Rancho Cordova Wrongful Death Lawyer

Wrongful Death Lawyer Rancho Cordova, CA

Losing a family member is devastating under any circumstances. When that loss results from someone else’s negligence or wrongful conduct, the grief is compounded by anger, confusion, and difficult questions about what happens next. Bills arrive. Income disappears. Children lose parents. Spouses lose partners. The future you planned together no longer exists.

A Rancho Cordova, CA wrongful death lawyer at The Gordon Law Firm can handle the legal burden while you focus on your family. Chris Gordon has represented grieving families since 2002, recovering over $150 million for more than 5,000 clients during his career. His wrongful death settlements have exceeded $1 million, and he has successfully pursued claims against individuals, corporations, and government entities.

Your consultation is free and carries no obligation. It provides an opportunity to discuss what happened, understand your legal rights, and learn what options exist for your family.

Why Choose The Gordon Law Firm for Wrongful Death Cases in Rancho Cordova, CA?

Experience Handling Sensitive and Complex Cases

Chris Gordon began practicing law in 2002 and founded The Gordon Law Firm in 2014. Before that, he built another successful personal injury practice starting in 2008. Over more than 23 years, he has handled thousands of cases throughout Sacramento County, including wrongful death claims arising from car accidents, truck collisions, medical negligence, workplace incidents, and other preventable tragedies.

He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Utah and earned his law degree from Penn State Dickinson School of Law. He is licensed in California and has practiced in Sacramento County courts throughout his career. He also speaks fluent Spanish and has represented Spanish-speaking families throughout the region. More information is available on the Se Habla Español page.

When you need a personal injury lawyer in Rancho Cordova to handle a wrongful death claim, experience with these specific cases matters.

Wrongful Death Settlements Exceeding $1 Million

Chris has recovered over $150 million for clients throughout his career, including wrongful death settlements exceeding $1 million. He has represented families in cases involving fatal car accidents, commercial truck collisions, dangerous property conditions, and deaths caused by negligent conduct of various kinds.

A Fee Structure That Respects Grieving Families

Wrongful death cases at The Gordon Law Firm operate on contingency. There is no retainer, no hourly billing, and no upfront cost. You owe attorney fees only if Chris recovers compensation for your family.

He also follows a personal commitment: he will not accept more in attorney fees than his client receives from the settlement. Grieving families should not have to worry about legal costs while dealing with loss.

What Clients Say About The Gordon Law Firm

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“Gordon Law is outstanding! They helped us through a very challenging legal situation with absolute expertise. They are knowledgeable, effective and extremely responsive. I am 100% satisfied. I would strongly recommend them.” — Ryan Secrist

Additional reviews are available on our Google Business Profile.

Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle in Rancho Cordova

Wrongful death claims arise whenever someone dies due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional conduct. The Gordon Law Firm handles a broad range of wrongful death cases throughout Rancho Cordova and Sacramento County.

• Car accidents. Vehicle collisions remain the leading cause of wrongful death claims. Distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, and failure to yield all contribute to fatal crashes on Rancho Cordova roads and Highway 50.

• Truck accidents. The size and weight of commercial trucks makes collisions with passenger vehicles far more likely to result in death. Liability in these cases frequently extends to multiple parties, including the driver, trucking company, vehicle owner, and cargo shipper.
• Motorcycle accidents. Riders have no structural protection surrounding them, which is why motorcycle collisions result in fatalities at a far higher rate than car accidents. Families of deceased riders can pursue claims against the negligent drivers responsible.
• Pedestrian deaths. When a vehicle hits a pedestrian, the resulting injuries are often devastating, sometimes leading to death. These tragic incidents are frequently the result of drivers not yielding at crosswalks, running red lights, or being distracted behind the wheel.
• Workplace fatalities. Construction accidents, industrial incidents, and other workplace deaths may give rise to wrongful death claims against third parties beyond the employer. These cases exist separately from workers’ compensation death benefits.
• Medical malpractice deaths. When medical professionals fail to meet the standard of care and a patient dies as a result, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. These cases require expert testimony and careful documentation.
• Premises liability deaths. Property owners who fail to maintain safe conditions or provide adequate security may be liable when those failures result in death. Drowning accidents, falls, and assaults due to negligent security fall into this category.
• Defective product deaths. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers may be liable when defective products cause fatal injuries. Vehicle defects, dangerous machinery, and unsafe consumer products all give rise to these claims.
• Nursing home deaths. Elder abuse, neglect, and inadequate care at nursing facilities sometimes result in resident deaths. Families can hold facilities accountable for these failures.

