Fontana Wrongful Death Lawyers

Do I Need a Lawyer, or Can I Handle This Myself

You can file a wrongful death claim without a lawyer, but it can be hard to do so, especially when you’re grieving.

There are strict deadlines, complicated legal procedures, and a lot of emotional stress in these cases. You may need to gather evidence, learn about state laws, prove fault, figure out damages, and talk to insurance adjusters, all while taking care of your family and dealing with your loss.

If you hire a wrongful death lawyer in Fontana who has been doing this for a while, it will be easier for you. We handle every part of the legal process at Thompson Law. We are here to protect your interests by filing the right papers, building a strong case, and representing you in court or negotiations.

We work hard to get your family the money they need so you can focus on what’s important. There are no costs up front. You only have to pay if we win.

How a Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help Your Family

A wrongful death lawyer can help you with the law and be your advocate during a difficult time.

Here’s how a lawyer can help your family after a wrongful death in Fontana:

• Clearly and respectfully explain your rights and help you through the legal process.
• Look into the accident and collect important proof to show who was to blame.
• Investigate all possible payment options, such as insurance policies or third-party liability.
• Figure out how much you lost in total, including medical bills, funeral costs, lost future income, and emotional pain.
• Take care of all communication with insurance companies and defense lawyers so you don’t have to worry about it.
• Always work to protect your family’s best interests when they negotiate or go to court.

We take every wrongful death case at Thompson Law very seriously and are determined to hold the people who are responsible for it accountable. Contact us today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Why Choose Thompson Law?

As one of the best Wrongful Death law firms in the area, Thompson Law has a team of experienced and dedicated personal injury attorneys who are ready to fight for your legal rights.

At Thompson Law, we understand the emotional distress that comes with Wrongful Death, and we are committed to providing you with the best legal representation possible. Our trial lawyers are not afraid to take your case to court if necessary and have successfully secured billions of dollars in compensatory and punitive damages for our clients.

We have extensive experience working with insurance companies, large corporations, and medical professionals, and we know how to get you the results you deserve. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not have to pay anything until we win your case.

Don’t let a Wrongful Death case ruin your life. Contact Thompson Law’s Fontana personal injury lawyers today and schedule a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your legal options. Our team of dedicated Wrongful Death attorneys will provide you with the legal advice and representation you need to get the compensation you deserve.

Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle

At Thompson Law, we represent Fontana families who have lost a loved one in tragic and preventable incidents. Each case is unique, but they all share one thing in common: someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing caused an irreplaceable loss.

Below are some of the wrongful death cases we handle:

• Fatal car accidents involving speeding, distracted driving, or impaired drivers
• Pedestrian deaths caused by unsafe road conditions or careless motorists
• Motorcycle and bicycle fatalities resulting from driver inattention or unsafe lane changes
• Truck and commercial vehicle crashes due to driver fatigue, poor maintenance, or overloads
• Workplace accidents, including construction site fatalities and equipment failures
• Dangerous property conditions, such as slip-and-falls or lack of security
• Fatal injuries from defective products, unsafe equipment, or toxic substances
• Medical malpractice, including surgical errors or failure to diagnose a serious condition

If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, we offer a FREE CASE REVIEW to help you understand your legal options and the next steps you should take.

Compensation Available in a Fontana Wrongful Death Claim

There is no amount of money that can make up for the loss of a loved one. However, a wrongful death claim can assist you during a difficult period and ensure that the individual responsible for the death faces consequences.

Families in Fontana and all over California may be able to get money for:

• Costs of the funeral and burial
• Medical bills for the last injury or illness
• Loss of the deceased person’s future income and benefits
• Loss of services the person provided, like babysitting or caring for someone else
• Loss of love, friendship, guidance, and emotional support
• Pain and suffering experienced by the family members who are still alive
• If the death was caused by extreme carelessness or intentional harm, the court may also give punitive damages.

If your loved one passed away due to a job-related accident or occupational injury in California, you may qualify for death benefits through the state’s workers’ compensation system.

At Thompson Law, we work with you to figure out how much money you lost and build a strong case for the money your family needs and deserves.

What Happens When You Reach Out to Our Fontana Wrongful Death Lawyers

Here’s what to expect when you contact Thompson Law:

• We start with a free, private consultation where you can share what happened and ask questions.
• You’ll speak with a compassionate legal professional, not a call center or automated system.
• We will clearly explain your legal options and let you decide how to move forward.
• If we take your case, we begin investigating right away, gathering evidence, and handling all the paperwork.
• You will receive regular updates and have direct access to your legal team whenever you need it.
• You only pay if we recover compensation for you!

You’ve been through enough. Let us handle the legal burden so you can focus on your family and healing.

What Makes Wrongful Death Cases So Difficult to Handle

Wrongful death claims are among the most emotionally and legally complex cases in personal injury law. These cases require more than just proving who was at fault; they also require an understanding of the long-term impact on surviving family members.

Here’s why these cases are especially challenging:

• The emotional weight makes it difficult for families to focus on legal deadlines or documentation.
• Proving damages such as emotional loss, future income loss, and loss of companionship requires detailed evidence and expert testimony.
• Insurance companies often push back harder in wrongful death cases due to the higher financial stakes.
• Multiple family members may be involved, each with a different relationship to the deceased.
• The legal process can reopen emotional wounds, especially when the case involves court appearances or disputes over responsibility.

