Huntington Beach Wrongful Death Lawyers

Grieving a Loss After a Fatal Accident in Huntington Beach? Here’s What to Know First

Losing a loved one is always painful. But when their death was caused by someone else’s actions (or inaction) that pain often comes with questions: Could this have been prevented? Who is responsible? And what can be done now?

In Huntington Beach, several families have faced these exact questions after tragic and often preventable deaths. From high-profile police shootings to deadly altercations and missed emergency responses, the city has seen a number of heartbreaking cases that left families searching for answers.

In 2017, 29-year-old Steven Schiltz was shot and killed by Huntington Beach police after reportedly chasing people with a stick at a sports complex. His mother filed a wrongful death lawsuit, arguing that he was mentally ill and posed no immediate threat. A jury ultimately cleared the officers, but the case sparked a wider conversation about force, mental health, and accountability.

In May 2025, 29-year-old Jose Nares lost his life after a struggle with a teenager armed with a flare gun near Florida Street. His family marked what would have been his 30th birthday at the site of the shooting. Shocked and heartbroken, they’re still trying to make sense of what happened.

And in another tragic case, the parents of 17-year-old Matthew Cline filed a wrongful death claim against the Huntington Beach Police Department. They say police were alerted to a suicide threat but failed to act. Their son took his own life the next day.

These are not just stories, they’re real lives changed forever. If you are facing a similar loss, you’re not alone. Families in Huntington Beach have the right to seek justice when a wrongful death occurs due to someone else’s carelessness, neglect, or wrongdoing.

At Thompson Law, we help families take the next step. We investigate what happened, hold the responsible parties accountable, and fight for the compensation you deserve. If you’re grieving and unsure of your legal options, reach out today. You don’t have to face this process alone.

Contact our Huntington Beach wrongful death lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

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Do You Need a Lawyer to File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

No, the law does not require you to hire a lawyer.

But going through the process alone is often overwhelming. Wrongful death cases involve strict deadlines, detailed paperwork, and aggressive insurance companies. One mistake could cost you compensation that your family truly needs.

An experienced lawyer helps by:

  • Explaining your rights
  • Handling negotiations
  • Gathering evidence
  • Filing on time
  • Representing you in court if needed

You have one chance to get justice. Let someone guide you who’s been through it before.

Speak with a Huntington Beach wrongful death lawyer today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

 

Huntington Beach Wrongful Death Lawyers

How Our Huntington Beach Wrongful Death Attorneys Support Families Seeking Justice

At Thompson Law, we understand that every wrongful death case comes with deep emotional pain. We don’t just represent families. We support them.

Here’s how we help:

  • We investigate the cause of death with expert resources
  • We take care of all legal tasks so you can focus on healing
  • We build a clear, strong claim for full financial recovery
  • We keep you informed and involved at every step

Our team treats every case like it matters, because to you, it does.

Contact our Huntington Beach wrongful death attorneys for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Call for Your Free Consultation

(844) 308-8180

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 attorneys who are ready to fight for your legal rights.

At Thompson Law, we understand the emotional distress that comes with serious injuries, 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.

Contact Thompson Law’s Wrongful Death Lawyers today and schedule a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your legal options. Our team of dedicated attorneys will provide you with the legal advice and representation you need to get the compensation you deserve.

What Kind of Compensation Can Families Recover in a California Wrongful Death Case?

If your loved one died because of someone else’s actions, you may be able to recover compensation for:

In some cases, additional damages (called punitive damages) may be awarded if the wrongdoing was especially reckless.

Let our team at Thompson Law review your case today. Call for a FREE CONSULTATION from our Huntington Beach wrongful death lawyers.

At Thompson Law

We provide injury accident victims with dedicated and tenacious legal representation, ensuring you get fair value for your claim. Our Huntington Beach Wrongful Death Lawyers will build a strong case with supporting evidence so that you recover the money that you deserve.

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Why Families Across Huntington Beach Choose Thompson Law for Wrongful Death Cases

Families trust Thompson Law because we’re not just about winning. We’re about standing by people during their hardest moments. We’ve handled cases involving fatal crashes, police incidents, and dangerous products.

Why we’re different:

Start with a FREE CASE REVIEW with a Huntington Beach wrongful death lawyer who truly listens.

Who Is Eligible to Bring a Wrongful Death Claim Under California Law?

In California, the following people are typically allowed to file a wrongful death lawsuit:

  • The spouse or domestic partner
  • Children of the deceased
  • If none of the above are living, parents, stepchildren, or other dependents may qualify

If you’re not sure where you fall, our team can walk you through your rights.

