Riverside Wrongful Death Lawyers

Lost a Loved One Due to Someone’s Negligence?

When you learn that someone you love succumbed to fatal injuries, your entire world shatters. But suddenly losing someone you care about doesn’t just bring grief and loneliness. It can also bring a wave of financial and mental stress, especially if your family member died due to injuries caused by another person’s carelessness.

The best thing to do is to honor their legacy by fighting against whoever caused their death in a legal battle. Not only can you hold them accountable for what they took away, but they’ll also be legally obligated to financially cover your losses.

woman holding hand on a coffin - Riverside Wrongful Death Lawyers

In Riverside, families are allowed to file a wrongful death suit against whoever is liable for their loved one’s passing. With a team of experienced attorneys to fight for your rights, you can get full compensation that reflects the pain and suffering of your loved one.

Want to demand justice for a loved one who was killed in an accident? Call our Riverside wrongful death lawyers to set up a FREE CONSULTATION.

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How Can a Wrongful Death Attorney in Riverside Help My Case?

Hiring legal representation for your wrongful death suit can help take a huge load off your shoulders as you go through the legal process. They become an invaluable ally in demanding the justice you and your deceased loved one deserve.

When you work with our Riverside wrongful death lawyers, we don’t just represent you in court. We help from the get-go by gathering critical evidence, collecting witness statements, and thoroughly investigating your case to uncover the truth about who was at fault for your loved one’s death.

We’ll also liaise on your behalf when the other party’s insurance companies reach out, so you don’t have to deal with their tactics to minimize your payout. Leave it to us to negotiate with them and get only a fair settlement amount that reflects the fatal injuries your loved one succumbed to, and the pain and suffering it has caused you and your family. And if they don’t propose an acceptable amount, we’re not afraid to bring the case to trial and defend your rights before a judge and jury.

You get the best chance of securing the compensation you deserve after the death of a loved one when you work with our team of dedicated, experienced Riverside wrongful death lawyers. We’ll advocate for you and your loved one’s rights until justice is served. Want to hire our team to lead your case? Contact us for a FREE CONSULTATION today.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death Claims In Riverside

Accidents happen in Riverside every day, and unfortunately, so do wrongful deaths. These deaths come in many forms from a wide away of causes, sometimes on the road, and others on private property. Here are just a few of the common causes of wrongful death our Riverside lawyers have seen:

Every one of these situations has its own legal complexities, making it vital to work with an experienced team of attorneys. Our Riverside wrongful death lawyers are knowledgeable about local laws surrounding these incidents and can help you navigate the legal process of seeking justice for them. If you want to know what we can do for your case, contact us for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Riverside?

According to the California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, most of the family members left behind by a deceased person have the right to pursue legal action against those responsible for their loved one’s death. These include:

  • The victim’s spouse or registered domestic partner
  • Their children, or in the case of the victim having no surviving children, their grandchildren
  • If the deceased has no surviving partner, children, or grandchildren, it can be siblings, parents, other relatives, or anyone entitled to their property according to intestate succession laws
  • The victim’s legal guardian, if their parents are also deceased

Our compassionate Riverside wrongful death lawyers know how to navigate the complexities of wrongful death cases. We’ll treat your story with the respect and patience it deserves all while fighting tenaciously to get you and your family the compensation you deserve for your loss. Learn how we can help by booking a FREE CONSULTATION today.

California’s One-Action Rule in Wrongful Death Cases

Although many types of family members and loved ones can bring forth a case, California’s wrongful death laws follow a “one-action rule.” This rule states that only one lawsuit can be filed against those responsible for a deceased person’s wrongful death. That means you cannot have multiple lawsuits for the same death, and all heirs must come together and file their claim jointly.

This rule protects the negligent party from being charged numerous times for the same case. It also allows the court to streamline the legal process and avoid having multiple cases for the same death.

Even if only one person files a wrongful death suit, that person must include and represent all eligible heirs. This ensures that all parties get their share of the compensation they’re entitled to.

