It can be challenging to cope with the loss of a loved one. When a person dies due to the negligence or actions of another person, this is a case of wrongful death and could be subject to legal action. If this describes your case, contact Bisnar Chase to speak with an expert Newport Beach wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible.
Our Newport Beach personal injury attorneys can help and are dedicated to supporting people in and around the Newport area. A wrongful death lawsuit cannot bring your loved one back, but it can hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
2025 Best Wrongful Death Attorneys Near You
It is important to remember that you are not alone. We offer compassion, support, and guidance at every step. Contact Bisnar Chase to speak to a dedicated wrongful death attorney in Newport Beach. Call (949) 203-3814, email us, or use our website live chat 24/7.
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Newport Beach Wrongful Death Attorneys
What is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Wrongful death occurs when a person is killed or dies due to the negligent, reckless, careless, or malicious actions of another person or entity. When this happens in Newport Beach, a wrongful death claim or lawsuit can be filed.
The objective of a lawsuit is to help make the family or loved ones of the deceased victim whole, in terms of both emotional and financial losses suffered.
A Newport Beach wrongful death attorney can help guide families through the legal process by compiling a strong case, filing a lawsuit, negotiating a settlement or going to trial.
7 Types of Wrongful Death in Newport Beach
A wrongful death case can involve a wide range of different scenarios. These can include:
- Intentional acts of violence
A victim could be killed in an armed robbery, shooting, assault, or another malicious act. - Vehicle accident
Including car accidents, truck crashes, and motorcycle fatalities that involve negligence or reckless actions on the road. DUI accidents are also a rising cause of injuries and wrongful death. - Defective products
Unsafe products, the use of which can result in serious injury or death. These might include defective vehicles, dangerous pharmaceuticals, and malfunctioning products. - Workplace incidents
From locational hazards, such as toxic exposure, to job-related fatal accidents when a worker has been placed in a precarious or dangerous position. - Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
May include fatal injuries to a pedestrian or cyclist caused by a road hazard or a collision with a vehicle. - Premises liability
Such as a death caused by a slip-and-fall accident resulting from negligence on the part of the property owner or manager. - Dog bites
A serious attack from a dangerous dog can cause severe injuries, even leading to fatalities in extreme cases.
These are just some potential wrongful death dangers, but there are plenty of others. For example, boating and watersports are popular off the Newport coast, and watercraft accidents are common.
Generally speaking, any harm covered by a personal injury claim in California could result in a wrongful death lawsuit if it becomes a fatality.
Talk to a wrongful death expert for more information and to find out whether a lawsuit can be filed for your case.
Bisnar Chase is an award-winning law firm with an outstanding track record. We take pride in helping people when they need it most. Make sure you have the best wrongful death lawyers near you on your side; contact us today for a free consultation.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
The process of filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Newport Beach can be confusing for many people. If a family member has died due to the negligence of another person, how do you know who should file a claim?
Different states have varying rules, but in California, the following people are allowed to file a wrongful death lawsuit:
- The spouse or domestic partner of the deceased victim
- The deceased victim’s children
In some cases, a victim will not have a direct descendant. California law also allows other people to make claims – if they relied on the victim financially, or are potential beneficiaries. These include:
- Parents of the victim
- Siblings and other close relatives of the deceased
- The victim’s stepchildren
- A putative spouse or children from this relationship
If you are unsure if you can file a wrongful death claim, or want to start the lawsuit process, contact one of our Newport Beach wrongful death lawyers for expert help and guidance.
How Much Can I Get for a Wrongful Death?
It is impossible to place a monetary value on a person’s life, particularly when it involves a loved one.
For many people, a wrongful death lawsuit is more about justice and accountability than it is about money. Occasionally, it may lead to improved safety regulations or laws to prevent similar tragedies. But compensation is also frequently given out in wrongful death cases.
The amount of compensation will vary based on the details of an individual case. A wide range of factors can impact the compensation awarded in a successful lawsuit. Some of these are financially based, while others are emotional. They include:
- Medical costs relating to the injury/death
- Loss of expected income
- Loss of inheritance or financial support
- The value of services the victim would have been able to provide if they were not deceased
- Any pain and suffering they were subjected to before their death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of companionship for surviving loved ones
- Loss of care, nurturing, and emotional support
Any money awarded in a wrongful death case is meant to compensate people for the loss of their loved one and account for any benefits they may reasonably have expected to receive had the victim lived.
Do I have to pay the attorney upfront to represent me?
You will not pay upfront if you hire a wrongful death lawyer or a personal injury attorney. Only a portion of your winnings will pay the lawyer’s fees if you win.