Call Thompson Law’s Huntington Beach wrongful death attorneys now for a FREE CONSULTATION to find out if you’re eligible to file.

Accidents and Incidents That Commonly Lead to Wrongful Death Lawsuits

Many wrongful death cases in Huntington Beach result from preventable tragedies such as:

Each type comes with its own legal challenges, which is why experienced legal support matters.

If you lost a loved one to any of these, contact our Huntington Beach wrongful death lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

What Evidence Helps Build a Strong Wrongful Death Case in Huntington Beach

To prove wrongful death, we often use:

Fast action is important, as evidence can disappear quickly.

Let our legal team preserve and gather proof for your claim. Schedule your FREE CONSULTATION today.

Myths About Wrongful Death Lawsuits That Could Hurt Your Case

Here are a few myths that could stop families from getting justice:

  • “The person responsible didn’t mean to cause harm, so I have no case.”
  • “Only a spouse can file a wrongful death claim.”
  • “We can’t afford a lawyer right now.”
  • “There’s no rush, we have plenty of time.”

In reality, even unintentional acts can lead to a valid claim, multiple family members may qualify, and most lawyers (including us) work on contingency.

Don’t let myths stand in the way. Talk to a Huntington Beach wrongful death lawyer at Thompson Law for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

How We Approach Cases Involving Multiple Liable Parties

Some wrongful death cases involve more than one responsible person or company. For example:

  • A driver and the vehicle manufacturer
  • A business and its employee
  • A city and a contractor

We identify every liable party and pursue compensation from all of them. This increases your chances of a full recovery.

Let our Huntington Beach wrongful death attorneys review your case today. Start with a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Filing Deadlines for Wrongful Death Lawsuits in California

In California, the deadline to file a wrongful death lawsuit is generally two years from the date of your loved one’s death. This is called the statute of limitations.

But there are exceptions:

  • If a government agency is involved (like a city vehicle or police department), you may have as little as 6 months to file a claim.
  • If the cause of death was not immediately known, the clock may start later.

Missing a deadline could mean losing your right to seek justice. It’s important to act quickly, even if you’re not sure you want to pursue a case.

Let our wrongful death attorneys in Huntington Beach help you understand your timeline. Get started with a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Get Compassionate Legal Help Today, Free Case Review With No Pressure

Losing someone suddenly changes everything. You may be dealing with shock, grief, and unanswered questions. At Thompson Law, we help families find answers—and the compensation they need to move forward.

We offer:

  • A FREE CASE REVIEW with no pressure or obligation
  • Support from a local team that knows Huntington Beach
  • Clear answers about your rights and what to expect
  • No fees unless we win your case

You don’t have to carry this burden alone. Let us help you take the first step toward justice.

Call our Huntington Beach wrongful death lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

 

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FAQs About Wrongful Death Claims in Huntington Beach

What if my loved one had pre-existing health problems? Can I still file a claim?

Yes. Even if your loved one had prior health conditions, you can still file a wrongful death claim if someone else’s actions directly caused or sped up their death. The key question is not their medical history, it’s whether their death was preventable. A skilled attorney can work with medical experts to show how the incident contributed to the outcome.

Can I file a claim if the person responsible is facing criminal charges too?

Yes. A wrongful death claim is a civil case, which is separate from any criminal charges. Even if the person is already being prosecuted, you can still seek compensation in civil court. You don’t have to wait for a criminal trial to end before filing your claim.

What if the cause of death is still being investigated?

You can still speak with a lawyer during the investigation. In fact, it’s a smart move. A wrongful death attorney can start preserving evidence, gathering records, and preparing your case early. If the official cause of death is confirmed later, your legal team will already be one step ahead.

Do I have to go to court for a wrongful death claim?

Not always. Many wrongful death cases are settled out of court through negotiation or mediation. But if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, going to trial may be the best option. Either way, your attorney will prepare for both outcomes and fight for your family’s best interest.

What if more than one family member wants to file a claim?

California law allows one wrongful death lawsuit per person. However, multiple eligible family members can join together in a single claim. This includes spouses, children, and others who had a legal right to the deceased’s support. A lawyer can help organize the claim and make sure all voices are heard.

Thompson Law Guarantee

Thompson Law charges NO FEE unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We’ve put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements in our clients’ pockets. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get your questions answered, and understand your legal options.

State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.