps to Take in a San Francisco Wrongful Death Case 

If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence in San Francisco, taking the right steps early on is vital to protecting your legal rights. The most important step is to contact the experienced wrongful death attorneys at Alexander Law Group LLP as soon as possible. We can guide you through the legal process and begin building a strong case from the very beginning.

Next, gather any evidence or documents related to the death. This may include police reports, accident scene photos, witness statements, and medical records. The more information you have, the stronger your case can be.

You should also avoid speaking to insurance companies without legal advice. They may try to get you to settle quickly for far less than your case is worth. Let our attorneys handle all communication so you don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing or being pressured into a low offer.

In addition, keep track of all financial losses, such as funeral expenses and lost income, and document how the loss has impacted your family emotionally.

Finally, don’t wait. California law only gives you two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Call Alexander Law Group LLP right away to protect your rights.

Speak to an Experienced San Francisco Wrongful Death Lawyer Right Away

At Alexander Law Group LLP, our experienced and compassionate attorneys are prepared to fight aggressively for your rights, allowing you and your family to obtain justice and compensation.

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable San Francisco wrongful death lawyer, please call us at (408) 289-1776 or contact us online today.