San Francisco Wrongful Death Lawyers

Call Our San Francisco Wrongful Death Lawyers for a Free Case Review

Our San Francisco wrongful death lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. If we recover compensation for you, our fee comes from a percentage of the settlement or award—never out of pocket.

We understand how difficult this time is for your family, which is why our bilingual team (English and Spanish) is available 24/7 to provide the support you need. We handle every step of the legal process so you can focus on healing. Let us help you pursue justice and secure the compensation you deserve.

In San Francisco, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years from the date of your loved one’s passing—not the date of the accident. If your loss was caused by someone else’s negligence, taking timely legal action is crucial to protect your rights.

Contact our San Francisco wrongful death lawyers today for a FREE, NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION with an attorney at Thompson Law.

Seeking justice and full compensation can help provide financial security for your family and allow you to focus on healing. Call us today for experienced and compassionate legal support.

See Those We've Helped With Wrongful Death Cases

At Thompson Law, we have a strong record of securing significant settlements for families who have lost loved ones due to negligence. Our firm has been recognized nationally, including achieving one of the top 100 wrongful death settlements in the U.S. in 2021 and securing 15 of the top 50 injury settlements in Texas that same year.

Below are examples of net compensation paid to clients in wrongful death cases:

• $11,991,670 – Truck accident
• $9,512,498 – Fire caused by defective chair
• $8,540,000 – Vehicle crashworthiness defect
• $8,010,186 – Fuel system failure
• $7,694,750 – Industrial accident
• $5,704,363 – Vehicle transmission defect
• $5,154,600 – Defective lamp resulting in smoke inhalation
• $4,790,686 – Tire failure
• $4,527,944 – Water heater defect
• $4,021,912 – Cement wall collapse
• $3,963,371 – Plant explosion
• $3,833,236 – Construction accident
• $3,516,463 – Commercial vehicle accident
• $3,143,193 – Airplane crash
• $3,020,676 – Natural gas leak
• $2,873,498 – Automotive accident
• $2,723,284 – Premises liability accident
• $2,090,070 – Oil field accident

If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence or wrongful actions, our San Francisco wrongful death attorneys are here to help. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION, and let us review your case to determine the best path forward. We are committed to seeking justice for your family and securing the compensation you deserve.

What to Do After a Wrongful Death in San Francisco

Losing a loved one is devastating, and knowing what to do next can feel overwhelming. Taking the right steps can help protect your family’s rights and ensure justice is served. Here are some important steps to consider:

• Seek emotional support from family, friends, or a professional counselor to help you cope.
• Gather important documents such as the death certificate and medical records to confirm the cause and circumstances of your loved one’s passing.
• Report any suspicious or unlawful circumstances to the proper authorities to ensure a thorough investigation.
• Collect evidence that may support your case, including witness statements, photos, or videos.
• Do not accept settlement offers from insurance companies without speaking to a lawyer. These offers are often much lower than what you may be entitled to.
• Consult a San Francisco wrongful death attorney to understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation.

At Thompson Law, we know how difficult this time is for families. Our compassionate legal team will handle all the legal details so you can focus on healing.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in San Francisco?

In San Francisco, only certain individuals are allowed to file a wrongful death claim after losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence. This legal action can be taken against a person, business, or government entity responsible for the death. Those who may be eligible to file include:

• The surviving spouse or domestic partner
• The deceased’s children, including adult and minor children
• The deceased’s parents, if no spouse or children exist
• A legally adopted child of the deceased
• The executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate

If multiple family members are eligible, the settlement is usually distributed based on the relationship to the deceased. Spouses and children often receive larger portions, while parents or other dependents may receive compensation under certain circumstances. If there is no spouse or child, other close relatives may be able to file, depending on the situation.

Understanding who has the legal right to file and how a settlement is divided can be complicated. If you believe you may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim, contact our experienced San Francisco wrongful death lawyers today. We can guide you through the legal process and help ensure your rights are protected.

