Wrongful Death Lawyer
Compassionate Support for Grieving Families
Seeking Justice for Families Who Have Lost Loved Ones
Losing a loved one due to someone else's negligence is devastating. The grief, confusion, and financial uncertainty that follow can feel overwhelming. At Frank Penney Injury Law, we understand the profound pain your family is experiencing, and we're here to help you seek the justice your loved one deserves.
With over $1 billion recovered and more than 30 years of experience, our wrongful death attorneys have helped countless families hold negligent parties accountable. We handle every aspect of your case with compassion and dedication, allowing you to focus on grieving and healing.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
Our experienced attorneys handle all types of wrongful death cases, fighting to hold negligent parties accountable.
Fatal Car Accidents
Holding reckless and negligent drivers accountable for fatal collisions.
Workplace Fatalities
Seeking justice when unsafe working conditions cause death.
Medical Malpractice Deaths
Pursuing claims against healthcare providers whose negligence caused death.
Product Liability Deaths
Holding manufacturers accountable for defective products that cause fatalities.
Nursing Home Negligence
Fighting for justice when elder abuse or neglect leads to death.
Fatal Truck Accidents
Pursuing claims against trucking companies and drivers for deadly crashes.
Pedestrian Fatalities
Seeking compensation for families who lost loved ones in pedestrian accidents.
Construction Accidents
Holding contractors and property owners responsible for fatal construction site incidents.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim
California law specifies who is eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a deceased loved one.
Eligible Family Members
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Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner
The deceased's legal spouse or registered domestic partner has primary standing to file.
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Children
Both biological and legally adopted children may file a wrongful death claim.
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Grandchildren
If the deceased's children are also deceased, grandchildren may be eligible.
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Other Dependents
Those who were financially dependent on the deceased may have grounds to file.
Compensation You May Recover
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills incurred before death
- Loss of future income and benefits
- Loss of companionship and support
- Loss of household services
- Pain and suffering of survivors
Why Choose Frank Penney Injury Law
When you're grieving the loss of a loved one, you need a law firm with compassion, experience, and dedication to fight for your family.
Compassionate Approach
We understand the emotional toll of losing a loved one. Our attorneys treat every family with empathy and respect, providing support during this difficult time while aggressively pursuing the justice you deserve.
Proven Track Record
With over $1 billion recovered for our clients, we have the experience and results to back up our reputation. We've helped countless families receive compensation for their tragic losses.
No Upfront Costs
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs so you can focus on your family without financial worry.
Thorough Investigation
We conduct comprehensive investigations to establish liability and build the strongest possible case. We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other specialists.
Maximum Compensation
Insurance companies know we're willing to take cases to trial. This leverage helps us negotiate maximum settlements that truly reflect the value of your loss.
Local Expertise
With six offices throughout Northern California, we know the local courts, judges, and procedures. This local knowledge gives our clients a strategic advantage in their cases.
Why You Need a Wrongful Death Attorney
You're allowed to pursue a wrongful death claim without a lawyer, but families often face well-funded insurance carriers and defense teams whose goal is to minimize payout. An experienced attorney can protect your family from avoidable mistakes and pursue the full value of your loss.
Preserving Evidence Before It Disappears
Key evidence can vanish fast — surveillance video gets overwritten, vehicles are repaired or destroyed, cell phone records expire, and witnesses become harder to locate. A lawyer can send preservation letters, coordinate inspections, and work with investigators and experts to protect your case.
Identifying All Responsible Parties
Wrongful death cases are often more complex than they appear. Responsibility may extend beyond the obvious party to include employers, vehicle owners, contractors, property owners, manufacturers, and even government entities. Finding every liable party and every available policy is one of the biggest drivers of recovery.
Valuing the Claim Completely
Insurance companies may quickly offer a settlement that sounds helpful but fails to account for the long-term financial and household impact of the loss. A wrongful death lawyer will build a damages model supported by income records, benefits documentation, and testimony about the value of lost care and companionship.
Managing Deadlines and Legal Requirements
Most wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of death under California law. Some cases have even shorter deadlines — especially when a government agency may be involved. An attorney can spot these issues early and keep the case compliant.
Shielding Your Family From Stress
A strong legal team can take over communications, paperwork, negotiation, and litigation tasks so you can focus on your family while knowing the case is being handled professionally and respectfully.
Would You Need to Go to Trial?
Many wrongful death cases are resolved through settlement, but you should be prepared to go to trial if necessary — because that preparation is often what drives meaningful settlement offers.
Going to trial may be necessary when the defense disputes fault, minimizes the family's losses, or offers a significantly low sum. At Frank Penney Injury Law, we prepare every case as if it's going to trial, which gives us leverage at the negotiating table and ensures we're ready if the case does go to court.
Important: Survival Actions
In some cases, additional claims may exist alongside wrongful death — for example, a "survival" action tied to harms suffered before death. The availability and scope of those claims can be technical under California law, which is another reason families benefit from experienced counsel.
Contact Frank Penney Injury Lawyers Today
If you believe your loved one's death was caused by negligence or misconduct, you don't have to carry the legal burden alone. During a free consultation, our team can help you understand:
Free Consultation — No Fee Unless We Win
Over $1 Billion Recovered | 30+ Years of Experience