California Legal Requirements for Wrongful Death Cases

California has specific laws governing who may file wrongful death claims, what must be proven, and what deadlines apply. Understanding these requirements helps families know what to expect.

Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, wrongful death claims may be filed by the deceased person’s surviving spouse or domestic partner, children, or grandchildren if there are no surviving children. If none of these exist, other individuals who would be entitled to property under California intestate succession laws may file. In some cases, individuals who were financially dependent on the deceased may also have standing.

To succeed in a wrongful death claim, you must prove that the defendant acted negligently or wrongfully, that this conduct caused the death, and that you suffered damages as a result. The standard of proof is preponderance of the evidence, meaning it is more likely than not that the defendant’s conduct caused the death.

California also recognizes survival actions under Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.30. These claims belong to the deceased person’s estate and recover damages the deceased could have claimed had they survived, such as pain and suffering experienced before death and medical expenses incurred.

The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years from the date of death under Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. Claims against government entities require administrative filings within six months under the California Government Claims Act. Medical malpractice wrongful death claims have specific requirements under Code of Civil Procedure Section 340.5.

What Damages Are Recoverable in Rancho Cordova Wrongful Death Cases?

California law allows surviving family members to recover compensation for several categories of loss. Wrongful death damages differ from those in standard personal injury cases because they focus on what survivors have lost rather than what the deceased person experienced.

Economic Damages

Economic damages compensate for the financial impact of losing a family member. Lost financial support represents the income the deceased would have contributed to the family over their remaining working life. This calculation considers their age, health, occupation, earning history, and life expectancy.

Loss of benefits includes health insurance, pension contributions, and other employment benefits the family would have received. Loss of household services accounts for the value of contributions the deceased made to running the household, such as childcare, home maintenance, and other unpaid labor.

Funeral and burial expenses are recoverable, including costs for services, burial or cremation, and related arrangements. Medical expenses incurred before death, if not recovered through a survival action, may also be included.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address losses that cannot be calculated with receipts or financial records. Loss of love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection, society, and moral support represents the emotional and relational void left by the deceased’s absence.

Loss of consortium specifically addresses the impact on a surviving spouse’s marital relationship. Loss of parental guidance applies when children lose a parent, recognizing the value of training, education, and guidance that parent would have provided.

California does not cap non-economic damages in most wrongful death cases. Medical malpractice wrongful death claims have caps under Civil Code Section 3333.2, though AB 35 increased these limits beginning in 2023.

Punitive Damages in Survival Actions

Punitive damages are not available in wrongful death claims themselves. However, they may be recovered through a survival action when the defendant’s conduct involved malice, oppression, or fraud under Civil Code Section 3294. This distinction matters in cases involving drunk drivers, intentional misconduct, or gross negligence.

What Steps Should I Take After a Wrongful Death?

The period following a loved one’s death is difficult. However, certain steps help protect your family’s legal rights and strengthen any eventual claim.

1. Obtain copies of the death certificate. You will need multiple certified copies for insurance claims, legal proceedings, and other purposes. The funeral home can assist with obtaining these.

2. Preserve all documentation. Keep medical records, hospital bills, police reports, and any other documents related to the death. These records become important evidence in a wrongful death claim.

3. Document the circumstances. Write down everything you know about what happened while details remain fresh. Note dates, times, locations, and the names of anyone involved or who witnessed the incident.

4. Identify potential witnesses. If others saw what happened or have relevant information, obtain their contact details. Witness testimony often proves valuable in establishing what occurred.

5. Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters. Insurance companies for potentially liable parties may contact you seeking information or offering quick settlements. These early offers rarely reflect fair compensation. Politely decline to discuss the matter until you have consulted with an attorney.

6. Do not post on social media. Insurance companies and defense attorneys monitor social media for statements or photos they can use against claims. Avoid posting about the death, the circumstances, or your family’s situation.