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Things to Consider When Choosing a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Riverside

When choosing a legal team to represent you and your family in a wrongful death case, there are some factors you must consider. The team of attorneys you go with must have:

  • A proven track record of winning wrongful death cases and securing maximum compensation for their clients
  • Negotiation skills that allow them to get you the highest settlement possible
  • A compassionate and respectful approach to dealing with your loved one’s death
  • Knowledgeable about Riverside’s local laws and procedures surrounding a wrongful death
  • Payment on a contingency basis, so you don’t have to worry about additional expenses until you win your case or get a fair settlement

Thompson Law’s wrongful death lawyers tick all these boxes. Over the years, we’ve gotten excellent results in the cases we’ve handled, winning a cumulative amount of over $1.9 billion for our clients across the country. We’re committed to making sure every family gets the justice they deserve for the tragedy of losing a loved one, especially due to someone’s careless mistake. Discover how we can strengthen your case by booking a FREE CONSULTATION with our team today.

Damages You Can Seek After a Loved One’s Wrongful Death

We understand that no amount of money in the world can ever make up for what’s been taken away from you. But by seeking damages for your family’s losses, the financial burden caused by your loved one’s death can be lifted off your shoulders.

There is a wide range of compensatory damages you can seek from the negligent party after the death of a loved one. Here are just some of them that our team can help you secure:

  • Medical expenses prior to the death
  • Funeral or burial costs
  • Loss of income for the family
  • Loss of future earnings
  • Pain and suffering endured by the family
  • Loss of companionship
  • Loss of consortium

Our attorneys can review your case and help you estimate the true value of your wrongful death claim. From there, we’ll stop at nothing to obtain that amount to help your family recover not just emotionally, but financially as well.

What Are the Elements of a Wrongful Death Claim?

One of the most important steps to undertake in a wrongful death case is establishing liability in one or more negligent parties. By establishing fault, it’s easier to demand compensation from those responsible for your family member’s death. Our lawyers prove who was truly at fault for your loved one’s passing by demonstrating these four elements that go into a wrongful death claim:

  1. Duty of care:  We establish that the at-fault party was obligated to show your loved one a high level of care, whether on the road, in a healthcare facility, or on their private property.
  2. Breach of duty:  We show proof that they breached that duty and acted negligently instead, putting your loved one in harm’s way.
  3. Causation:  We demonstrate how these negligent actions directly caused the death of your loved one.
  4. Damages:  We show the damages and losses your loved one and the surviving family members have incurred. This serves as a basis for the compensation you can potentially obtain.

At Thompson Law

A wrongful death isn’t just an injustice for the deceased; it’s a tragedy for the family they left behind. At our firm, we believe that these families deserve only full and fair compensation for their loss, and our lawyers are committed to making that happen. We at Thompson Law are ready to provide compassionate legal guidance and support to ensure you get the justice you seek.

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When Is the Deadline for Filing a Wrongful Death Suit in Riverside?

Riverside follows California’s statute of limitations for wrongful death cases, which sets a deadline for filing claims two years after the victim’s death.

That said, there are also a few exceptions to this rule. If medical malpractice is involved in the death, the family has up to three years to pursue legal action against the negligent hospital or healthcare professionals. If you’re looking to sue a government entity, like the City of Riverside, that deadline becomes shorter at just six months after the death.

If you miss any of these deadlines, you could very well lose your rights to demand compensation for your losses. That’s why it’s crucial to reach out to our Riverside wrongful death lawyers as soon as you’re able. Our committed attorneys can ensure all your legal paperwork is in order long before the deadline to protect your legal rights even as you grieve.

How Probate Is Handled in Riverside, California

Probate is the legal process of distributing the assets within a deceased person’s estate according to their will, or in cases without a will, in accordance with intestate succession. This is also when any debts are paid off. Basically, probate is when all of a deceased person’s affairs are taken care of after their death.

