Wrongful Death Attorney in Palo Alto
Legal Guidance After a Preventable Loss in The Bay Area
Losing a family member because of someone else’s careless or wrongful conduct is one of the hardest experiences a person can face. In this moment you may be grieving, trying to cover immediate expenses, and wondering whether a wrongful death attorney in Palo Alto can help your family move forward.
At Needham Kepner & Fish LLP, we proudly represent families throughout the Bay Area after a preventable death caused by negligence or deliberate acts. Our Palo Alto wrongful death lawyer strives to support you throughout your claim and pursue the full amount of compensation you and your loved ones are entitled to. We understand that no amount of financial recovery can ever make up for the loss of a loved one, but it can help ease the financial burdens that follow and provide stability during a difficult time.
If you would like to speak with our team about what happened and your options, we invite you to contact us for a free, confidential consultation. Our wrongful death lawyer in Palo Alto, CA, can support you with tailored legal care.
What Is Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death claim arises when a person dies because another party failed to use reasonable care or committed a wrongful act. In these situations, the law allows surviving family members or the estate to pursue a wrongful death claim to seek accountability and financial compensation for their loss.
Common causes of wrongful death can include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Unsafe property conditions
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Defective products
- Criminal acts
Types of Compensation in a Wrongful Death Claim
A wrongful death claim is intended to address the financial and emotional impact of losing a loved one.
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of household services
- Lots of companionship
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of guidance
Why Choose Our Firm After a Palo Alto Wrongful Death
When a loved one has died because of another party’s conduct, families need more than basic legal information. They want a legal team that can handle a serious case and still provide personal attention through a very difficult time. That is the balance we work to offer every wrongful death client.
Choose our Palo Alto wrongful death lawyer to benefit from:
- Decades of experience: Our firm brings extensive experience in handling wrongful death claims.
- Proven track record of success: We have a history of securing meaningful results for families seeking accountability and compensation.
- Compassionate care: We approach every case with sensitivity, respect, and an understanding of the emotional challenges families face.
- Mediation services: When appropriate, we use mediation to pursue fair resolutions without unnecessary conflict or delay.
- Big-firm resources with personalized attention: Our team offers the capabilities and resources of a large firm while maintaining the individualized care of a smaller practice.
Throughout the process, we manage evidence collection, claims paperwork, and negotiations with insurance companies. Our goal is to reduce the number of difficult conversations you need to have during your grief and to give you a clear plan for moving forward.
Call (408) 716-1668 to schedule a free consultation with our wrongful death attorney in Palo Alto, CA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can file a wrongful death claim in California?
California law generally allows close family members, such as a spouse, domestic partner, or children, to bring a wrongful death claim. In some situations, other dependents or a personal representative may file. We can review your family’s circumstances and explain who may have standing in your case.
How long do I have to start a wrongful death case?
The deadline to file a wrongful death claim is often measured in years, but it can be shorter if a public entity is involved. Because timing depends on the facts, we recommend speaking with an attorney as soon as you can so potential deadlines are identified and protected.
Will hiring your firm cost my family money upfront?
No. Our firm represents wrongful death clients on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay upfront attorney fees. Our fee is typically a percentage of any recovery, which we explain before you decide to move forward. If there is no recovery, attorney fees are not owed.
Will we have to go to trial if we file?
Many wrongful death cases resolve through settlement or mediation without a trial. Whether a trial becomes necessary depends on factors like liability disputes and settlement offers. We prepare cases carefully and can represent you in court if needed, while always discussing options with you.
