San Francisco Wrongful Death Attorneys
Compassionate Support and Proven Advocacy for Grieving Families
Losing a loved one because of another’s wrongful actions is perhaps one of the most traumatic experiences any family can endure. Our legal team would like to extend our sincere condolences.
Since 1980, Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn has stood as a beacon of hope for injured individuals and bereaved families in the Bay Area. Our San Francisco wrongful death attorneys are skilled, knowledgeable, and prepared to fight for your future during this difficult time.
We handle wrongful death claims involving the following matters:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Defective products
- Construction accidents
- Premises liability incidents
- Nursing home abuse or neglect
Why Choose Us
Our firm has won millions of dollars in compensation for families pursuing wrongful death claims. While it is impossible to guarantee the outcome of a case, we have proven time and again that we have the skills necessary to help our clients navigate the claims process and give them a strong fighting chance.
Some of our most notable results in wrongful death claims include:
Contact our San Francisco wrongful death attorneys at (415) 940-7176 or online to learn more about your legal options. Consultations are offered free of charge, and we operate on a "No Recovery, No Fee" basis, meaning our interests are fully aligned with yours.
Overview of Wrongful Death
Wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct of another individual or entity. In California, surviving family members may file a civil lawsuit seeking compensation for the losses they suffered because of the death.
A wrongful death case is separate from any criminal charges that may arise from the same incident. Even if no criminal charges are filed, or if the responsible party is acquitted in criminal court, surviving relatives may still pursue a wrongful death claim in civil court.
California Wrongful Death Laws
California wrongful death laws allow certain surviving family members to recover damages when a loved one dies because of another party’s wrongful conduct. These claims are governed primarily by California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60.
To succeed in a wrongful death lawsuit, the plaintiff generally must prove:
- The defendant acted negligently, recklessly, or wrongfully;
- The defendant’s actions caused the death; and
- Surviving family members suffered damages as a result.
California follows a comparative negligence system. This means compensation may still be available even if the deceased person was partially at fault for the accident. However, any recovery could be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to the decedent.
In most cases, the state imposes a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims. This means surviving family members generally have two years from the date of death to file a lawsuit.
Certain exceptions may apply, especially in cases involving government entities or medical malpractice. Missing the filing deadline could result in losing the right to pursue compensation entirely, making it important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in CA?
California law limits who may bring a wrongful death lawsuit. Typically, the following individuals may have standing to file a claim:
- The surviving spouse
- Domestic partner
- Children of the deceased
If no direct descendants exist, other individuals who would inherit under California intestate succession laws may be eligible to file a claim, including parents or siblings in certain situations.
Additionally, financially dependent individuals may sometimes qualify, such as:
- Putative spouses
- Stepchildren
- Parents who depended on the deceased for support
Determining eligibility can become complicated, particularly in blended families or situations involving multiple claimants. A San Francisco wrongful death lawyer can help identify who may legally pursue damages under California law.
Compensation for Wrongful Death
No amount of money can replace a loved one. However, compensation in a wrongful death claim can help ease the financial burden placed on surviving family members.
Potential damages may include:
Economic Damages
These financial losses may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the fatal injury
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of household services
- Loss of future earnings and benefits
Non-Economic Damages
Families may also recover compensation for emotional and personal losses, including:
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of guidance and support
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional suffering associated with losing a loved one
California law generally does not allow surviving family members to recover damages for their own grief or emotional distress in a wrongful death claim. However, related legal actions may sometimes apply depending on the circumstances.
Proving Liability in a Wrongful Death Case
Wrongful death claims often require extensive investigation and evidence gathering. Insurance companies frequently dispute liability or attempt to minimize payouts, especially in high-value claims.
Evidence commonly used in wrongful death cases includes:
- Accident reports
- Medical records
- Surveillance footage
- Witness testimony
- Expert opinions
- Employment and financial records
- Cell phone or vehicle data
Why Hire a San Francisco Wrongful Death Lawyer?
Wrongful death cases are often emotionally overwhelming and legally complex. Families may face aggressive insurance companies, corporate defendants, or multiple liable parties.
Hiring legal representation can help by:
- Investigating the fatal accident
- Identifying all liable parties
- Calculating full damages
- Handling insurance negotiations
- Filing court documents on time
- Representing your family in litigation if necessary
At Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn, we understand the emotional and financial challenges families experience after a tragic loss. Our legal team is committed to helping clients throughout San Francisco pursue justice and accountability.
To let our firm help you and your family during this difficult time, call (415) 940-7176 or contact us online today.
Real Stories. Real People.
See what our clients have to say
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A knowledgeable and compassionate team, the lawyers at Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn are a true pleasure. And, most importantly, they deliver results; we got the outcome we were after and felt cared for every step of the way. With this team behind you,- Lisa
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- Client of RFTM
I had the pleasure of working with June Bashant, and she truly exceeded all expectations. After my devastating accident, June and her team worked tirelessly on my behalf, leaving no stone unturned to secure the best possible outcome. She is a powerhouse of tenacity and determination, relentlessly pursuing justice with an innovative, out-of-the-box approach that led to life-changing results, including care that will last a lifetime.
From the very start, June’s communication skills were exceptional—she kept me well-informed and supported throughout the entire process. Her professionalism was evident, but it was her genuine compassion and care that made me feel like a priority. She wasn’t just an attorney; she was a fierce advocate, fighting on my behalf every step of the way.
June’s strategic mindset, intelligence, and sheer determination set her apart. She far exceeded my expectations in every area and had a remarkable network of professionals to help with every facet of my case. Her personal touch, combined with her incredible expertise, made me feel confident that I had the best team behind me.
If you’re facing a medical malpractice or personal injury case, June Bashant is the attorney you want in your corner. She is a force to be reckoned with in the legal world—unmatched in her dedication, skill, and drive. Her reputation for delivering powerful, life-altering results speaks for itself. I couldn’t have asked for a more unstoppable attorney.
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Thank you Sir once again! This time for helping my son Leon McDermand attain the services of June Bashant, who he has himself said many times, that she did a magnificent job for him. This is the third family member, including myself, that you and RFTM have helped. Thank you once again Tim, and please thank June and Robert, who helped my Daughter Elena.- Robert
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“I cannot thank you enough for the pure excellence.”- Michelle
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“I am very grateful for all the hard work all the staff did. GREAT STAFF!”- Guadalupe Hernandez
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“I valued the clear communication, prompt replies, and frank interaction.”- Jackie Q.
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“They work tirelessly to uncover the evidence necessary to obtain the very best result for the injured people they represent.”- Heidi Taylor, Law Offices of Heidi Taylor
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“They approach each case with creativity and care.”- Michael J Ney, McNamara, Ney, Beatty, Slattery, Borges & Brothers LLP
