Fresno Wrongful Death Lawyer

The unexpected loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence leaves families facing more than just grief — it often brings legal and financial questions that need immediate attention. A Fresno wrongful death lawyer can provide the legal support necessary to pursue accountability and compensation through a wrongful death claim, including funeral costs, lost income, medical expenses, and emotional damages. 

At Dhanjan Car Accident and Injury Lawyers of Fresno, attorney Sarwinder Dhanjan will help you through the complicated process of the law so your family can receive the compensation and closure it rightfully deserves.

Why Choose Us to Represent Your Wrongful Death Case in Fresno?

Selecting a law firm to handle such a sensitive case requires trust, reliability, clear communication, and a genuine commitment to supporting your family. Here’s why Dhanjan Car Accident and Injury Lawyers of Fresno stands out:

• Proven Track Record. We have a history of helping families in Fresno navigate wrongful death claims and secure meaningful outcomes. Our case results speak for themselves, with many clients relying on our team to pursue justice during profoundly difficult times. We work diligently to ensure your case receives the attention it deserves.
• Compassionate Advocacy. We understand the emotional weight of losing a loved one, and we approach each case with care, patience, and thoughtful communication. Our team provides steady support throughout the process, helping you make informed decisions and feel confident. You won’t be left to face this challenge alone.
• No Upfront Fees. We represent clients on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t have to worry about upfront legal fees. We aim to minimize stress from the process as possible so you can focus on healing while we focus on your case. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.
• 24/7 services. Available to discuss your case at any moment.
• High-rated reviews. Founder attorney, Sarwinder Dhanjan, has earned stellar reviews on Yelp, Google and Justia. 

What Is a Wrongful Death Case in California?

A wrongful death case arises when an individual dies as a result of someone else’s careless or wrongful actions. These cases are civil claims brought by close family members or dependents who have suffered emotionally and financially due to the loss.

The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to hold the at-fault party accountable while helping the surviving family receive compensation for the impact the loss has had on their lives. This can include financial hardships, emotional suffering, and the loss of companionship and support.

In addition to these losses, families may face the sudden responsibilities of managing a household without a loved one, such as childcare or eldercare duties. Wrongful death claims aim to provide not just financial restitution but a pathway to long-term stability and recognition of the pain and disruption the loss has caused. Pursuing a claim is also a way to encourage safer behavior and prevent similar tragedies from happening to others.

A Fresno wrongful death lawyer can help assess whether you have the legal standing to file a claim and guide you through the next steps. Schedule a free consultation to get legal support.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Fresno, CA

Wrongful death can occur in a wide range of situations, many of which are unfortunately preventable. Some of the most common causes in Fresno include:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents. Distracted driving, excessive speed, driving under the influence, and poor road maintenance can all contribute to fatal collisions when negligence on the road results in the loss of life. Surviving families are often left to face emotional hardship and financial burdens. Medical bills, funeral costs, and losing a household’s primary income can quickly create lasting challenges.
• Workplace Incidents. Industries such as agriculture, construction, and logistics are prominent in Fresno. While vital to the region’s economy, these environments can pose serious risks if safety standards are not followed. Faulty equipment, lack of protective gear, or inadequate training can all lead to deadly accidents. The aftermath of a fatal workplace incident can leave families struggling to make sense of what happened while also facing uncertain futures.
• Medical Malpractice. While healthcare providers strive to deliver safe and competent care, mistakes can and do happen. Misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or medication-related complications can have fatal outcomes. When a medical provider’s failure leads to the loss of a life, families often feel a deep betrayal of trust. A wrongful death claim can help hold medical professionals accountable and create the foundation for systemic improvements.
• Defective Products. Consumers trust that their daily products—from vehicles to tools and household appliances—are safe. However, the consequences can be deadly when something goes wrong due to a manufacturing defect or design flaw. Victims of defective product incidents are often unaware of the risk until it’s too late. Therefore, it is important to hold manufacturers accountable through legal action to prevent future tragedies.
• Premises Liability. Property owners must maintain safe conditions for visitors and guests. Whether it’s a retail space, apartment complex, or public building, hazards like broken stairs, poor lighting, or slippery floors can lead to fatal falls or other deadly accidents. These incidents can feel especially senseless, given how easily many are preventable with proper maintenance and oversight.

Each case is unique, and the details surrounding a loved one’s death can be complex. A Fresno wrongful death lawyer can review the circumstances and provide insight into the best next steps for your family.

Who Qualifies to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Fresno?

Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, certain family members—including spouses, children, and, in some cases, dependent parents—are legally allowed to file a wrongful death claim in California.

The individuals or groups who may bring a wrongful death lawsuit include:

• In the absence of those individuals, others who may inherit under intestate succession laws, such as parents or siblings,
• Anyone financially dependent on the deceased, including stepchildren or a putative spouse.

These eligibility rules are intended to ensure that those most affected by the loss have the opportunity to seek justice. Since family relationships and financial dependency can sometimes be legally complex, it’s helpful to consult with a wrongful death lawyer in Fresno to clarify your standing.

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

The legal time limit to file a wrongful death claim in California is generally two years from the date of death. This statute of limitations can vary depending on the facts of the case. For instance:

• Claims involving medical malpractice may have different deadlines due to discovery rules
• Cases involving government entities may require filing a notice of claim within six months

Time is a critical factor in wrongful death cases. As time passes, gathering reliable evidence or locating key witnesses can become harder.

