Losing someone to negligence isn’t rare. Unintentional injuries are now the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. According to the CDC, over 200,000 people die every year from accidental injuries, crashes, falls, and unsafe property conditions, among them. For families in Beverly Hills, these numbers represent lives forever changed.
At Crown & Stone Law, we help grieving families find answers and accountability. One client shared,
“Avi took the time to listen when no one else did. He explained every step and fought hard for my family.”
Another said,
“We never felt like just another case. Avi was honest, supportive, and always there, even after hours.”
When loss strikes, you deserve a lawyer who treats your family with real care, moves fast, and stands up to those responsible. We’re here to help you get justice, not just closure.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?
In California, only certain people are legally allowed to file a wrongful death claim. The law prioritizes close family members first:
- Spouse or registered domestic partner
- Children (biological or adopted)
- Parents, if no spouse or children exist
- Financial dependents, including stepchildren or putative spouses in some cases
The right to file isn’t automatic for everyone close to the deceased. California law sets clear rules, and we help you understand exactly where you stand.
If multiple people qualify, they usually must file together or join one unified lawsuit. We handle all the legal coordination so families can focus on healing, not paperwork or legal battles.
What Qualifies as a Wrongful Death in Beverly Hills?
A wrongful death case arises when someone’s death is caused by another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act. Common examples include:
- Fatal car, truck, or motorcycle crashes
- Pedestrian accidents at dangerous intersections
- Unsafe conditions at a business or apartment
- Medical mistakes
- Defective products or equipment
- Construction or workplace accidents
What Needs to Be Proven in a Wrongful Death Case?
To win a wrongful death claim in California, you must show:
- The responsible party had a duty to act with care (such as a driver following traffic laws or a property owner keeping a space safe).
- That party breached their duty through negligence, recklessness, or a wrongful act.
Their actions directly caused your loved one’s death. - Family members suffered losses, financial or emotional, because of the death.
Wrongful death cases require proof that someone’s actions or negligence directly caused your loved one’s passing. Medical errors are a leading concern. According to Johns Hopkins University, medical mistakes account for about 9.5% of all U.S. deaths, showing the tragic impact of preventable errors.
What to Do After Losing a Loved One Unexpectedly
The steps you take after a wrongful death can affect your family’s ability to recover. Here’s what matters most:
- Preserve evidence: Save any accident reports, photos, medical records, or correspondence.
- Get the death certificate and, if needed, an autopsy report: These documents can help establish the cause of death.
- Don’t talk to insurance companies alone: Insurers may try to settle quickly or get statements that hurt your case. Politely decline and say you’ll have your attorney respond.
- Contact a wrongful death lawyer: Early legal advice ensures nothing is missed and your rights are protected.
How a Beverly Hills Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help
When your family is grieving, the last thing you need is to fight with insurance companies or handle legal paperwork alone. We take on the legal burden so you can focus on healing.
- We investigate thoroughly, gathering accident reports, witness statements, and expert opinions.
- We deal directly with insurers, hospitals, and the other party’s lawyers.
- We fight for full compensation and never settle for less than your family deserves.
- You get honest advice, regular updates, and answers in plain English.
Our job is to make this process as easy and effective for your family as possible.
What Compensation Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Case?
California law allows families to seek several types of compensation after a wrongful death:
- Economic Damages: Funeral and burial expenses, lost income and future earnings, and the value of household services your loved one provided.
- Non-Economic Damages: Loss of companionship, love, comfort, care, and guidance. The emotional impact matters.
- Punitive Damages: In rare cases involving egregious misconduct, the court may award extra damages to punish the wrongdoer.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?
You typically have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in California. If the claim involves a government entity, like a city-run hospital or public roadway, the deadline is much shorter, usually six months.
Waiting too long can mean losing your right to recover, even if your case is strong. The sooner you get legal advice, the better your chances of protecting your family’s future.
Real Results for Families Like Yours
At Crown and Stone Law, we have helped Beverly Hills families recover significant compensation after devastating losses. In one case, we secured $5.1 million for the family of a pedestrian killed in a crosswalk accident. In others, we’ve obtained multi-million dollar settlements after incidents involving dangerous property conditions.
Families choose Crown and Stone Law because we listen, explain every step, and fight hard against insurance companies who try to deny responsibility or push lowball offers. Our record shows that with the right legal help, families can find justice and financial stability after tragedy.
Areas We Serve in Beverly Hills
We help families throughout Beverly Hills and the surrounding areas. Our clients come from every neighborhood, including:
- The Flats
- Golden Triangle
- Trousdale Estates
- Beverly Park
- Beverly Hills Gateway
- Roxbury Park
- Benedict Canyon
- Holmby Hills
- South Beverly Drive District
- 90210, 90211, and 90212 zip codes
We’re also familiar with tragic incidents that occur near busy intersections, schools, shopping areas, and major roads like Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica Boulevard, and Olympic Boulevard. No matter where your loss happened in or around Beverly Hills, we’re ready to help.
Meet Attorney Avi E. Muhtar
Avi E. Muhtar founded Crown & Stone Law to give families real support after an unthinkable loss. He is a Los Angeles native and graduated cum laude from UCLA, then earned his law degree from USC Gould School of Law.
With over 15 years of experience, Avi is known for direct answers, honest advice, and relentless advocacy. Families describe him as responsive, compassionate, and truly committed to getting justice:
“He is not just a great lawyer but has a good heart and always hears you.” — John C.
Avi’s focus is on lifting the legal burden so your family can focus on healing. When you call, you speak directly to your attorney, not a call center or intake bot.
Speak With a Beverly Hills Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, don’t face this alone. Call Crown & Stone Law at 310-421-4664 for a free, private consultation. You’ll speak directly with attorney Avi E. Muhtar, get honest answers, and find out what steps to take next.
We’re available day or night and serve families throughout Beverly Hills and the surrounding areas.