Determining Fault in a Wrongful Death Case in San Francisco

Proving fault in a wrongful death case requires a thorough investigation and strong evidence to show negligence. In San Francisco, key forms of evidence that can help establish fault include:

• Witness statements from people who saw the incident.
• Police reports or official documents detailing the event.
• Photos or videos of the accident scene.
• Medical and forensic records linking the death to the incident.

To hold someone responsible, your legal team must prove that the at-fault party:

• Had a duty of care to keep your loved one safe.
• Failed to uphold that duty through careless or reckless actions.
• Directly caused the fatal incident through their behavior or failure to act.
• Created damages, such as financial struggles, emotional pain, or other hardships for surviving family members.

At Thompson Law, we conduct detailed investigations to build a strong case for justice and fair compensation. If you have lost a loved one due to negligence in San Francisco, contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your legal options.

What Is Required to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in San Francisco?

Filing a wrongful death lawsuit in San Francisco requires proving key legal elements. To move forward with a case, you must show that:

• Someone else’s negligence or intentional actions caused the death. The death must have been a direct result of another person’s careless behavior or intentional wrongdoing.
• Surviving family members suffered losses. This could include financial hardships, emotional distress, or other damages caused by the death.
• You are legally eligible to file the claim. In California, those who can file include the deceased person’s spouse, domestic partner, children, and sometimes other dependents or heirs.

If your loved one passed away due to someone else’s negligence in San Francisco, it is important to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. At Thompson Law, we can help you understand your rights and take the right steps to seek justice and compensation. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Why Choose Thompson Law As Your Wrongful Death Lawyer?

As one of the best personal injury 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 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.

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

Types of Compensation in a San Francisco Wrongful Death Lawsuit

In a wrongful death case, “damages” refer to the financial support awarded to surviving family members to help them recover from their loss. San Francisco allows families to seek different types of damages, including financial losses and emotional suffering.

Financial (Economic) Damages

• Medical expenses:  Any medical care the deceased received before passing, such as hospital stays, surgeries, or treatments.
• Funeral and burial costs:  These expenses can be overwhelming, especially in San Francisco, where funeral costs tend to be higher than in other areas.
• Lost income:  If the deceased was a financial provider, their lost wages, future earnings, and benefits can be recovered.
• Loss of household services:  Families can seek compensation for the contributions the deceased made, such as childcare, home maintenance, or financial planning.

Non-Financial (Non-Economic) Damages

• Pain and suffering:  If the deceased survived for a period before passing, compensation may be available for the physical and emotional suffering they endured.
• Emotional distress:  Surviving family members can seek damages for the emotional pain caused by the sudden loss of a loved one.
• Loss of companionship:  Spouses, children, and parents may seek compensation for the loss of love, support, and presence of the deceased.
• Loss of consortium:  Spouses can pursue damages for the loss of affection, intimacy, and emotional connection.
• Loss of parental guidance:  Children who lose a parent may seek compensation for the loss of care, mentorship, and future support.

Every case is different, and the damages available depend on the circumstances of your loss. If you have lost a loved one in San Francisco due to negligence, our wrongful death attorneys can help you understand your options and fight for the compensation your family deserves. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Typical Wrongful Death Settlements in San Francisco

The amount awarded in a San Francisco wrongful death settlement varies based on several factors. Settlements can range from $30,000 to over $1,000,000, depending on the details of the case. Factors that affect the value of a wrongful death claim include:

