Beverly Hills Wrongful Death Lawyer

Why Choose Seber Bulger Law for Wrongful Death in Beverly Hills, CA?

Local Knowledge of California Courts

Jonathan Seber and Jim Bulger handle wrongful death cases throughout Beverly Hills and greater Los Angeles. Both attorneys are admitted to the State Bar of California and the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Jim also holds bar admissions in New York and federal courts in both states, giving him perspective from multiple jurisdictions.

Jonathan earned his Juris Doctorate from Fordham University School of Law in New York City after completing his undergraduate degree in International Studies and Political Science at the University of Miami. Jim obtained his law degree from Fordham as well, following a BA in English from Boston University in 1997. The firm has six years of experience representing families in wrongful death matters.

If your family needs a personal injury lawyer in Beverly Hills, CA, we are here to help.

Proven Results for Grieving Families

Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for clients across California. Jim secured a $4 million settlement in a medical malpractice case and a $1.6 million settlement in a student sex abuse case. These results reflect our commitment to holding negligent parties accountable.

Jonathan was named a Super Lawyers “Rising Star” in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. He’s also been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 under 40. Jim has been named a Super Lawyer from 2019 to present. Both attorneys are members of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA).

Thorough Case Investigation

Wrongful death cases require substantial evidence to prove liability and damages. We work with accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and financial analysts to build a strong case. Our attorneys obtain police reports, medical records, employment documentation, and witness statements. We also identify all potentially liable parties, which may include individuals, corporations, government entities, or insurance companies. This thorough approach positions families to recover maximum compensation.

No Fees Unless We Win

We handle Beverly Hills wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront and owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your family. This allows grieving families to pursue justice without financial risk.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Jim Bulger went above and beyond. My case was handled with supreme diligence, clarity, and grace. The communication was absolutely stellar; I never felt in the dark about anything. I felt so well taken care of and truly at peace to know my case would be resolved. To work with this law firm is to know that you will be treated with the dignity and the respect you deserve. My gratitude for them is infinite.” – Denise Wesch

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Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle in Beverly Hills

We represent families in Beverly Hills wrongful death claims arising from various circumstances. Here are some common types:

• Car accidents. Fatal collisions caused by drunk driving, distracted driving, speeding, or running red lights. We investigate the crash, identify all liable parties, and pursue full compensation for families.

• Truck accidents. Commercial truck crashes often cause catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles. We know how to pursue claims against trucking companies, not just drivers.

• Motorcycle accidents. Riders face unique dangers on California roads. When negligent drivers cause fatal motorcycle crashes, families deserve attorneys who understand the complexities involved.

• Pedestrian accidents. Beverly Hills sees significant foot traffic. Drivers who strike and kill pedestrians must be held accountable, whether the collision happens in a crosswalk, parking lot, or residential street.

• Medical malpractice. When healthcare providers fail to meet the standard of care and a patient dies as a result, surviving family members may have a wrongful death claim. These cases require understanding both medicine and law.

• Nursing home neglect. Elder abuse and neglect in care facilities can lead to fatal injuries, infections, or untreated medical conditions. We investigate facilities and pursue claims against negligent caregivers and administrators.

California Legal Requirements for Wrongful Death Claims

California law governs who can file a wrongful death lawsuit and the timeframe for doing so. Understanding these rules matters if you’re considering a claim.

Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, only certain people can bring a wrongful death action. The deceased person’s surviving spouse or domestic partner can file. So can surviving children. If there’s no surviving spouse or children, the right to file passes to anyone who would inherit the deceased’s property under California intestate succession laws.

The statute of limitations in California gives families two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in most circumstances. Medical malpractice cases have different rules. Missing this deadline typically bars your claim entirely, which is why families should speak with a wrongful death attorney in Beverly Hills as soon as possible.

California follows a pure comparative negligence standard. This means even if the deceased person shared some fault for the accident, surviving family members can still recover damages. The compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the deceased. If your loved one was 20% at fault and total damages are $1 million, the family would recover $800,000.

California also recognizes a separate cause of action called a survival action under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.30. While a wrongful death claim compensates surviving family members for their losses, a survival action recovers damages the deceased person could have claimed if they had lived. This includes medical expenses incurred before death, lost wages from the date of injury to the date of death, and pain and suffering the deceased experienced. The two claims are often filed together but serve different purposes. A Beverly Hills wrongful death attorney can evaluate whether both claims apply in your situation.

What Damages Are Recoverable in Beverly Hills Wrongful Death Cases?

California law allows surviving family members to recover both economic and non-economic damages in wrongful death claims. The goal is to compensate for the losses caused by your loved one’s death.