What Damages Can Be Recovered for a Wrongful Death Claim

Families who pursue a wrongful death claim can seek two categories of damages: economic and non-economic. These damages reflect both the tangible and intangible losses that occur after the untimely death of a loved one. While economic damages focus on quantifiable financial impacts, non-economic damages address the emotional and personal void such a loss creates.

Economic Damages

• Funeral and burial costs
• Medical bills incurred before death
• Lost income and financial support the deceased would have provided
• Loss of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship, care, and protection
• Emotional distress and mental anguish

In some situations, multiple parties may be at fault, and California’s comparative fault system may apply. According to California Civil Code § 1431.2, in cases involving multiple defendants, each party is generally only responsible for their percentage of fault regarding non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. A Fresno wrongful death lawyer can calculate the full scope of damages and help ensure that every loss is acknowledged and pursued.

3921. Wrongful Death (Death of an Adult)

Wrongful death cases involving adults often leave surviving family members facing deep emotional and financial challenges. When an adult dies because of someone else’s actions, California law gives their loved ones the right to pursue a civil claim. A Fresno Wrongful Death Lawyer can help clarify those rights. 

Under CACI No. 3921, wrongful death is defined as a statutory cause of action that compensates specified heirs for losses suffered as a result of a decedent’s death. While the law applies broadly, in cases involving the death of an adult who was a primary source of emotional and financial support, the resulting damages may be substantial.

Eligible heirs often include a spouse, children, or, in some cases, parents. While each has a separate claim, California generally requires these parties to file together in one joint lawsuit. This approach helps prevent multiple claims against the defendant, although courts can still hear the case if a family member chooses not to join.

In adult wrongful death cases, recoverable damages may include lost earnings the deceased would have contributed, funeral and burial expenses, and compensation for the loss of companionship, guidance, and care. These claims can vary depending on the adult’s role in the household and community. Having a lawyer involved helps ensure these losses are presented to the court.

Losing an adult family member due to negligence isn’t something you ever prepare for. But when it happens, taking legal action can offer some legal and emotional relief in the aftermath.

How to Prove a Wrongful Death Case in California

To succeed in a wrongful death claim, several key legal elements must be proven:

Duty of Care

This means proving the defendant had a legal duty to act safely and responsibly, such as obeying traffic laws or maintaining a safe property. The law expects individuals and organizations to behave to minimize risk to those around them. For instance, drivers must obey traffic signals, medical professionals must follow accepted treatment standards, and business owners must ensure their premises are safe. When someone fails to act responsibly, the foundation for legal accountability is established.

Breach of Duty

A breach occurs when that obligation is not upheld. This can happen through careless behavior or a failure to act when necessary. Examples include texting while driving, administering the wrong medication, or ignoring known safety hazards on a property. A breach shows that someone neglected their responsibility and, in doing so, created a risk that led to a fatal incident.

Causation

Proving causation means demonstrating that the breach of duty directly contributed to the death. There must be a clear and logical connection between the negligent act and the fatal result. For example, if a driver runs a red light and causes a collision that results in someone’s death, that action would meet the standard for causation. This element is crucial because not every accident or injury automatically results in legal liability—there must be proof that the defendant’s actions were a significant factor.

Damages

The final component involves proving the damages suffered by the surviving family members. These may include financial losses such as funeral expenses, lost income, or medical bills, as well as emotional losses like grief, trauma, and the loss of a loved one’s companionship. Demonstrating damages shows how the death has impacted the family’s life, both economically and emotionally, and helps determine the compensation they may be entitled to receive.

Proving these elements often involves collecting detailed evidence, including witness statements, police or accident reports, medical documentation, and expert opinions.

Contact a Fresno Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

The journey following a loss caused by negligence is often filled with questions and a need for resolution. A Fresno wrongful death lawyer at Dhanjan Car Accident and Injury Lawyers of Fresno offers to navigate legal complexities with sensitivity and clarity. Time is a crucial factor in these matters. Seeking guidance becomes paramount to ensure a clear path toward justice. 

To explore your legal options and understand the next steps, contact Sarwinder Dhanjan at 559-342-2000 or visit 2170 N Winery Ave, Fresno, CA 93703, United States, for a free consultation. Available 24/7

Other Areas We Serve:

• Personal injury lawyer in Fresno
• Car accident lawyer in Fresno
• Motorcycle accident lawyer in Fresno
• Truck accident lawyer in Fresno
• Bicycle accident lawyer in Fresno
• Dog Bite Lawyer in Fresno
• Brain injury lawyer in Fresno
• Spinal Cord Lawyer in Fresno
• Pedestrian lawyer in Fresno
• Slip and fall lawyer in Fresno

Visit our office in Fresno, California

At Dhanjan Car Accident and Injury Lawyers of Fresno, we help victims of personal injuries all around the Fresno, California, area. We have an office at 2170 N Winery Ave, Fresno, CA 93703, United States, and we provide 24/7 service. Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 36.769953447603704, -119.73066635783323

Client Reviews

What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

Jamie N.

January 2025

In December 2023 a woman completely blew a stop sign and nailed me on my bicycle in Old Fig Garden (Fresno, Ca.). This was my first experience dealing with this type of incident, and due to my injuries it was advised I seek legal representation. Mr. Sarwinder Dhanjan agreed to take my case. He clearly explained my case in a way that easy to understand and assured me that he would fight for a fair conclusion. His team stayed in contact with me throughout the process until its conclusion in October 2024. I was very happy with how his team handled my case and would recommend his team to anyone who is going through a similar situation.

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