Reliable Wrongful Death Lawyer In El Monte, CA
Understandably, it’s upsetting to lose a family member unexpectedly. If someone else’s negligence or reckless actions cause the death of a loved one, a trusted El Monte wrongful death lawyer can discuss the first steps you should take. An El Monter personal injury attorney can protect your eligibility for death-related expenses under California law. Contact Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor to set up a consultation to discuss your claim eligibility and financial recovery options.
Recognized Trial Attorneys With Decades of Proven Results
Gregory Vanni has been selected to Super Lawyers continuously from 2004 through 2025 and was named one of the “Top 100” Southern California Super Lawyers in 2021 and 2024, and received the Consumer Attorneys of California’s highest honor, the Consumer Attorney of the Year Award, in 2014.
Kevin Callahan was designated a Super Lawyer in 2006 and again each year from 2008 through 2023, and named to the “Top 100” Southern California Super Lawyers list in 2015, 2018, 2021, and 2024.
Michael O’Connor has been designated a Super Lawyer from 2015-2024 and named a top personal injury attorney by Pasadena Magazine for ten consecutive years (2010-2024).
Notable Wrongful Death Verdicts & Settlements
$2,300,000 Stratz vs Gawrich —Wrongful death of 65 year old retired man as a result of an automobile accident. Initially insurance company offered $300,000 claiming that was the policy limit. Investigation revealed a $2,000,000 umbrella policy above the $300,000 primary policy. The full $2,300,000 was paid.
$2,000,000.00 Macias v. Drewry – Our clients were the surviving parents of a 16-year old girl who was killed in a solo truck rollover. The decedent was not wearing a seatbelt and was also criticized by the defense for getting into a car knowing the driver had been drinking.
$2,000,000 Yeu vs. Voit Vic Partners, et. al. —Wrongful death of semi-retired 65 year old Korean pastor and handyman who left behind a wife and 3 adult children. Decedent died when performing work on the roof of a building without safety precautions. Heavily disputed liability and claims that California law precluded liability.
$1,540,000 Lopez vs. GRSI, et. al. —Wrongful death of 26 year old daughter of plaintiffs. The accident occurred when the motorcycle she was a passenger on, operated by her boyfriend, at midnight struck a construction worker performing maintenance on the freeway. It was contended the construction worker was negligence by performing his work in the operating lane of travel. Liability was disputed and blamed on decedent’s boyfriend who was noted by many witnesses to be traveling well in excess of the speed limit and weaving between cars. The boyfriend had only a $15,000 insurance policy.
What Is a Wrongful Death Case in El Monte, California?
In California, eligible members of a family can bring a legal claim when their loved one’s death was caused by wrongful actions, called negligence. To win a negligence wrongful death claim, you must prove:
- A death happened.
- The death was caused by the negligent or unreasonable actions of someone else.
- The death could have been prevented.
- Financial damages can be awarded to the surviving members of the decedent’s family.
An important first step for a California wrongful death case is to determine if you’re eligible to file a claim for damages.
Who Is Eligible to Bring a Claim for Wrongful Death Damages in California?
California families generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim, under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Missing this deadline can permanently bar recovery.
Throughout California, eligible parties may bring a claim for wrongful death recovery after a preventable death. In general, someone’s estate or their next of kin can bring a claim. Under California law, the next of kin typically includes the following:
- The decedent’s spouse or their domestic partner
- Any children of the decedent
- Their parents
- Their siblings
If you are not an eligible party under California law, you may not be able to file a claim for damages. It’s worth discussing with a licensed California attorney whether you qualify for wrongful death recovery. The goal of a wrongful death claim is to provide compensation for the remaining family members as if their family member had not passed away.
Are Wrongful Deaths Common in El Monte and Los Angeles County?
Sadly, deaths that could have been prevented happen all too often. Of note, the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) reported that there were 227,039 accidental injury deaths throughout the United States from 2018 to 2023. This reflects a rate of 68.1 preventable fatalities per 100,000 U.S. residents.
In California, trial courts recorded 40,102 case filings from 2022 to 2023 for property damages, motor vehicle accidents, and wrongful death cases. This figure is now two-plus years old and lumps three unrelated case types together, which understates specificity. Pair it with the county traffic-fatality number above, or replace it if a more recent California Courts statistics report (FY 2024-25) becomes available — worth a follow-up check against courts.ca.gov for the newest release.
If you find yourself needing help after the death of a loved one, an attorney can make a difference in your financial outcome. They can discuss your situation, investigate the cause of your loved one’s death, and help you pursue all avenues of recovery.
What Kind of Accidents Lead to Wrongful Death Claims in El Monte?
Across southern California, avoidable deaths have happened because of:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Accidents involving impaired drivers
- Medical malpractice issues
- Premises liability incidents
- Defective products
- And more
If you lost a family member too soon, an attorney could help your family pursue compensation. They can help you pursue damages for funeral and burial expenses, loss of household support, medical expenses, emotional distress, and more.
A lawyer can evaluate your claim, investigate the cause of death, and build a claim to prove legal fault. Contact Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor today to schedule a free consultation.
Survival Actions vs. Wrongful Death Claims in California
It’s easy to confuse a survival action with a wrongful death claim — both arise from the same tragic event, but California law treats them very differently.
A survival action is filed on behalf of the deceased person’s estate. It allows the estate to recover the damages your loved one would have been entitled to if they had survived — things like the medical bills they incurred before passing, lost income between the injury and death, and any property damage. In short, a survival action steps into your loved one’s shoes and pursues what they were owed.