Economic damages cover financial losses you can calculate with documentation. These include funeral and burial expenses, which can easily run $10,000 to $20,000 or more in the Los Angeles area. Lost income matters significantly if the deceased was a primary breadwinner. Courts consider what the person would have earned over their working lifetime, including raises, promotions, and benefits. Families also recover the value of household services the deceased provided, from childcare to home maintenance.

The Civil Jury Instructions Resource Center maintained by the Judicial Council of California provides guidelines on how juries should calculate these damages. Loss of financial support, gifts, and household contributions all factor into the calculation.

Non-economic damages compensate for losses that don’t have a receipt. Loss of love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection, society, and moral support. Loss of the enjoyment of sexual relations for a surviving spouse. Loss of training and guidance for surviving children. These damages recognize that a family’s loss extends far beyond money.

California does not cap non-economic damages in most wrongful death cases. Medical malpractice claims had been subject to a $250,000 cap under MICRA, but recent changes raised that cap significantly for wrongful death cases. It increases to $500,000 in 2024 and eventually reaches $1 million.

Punitive damages are available in limited circumstances when the defendant’s conduct was especially egregious. If the person responsible for your loved one’s death acted with malice, oppression, or fraud, punitive damages may apply. These damages punish wrongdoing and deter similar conduct.

Contact Seber Bulger Law

Holding negligent parties accountable matters for your family’s financial security and for preventing similar incidents from occurring to others. Our wrongful death attorneys in Beverly Hills offer free consultations with no obligation.

We work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your family. We respond promptly and treat every client with the respect they deserve.

Contact us to discuss your wrongful death case.

What Steps Should I Take After a Wrongful Death

The days and weeks following a loved one’s death are overwhelming. Grief makes it difficult to think about legal matters. But certain steps can protect your family’s ability to pursue a wrongful death claim in Beverly Hills.

1. Obtain a death certificate. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issues death certificates. You will need multiple certified copies for insurance claims, probate proceedings, and legal filings. Request at least five to ten copies.

2. Request the autopsy report. If the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy, request the full report. This document establishes cause of death and can be critical evidence in your wrongful death case. The Medical Examiner’s office provides copies to next of kin.

3. Preserve all evidence. Do not discard anything related to the incident. Photographs, clothing, medical records, correspondence with insurance companies, and communications with witnesses should all be kept safe. Evidence deteriorates over time, so preserving it early strengthens your case.

4. Document the scene if possible. If the death resulted from a car accident or premises incident, photographs of the location matter. Road conditions, signage, lighting, and property hazards should be documented before changes occur.

5. Gather medical records. Obtain complete records from every healthcare provider who treated your loved one, whether the treatment related to the fatal incident or not. Prior medical history becomes relevant in many wrongful death cases.

6. Collect employment and financial records. Lost income claims require documentation of earnings, benefits, and future earning potential. Pay stubs, tax returns, and employment contracts all support these claims.

7. Identify witnesses. Anyone who saw what happened, treated your loved one, or has information about the responsible party should be identified. Names, contact information, and a brief description of what they know should be recorded.

8. Do not speak with insurance companies alone. Insurers contact families quickly after fatal incidents. They may seem sympathetic, but their goal is to minimize payouts. Politely decline to give recorded statements until you have spoken with a wrongful death attorney in Beverly Hills.

9. Contact law enforcement for reports. Police reports, traffic collision reports, and investigation files provide official documentation of what occurred. Request copies from the appropriate agency.

10. Consult with a wrongful death lawyer. California’s two-year statute of limitations begins running at the date of death. While you do not need to rush, consulting with an attorney within the first few months allows time for proper investigation and evidence preservation.

Wrongful Death Statistics in Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills sits within Los Angeles County, which consistently reports some of the highest traffic fatality numbers in California. Understanding these statistics provides context for the risks residents and visitors face.

According to data from the California Office of Traffic Safety, California experienced 4,061 traffic fatalities in 2023. This represented nearly an 11% decrease from the 4,539 deaths recorded in 2022. Pedestrian deaths accounted for approximately 1,106 of those fatalities statewide.

Los Angeles County specifically recorded over 58,000 crashes involving death or injury in 2024. The county saw 653 traffic-related fatalities that year. Within the City of Los Angeles, 302 traffic deaths occurred in 2024, including 170 pedestrian fatalities. Traffic deaths in Los Angeles have exceeded homicides for two consecutive years.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that California had the largest reduction in traffic fatalities of any state in 2023, with 478 fewer deaths than the prior year. Nationwide, 40,901 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2023.

Alcohol-impaired driving remains a significant factor. California recorded 1,355 alcohol-involved crash fatalities in 2023, representing roughly 30% of all traffic deaths in the state. Speeding-related crashes also contribute heavily to the death toll.

