Wrongful Death Attorney
Your Family’s Voice for Truth, Accountability, and Closure
Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence is one of the most devastating experiences a family can endure. Beyond the emotional pain, families are often left facing more tangible damages, such as the loss of their loved one’s income, their help with child-rearing, and the overwhelming burden of navigating the legal system.
Our wrongful death attorneys provide compassionate guidance while fighting aggressively to hold negligent parties accountable. We help families secure the answers, justice, and financial support they need to rebuild their lives.
Schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced wrongful death attorney.
A Law Firm That Understands the Loss
Wrongful death cases require experienced, steady hands. Families deserve a legal team that understands not only the law, but also the grief, confusion, and life changes they’re facing.
Why Pathway Law is different:
Compassionate guidance
We take the time to understand your family’s story, your loved one’s role in your life, and the impact of your loss. You’re never treated like a case file.
Insurance shield
Insurers often push for quick, undervalued settlements before a family understands the true extent of their losses. We make sure your rights guide the case.
Comprehensive approach
We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and investigators to uncover the truth and present the emotional and financial damages.
Proven experience
Our attorneys have recovered millions for families throughout the communities we serve. We bring that same dedication, attention to detail, and results-driven approach to every wrongful death case.
How to Build the Strongest Wrongful Death Claim
If you have lost a loved one due to negligence, you may be considering filing a wrongful death claim. This can be a complex and emotional process, and we want to make sure it has a good chance of success. Here’s how to position your wrongful death claim for the strongest possible outcome:
File Before the Deadline
The statute of limitations in many states gives families two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Beginning the process early protects your rights, preserves crucial evidence, and prevents delays that could significantly weaken your case.
Identifying All Responsible Parties
Many wrongful death cases involve more than one liable party. A careful investigation can reveal everyone who played a role in the wrongful death. Potential defendants may include drivers, employers, property owners, or product manufacturers.
Document Every Loss Thoroughly
Keep clear records of all financial and emotional losses connected to your loved one’s death. This includes funeral costs, medical bills, lost future income, and the loss of companionship or guidance. Strong documentation strengthens the valuation of your claim.
Hire an Experienced Wrongful Death Lawyer
Pursuing a wrongful death claim can be a complex and emotional process. An experienced wrongful death lawyer can investigate the incident, gather evidence, consult with experts, and build a compelling case so you can focus on your family.
Evaluate Settlement Offers Carefully
Insurance companies often make early offers that undervalue the true impact of your loss. Before accepting anything, consult with a wrongful death lawyer who can assess whether the offer reflects the full extent of your losses and your long-term needs.
Meet Your Wrongful Death Attorneys
Joe Nazarian, Esq.
Founder, Pathway Law Firm
Professional memberships: American Association of Justice, Consumer Attorneys Association of California regions we serve, Trial Lawyers’ Charities
Honors and Recognition: Super Lawyers Rising Star, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Families coping with the sudden loss of a loved one shouldn’t have to face legal complexities without trusted guidance. As a leading wrongful death lawyer, Joe Nazarian has dedicated his practice to standing up for families facing their hardest moments.
Joe built Pathway Law Firm on the belief that every family deserves clarity, protection, and a legal team that listens with compassion while fighting with strength. Every case is personal. We combine strategic advocacy with sincere care, ensuring families feel heard, supported, and empowered as they move forward.
Real Clients. Real Recoveries
Your Path to Recovery Starts Here
Step 1: Start with a Free Review
Speak with a dedicated wrongful death attorney who will listen, understand your circumstances, and outline your legal options with clarity and compassion. No pressure, no upfront fees—just guidance when your family needs it most.
Step 2: We Build Your Case
We take over every legal task, from gathering records and securing evidence to working with experts and handling insurers. Our team carefully prepares a strong claim so your family doesn’t have to manage overwhelming details during an already difficult time.
Step 3: Focus on Your Family
While you spend your energy on healing and supporting one another, we pursue the compensation your family needs for financial stability and future security. We handle the legal fight so your focus stays where it belongs.
Wrongful Death Case Wins
$10.5 Million Pedestrian Wrongful Death
$2.7 MillionPedestrian Wrongful Death
$250,000 Wrongful Death Accident
FAQ
What is wrongful death under law?
A wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to another party’s negligence. If the deceased could have filed a personal injury claim, surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim.
Who can file a wrongful death claim?
While it varies by state, eligible family members typically include the surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, and sometimes stepchildren or parents. Parents can only recover if no spouse or children survive, or if they were dependent on the deceased. A lawyer can help determine eligibility.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim?
In many states, there is a two-year statute of limitations on filing a suit for wrongful death, which gives families two years from the date of death to file. Acting promptly preserves evidence and strengthens your claim. Waiting too long can bar the case entirely.
How do lawyers prove wrongful death?
Lawyers show the defendant owed a duty of care, breached it, and the breach caused the death. They also document survivors’ financial and emotional losses. Evidence can include medical bills, funeral costs, lost income, and loss of companionship.
What are the most common causes of wrongful death claims?
Wrongful death can result from fatal accidents caused by negligence. Common examples include car, truck, motorcycle, construction, and workplace accidents, as well as medical malpractice, defective products, and violent crimes. Careful investigation is needed to identify liable parties.
What damages can families recover?
Families may recover funeral costs, medical bills, loss of future earnings, loss of inheritance, companionship, guidance, mental anguish, and household services. The exact amount depends on the deceased’s role and circumstances. A lawyer can help maximize recovery.
What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action?
A wrongful death claim seeks compensation for survivors’ losses. A survival action addresses the deceased’s injuries or suffering prior to death. Both claims can sometimes be pursued together.
Will my case go to trial?
Most wrongful death cases do not go to trial and are settled out of court. If a settlement isn’t reached, a jury may decide liability and damages at trial. Trials are less common but sometimes necessary to secure fair compensation.
What if the defendant was intoxicated at the time of the accident?
If the defendant was intoxicated at the time of the accident, survivors may get punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. These are designed to punish and deter misconduct. This requires showing the intoxication contributed to the accident and the defendant should have known it was dangerous.
What if there is more than one defendant? Can all of them be held liable for wrongful death?
Yes, multiple defendants can be liable, but only for damages caused by their own negligence. For example, a drunk driver may be fully liable for the accident, while a manufacturer may only be liable for the defect-related portion. However, specifics may vary by state.
Standing with Families After a Loss
When a loved one’s death was preventable, you deserve answers and accountability. Our team is ready to protect your rights and advocate for your family.