At Thompson Law, we understand how sensitive these cases are. We compassionately guide families through the legal process, protect them from unnecessary stress, and fight to ensure their loved one’s story is fully recognized and respected.

How Liability Is Proven in a Wrongful Death Case

To show that someone else was legally responsible for causing wrongful death, you need to look into what happened and why in great detail.

At Thompson Law, we start by getting all the evidence we can, like police reports, witness statements, medical records, and, if possible, video footage from the scene. We also work with experts in accident reconstruction, medical analysis, and workplace safety to learn more about what happened and why the person died.

Then, we show that the person who was at fault had a legal duty to care. A driver, for instance, must follow traffic laws, a doctor must follow professional standards, and a business must make sure that conditions are safe. We demonstrate how carelessness or wrongdoing breached this duty, ultimately leading to the death of your loved one.

To prove liability, you need to make a clear and convincing case. We reach our goal by giving people facts, expert opinions, and strong legal support to make sure that the truth is heard and justice is sought.

What California Law Says About Wrongful Death Claims

According to California law, a wrongful death claim may be filed if someone dies due to another person’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions. These claims are governed by California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, which outlines who may file a claim and what types of damages may be awarded.

The law permits certain close family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Typically, this includes the deceased’s spouse, domestic partner, children, or, in some cases, parents or legal dependents. If none of these individuals are available, then others who would inherit under California’s intestate succession laws may be eligible.

Wrongful death claims are civil cases, meaning they are separate from any criminal charges filed against the responsible party. The goal is to secure financial support and accountability for the loss, not to punish.

Damages in these cases may include funeral expenses, the deceased’s lost income, loss of companionship, and other emotional and financial impacts.

California also has a strict statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits. In most cases, you must file within two years of the date of death. Missing this deadline can result in losing the right to pursue compensation.

Courts That Handle Wrongful Death Cases in Fontana

In Fontana, the San Bernardino County Superior Court hears cases of wrongful death. The court is in charge of civil cases, such as personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits that are filed in the city.

People who live in Fontana should go to the Fontana District Courthouse at 17780 Arrow Boulevard. The courthouse lets people file civil cases and gives them tools to set up hearings, submit evidence, and get court documents.

If the wrongful death claim involves a government agency, like the City of Fontana, or a public employee, though, an administrative claim must first be filed with the right city department. Before a formal lawsuit can go forward, this step must be taken. You should send in the claim and any supporting documents, like medical bills or funeral costs, within six months of the event.

Once this step is done, a lawsuit can be filed in the superior court.

How Wrongful Death Claims Work When a City or Public Agency Is Involved

California law requires you to follow a special procedure under the Government Claims Act.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. You must first file an administrative claim.

Before filing a lawsuit, you must submit a written claim to the government agency you believe is responsible. This includes city departments, public schools, transit agencies, and other municipal entities.

2. There is a strict six-month deadline.

You have only six months from the date of death to file this administrative claim. Missing this deadline can bar your case, even if it would have been valid in civil court.

3. The claim must include details.

The written notice should include facts about what happened, when and where the incident occurred, why the agency is liable, and the amount of damages being claimed. Supporting documents, such as death certificates, funeral bills, and medical records, can strengthen the claim.

4. The agency has 45 days to respond.

Once the claim is submitted, the agency has 45 days to approve or deny it. If the claim is denied or the agency does not respond within that time, you can then move forward with filing a wrongful death lawsuit in the superior court.

5. Filing a lawsuit after denial

If your administrative claim is rejected, you must file your wrongful death lawsuit within six months of the denial date. If the agency never responded, you have up to two years from the incident date to take legal action, but it’s safer to act quickly.

6. Cases are filed in civil court.

After clearing the administrative step, the wrongful death case is filed in the appropriate division of the San Bernardino County Superior Court. Typically, this is the Fontana District Courthouse for incidents occurring in the city.

Take the First Step With a Free, No-Obligation Case Review

If you lost a loved one due to the negligence of a city agency or public employee, Thompson Law is here to help. We’ll review your case at no cost, explain your legal options, and handle every step of the process so your family can focus on healing. You don’t pay unless we win. Call today to schedule your FREE CONSULTATION.

FAQs About Wrongful Death Cases in Fontana

What qualifies as a wrongful death case in California?

A wrongful death case arises when a person dies due to another person’s or entity’s legal fault. This includes deaths caused by negligence, recklessness, medical malpractice, or intentional acts. Common scenarios include car accidents, defective products, unsafe premises, and criminal behavior.

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

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is generally two years from the date of death. Missing this deadline could result in the loss of your right to pursue compensation.

Can multiple family members be part of the same claim?

Yes. California law allows several family members, such as the deceased’s spouse, children, parents, or financially dependent individuals, to be part of the same wrongful death claim.

Do I need to open a probate case to file a wrongful death claim in California?

Not necessarily. While probate may be required for other legal matters, wrongful death claims are separate and can be filed by eligible family members or a personal representative without initiating probate.

Is there an upfront fee when hiring Thompson Law for a wrongful death case?

No. Thompson Law operates on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case or reach a favorable settlement.