San Bernardino Wrongful Death Lawyers

Do You Need a Lawyer for a Wrongful Death Case in California?

You’re not required to hire a lawyer, but wrongful death cases are rarely simple. These cases often involve large insurance companies, city agencies, or corporate legal teams. Without the right help, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or accept a settlement that doesn’t reflect your family’s loss.

An experienced wrongful death lawyer knows how to gather evidence, deal with legal paperwork, negotiate with insurers, and protect your rights. They also understand the emotional weight families are carrying, and can guide you with compassion and skill.

At Thompson Law, we’ve helped families across California win justice in complex, high-profile cases. We’re here to stand with you, every step of the way.

Call our San Bernardino wrongful death lawyers today for a FREE, NO-PRESSURE CONSULTATION.

Why Wrongful Death Claims Are Especially Complex

Wrongful death cases involve more than just proving someone made a mistake. You have to show how their actions, or lack of action, directly caused the death of your loved one. That can mean:

• Investigating police conduct or government agency policies
• Gathering surveillance video, eyewitness accounts, and expert opinions
• Reviewing accident reports, autopsy findings, or medical records
• Calculating the long-term financial and emotional impact on the family

If a government agency is involved, strict deadlines apply. If multiple parties share blame, the case can become even more complicated.

We know how to manage all of it. At Thompson Law, we dig deep to build strong, detailed cases that hold the right people accountable.

Let our San Bernardino wrongful death attorneys take on the legal burden, so your family can focus on healing. Reach out to us for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Why Choose Thompson Law?

Families turn to Thompson Law for one reason, we get results and we care deeply about the people we help.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Over $1.9 billion recovered for injured and grieving families
• Trusted in high-stakes cases involving police shootings and public safety failures
• No fees unless we win, and your consultation is always free
• Personalized support, you’ll know your attorney and case manager
• Available 24/7, we’re here when you need answers, not just during business hours
• Respected by courts, insurers, and opposing counsel

We stand beside families who deserve answers, accountability, and a better future.

Call our San Bernardino wrongful death lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Who Is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

In California, certain close family members are allowed to file a wrongful death claim. These include:

• The spouse or domestic partner of the deceased
• Children of the deceased
• Parents, if the deceased had no spouse or children
• In some cases, stepchildren, putative spouses, or those financially dependent on the deceased may also qualify

Only one wrongful death lawsuit can be filed, so it’s important for eligible family members to coordinate or have one representative act on behalf of the group.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, our team can explain your rights in a free consultation.

Talk to our San Bernardino wrongful death attorneys today for a FREE CASE REVIEW, and we’ll help you understand your options.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a San Bernardino Wrongful Death Lawsuit

A wrongful death claim seeks to recover both financial and emotional losses caused by a preventable death. In California, families may be able to recover:

Economic damages

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills related to the final injury or illness
• Loss of the deceased’s income and benefits
• Loss of household services the person would have provided

Non-economic damages:

• Loss of companionship, love, and support
• Emotional pain and suffering
• Loss of guidance or care (especially for children)

If the case involves extreme misconduct, punitive damages may also be available in a separate claim filed by the estate.

Let us help your family seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Call our San Bernardino wrongful death lawyers for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Types of Fatal Accidents That May Lead to a Wrongful Death Claim

Wrongful death cases can arise from many types of fatal incidents, especially when someone’s actions or failures led to a preventable loss.

Our San Bernardino wrongful death lawyers handle claims involving:

• Car accidents, including reckless driving, speeding, or DUIs
• Truck accidents, often involving commercial carriers and complex liability
• Bicycle accidents, where drivers fail to yield or check blind spots
• Rideshare crashes involving Uber, Lyft, or similar services
• Commercial vehicle collisions, including delivery vans or work trucks
• Motorcycle accidents, often caused by distracted or aggressive drivers
• Bus accidents, whether involving city buses, school transit, or private charters

No matter the cause, our team will investigate what happened and help your family pursue justice and compensation.

