The incident
Preserve police or incident report details, witness contacts, photographs, video, and communications about what happened. Fatal crashes and other incidents require an investigation into responsibility.
SUPPORT AFTER A FATAL INJURY
Thousand Oaks Wrongful Death Lawyer
When a family member dies because of another person’s wrongful conduct, legal questions can arrive alongside grief and practical responsibilities. Speak directly with attorney Alexey Savostyanov about a potential wrongful death claim in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, or elsewhere in California.
Free consultation. Fees and case costs for representation are explained in a written agreement.
Meet attorney Alexey Savostyanov, California State Bar No. 363457. Russian-language consultation.
Who can bring a California wrongful death claim?
Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 identifies the people entitled to bring a wrongful death action, including a surviving spouse, registered domestic partner, children, and other qualifying claimants in specified circumstances. A personal representative may bring the claim on their behalf. Eligibility requires a review of the family relationships and statutory requirements; being a relative does not automatically confer standing.
The consultation should identify all potential eligible claimants, any existing estate proceeding, and whether another action has already been filed. A wrongful death claim concerns qualifying survivors’ losses. A separate survival action concerns claims belonging to the deceased person and involves different rules.
What losses may be considered?
Depending on the facts, recoverable losses may include financial support, household services, funeral and burial expenses, and loss of companionship, care, or guidance. California jury instruction 3921 explains damages involving an adult’s death; different instructions address a child’s death. The evidence, eligible claimants, applicable law, and any special limitations determine what may be recovered. No case value or result can be promised.
Start with the available records
The family and estate
Identify surviving family members and any estate representative. Keep documents relevant to the relationship and existing court proceedings. Do not send confidential records before arranging a secure exchange.
The losses
Keep information about financial support, household contributions, funeral expenses, and the relationship with the deceased. These records help the attorney assess the potential claim.
Discuss the deadline before waiting for an investigation
An insurance investigation or a criminal proceeding does not automatically extend the civil deadline. Medical negligence and public-entity cases can involve special procedures and deadlines. Ask about the particular claim promptly, even if some reports are not yet available.
Wrongful death questions
Do all relatives have a claim?
No. Eligibility is governed by Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 and depends on the relationships and circumstances.
Is wrongful death the same as a survival action?
No. They address different losses and claims. An attorney can evaluate whether either or both may apply.
Can we discuss the matter in Russian?
Yes. Alexey Savostyanov offers consultations in English and Russian. The office is in Westlake Village near Thousand Oaks.
Ask about deadlines promptly
California’s general deadline for an injury or wrongful-death lawsuit is two years under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Different rules and exceptions can apply, including to medical negligence and claims involving children. Claims against public entities generally require an earlier claim presentation, often within six months under Government Code § 911.2. Do not assume that negotiations with an insurer extend a deadline. A consultation should address the particular dates and defendants in your case.
Related personal injury resources
Car accident claims · Dog bite injuries · Slip and fall claims · Wrongful death · Motorcycle crashes
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Tell us what happened and how you were injured. For immediate contact, call (818) 213-8798 or email attorney@savostyanovlaw.com.
Submitting information does not create an attorney-client relationship. Do not send confidential or time-sensitive information until the firm confirms representation.