Introduction
Losing a loved one in a fatal accident caused by someone else’s negligence is devastating. California law gives surviving family members the right to file a wrongful death claim and recover compensation for their loss.
At the Law Offices of Mann & Elias, we have spent over 30 years fighting for families across Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County. With more than $100 million recovered for clients and a 99% client success rate, we know how to hold negligent parties accountable.
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, eligible survivors — including spouses, children, and dependent family members — can bring a wrongful death action. Time limits apply, so acting quickly is critical. Learn more about what your family may be entitled to by visiting our page on average settlement values in California personal injury cases.
About Beverly Hills, CA | Los Angeles County, CA | Orange County, CA | Riverside County, CA | San Bernardino, CA
Southern California is home to millions of families who depend on safe roads, workplaces, and public spaces every day. Unfortunately, fatal accidents happen across every community in this region — from busy freeways in Los Angeles to desert highways in San Bernardino.
Beverly Hills, CA
Beverly Hills sits at the heart of Los Angeles County, surrounded by some of the region’s most heavily traveled roadways. The Law Offices of Mann & Elias is located here, making it a central hub for serving families throughout Southern California. Our office is easily accessible to families dealing with the aftermath of fatal accidents in and around the city.
Los Angeles County, CA
Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the United States, with over 10 million residents. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, Los Angeles consistently ranks among California’s most dangerous counties for fatal vehicle crashes. Families throughout the county — from Downtown LA to the San Fernando Valley — rely on experienced wrongful death attorneys to navigate the legal process.
Truck crashes, pedestrian accidents, and car collisions claim lives on Los Angeles roads every year. Our team understands the local courts, insurance carriers, and defense strategies used in this county. If a family member was killed in a truck accident in Los Angeles, our step-by-step guide on what to do after a truck accident in Los Angeles can help you understand your options right away.
Orange County, CA
Orange County is a fast-growing region with major freeways including the I-5, I-405, and SR-55 that see high volumes of commercial truck and passenger vehicle traffic daily. Fatal pedestrian accidents, car crashes, and catastrophic collisions occur regularly throughout cities like Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Irvine. Families in Orange County deserve a legal team that understands both the local landscape and California wrongful death law.
The Law Offices of Mann & Elias serves Orange County families who have lost loved ones due to another party’s negligence. We fight to recover damages for funeral expenses, lost income, and the profound emotional loss your family has suffered.
Riverside County, CA
Riverside County stretches across a wide geographic area, including major corridors like the I-10 and I-215 that carry heavy truck traffic. Fatal accidents on these highways are unfortunately common, often involving large commercial vehicles. Families in cities like Riverside, Corona, and Moreno Valley need attorneys who can take on large trucking companies and insurance carriers.
Our firm serves Riverside County families pursuing wrongful death and catastrophic injury claims. You can also visit our Riverside County personal injury attorney page to learn more about how we serve this community.
San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County is one of the largest counties in the nation by area, covering desert communities, mountain regions, and busy inland cities. High-speed highways and remote roadways contribute to a significant number of fatal accidents each year. The California Highway Patrol reports that San Bernardino County sees hundreds of fatal collisions annually.
The Law Offices of Mann & Elias is committed to serving families in San Bernardino who are navigating one of the most painful experiences imaginable. We bring the same dedication and resources to every case, no matter where in Southern California you are located.
Services Available in Beverly Hills, CA | Los Angeles County, CA | Orange County, CA | Riverside County, CA | San Bernardino, CA
Wrongful death claims in California can arise from many types of fatal accidents. The Law Offices of Mann & Elias handles the full range of cases that lead to these tragic losses across Southern California.
Wrongful Death from Car Accidents
Fatal car accidents are one of the most common causes of wrongful death claims in California. When another driver’s recklessness, distraction, or intoxication causes a death, surviving family members have the right to seek compensation. Our attorneys investigate the crash, gather evidence, and build a powerful case on your family’s behalf.
Wrongful Death from Truck Crashes
Commercial truck accidents often result in catastrophic and fatal injuries due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. Trucking companies and their insurers act quickly after a crash to protect their interests. Our firm acts just as fast — preserving evidence, identifying all liable parties, and pursuing maximum compensation for your family.
Wrongful Death from Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians have no physical protection when struck by a vehicle, making these accidents especially deadly. California law protects pedestrians and holds negligent drivers accountable. We represent families throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County who have lost loved ones in pedestrian accidents.
