Contra Costa County Wrongful Death Attorneys
Compassionate Support for Grieving Families
Losing a loved one is an unimaginable tragedy, and when it's a result of someone else's negligence or wrongful act, the pain can be even more profound. At Law Office of Daniel Horowitz, our wrongful death lawyers in Contra Costa County understand that no amount of compensation can make up for your loss. However, we also believe in seeking justice and helping families seek the support they need.
After suffering wrongful death, family members may be able to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses incurred prior to the loved one's passing
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of the deceased's expected earnings
- Loss of benefits (e.g., medical insurance, pension plans)
- Pain and suffering or mental anguish to the survivors
- Loss of consortium, love, and companionship
In the wake of losing a loved one, moving forward can feel impossible. You are not alone in this; our law firm is committed to helping clients hold those responsible for the death of their loved ones responsible for their actions. We are just a phone call away.
Need compassionate legal support? Call us at (925) 291-5388 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
California law is particular about who can bring a wrongful death claim. Understanding these laws can be critical to having your case heard, and knowing whether you have the right to bring a claim can define the path forward in seeking reparations for your loved one's death.
Eligibility to file a wrongful death claim extends to:
- The deceased's spouse, domestic partner, children, or the nearest kin;
- Dependent individuals, including putative (assumed or "good faith") spouses, stepchildren, and parents; or
- Any minor who lived with for at least 180 days before the death and who depended on the decedent for at least 50% of their support needs.
What Constitutes a Wrongful Death in California?
Wrongful death occurs when a person's death results from a wrongful act, neglect, or breach of duty by another, under circumstances where the deceased could have pursued legal action had they survived. Such claims can stem from various circumstances, including medical malpractice, occupational hazards, or criminal acts.
To make a case, specific legal criteria must be met:
- Proof of a death caused by negligence or intention to harm,
- Documentation of financial loss by the survivors, and
- The appointment of a personal representative for the deceased's estate is established.
Before pursuing a wrongful death case, there are some key things to know. Namely, wrongful death cases are civil cases (not criminal) in which a "preponderance of the evidence" rather than "proof beyond a reasonable doubt" must be demonstrated to be successful.
Additionally, California sets a statute of limitations at two years for wrongful death claims. Generally, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim in California starts either at the point when the cause of death is known or when it reasonably should have been known.
Client Testimonials
Contra Costa County Location - National Reputation for Excellence
-
I can not say enough about Mr. Horowitz and his staff. Brook was amazing to myself and my family. My case was very unique. He believed in me and listened to what I had to say. I highly recommend him and his staff. Yvett Bline- Yvett Bline
-
Dan Horowitz handled my complex business issue with magnanimity, compassion, care, promptness, and utmost professionalism. I'm an Attorney and would highly recommend him to other professionals (and others alike) because he's the very BEST at what he does and has an uncanny knack at finding unique resolutions with unparalleled speed and efficiency. What is quite outatanding is that he treats each client with kindness and compassion as if a family member- Lovely K.
-
I cannot express enough gratitude for the outstanding legal services provided by Daniel Horowitz. He not only possesses an in-depth understanding of the law but also demonstrated a genuine commitment to me. He took the time to listen attentively to my concerns, providing clear and concise explanations of the legal processes involved in my case. He made me feel heard and supported during this tumultuous time. What impressed me most was his unwavering dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for me. The attention to detail and strategic approach to my case were evident at every stage. I am eternally grateful towards Daniel for what he has done for me and I wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone seeking legal representation. Thank you Dan- Kento T.
-
Daniel and his team did an excellent job. He was always readily available to take my call and provided peace of mind through a stressful situation.- Reid V.
-
My experience with Dan was great. I appreciate the knowledge Dan has and the professionalism they exhibit. I would highly recommend the Law Office Of Daniel Horowitz. My family and I are truly grateful we worked with him.- Brandon D.
-
There are lawyers and then there are real lawyers. Dan Horowitz is a real lawyer in every since of the word. Dan is a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law. You will not find very many attorneys having such recognition especially one that hits on all cylinders as Dan. In addition to his knowledge of the law and his experience, which I found to be unmatched, i appreciated the fact that he at all times is genuine, which for me says it all. Thank you Dan.- Cory N.
-
“The Best Attorney I Could Have Asked For.”- Katherine Ryken
-
Dan Horowitz was the best attorney I could have asked for during a difficult time in my career. From the moment I met him, I felt believed, respected, and safe. He and his team were endlessly responsive and empathetic to me and my family. He fought for my case day and night, always keeping my best interests at the forefront of his mind. As I learned from Dan, it is never a good time in one’s life to need legal representation - but if you need it, Dan is your person, your advocate, and your best friend. We are forever grateful for his tireless commitment to justice for the people.- Katherine R.