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Larry H. Parker
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Fresno County Wrongful Death Lawyer Larry H. Parker

Fresno Wrongful Death Lawyer

No one should have their life cut short due to reckless or careless actions, yet it happens far too often. In fact, Fresno County had an average of 173 fatalities from traffic crashes alone from 2019 to 2023.

If you have lost a loved one from an accident, we understand that you are left grieving, overwhelmed, and struggling to figure out what comes next. The last thing you want is to fight against insurance companies that don’t seem to care about your loved one’s death or your family’s future. This is why we are here to help. 

At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, our Fresno wrongful death attorneys stand with families who have suffered an unimaginable loss, fighting to hold the responsible parties accountable. While no legal action can bring your loved one back, seeking justice can get closure, accountability, and financial security to help your family move forward.

Why Families in Fresno Trust Us with Their Wrongful Death Cases

  • Your Loved One’s Story Deserves to Be Heard: Your loss is not just a case number but a life well lived, and we fight to ensure your loved one’s memory is honored and their voice is heard in the pursuit of justice.
  • Legal Protection, Without the Stress: Our Fresno wrongful death lawyers take the burden off your shoulders from the moment you call us. We handle everything so you can focus on healing.
  • No Legal Fees Unless We Win: Worried about costs? Don’t be. We work on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay a dime unless we win your case.
  • Support Wherever You Are: We make getting legal help as easy and convenient as possible. Whether you prefer in-person meetings, phone calls, or virtual consultations, we meet you where you are.
  • Proven Results, Relentless Advocacy: With over 100,000 cases won and over $2 billion recovered, we have the experience, resources, and tenacity to take on even the most challenging wrongful death cases.

Call us today at 562-573-6307 for a free consultation. Let us fight for you while you focus on healing.

When to Hire a Lawyer for Wrongful Death in Fresno, CA

Grief is overwhelming. The last thing you should worry about is legal complexities, insurance companies, and financial stress. That’s why getting a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible can significantly help you.

Here are the following scenarios where you must hire a wrongful death law firm to work on your case:

Right After the Incident

The first hours and days after your loved one’s passing are crucial for gathering evidence. But when you’re grieving, how can you focus on legal details? Lawyers for wrongful deaths can act quickly to collect accident reports, witness statements, and crucial proof before it disappears.

When the Insurance Company Plays Dirty

Insurance companies aren’t looking out for you. They’ll throw out lowball offers or deny your claim entirely, hoping you’ll accept less than you deserve. Wrongful death claim lawyers know their tactics and fight back to ensure you get every dollar you’re owed.

If the Insurance Company Is Refusing Liability

Proving fault in a wrongful death case can be complicated, especially when multiple parties are involved. Don’t let them shift the blame. Death attorneys conduct in-depth investigations to prove who was responsible and hold them accountable.

When the Bills Start Piling Up

The financial toll after an unexpected loss is crushing, from medical bills and lost wages to funeral and burial expenses. A wrongful death accident lawyer ensures that you secure compensation for everything your loved one contributed to your family’s future.

When You’re Running Out of Time

California law only gives you two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Miss this deadline, and you lose your right to compensation. A legal expert ensures your case is filed correctly and on time.

This is not the time for you to handle everything on your own. Let us help you. Call us today at 562-573-6307 for a free consultation. 

What is a Wrongful Death?

If someone else’s reckless choices led to your loved one’s passing, it might be considered wrongful death under the law.

A wrongful death claim is a legal action that ensures the surviving family is compensated for the losses they sustained from losing a loved one in an accident. 

No lawsuit can bring your loved one back, but it can get justice and help ensure their story leads to real change.

How to Prove a Wrongful Death Case

To win a wrongful death claim, you need to prove four key elements:

1. Duty of Care – Did They Have a Responsibility to Keep Your Loved One Safe?

We all have a duty to act responsibly. Drivers must follow traffic laws. Doctors must provide competent care. Business owners must keep their premises safe. The first step in any wrongful death case is proving that the at-fault party had a responsibility to act with care.

2. Breach of Duty – Did Their Negligence Cause the Accident?

Negligence means failing to uphold one’s legal duty. Speeding drivers, landlords who ignore safety hazards, and surgeons who make careless mistakes are all examples of breaching duty.

3. Causation – Did Their Actions Directly Lead to the Death?

It’s not enough to say they were negligent; you must prove that their actions directly caused the fatal accident. That’s where strong evidence, such as expert testimony and accident reports, comes into play.

4. Damages – How Has This Loss Impacted Your Family?

Beyond the emotional impact, wrongful death also leaves financial burdens to the surviving family, such as medical bills, funeral costs, lost income, and more. In a wrongful death case, you must show that the fatality resulted in actual losses.