Our knowledgeable Newport Beach wrongful death attorneys construct the most compelling case possible, highlighting the losses and the resulting pain and suffering, so call us today to discuss your case. Call 949-203-3814.
What Evidence Do I Need to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Newport Beach?
There are the same statewide rules for wrongful death lawsuits anywhere in California, whether it’s Newport Beach or Northern California. The evidence you will need is as follows:
- Duty of care: The defendant has a duty to care for the deceased or to avoid negligence.
- Breach of duty: Prove the defendant breached their duty of care.
- Causation: Establish how their actions caused the death.
- Damages: Prove financial and emotional loss suffered by family members.
Types of evidence needed to prove a wrongful death case
- Medical records to show the cause of death and treatment.
- Police report, if applicable (crime or accident).
- Witness statements.
- Expert testimonial.
- Financial records and receipts.
- Photographs, video, and other physical evidence.
- Employment income to show loss of earnings.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
The statute of limitations in California allows you two years to file your lawsuit. There may be other factors that could extend it, like the date you discovered it was a wrongful death, not the death date.
California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) § 335.1.
- Filing Deadline: You must file the lawsuit within two years of death.
- Exceptions: In rare cases, the deadline may be extended (tolled) if the plaintiff was a minor, mentally incapacitated, or if the defendant was out of the state or concealed their involvement.
- Importance of Timely Filing: Missing the deadline typically results in the claim being barred forever.
Is There a Cap on How Much I Can Collect for a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Not in California, except for medical malpractice. If an egregious action occurred, you could receive punitive damages in addition to economic and non-economic damages. Medical malpractice is capped at $250,000.00 under the Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act (MICRA).
What is the Difference Between a Wrongful Death Lawsuit and a Survivable Claim?
A wrongful death claim compensates the serving family members for the loss due to the death. A survivable claim compensates for the losses the deceased person suffered before their death.
Finding the Best Newport Beach Wrongful Death Lawyer Nearby
Losing a loved one is extremely painful and can leave family members struggling to cope, both emotionally and financially. Our firm represents clients who need compassion and support – and our dedicated staff members offer just that.
It is our job to ease the burden on grieving families. At Bisnar Chase, our wrongful death lawyers will provide experience, guidance, and support, fighting for the right outcome in your claim.
We care deeply about the members of our community. Our law firm has been established in Newport Beach, CA, since 1978, and we take pride in helping the residents here when they need it most. We excel in supporting those people in and around the 92660 Newport Beach area and extend our services through Orange County and Southern California.
Our goal is to make sure every client gets superior representation. While many cases are resolved through a settlement, our attorneys are also skilled trial lawyers who will not hesitate to take your case to court.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Wrongful Death Attorney in Newport Beach?
Bisnar Chase ensures that its services are affordable by advancing all costs. We offer a ‘No Win, No Fee’ guarantee. Our firm will cover any reasonable costs to win your wrongful death case.
We only recover our costs if we win your case. If not, you will not have to pay. Offering this system is essential to our firm, as it allows us to help people of all means and shield them from financial liability. We will also work to negotiate your medical expenses so that you take home more of your settlement.
Find out more about our ‘No Win, No Fee’ guarantee by contacting a Newport Beach wrongful death lawyer at Bisnar Chase.
2025 Best Wrongful Death Lawyers in Newport Beach
If you have lost a loved one due to an act of negligence, recklessness, or malicious intent, Bisnar Chase can help you seek justice. We practice law with compassion and will ensure you get the guidance you need through the difficult legal process.
Bisnar Chase has a top track record, collecting more than $900 million for our many clients over the last 40 years. We also maintain an outstanding 99% success rate. If you have a wrongful death case, trust us to fight for you and your loved ones.
Call our Newport Beach wrongful death lawyers now at (949) 203-3814, visit our law offices, or send us a message through our website. We are here to help and look forward to hearing from you.
Serving California Since 1978
Bisnar Chase is a top-rated personal injury law firm with a national reputation. The firm has been in business since 1978 and has represented thousands of clients. Based in Newport Beach and with offices across California, Bisnar Chase has recovered over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts, emphasizing superior client representation above all.
Brian Chase
Articles and blogs have been reviewed by legal in-house staff. Brian Chase is the managing partner of Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP. He is the lead trial lawyer and oversees cases handling dangerous and defective products that injure consumers. Brian is a top-rated injury attorney with numerous legal honors and awards for his work relating to auto defects and dangerous products. His firm has recovered over $1B for its clients. Brian is a frequent speaker for CAOC, Dordick Trial College and OCTLA, covering personal injury trial techniques.