Call our San Bernardino wrongful death lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Wrongful Death Cases

After losing someone unexpectedly, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, and that’s when small missteps can cost your family a stronger case. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:

• Waiting too long to take legal action. California has strict time limits (usually two years) to file a wrongful death claim.
• Talking directly to insurance companies. They may use your words to protect themselves, not your family.
• Accepting an early settlement before knowing the full value of your claim.
• Posting publicly on social media, which could be used to dispute the emotional or financial impact of your loss.
• Not documenting everything, such as keeping medical records, funeral costs, and any communication related to the incident.

The best way to protect your case is to speak with a wrongful death attorney early. We’ll help you avoid these traps and focus on what truly matters, your family’s future.

Contact our San Bernardino wrongful death lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Proving Liability in Fatal Accidents Involving Negligence or Misconduct

To win a wrongful death case, you must prove that someone else’s negligence, or intentional wrongdoing, directly caused your loved one’s death.

This may include:

• Drivers who were speeding, distracted, impaired, or reckless
• Companies that failed to maintain vehicles or train employees
• Government agencies that neglected dangerous roads or failed to act on known hazards
• Police departments involved in excessive use of force or misconduct
• Property owners who allowed dangerous conditions to go unchecked

Our legal team gathers the evidence needed to build a strong case. That may include witness interviews, surveillance footage, medical records, crash reports, and expert analysis. We also review policies and protocols, especially in cases involving law enforcement or public agencies.

The goal is to prove what happened, who is responsible, and how your family has suffered as a result.

Let our San Bernardino wrongful death attorneys fight for the justice your loved one deserves. Call us today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

What California Law Says About Wrongful Death Claims

California law allows certain family members to file a wrongful death claim when someone dies because of another person’s negligence, recklessness, or misconduct. This is outlined under California Code of Civil Procedure §377.60, which sets the rules for who can file and what kind of losses can be recovered.

Here’s what families in San Bernardino should know:

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California

The law gives priority to close relatives and those who were financially dependent on the person who passed away. Eligible individuals include:

• The spouse or domestic partner of the deceased
• Children, including adopted children and children of deceased children
• Parents, stepchildren, or legal guardians if they were financially dependent
• Putative spouses (those who believed in good faith they were legally married)
• Minors who lived with the deceased for at least 180 days and were supported by them for half or more of their needs

Only one wrongful death claim can be filed, but multiple eligible family members can be part of it.

What California Law Says About Compensation

In a wrongful death case, compensation is typically awarded based on pecuniary loss, meaning the financial and emotional impact the death had on the surviving family. That includes:

• Loss of financial support
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of love, care, companionship, and guidance
• Household services the deceased would have provided

Damages are divided among eligible parties based on their individual losses, not split equally by default. If no direct heirs exist, those who would inherit under California’s intestate succession laws may qualify.

Special Notes for Domestic Partners and Guardians

California recognizes registered domestic partnerships, and in some cases, putative spouses who believed they were legally married. Guardians of minors or dependent adults may also have legal standing if no direct heirs survive.

Don’t Wait Too Long

Like all legal actions, wrongful death claims must be filed within a specific time. In most cases, that deadline is two years from the date of death. If the claim involves a government agency, such as a city or police department, the window may be even shorter.

Our team understands the law and how it applies to your unique situation. Call our San Bernardino wrongful death lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW. We’ll explain your rights, your legal standing, and what steps come next.

How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in San Bernardino

In most cases, California law gives you two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death claim. This is called the statute of limitations, and missing the deadline could mean losing your right to compensation.

However, if your case involves a government agency, such as a city employee, public school, or police department, you may have to file a special claim within six months.

Because deadlines can vary based on the details of your case, it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. We’ll make sure everything is filed on time and handled properly.

Call our San Bernardino wrongful death lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW before time runs out.