In Riverside, all probate proceedings follow California’s laws, but are handled by the County of Riverside Superior Court. Here’s how the procedures usually go:

  1. An individual files the petition to begin a probate in the Superior Court. This person can either be the executor named in the deceased person’s will or another family member if there isn’t one.
  2. A notice is published in the local paper to ensure all interested parties (like creditors) know of the proceedings.
  3. The court appoints an executor or administrator responsible for managing the deceased’s assets and affairs.
  4. This representative creates an inventory of all of the assets in the estate, including real estate property, investments, bank accounts, and even personal belongings. Then, these assets are appraised to determine their actual value.
  5. The representative pays all creditors any debts left unfulfilled by the deceased, including taxes.
  6. The remaining assets are distributed among the legal heirs of the deceased.
  7. A final accounting of the assets is done and submitted to the court. When the court approves the document, the probate is officially closed.

How the Local Police Can Help with Your Wrongful Death Case

Local law enforcement plays a crucial role in a wrongful death case, particularly in the early stages. They investigate the incident that led to the death and even file a police report on your behalf if you request it. They’ll also help gather witness statements and other evidence, such as surveillance and photos of the scene of the accident. They’ll coordinate with your legal representation on your behalf to supply all these.

If you’re dealing with a wrongful death suit, it’s important to keep in touch with the Riverside Police Department. If you need to reach them, you can visit one of their three police stations:

  • Orange Station – Headquarters (4102 Orange St)
  • Magnolia Station (10540 Magnolia Ave)
  • Lincoln Station (8181 Lincoln Ave)

Real Wrongful Death Cases in Riverside, as Reported by Local News

Over the years, Riverside has had its fair share of wrongful death cases, many of which happened on the road. In April 2025, a man suspected of driving under the influence caused a multi-vehicle crash, killing another driver in the collision. The suspect smashed into four vehicles along Market Street in downtown Riverside, including a Honda Civic that he rear-ended and totaled. The driver of the Honda Civic was pronounced dead at the scene.

The year before, in 2024, another multi-vehicle accident involving three cars killed six people and injured four others. One driver was illegally passing other cars on the right shoulder, but when he ran out of room, he crashed into a guardrail and swerved into traffic. Apart from killing six innocent people, the crash started a fire and burned over 3.5 acres of vegetation in the area.

But wrongful deaths don’t just happen on the road. In Riverside, it has happened even in the hospital in a few medical malpractice cases. For example, in 2014, a Kaiser Permanente patient confined in the hospital for an enlarged heart died in the facility. The patient had stopped urinating at one point, and when they informed the doctors, no new orders for treatment were given. The staff continued giving the patient fluids, but because they didn’t monitor his fluid output, he went into cardiac arrest and died soon after.

Honor Your Loved One’s Memory by Seeking Justice for Them

There’s nothing more heartbreaking than losing a loved one, especially if it’s at the hands of someone who neglected to care for them the way they should have. It can feel overwhelming and nerve-wracking to manage these difficult times, especially when you’re still grieving.

Our team of compassionate Riverside wrongful death lawyers can help make things more manageable for you and your family. As your legal representation, we’ll handle all the legal paperwork, deadlines, and correspondence with the other party’s representatives. We’ll fight tooth and nail to pursue maximum compensation for your family, whether in a trial before a judge or a settlement out of court.

Ready to take the legal steps to bring to justice those accountable for your loved one’s death? Reach out to us and book a FREE CASE EVALUATION today.

Why Choose Thompson Law

FAQs About Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Riverside

How long will it take to settle my wrongful death lawsuit?

The time it takes to settle or finish a trial after a wrongful death varies depending on numerous factors, like the evidence available and whether liability is indisputable. Most cases take several months to more than a year to settle. If a fair settlement can’t be reached by the parties outside of court, a trial can take even longer.

How much will hiring a wrongful death attorney in Riverside cost me?

You typically don’t pay any costs upfront when you hire a wrongful death lawyer in Riverside. Most lawyers, including ours, work on a contingency basis, which means they get a 25-40% cut of your settlement or damages awarded in a trial. That means you don’t worry about paying your legal representation unless they win your case.

Will my wrongful death case go to trial?

Not necessarily. Many wrongful death cases don’t reach a trial in court as they are settled out of court. However, your case might proceed to trial if the two parties involved can’t reach an acceptable settlement amount.

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.