7. Gather financial records. Collect tax returns, pay stubs, and other documentation of your loved one’s income and financial contributions to the family. These records support economic damage calculations.

8. Consult a wrongful death attorney promptly. Important evidence can disappear quickly. Witnesses become harder to locate. Memories fade. The Gordon Law Firm offers free consultations to discuss your family’s situation and legal options.

9. Understand the timeline. California’s two-year statute of limitations means you have a limited time to file a claim. Claims against government entities have a six-month deadline for administrative filings. Acting promptly protects your rights.

10. Take care of yourself and your family. Grief affects people differently. There is no right way to mourn. Consider grief counseling or support groups while navigating both the emotional and legal aspects of your loss.

Wrongful Death Statistics in Rancho Cordova

Fatal accident data provides context for understanding how wrongful deaths occur in California and the Sacramento region.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 42,000 people die in motor vehicle crashes annually in the United States. California consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of traffic fatalities, with over 4,000 deaths in recent years.

The California Office of Traffic Safety tracks collision data showing that Sacramento County experiences a significant share of the state’s fatal crashes. Highway 50, which runs through Rancho Cordova, sees regular fatal accidents involving passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrians.

Workplace fatalities represent another significant category. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports approximately 5,000 fatal work injuries annually in the United States. Construction, transportation, and warehouse industries account for a substantial portion of these deaths.

Medical errors contribute to a striking number of deaths each year. Studies published through the National Institutes of Health estimate that preventable medical errors cause between 44,000 and 98,000 deaths annually in the United States, though some researchers suggest the actual number may be higher.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracks unintentional injury deaths, which include motor vehicle crashes, falls, poisonings, and other accidents. These preventable deaths affect families across all demographics and geographic areas.

According to the California Department of Public Health, unintentional injuries rank among the leading causes of death in the state, particularly for younger Californians.

Rancho Cordova Wrongful Death Lawyer FAQs

Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in California?

California law allows the surviving spouse or domestic partner, children, and grandchildren (if no children survive) to file wrongful death claims. Others who would inherit under intestate succession laws may file if no immediate family exists. Dependent stepchildren and putative spouses may also qualify in some circumstances.

What is the difference between wrongful death and a survival action?

A wrongful death claim compensates surviving family members for their losses, such as lost financial support and loss of companionship. A survival action belongs to the deceased’s estate and recovers damages the deceased could have claimed, such as pain and suffering before death. Both may be filed in connection with the same death.

How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit?

Two years from the date of death for most claims. Claims against government entities require administrative filings within six months. Medical malpractice wrongful death claims have additional requirements. Missing these deadlines typically eliminates your right to recover compensation.

What compensation can our family recover?

Recoverable damages include lost financial support, loss of household services, funeral and burial expenses, and non-economic damages for loss of love, companionship, comfort, and moral support. Punitive damages may be available through a survival action when the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious.

How much does a wrongful death lawyer cost?

The Gordon Law Firm handles wrongful death cases on contingency. There are no upfront costs. Attorney fees are paid only if Chris recovers compensation for your family. He also will not accept more in fees than your family receives from the settlement.

Can we file a claim if our loved one was partially at fault?

Yes. California’s comparative fault rule allows recovery even when the deceased shared some responsibility. The compensation is reduced proportionally to their percentage of fault.

What if the person responsible for my loved one’s death faces criminal charges?

Criminal proceedings and civil wrongful death claims are separate. A criminal conviction can support a civil claim, but you do not need to wait for criminal proceedings to conclude. You can file a wrongful death lawsuit regardless of whether criminal charges are filed.

How long do wrongful death cases take to resolve?

Timelines vary based on case complexity, the number of defendants, and whether liability is disputed. Some cases settle within several months while others take a year or longer. Cases that go to trial require additional time.

What if my family member died in a workplace accident?

Workplace deaths may give rise to both workers’ compensation death benefits and a wrongful death claim against third parties other than the employer. An attorney can help determine what claims are available.

Can we recover compensation if the death was caused by a defective product?

Yes. Product liability wrongful death claims hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers responsible when defective products cause fatal injuries. These claims do not require proof that the defendant was negligent, only that the product was defective.