Wrongful Death from Catastrophic Injuries
Sometimes a catastrophic injury — such as a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage — proves fatal after an accident. In these cases, families may have both a survival action and a wrongful death claim under California law (CCP § 377.20 and § 377.60). Our attorneys understand how to pursue both legal avenues to recover everything your family is owed.
If your loved one suffered a brain injury before passing, our page on TBI after a car accident in California explains how these cases are built and valued.
Wrongful Death Damages Available to Families
Under California law, wrongful death damages may include funeral and burial costs, loss of the deceased’s financial support, loss of household services, and loss of love, companionship, and moral support. Survivors may also seek compensation for their own grief, sorrow, and mental anguish. Our team works with financial experts and life care planners to make sure no element of your loss goes unaccounted for.
Statute of Limitations
California generally requires wrongful death claims to be filed within two years of the date of death (CCP § 335.1). Missing this deadline can permanently bar your family from recovering compensation. Contact the Law Offices of Mann & Elias as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Why Choose Law Offices of Mann & Elias
The Law Offices of Mann & Elias was founded in 1998 and has spent over three decades fighting for injured individuals and grieving families across Southern California. Our attorneys, Scott Mann and Imad Elias, both graduated from Pepperdine University School of Law in 1992 and have built careers defined by results and client dedication.
Scott Mann — A Trial-Tested Advocate
Scott Mann is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) — an elite credential that requires admission based on a minimum of 50 civil jury trials. ABOTA membership signals that an attorney has the courtroom experience to take a wrongful death case to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement. Mr. Mann is also a Pepperdine Law Review member (top 10%) and won the prestigious Vincent Dalsimer Moot Court tournament.
Imad Elias — Decades of Courtroom Experience
Imad Elias has over 35 jury trials to his credit and has been named to the California Super Lawyers list every single year from 2015 through 2024 — an honor reserved for the top 5% of attorneys in the state. He holds an AVVO Rating of 10.0 Superb, the highest possible score. Mr. Elias is also a member of CAALA and has earned inclusion in Best Lawyers in America.
Results That Speak for Themselves
Our firm has recovered more than $100 million for clients and maintains a 99% client success rate. We have handled hundreds of settlements and nearly 100 jury and bench trials. When families in Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino need a proven wrongful death legal team, the Law Offices of Mann & Elias is the answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can file a wrongful death claim in California?
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, a wrongful death claim can be filed by a surviving spouse or domestic partner, children, and in some cases grandchildren or other dependents. An attorney can review your specific situation and confirm who qualifies in your family’s case.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in California?
California law generally gives surviving family members two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit (CCP § 335.1). Exceptions may apply in certain circumstances, but waiting too long can forfeit your rights entirely. Contact our firm as soon as possible after your loss.
What compensation can my family recover?
Wrongful death damages in California may include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of household services, and loss of love, companionship, comfort, and guidance. The specific amount depends on your loved one’s age, income, and the relationship with surviving family members.
Do I need an attorney to file a wrongful death claim?
You are not required by law to hire an attorney, but wrongful death cases are complex. Insurance companies have experienced legal teams working to minimize what they pay. Having the Law Offices of Mann & Elias in your corner levels the playing field and significantly improves your chances of a full recovery.
What does it cost to hire the Law Offices of Mann & Elias for a wrongful death case?
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis for personal injury and wrongful death cases. That means you pay nothing upfront and no attorney fees unless we win compensation for your family. Your initial case review is always free.
What if my loved one was killed in a truck accident?
Truck accident wrongful death cases involve multiple potentially liable parties — the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, and others. Our attorneys move quickly to preserve black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records before they are lost or destroyed. Learn more about your rights on our truck accident guide for Los Angeles families.
Contact Law Offices of Mann & Elias
If you have lost a loved one in a fatal accident caused by someone else’s negligence, the Law Offices of Mann & Elias is ready to fight for your family. We serve clients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County throughout California.
Our consultations are free, and you pay nothing unless we win. Call us or reach out online today to speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney who will treat your family’s case with the care and urgency it deserves.
Law Offices of Mann & Elias
Licensed to practice in all California Superior Courts, California Courts of Appeal, the California Supreme Court, and all Federal District Courts in California.
Website: mannelias.com
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee or predict similar outcomes in future cases. The Law Offices of Mann & Elias is licensed to practice law in the State of California only. If you have a legal matter, please contact our office directly to discuss the specific facts of your situation.
