San Bernardino Wrongful Death Lawyer
When a loved one dies, families are often left reeling in the aftermath. Along with the pain of their loss, they may have to deal with practical and financial issues, including medical bills and funeral costs. If you believe that someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing caused your loved one’s death, you need to talk to a highly experienced San Bernardino wrongful death lawyer to help you seek justice and closure.
If you lost a loved one due to another person or entity’s negligence, attorneys William Shapiro, Matthew Shapiro and Brian Shapiro can fight for your family’s rights.
While no amount of compensation could ever replace the loss of a family member, you should not have to suffer unnecessary financial burdens along with your grief. Our skilled wrongful death attorneys offer compassion and care, along with sound legal guidance through every aspect of your legal claim.
Call us now at (909) 890-1000 or fill out a contact form and we will contact you as soon as possible.
William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. is located at 893 E Brier Dr, San Bernardino, CA 92408 near Hospitality Lane at the 10 & 215 freeway interchange, just a few blocks from Costco and Hampton Inn Suites San Bernardino and we serve clients throughout the Inland Empire and California.
Some of Our Wrongful Death Verdicts & Settlements
Our wrongful death law firm has been helping grieving California families for over four decades. These types of cases require the unique set of skills and experience that William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. has. This knowledge gives us an advantage when advocating for families in the community.
While past success does not guarantee future results, you can rest assured knowing that you have a team of experienced litigators with wrongful death litigation experience on your side.
If your spouse, child, sibling, parent or other family member has suffered an injury that resulted in death, our law firm is here to help. We know the local courts, insurers, streets, and opposing counsel that might be a part of your claim. This local presence allows us to provide exceptional legal guidance from the very start.
Recent Review:
“Our office has had the privilege to refer and work on catastrophic and wrongful death personal injury cases with [William D. Shapiro Law, Inc.] Bill Shapiro, Matthew Shapiro and Brian Shapiro truly are an incredible team along with the entire staff at the firm. They are all completely dedicated to personally caring for their clients and providing the best legal services possible for their clients. The results they have obtained are phenomenal. The firm works extremely hard and gives 1000% work effort, are true professionals and courteous to all clients and staff. Whenever our office has a major catastrophic injury case or wrongful death matter we know who to call and who will answer to provide the best personal care and legal services possible and obtain the best results for the clients. Truly an honor to work with and to watch the firm help and care for so many wonderful families. This firm deserves a 10 Star Rating!”
Verified Review from Mattthew S. on Google
Why Choose William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. for a Fatal Accident Claim?
For over four decades, William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. has helped countless Inland Empire families achieve justice and closure. Our law firm is proud to be a part of this community, serving residents who need legal help when a loved one dies due to someone else’s negligence. From the moment you step into our office, you’ll realize why so many families choose our wrongful death lawyers to help them through their toughest times. Our attention to detail and nationally recognized trial and litigation skills have achieved successful results for countless clients.
William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. is a Tier 1 “Best Firm in America” by U.S. News and World Report. For decades we’ve earned an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, a 10 of 10 from Avvo, and the Super Lawyers designation – the highest possible ratings from the most prestigious national rating entities.
We Handle All Wrongful Death Claims Throughout the Inland Empire and Southern California
At William D. Shapiro Law, Inc., our wrongful death lawyers handle many cases in San Bernardino County as well as throughout Southern California. We proudly represent surviving family members seek justice for the loss of a loved one.
What is Considered a “Wrongful Death” Case in California?
In California, wrongful death occurs when someone is killed due to the negligence of another person or entity. California’s wrongful death laws allow certain family members to file a lawsuit against the responsible party to recover damages such as funeral expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.
We must meet the following criteria before filing a wrongful death claim in California:
- The death must have been caused by another person or entity’s negligence or intentional act;
- The surviving family members must have suffered financial damages due to the death;
- There must be someone who can be held liable for the death, such as an employer, driver or car manufacturer.
If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence of another, you may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. An experienced San Bernardino wrongful death attorney at William D. Shapiro Law, Inc., can evaluate your case and help you understand your legal options.
TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE – Call us now at (909) 890-1000
Who Is Legally Allowed to File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
Not just anyone who loved the deceased can bring a wrongful death lawsuit. California Code of Civil Procedure §377.60 specifically defines who has legal standing to file. Understanding where you fall on this list is often the first question an attorney will help you answer.
Those with automatic standing to file include:
- The surviving spouse or registered domestic partner of the deceased;
- The deceased’s children (including legally adopted children);
- If there are no surviving children, the grandchildren of any child of the deceased who has also passed away;
- Anyone entitled to the deceased’s property under California’s intestate succession laws, if no spouse, domestic partner, or children survive.
Others who may qualify under certain circumstances:
- A putative spouse – someone who believed in good faith they were legally married to the deceased, along with that person’s own children;
- Stepchildren or children of a putative spouse, if they can show they were financially dependent on the deceased for at least 50% of their support;
- Parents of the deceased, if there is no surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children;
- The personal representative of the deceased’s estate, who may file on behalf of all eligible heirs collectively.
Because multiple family members often share the right to recover damages, and because compensation is typically divided among them based on their relationship and degree of financial dependency, wrongful death claims can become contentious even within a grieving family. An experienced wrongful death lawyer in San Bernardino can help identify every eligible party, ensure no rightful heir is left out of the claim, and negotiate a fair division of any settlement or verdict.
What Damages Can Families Seek in a Wrongful Death Claim?
When a loved one dies due to the negligent or wrongful actions of another, the family may be able to file a wrongful death claim. If successful, this type of claim can compensate for various damages, including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, loss of companionship, and more.
While no amount of money can truly make up for the loss of a loved one, a successful wrongful death claim can help ease the family’s financial burden and allow them to focus on healing. If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, an experienced wrongful death attorney can help you understand your legal options.
How Much Is My Wrongful Death Claim Worth?
A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil action brought by the surviving family members of a person who has died due to the negligence or intentional acts of another. The goal of a wrongful death lawsuit is to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions and to recover damages for the family.
While every case is unique, the average cost of a wrongful death lawsuit can easily reach millions. However, to ensure that you have the best possible chance of success, it is vital to hire an experienced attorney at William D. Shapiro Law, Inc., with a successful track record in handling these cases. With our help, you can seek the justice you deserve.
Statute of Limitations for a Wrongful Death Claim in California
Under California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1, families generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Once that window closes, California courts will almost always dismiss the claim, regardless of how strong the underlying case is. Waiting to speak with an wrongful death lawyer is one of the costliest mistakes a grieving family can make.
A few important exceptions can shorten or extend this deadline:
- Government defendants: If a public entity — a city, county, school district, or state agency — bears responsibility for the death, California Government Code §911.2 requires a formal claim to be filed within just six months of the date of death, long before the two-year lawsuit deadline even applies.
- Minor beneficiaries: When a surviving heir is a minor, the filing deadline may be tolled until that beneficiary turns 18.
Read our article on the specifics of the statute of limitations and contact us immediately if you are concerned with your matter.
Because these exceptions can dramatically shorten the time you have (especially in cases involving San Bernardino County public entities like Caltrans, a school district, or a municipal bus line), it’s critical to consult a wrongful death attorney in San Bernardino immediately after a loved one’s death.
Get Your Questions Answered Today
Your family deserves justice if you lost someone in an accident because of another person’s negligence. The wrongful death attorneys at William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. can advocate for your family after losing a loved one. Simply call our law firm at (909) 890-1000 now and schedule a FREE CONSULTATION, or fill out our confidential contact form today, and we’ll call you back.