Beyond traffic incidents, wrongful deaths in Los Angeles County arise from medical malpractice, workplace accidents, defective products, and premises liability incidents. Nursing home abuse and elder neglect also result in preventable deaths. Each of these circumstances may give rise to a wrongful death claim if negligence caused or contributed to the death.

Beverly Hills Wrongful Death Lawyer FAQs

How much does a wrongful death lawyer cost?

We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront costs. Attorney fees are calculated as a percentage of the compensation recovered. If we do not recover compensation, you owe nothing.

How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in California?

California law provides a two-year statute of limitations from the date of death. Missing this deadline typically bars your claim. Some exceptions exist for cases involving government entities or medical malpractice, which have shorter notice periods.

Who can file a wrongful death claim in California?

The surviving spouse or domestic partner, surviving children, and anyone entitled to inherit under intestate succession laws can file. In certain circumstances, other dependents may also have standing. California law outlines who can file claims and under what conditions.

What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action?

A wrongful death claim compensates surviving family members for their losses. A survival action recovers damages the deceased could have claimed if they survived, including medical bills and pain and suffering before death.

How much is a wrongful death case worth?

Value depends on many factors: the deceased’s age, earning capacity, the nature of family relationships, circumstances of death, and available insurance coverage. There is no standard formula.

Can I file a wrongful death claim if the responsible person faces criminal charges?

Yes. Civil and criminal cases are separate. A criminal conviction is not required for a civil recovery. The burden of proof differs between the two systems.

What damages can I recover in a wrongful death case?

Economic damages include funeral costs, lost income, and medical bills incurred before death. Non-economic damages cover loss of companionship, love, guidance, and consortium. Punitive damages may apply in egregious cases.

How long does a wrongful death case take to resolve?

Timelines vary significantly. Some cases settle within months. Complex litigation involving multiple defendants can take several years. Much depends on the specific circumstances.

Do I need to prove the defendant intended to cause death?

No. Most wrongful death cases are based on negligence, not intent. You must prove the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused the death through that breach.

What if my loved one was partially at fault for the accident?

California’s pure comparative negligence rule allows recovery even if the deceased shared fault. Your compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to your loved one.

Can I sue a government entity for wrongful death?

Yes, but strict procedural rules apply. Claims against government agencies require filing an administrative claim within six months of the incident before a lawsuit can proceed.

Will I have to go to trial?

Most wrongful death cases settle before trial. However, we prepare every case for trial because insurance companies settle more fairly when they know we will litigate if necessary.

What if the at-fault party has no insurance?

Uninsured defendants complicate recovery but do not eliminate options. Your own underinsured motorist coverage may apply. We can also investigate whether other parties share liability.

Should I talk to the other party’s insurance company?

Not without an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Statements you make can be used against you. Let your lawyer handle all communications.

How do I know if I have a valid wrongful death case?

If someone’s negligence or wrongful conduct caused your loved one’s death, you likely have a claim. The best way to know for certain is to consult with a wrongful death attorney who can evaluate the facts.

What to Expect With Your Wrongful Death Case

Most families have never been through litigation before. Knowing what lies ahead is important as you prepare for your case.

We start by investigating your case. This means gathering police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any other documentation relevant to how your loved one died. We identify who may be legally responsible. This phase might last a few weeks, or it could stretch to several months if the facts are complicated. We will work with you to collect information about your family member’s employment, income, medical history, and relationships.

Once we understand the case, we put together a demand package and send it to the at-fault party’s insurance company. The package lays out what happened, why the other side is liable, and what compensation your family is seeking. Many cases settle at this stage without ever going to court.

If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, we file suit. The next stage is the discovery phase. Both sides request documents from each other, depositions occur, and witnesses answer questions under oath. Discovery alone can take a year or sometimes longer in complex wrongful death litigation. 

Before trial, most courts in Los Angeles County require mediation. In mediation, you sit down with a neutral third party who tries to help both sides reach an agreement. 

If mediation doesn’t work, we go to trial. A jury listens to evidence, decides whether the defendant is liable, and if so, determines damages. Trials usually last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. And even after a verdict, the losing side can appeal. We keep you updated on your case throughout.

Important Local Resources for Beverly Hills Wrongful Death

Here is a list of local and state resources that may be useful to you during your case.

• Beverly Hills Police Department, 464 N. Rexford Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210, (310) 550-4951

• Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, 1104 N. Mission Road, Los Angeles, CA 90033, (323) 343-0512

• Los Angeles County District Attorney Victim Services, (800) 380-3811

• California Victim Compensation Board, (800) 777-9229

• California State Services for Victims of Crime, (800) 777-9229

• Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Vital Records, 313 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90012, (213) 240-7816

Disclaimer: Listing these agencies does not mean Seber Bulger Law endorses or is affiliated with them. We provide this information as a starting point for families who need assistance.