What if a nursing home is responsible for my loved one’s death?

Nursing home negligence, abuse, and inadequate care that causes death can support a wrongful death claim. These cases often involve regulatory violations that help establish liability.

What happens if multiple family members want to file claims?

California law encourages or requires all eligible claimants to participate in a single lawsuit. This prevents defendants from facing multiple suits for the same death and ensures fair distribution of any recovery among family members.

How do I know if we have a valid wrongful death case?

A free consultation with The Gordon Law Firm can help answer this question. Chris will review the facts, identify potentially liable parties, and provide an honest assessment of your family’s legal options.

Does The Gordon Law Firm handle wrongful death cases throughout Sacramento County?

Yes. The firm represents families throughout the Sacramento metropolitan area, including Rancho Cordova, Folsom, Citrus Heights, Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Elk Grove, Roseville, and surrounding communities.

How do I schedule a free consultation?

Contact the firm by phone or through the contact page on our website. Consultations are free and create no obligation.

Most Dangerous Locations for Fatal Accidents in Rancho Cordova

Certain areas in and around Rancho Cordova see elevated rates of fatal accidents due to traffic volume, road design, and other factors.

Highway 50 accounts for the majority of fatal traffic accidents in the Rancho Cordova area. The freeway carries heavy commuter and commercial traffic at high speeds. Fatal collisions occur at the interchanges with Sunrise Boulevard, Hazel Avenue, and Mather Field Road with disturbing regularity. Multi-vehicle pileups, head-on collisions from wrong-way drivers, and crashes involving commercial trucks contribute to the fatality count on this corridor.

Folsom Boulevard, the primary commercial artery through Rancho Cordova, sees fatal pedestrian accidents as well as vehicle-on-vehicle collisions. The mix of traffic, driveways, and pedestrians creates conditions where fatal accidents occur. Intersections at Coloma Road and Mather Field Road have seen fatalities.

Sunrise Boulevard between Highway 50 and White Rock Road handles substantial traffic volume. Fatal accidents involving vehicles running red lights, T-bone collisions at intersections, and pedestrian deaths have occurred along this stretch.

Construction sites and industrial facilities throughout Rancho Cordova present fatal accident risks for workers. Trench collapses, falls from heights, struck-by incidents, and equipment accidents cause workplace deaths in the region.

Rural roads leading toward Folsom Lake and eastern Sacramento County see fatal motorcycle and vehicle accidents, particularly on winding roads where speeds exceed safe limits.

What Are Important Local Resources for Rancho Cordova Wrongful Death Victims?

These resources may help families in Rancho Cordova dealing with the aftermath of a loved one’s death.

Sacramento County Coroner — (916) 874-5115. Handles death investigations and issues death certificates for Sacramento County.

California Highway Patrol, South Sacramento — (916) 681-2300. Investigates fatal accidents on Highway 50 and state routes. Contact for accident reports.

Sacramento County Sheriff, Rancho Cordova — (916) 874-5115. For non-freeway fatal accidents and death investigations.

California Victim Compensation Board — (800) 777-9229. Provides financial assistance to families of homicide victims and those who die due to certain crimes.

California Department of Industrial Relations — (844) 522-6734. Information about workplace fatalities and death benefits under workers’ compensation.

Social Security Administration — (800) 772-1213. Information about survivor benefits for eligible family members.

Griefshare — Support groups for people grieving the death of a family member or friend.

Disclaimer: The Gordon Law Firm provides these resources for informational purposes and does not endorse any particular provider, agency, or organization.

Contact The Gordon Law Firm

Losing a family member to someone else’s negligence is devastating. No amount of compensation can bring back your loved one. But holding responsible parties accountable matters. It provides resources your family needs to move forward. It may prevent similar tragedies from happening to other families.

The Gordon Law Firm provides free consultations to families who have lost loved ones due to negligence in Rancho Cordova and throughout Sacramento County. There is no cost to discuss your situation and no obligation to hire the firm.

Chris Gordon handles wrongful death cases on contingency. Your family pays nothing unless he recovers compensation for you. When you are ready to discuss your options with an experienced wrongful death attorney in Rancho Cordova, contact The Gordon Law Firm to schedule a consultation.