How Police Reports Can Support a Wrongful Death Claim

A police report can be one of the most important pieces of evidence in a wrongful death claim. If law enforcement responded to the fatal incident, whether it was a car crash, shooting, or workplace accident, they likely documented key details about what happened.

These reports often include:

• Names of those involved
• Witness statements and contact info
• Officer observations and diagrams
• Preliminary findings about fault or cause of death
• Whether any citations or criminal charges were issued

If a report wasn’t created at the time, or if you don’t have access to it, you may be able to file a new report or request a copy directly.

How to File or Request a Police Report in San Bernardino

If police were present at the scene:

1. Contact the San Bernardino Police Department Records Division.
2. Request a copy of the original incident report.
3. Be prepared to provide the date, time, and location of the event, as well as your relationship to the deceased.
4. If you’re not listed in the original report, you may need to show legal documentation proving your right to access it (such as proof of next of kin or estate representative status).

If police did not respond or no report was filed at the time:

1. You may be able to file a non-emergency report online through the San Bernardino Police Department website.
2. You’ll need: A valid photo ID, an email address, Basic details about the event: time, location, cause of death (if known), and any other involved parties
3. Once submitted, your report will be reviewed. If approved, the department will email you a report number or follow up with questions if more information is needed.
4. For serious cases or help with next steps, you can call the Records Division directly at 909-384-5742. In emergencies, always call 911.

Need help requesting or filing a report? Our legal team can handle this for you.

We routinely collect police reports, medical records, and other documentation needed to support your wrongful death claim.

Call our San Bernardino wrongful death lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION. We’ll help make sure no important evidence is missed.

What You Can Expect After You Reach Out to Our Wrongful Death Legal Team

From the moment you contact Thompson Law, we take your case seriously and treat you with care and respect.

Here’s what happens next:

• We’ll schedule your FREE CONSULTATION at a time that works for you
• We’ll listen to your story and explain your legal options clearly
• If we take your case, you’ll be assigned a dedicated attorney and case manager
• We begin building your case right away, collecting records, evidence, and witness info
• You’ll receive regular updates, and you can always contact us with questions
• We’ll guide you through negotiations, and go to trial if needed to fight for justice

You don’t need to have all the answers right now. You just need someone in your corner.

Call our San Bernardino wrongful death lawyers now for a FREE CASE REVIEW. We’re ready to help when you’re ready to talk.

We’re Here to Help You Move Forward. Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

There’s no easy way to deal with the loss of someone you love. But taking legal action can give you answers, financial relief, and a chance to hold the right people accountable.

At Thompson Law, we’ve helped families across California through the hardest times of their lives. We handle the legal process with care and fight for every dollar your family is owed, so you can begin to move forward with confidence.

Call our San Bernardino wrongful death attorneys today for a FREE CONSULTATION. It’s 100% confidential, and you pay nothing unless we win.

FAQs About Wrongful Death Cases in San Bernardino

What if the person responsible wasn’t charged with a crime?

You can still file a wrongful death claim. These civil cases are separate from criminal charges and use a lower standard of proof. Even if no arrest was made, you may still be able to recover damages.

Can more than one family member file a wrongful death claim?

Only one claim can be filed, but multiple eligible family members (such as a spouse and children) can be included in the lawsuit and share in the compensation. We’ll help ensure everyone with legal standing is represented.

What happens if the deceased had no income, can we still be compensated?

Yes. Even if your loved one wasn’t working, you may be entitled to non-economic damages like loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support. These losses matter and are recognized under California law.

Can I sue if my loved one died in a work-related accident?

In some cases, yes. While workers’ compensation may provide limited benefits, you may also have a wrongful death case if a third party, like a contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer, was responsible.

Will the wrongful death case go to trial, or can it be settled privately?

Many wrongful death cases settle outside of court through negotiation. However, if a fair settlement isn’t offered, we’re fully prepared to go to trial and fight for your family in court.