We know that wrongful death cases can be complex and overwhelming, especially when you’re grieving. This is why we want to help you by managing your claim, giving you the space to grieve and heal. 

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Fresno, CA?

Under California Civil Code § 377.60, only certain people can file a wrongful death lawsuit, including:

  • Surviving spouse – Legally married partners of the deceased.
  • Children – Biological and adopted children.
  • Parents – If no spouse or children exist.
  • Siblings – If there are no surviving parents, spouses, or children.
  • Legal heirs – If no immediate family members are available, heirs under California’s inheritance laws may be eligible.

In some cases, domestic partners, financial dependents, or stepchildren may also have a right to file. Not sure if you qualify? Our wrongful death lawyers in Fresno can help determine your eligibility and guide you through the legal process.

What Types of Compensation Can I Receive in a Wrongful Death Case?

In a wrongful death claim, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages – Financial losses with receipts and documentation. This can include the following:

  • Medical expenses from the accident
  • Lost income your loved one would have earned
  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Loss of benefits (health insurance, retirement, pensions)

Non-Economic Damages – The emotional and psychological Impact of the accident and death of your loved one. 

  • Loss of companionship and emotional support
  • Loss of parental guidance (for children left behind)
  • Pain and suffering endured by surviving family members

Punitive Damages – If the responsible party acted with gross negligence, such as driving under the influence or leaving the scene without providing aid or reporting the accident (hit-and-run), punitive damages may be awarded to punish wrongdoing and prevent future similar circumstances.

While you can claim for these damages, non-economic losses, such as emotional suffering, don’t have receipts for it to be proven. It takes expertise and experience to calculate these losses, and we have those. We know how to fight for the compensation you deserve to help you move forward.

Are There Caps to Compensation in a Wrongful Death Case?

In California, wrongful death compensation is generally uncapped, meaning there is no limit on the amount you can recover. However, there are exceptions:

  • Medical Malpractice – Non-economic damages (like pain and suffering) are capped at $500,000 under California law.
  • Claims Against Government Entities – Stricter deadlines and compensation limits may apply.
  • Punitive Damages – These are not automatic and are only awarded in extreme cases.

Every case is unique, and our Fresno wrongful death lawyers can help you determine what compensation applies to you.

How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Fresno?

California law gives you two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Unfortunately, you lose your right to seek compensation if you miss this deadline.

This is why pursuing a case immediately is essential and avoiding doing trial-and-error strategies when managing your claim. However, we know that you need time to honor your loved one’s death. So, our attorneys for wrongful deaths can handle the legal complexities of your case and ensure no time is wasted while you focus on recovering.

What If My Loved One Was Partly at Fault for the Accident? Can I Still Get Justice?

California follows a pure comparative fault system, which means you can still recover compensation even if your loved one shares some blame. In this case, however, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

For example, if the deceased was 30% responsible for the crash, you could still recover 70% of the damages.

Will I Have to Go to Court for a Wrongful Death Case in Fresno?

Most wrongful death cases never make it to trial. Instead, they are settled through negotiations or mediation.

Mediation is a process where a neutral third party helps both sides agree on a fair settlement. It’s faster, less stressful, and cheaper than a courtroom battle.

However, sometimes, insurance companies play dirty. If they refuse to offer fair compensation or dispute liability, going to trial may be necessary.

If that happens, you may need to move your case to litigation.

We won’t let you go through it alone. If your case goes to trial, our Fresno wrongful death attorneys will prepare you every step of the way so you feel confident, supported, and ready to fight for justice.

Can I File a Wrongful Death Claim If I Can’t Afford a Lawyer?

Yes. Justice shouldn’t have a price tag. That’s why most wrongful death law firms like us work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

  • There are no upfront costs.
  • There are no fees unless we win your case.
  • A free consultation to explain your legal options with zero financial risk.

Don’t let money concerns stop you from seeking justice. The only thing you should focus on right now is healing; we’ll handle the rest.

The Best Wrongful Death Attorney in California, Fighting for Fresno Families

We know this is an unimaginable time in your life. The grief, anger, and endless questions of “Why did this happen?” can overwhelm you. You deserve justice, accountability, and financial support to rebuild your life.

For over 50 years, our wrongful death lawyers in Fresno, CA, have fought for families like yours, securing the maximum compensation possible so they can move forward. From investigating claims and negotiating with insurance companies to taking cases to trial if necessary, we handle every legal aspect of your case so you don’t have to.

Call us today at 562-573-6307 or fill out our contact form for a FREE consultation. No fees unless we win. No stress. Just justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Directory

Here are essential pedestrian accident resources in Fresno, CA, that can help you in case of accident emergencies:

Emergency Rooms

Urgent Care Centers

Local Courthouses

Disclaimer: We do not endorse these companies or profit from listing them on our website.

Other Practice Areas in Fresno County: