California Wildfire Wrongful Death Attorney
We understand no amount of money can replace your loved one. But holding negligent parties accountable can provide justice, closure, and financial security for your family.
Compassionate Legal Help After an Unimaginable Loss
Losing a loved one in a California wildfire is devastating. At the Law Offices of Rozsa Gyene, we provide compassionate, dedicated legal representation to families seeking justice after a wildfire death. We handle every aspect of your wrongful death claim so you can focus on your family during this difficult time.
If a utility company, government agency, or other negligent party is responsible for the fire that took your loved one's life, they must be held accountable. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys fight to secure maximum compensation for your family.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Wildfire Deaths?
Wrongful death claims can be filed against any party whose negligence caused or contributed to the wildfire:
- Utility companies - SCE, PG&E, LADWP whose equipment ignited the fire
- Government agencies - Cities, counties, or state agencies that failed in fire prevention or response
- Property owners - Whose negligent land management contributed to fire spread
- Contractors or equipment operators - Whose activities sparked the fire
California's inverse condemnation law holds utilities strictly liable for fire damage caused by their equipment—including deaths. This means you don't need to prove negligence; you only need to prove the utility's equipment was a substantial factor in causing the fire.
Compensation Available in Wrongful Death Fire Cases
California law allows surviving family members to recover compensation for:
Economic Damages
Loss of the deceased's expected earnings and benefits, loss of financial support, funeral and burial costs, medical expenses incurred before death, loss of household services the deceased provided, and loss of inheritance.
Non-Economic Damages
Loss of love, companionship, and affection; loss of moral support and guidance; loss of intimacy (for spouses); loss of parental guidance (for children); and the emotional distress of losing a family member.
Survivor Action Damages
Pain and suffering your loved one experienced before death, and any other damages the deceased could have recovered had they survived. These damages go to the estate.
Punitive Damages
In cases involving gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, the following individuals can file a wrongful death lawsuit:
- Surviving spouse or domestic partner
- Children of the deceased
- If there is no surviving spouse or children: parents, siblings, or grandparents
- Anyone financially dependent on the deceased
- Personal representative of the deceased's estate (for survivor action claims)
Critical Deadlines for Wrongful Death Fire Claims
IMPORTANT DEADLINES:
- Wrongful death lawsuit: Must be filed within 2 years of the date of death
- Government claims (LADWP, City/County): Must be filed within 6 months of death
- Survivor action: Must be filed within applicable statute of limitations
Missing these deadlines permanently bars your claim. Contact an attorney immediately.
Recent California Wildfire Deaths
The January 2025 California wildfires have tragically claimed lives across Los Angeles County:
- Eaton Fire: Multiple fatalities in Altadena and Pasadena
- Pacific Palisades Fire: Deaths reported across the fire zone
If you lost a family member in these or any California wildfire, our wrongful death attorneys are here to help you understand your legal options and pursue justice.
We're Here to Help Your Family
Compassionate, dedicated legal representation. No fee unless we recover compensation for your family.
Free Consultation Call: (818) 291-6217Wrongful Death Fire Claim FAQ
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit?
In California, the surviving spouse or domestic partner, children, or (if there is no spouse or children) other individuals entitled to inherit under intestate succession can file. A personal representative of the estate can also file on behalf of beneficiaries.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit?
You have 2 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in California. However, if your claim involves a government entity, you must file a government claim within 6 months of death first. Contact an attorney immediately to protect your rights.
What compensation can we recover?
Families can recover compensation for lost financial support, loss of love and companionship, funeral costs, medical expenses before death, pain and suffering the deceased experienced, and potentially punitive damages for gross negligence.
Can we sue SCE or LADWP for a wildfire death?
Yes. Under California's inverse condemnation law, utilities are strictly liable for damages—including wrongful death—caused by their equipment. You don't need to prove negligence, only that their equipment substantially contributed to the fire.
Learn More About Wildfire Wrongful Death Claims
Read our comprehensive guide for families who have lost loved ones in California wildfires.
Read the Complete GuideLet Us Help Your Family Seek Justice
Compassionate, experienced wrongful death representation. No fee unless we win your case.