• Medical expenses before passing:  If the deceased received medical care after the accident, the responsible party is usually required to cover these costs.
• Type of accident and cause of death:  If the deceased suffered before passing, the claim may include pain and suffering damages. If the death was immediate, the settlement amount may be lower. Family members who witnessed the accident may also have a separate bystander claim for emotional distress.
• Age and health of the deceased:  Younger victims often lead to higher settlements due to lost future earnings. However, claims for very young children may be lower since their future earning potential is not yet established.
• Income and career stage:  If the deceased had a stable career with many working years ahead, the settlement may reflect the loss of financial support.
• Insurance policy limits:  The amount available depends on the at-fault party’s insurance coverage. Cases involving commercial vehicles or large companies often result in higher settlements due to larger insurance policies.
• Circumstances of the accident:  If the at-fault party acted with extreme recklessness, such as drunk driving or intentional harm, San Francisco courts may award punitive damages to punish wrongdoing.
• Number of dependents:  If the deceased provided financial support for multiple family members, the settlement calculation will reflect this.

No amount of money can replace a loved one, but financial compensation can provide security and accountability. If you have lost a family member due to negligence in San Francisco, our wrongful death lawyers can help. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in San Francisco?

In San Francisco, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is generally two years from the date of your loved one’s passing. If you do not file within this period, you may lose your right to seek compensation.

However, some situations can change this deadline:

• Claims Against Government Entities – If a city agency or public transportation service (such as Muni) is involved, you must file a claim within six months of the death.
• Delayed Discovery – If the cause of death was not immediately clear due to hidden factors, the timeline may start from the date you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) the cause.

Because missing a deadline can prevent you from receiving compensation, it is important to act quickly. Our San Francisco wrongful death attorneys can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and file your claim on time. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your case.

Understanding Survival Actions in San Francisco

A survival action is a legal claim that allows the estate of a deceased person to recover damages the victim could have claimed if they had survived the incident. Unlike wrongful death claims, which focus on the impact on surviving family members, survival actions address the harm the deceased suffered before passing.

In San Francisco, these claims may cover:

• Medical bills for treatment before death
• Lost wages for the time between the accident and passing
• Property damage caused by the incident
• Pain and suffering (in some cases, depending on state law)

Survival actions are filed by the estate’s executor or administrator, and any compensation awarded is usually distributed based on the deceased’s will. If no will exists, California’s intestacy laws determine how the funds are divided.

Timing is important—survival actions must be filed within the same legal deadline as a personal injury claim, which is often two years from the accident date.

If you believe a survival action may apply to your case, contact our San Francisco wrongful death attorneys today for a FREE CONSULTATION. We can help you understand your legal rights and take the right steps to seek justice.

FAQs About Wrongful Death Cases in San Francisco

What compensation can be recovered in a San Francisco wrongful death case?

Compensation in a San Francisco wrongful death claim may include both economic and non-economic damages:

• Economic damages: Medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and loss of household services.
• Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and loss of guidance.
• Punitive damages: In cases of extreme negligence or misconduct, additional damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party.

Can I file a wrongful death claim if my loved one had no income?

Yes. Even if the deceased did not have an income, surviving family members may still pursue a claim for non-economic damages, such as loss of companionship, emotional support, and guidance. The claim can also seek compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills, and other financial burdens caused by the death.

What if the responsible party has no insurance?

If the at-fault party does not have insurance, there may still be ways to seek compensation:

• Pursuing a claim against personal assets of the negligent party.
• Identifying other potentially liable parties, such as employers or businesses.
• Using the deceased’s own insurance policy, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, if applicable.
  Our San Francisco wrongful death attorneys can evaluate your options and help you seek the maximum compensation possible.

Can multiple family members file separate wrongful death claims?

No. California law requires all eligible family members to join together in one wrongful death lawsuit. The settlement or award is divided among claimants based on their relationship to the deceased and their level of financial or emotional loss.

What if my loved one was partially at fault for the accident?

California follows a comparative negligence system, meaning compensation can still be awarded even if the deceased shared some fault. However, the final settlement will be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to them.
For example, if the deceased was 20% at fault, the total damages awarded would be reduced by 20%.

If you have more questions about filing a wrongful death claim in San Francisco, contact Thompson Law for a FREE CONSULTATION today. Our experienced attorneys can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation your family deserves.