In California, only certain family members are eligible to file a wrongful death claim. The law identifies these primary groups because they are typically the people who suffered the greatest financial and emotional loss from the death.
If none of the above individuals survive the deceased, others, such as the deceased person's parents or siblings, may have the right to file wrongful death claims.
In California, wrongful death claims generally must be filed within two years of the date of your loved one’s death. However, in certain situations, such as claims involving medical malpractice or a government agency, the deadline can be much shorter.
Because these time limits can vary, it’s important to contact a wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible. Acting promptly ensures your claim is filed before the deadline and avoids losing the ability to recover compensation.
At The Werner Law Firm, helping families through difficult legal situations has been our focus for decades. Since 1975, our firm has worked with families across Southern California, building systems and processes designed to make complicated legal matters more manageable and easier to understand.
What sets our firm apart in wrongful death cases is that we do not only focus on the claim itself. Because these cases often intersect with probate, estate administration, and the distribution of assets, we help families address everything connected to their loss in one place. This allows for a more coordinated approach and reduces the need to work with multiple law firms during an already difficult time.

When you work with our firm, we can assist with:
Our goal is to take care of the legal process from start to finish while keeping you informed and supported throughout.
At The Werner Law Firm, our team is based right here in Santa Clarita. We are located at 27433 Tourney Rd, Suite 200, Santa Clarita, CA 91355, just off of Interstate 5. Our attorneys are ready to review your case and guide you through every step locally.
A wrongful death claim allows your family to seek compensation for both the financial and personal losses caused by your loved one’s death. While every case is different, damages often fall into a few main categories.
Because every family’s situation is different, the exact compensation available will depend on the circumstances of the case. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys in Santa Clarita can help evaluate the losses involved and explain what may be recoverable.
After a devastating loss, the legal process can feel complicated and unclear. At The Werner Law Firm, we bring decades of experience helping families with both wrongful death claims and probate matters, so you don’t have to sort through the details on your own.
Our attorneys are committed to making the legal aspects understandable and manageable, answering your questions clearly, and guiding you at every step. If you’re considering pursuing a claim, we invite you to schedule a free consultation to talk about your situation and learn your options.
An avoidable accident that is caused by the negligence, recklessness, or maliciousness of a third party can give the right to pursue legal action. When that accident results in the premature death of a loved one, consulting with a wrongful death attorney is imperative.

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Newport Beach, California 92660
