Nothing Brings Them Back. Accountability Is the Closest the Law Can Come.
Compassionate, aggressive representation for families who have lost a loved one to someone else's negligence or wrongful conduct.
You may have a case if…
- ›A loved one was killed in a vehicle, truck, or pedestrian collision.
- ›A loved one died from a workplace or premises-liability incident.
- ›A loved one was killed by violence at a property with inadequate security.
- ›A loved one died from medical negligence or defective products.
California wrongful death law (Code of Civil Procedure §377.60) allows surviving spouses, domestic partners, children, and certain other dependents to recover for the loss of a loved one. Recoverable damages include economic support, loss of love, comfort, society, companionship, moral support, and the value of household services.
These are among the most difficult cases we handle — and among the most important. We work at the family's pace, never push for details that are not ready to be shared, and pursue the case with the seriousness it deserves.
CCP §377.60 — Wrongful Death
Provides recovery to specified heirs for the death of a person caused by another's wrongful act or neglect.
Survival Action (CCP §377.30)
Allows the estate to recover for the decedent's pre-death pain and suffering and punitive damages. Often filed in parallel with the wrongful death claim.
Damages
Economic: financial support, loss of gifts and benefits, funeral and burial expenses, value of household services. Non-economic: loss of love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection, society, moral support.
What you can recover
- •Economic support the decedent would have provided.
- •Loss of love, companionship, comfort, care, society, moral support.
- •Funeral and burial expenses.
- •Loss of household services.
- •Value of training and guidance to children.
- •Punitive damages via survival action where applicable.
The process
Step 01
Compassionate Intake
We meet on your timeline. There is no rush, but there are filing deadlines we will track for you.
Step 02
Investigation
Full scene investigation, expert reconstruction, witness statements, public records.
Step 03
Litigation
Filed in Superior Court with full damages support — economist, life care planner if children are involved.
Step 04
Resolution
Settlement, mediation, or trial. The decision rests with the family.
Why Okojie Law
Frequently asked questions
Who can bring a wrongful death case?+
Spouses, registered domestic partners, children (including stepchildren who were financially dependent), grandchildren (where parents are deceased), and certain other dependents.
How long do we have to file?+
Generally two years from the death. Government-entity defendants require a 6-month claim. Call us immediately.
Can we recover for the decedent's pain and suffering before death?+
Yes, through the parallel survival action. Recent legislation (SB 447) made these damages broadly recoverable in survival actions.
What if multiple family members want to bring claims?+
California requires that wrongful death claims be brought in a single action. We coordinate among heirs, often with separate counsel for each, to consolidate properly.
What about funeral expenses?+
Recoverable as economic damages.
What does it cost?+
Nothing up front. Contingency representation. We never charge a family for representing them.
Tell us what happened.
Confidential. No obligation. We respond within one business day.
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