Legal and Financial Protection
What if there is a wrongful death claim?
Short answer
If the death was caused by someone else's negligence or intentional act, the surviving family may have a wrongful death claim. In California, wrongful death claims must be filed within 2 years of the date of death. Qualifying claimants include the surviving…
What this usually means
If the death was caused by someone else's negligence or intentional act, the surviving family may have a wrongful death claim. In California, wrongful death claims must be filed within 2 years of the date of death. Qualifying claimants include the surviving spouse, children, and in some cases other dependents. Consult a wrongful death attorney — most work on contingency.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.