A wrongful death claim, by contrast, belongs to the surviving family members, not the estate. It compensates you for the losses you personally experience because of your loved one’s death — funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and other damages tied to your relationship with the decedent.
In many California wrongful death cases, families pursue both claims at the same time: a survival action to recover what the decedent was owed, and a wrongful death claim to recover what the family has lost. An experienced El Monte wrongful death lawyer can evaluate whether your case supports one claim, both, or additional avenues of recovery.
FAQs
What Amount Can I Claim in Damages for an El Monte, California, Wrongful Death Claim?
If you’re an eligible party for a wrongful death claim, the amount you may be able to recover usually depends on your case facts. The value of your claim depends on your loved one’s age when they passed away, their income, their relationship to you, and the negligence of the defendants.
These claims can be complicated, and an experienced attorney can help maximize your recovery. An attorney can give you an estimate of what you might receive for your claim.
Are California Wrongful Death Cases Challenging to Win?
While it often seems challenging to win a California wrongful death case, an attorney in El Monte with experience successfully resolving these cases can help. They can gather evidence to demonstrate that the death only occurred because of someone’s negligent behavior.
An attorney can investigate the death, explain the claim process, and improve your chances for a successful wrongful death claim. They can advocate for your interests throughout the process and discuss your potential financial recovery.
What Types of Evidence Are Helpful for a Wrongful Death Case in El Monte?
Compelling evidence can help show that only someone else’s negligence caused the death of your loved one. With a wrongful death case, you can gather evidence like medical records, healthcare bills, financial statements, and accident reports to give to your attorney.
A lawyer can help gather additional evidence like witness statements, a death certificate, and more. Plus, they may consult an expert to prove the cause of death and responsibility for the death under California law.
What Kind of Attorney Usually Assists With Wrongful Death Cases in El Monte?
In El Monte, California, an experienced El Monte personal injury attorney can help with a wrongful death case. They can evaluate your eligibility for a wrongful death claim and ensure you file for damages in a timely manner.
A knowledgeable attorney can discuss the next steps to protect your interests, and based on their experience with prior clients, they can discuss your legal options. Call Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor for a free consultation to discuss your potential wrongful death case.
Contact Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor – Trusted El Monte Wrongful Death Attorneys
After an avoidable death, it’s important to speak with a compassionate attorney to get justice for your family member. An attorney can give compassionate legal support when hired to represent your interests with a wrongful death claim. While each case is unique, an attorney can give reliable legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
At Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, we offer free initial case evaluations to discuss our legal services. With over 40 years of experience helping family members after the unexpected loss of a loved one, we can fight for your compensation.
While it won’t bring back your family member, a legal claim can help compensate you for death-related expenses. Contact us to set up a no-cost meeting right away.
Our Personal Injury Law Firm Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I recently reached out to Raffi for help during an unexpected life event my family experienced. After researching practices online
I came across Thon Beck Vanni & O-Connor and decided to contact the firm regarding a wrongful death case. I called the firm and Raffi answered. He was super professional and knowledgeable in every aspect of my family’s case and always provided me with the most up-to-date details to help guide us through one of our most difficult times. The journey was seamless, and the firm was very supportive along the way. I highly recommend Raffi and his team if you are seeking a reputable law firm. I am confident this firm will do all they can to help you win your case. My family ultimately won our case and we are so thankful to have decided to move forward with Thon Beck Vanni & O-Connor. Thank you to Raffi and his team you all great! If I could give 10 stars I would! Tom.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Excellent lawyers. Aggressive, professional, well respected. Every referral I’ve ever sent their way has positive reviews, which I take very seriously. If I ever have a personal injury referral or need it on a personal basis, I would definitely call them. Kevin Callahan is an excellent lawyer that I’ve personally engaged with, and know that the case will be handled well. Paul G.
Directions to Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor from El Monte
Destination: 140 S Lake Ave #208, Pasadena, CA 91101
Estimated Travel Time: 18 minutes
Distance: 9.6 miles
Best Route: via San Gabriel Blvd
Directions
- Start in El Monte and head toward E Valley Blvd (72 ft)
- Turn right onto E Valley Blvd and continue for 2.1 miles
- Turn right onto Mission Dr and continue for 1.6 miles
- Turn right onto San Gabriel Blvd and continue for 3.6 miles
- Turn left onto E Del Mar Blvd and continue for 2.1 miles
- Turn right onto S Lake Ave and continue for 0.2 miles
- Arrive at Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor
Note: The destination will be on your right. Parking is typically available in the building’s dedicated structure or nearby metered street spots.
El Monte, CA Wrongful Death Legal Resources
- Los Angeles County Medical Examiner – Case Search
- California Courts Self-Help Guide: Wrongful Death
- California Department of Justice – Victims’ Services
- Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles
- El Monte Police Department – Records Division
Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, A Professional Corporation – Our Office
Located in: The Shops On Lake Avenue
Address:140 S Lake Ave #208, Pasadena, CA 91101
Phone:(626) 795-8333
Hours: Open 24 hours
About El Monte, CA
El Monte, California, a bustling San Gabriel Valley hub of 102,400 residents, is famously known as the “End of the Santa Fe Trail.” Bordered by the high-traffic I-10 and SR-60 freeways, the city’s role as a major logistics center unfortunately results in fatal accidents involving heavy commercial and commuter traffic.
While many local incidents are “slight,” those resulting in wrongful death allow heirs to pursue compensation for funeral costs and loss of support under California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60.
To mitigate fatal collisions, the city is currently utilizing FY 2026 Community Development Block Grants and federal funding to upgrade street lighting and pedestrian infrastructure at major thoroughfares.
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