Helping Families Understand Their Options After a Fatal Injury
Djougourian Law Corp represents families pursuing wrongful death claims in Los Angeles County. Trial attorney Arthur Djougourian leads the firm from its Burbank office. He is a Pepperdine University School of Law graduate, was admitted to the California Bar in 2018 and was selected to Super Lawyers Rising Stars in 2022. A consultation can help your family identify the questions surrounding a death, the records that may matter and the deadlines that require attention.
What Counts as Wrongful Death in California
A wrongful death claim may arise when a person dies because of another person’s or business’s wrongful act or neglect.
Who May Bring a Wrongful Death Claim?
California law identifies which people may bring a wrongful death claim. Eligibility depends on the family relationship and, in some circumstances, inheritance or financial-dependency requirements. A family connection alone does not establish eligibility. An attorney can evaluate who may participate under Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60.
Wrongful death actions may arise from:
- Car, truck, motorcycle or pedestrian collisions
- Workplace or construction accidents
- Defective or unsafe products
- Nursing-home abuse or neglect
- Criminal or violent acts
Wrongful Death Losses and Survival Claims Are Different
A wrongful death claim can address eligible survivors’ lost financial support, funeral and burial expenses, household services and loss of the relationship with the person who died. California distinguishes those relationship losses from a survivor’s grief, sorrow or mental anguish, which are not recoverable as wrongful death damages. An estate may have a separate survival claim with different requirements. The available claims and damages should be reviewed together rather than combined into one general list.
The California civil jury instructions provide guidance on wrongful death damages. Contact the firm to discuss your family’s circumstances.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Los Angeles County
- Motor-vehicle crashes: speeding, impaired and distracted driving.
- Pedestrian and bicycle collisions.
- Construction and workplace accidents.
- Falls and dangerous property conditions.
How DJ Law Corp Builds a Wrongful Death Case
Step 1: Free Case Review
We meet with the surviving family to review the incident, identify responsible parties, and outline legal options.
Step 2: Investigation & Documentation
Our team gathers police and coroner reports, medical records, OSHA or Cal/OSHA findings, and witness statements. We often consult accident-reconstruction and economic experts to determine liability and quantify losses.
Step 3: Demand & Negotiation
We submit a comprehensive demand to insurers or liable entities backed by evidence, expert opinions, and verified data.
Step 4: Litigation (If Required)
If fair settlement isn’t reached, we file suit in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Our litigation team handles discovery, depositions, expert testimony, and trial presentation to ensure accountability.
Statute of Limitations & Deadlines
Many wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of the death, but some claims have shorter deadlines. The California Courts deadline guide explains how limitation periods work.
If the case involves a government entity, such as a city vehicle or an unsafe public roadway, a written claim generally must be presented to the agency within six months. See the California Courts guide to government claims and our article on the six-month government claim deadline in Los Angeles.
Missing these deadlines can permanently bar recovery, so prompt legal advice matters.
⭐ Real Client Review
Researching for the best lawyer for my injury was one of the most difficult things I have ever done. I did the work for you, look no further. Arthur and Jacqui will work hard and advocate for you all the way to get you the maximum settlement. I was even more confident if my case would have went to trial.
I was in a car wreck when a cement truck decided to run a red light causing me to swerve into oncoming traffic. I reached out to different firms but many either didn’t respond back or didn’t want to take the case. Arthur took me on as a client without hesitation and was nothing but respectful and communicated with me every step of the way. I am appreciative of him and his team and I highly recommend him if you’re looking for someone to help you with a personal injury!
this guy helped me battle and win a case after an accident i’d been involved in.
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Arthur for a year, and in that time, I’ve been continually impressed by his professionalism and dedication. As an attorney, he brings not only a deep understanding of the law but also a genuine commitment to his clients’ best interests. Arthur’s sharp legal mind, clear communication, and integrity make him an outstanding advocate. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending him to those in need of a great attorney!
I was in a car accident about a year ago, and I’m so grateful I hired Arthur to represent me. He helped me get the maximum settlement possible, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. From the start, he was kind, knowledgeable, and incredibly patient. He always made time to answer my questions and walked me through the process step by step.
When I was rear ended, my car was messed up and so was I. If you need someone to represent you that is professional, caring and will really fight for you, call Arthur Djougourian. He now my go to Lawyer. Thank you so much for helping me settle my case
Arthur Djougourian and his paralegal made everything so easy. They are genuinely friendly and personable, and, I feel confident they got every penny they could for me! Thank you, Arthur Djougourian!
My personal injury lawyer was Arthur Djougourian, accompanied with his paralegal team the helped me with my Uber lawsuit. They were very patient, communicative with walking me through the steps I can take to win a settlement. I honestly am so grateful and appreciative and really can’t thank them enough. If there is a injury attorney I could recommend, it would be Arthur Djougourian
Arthur is an exceptional lawyer. As my attorney, he ensured that all my medical needs were met and that I was properly compensated for my losses. He is very professional and goes above and beyond for his clients. If you find yourself in need of legal representation, Arthur is the attorney to turn to.
I had an excellent experience with Arthur Djougourian and his team after my accident. From the very beginning, they were attentive, professional, and genuinely cared about my well-being. They guided me through every step of the process, ensuring I understood my options and felt supported.
I had a great experience with Djougourian Law Corp. I was worried I would not win anything from the settlement I had also never hired a lawyer before so I was very worried about the logistics and Arthur was very good about explaining everything and expedited the process!
If they had more stars i would give him the max. My case was very difficult and had a lot of moving parts and quite honestly other attorney’s passed on but not Arthur from the beginning he put me at ease and actually took the time to get to know me. Arthur’s legal knowledge is beyond approach and opposing counsel knows up front Arthur is not playing and you can dispense with the nonsense and let’s get to business. If Arthur is on your side rest assured you have the best and just watch him work you will not be disappointed
I want to express my gratitude to Lawyer Arthur Djougourian, for helping us in an accident case, he really helped us, the negotiation was a very pleasant experience, his mastery in this art contributed to us receiving what was appropriate, always attentive, responding to our calls and our questions, I loved it because his service is a gentleman, if you need a Lawyer, I fully recommend him, thank you Arthur for such good attention.
Arthur and his paralegal helped me through my injury case. It was a real pleasure having their legal advice available to me in a time when I couldn’t think straight or even figure out what to do after my accident injury.
I couldn’t be happier with the results at the end of the case. It did take some time, but as did my medical treatments after my injury. My faith was well placed.
Thank you Arthur for taking the time to help me through one of the toughest situations in my life. You guys are incredible!
Arthur is truly one of the most remarkable individuals you’ll ever meet. His integrity is unwavering, and his commitment to doing the right thing, no matter the circumstances, is deeply inspiring. Arthur possesses a rare blend of empathy and intellect, and what sets Arthur apart is his ability to foster meaningful connections and create an atmosphere of trust and collaboration wherever he goes. His calm demeanor, sharp insight, and compassion have a way of making even the most complex challenges feel manageable. Arthur’s humility, along with his strong sense of purpose, makes him someone who not only earns respect but also inspires others to be their best selves. Simply put, knowing Arthur is a privilege, and anyone who has him in their corner is truly fortunate.
Arthur was wonderful with my case. Very responsive whenever I needed to reach out to him. Very understanding and reassured me each time as I was nervous during the entire case. I definitely recommend working with him, it was a smooth process!
Best experience ever , will truly recommend to trust and get help from Djougourian Law Corp at all of times, very fast to solve problems, very convenient,a lot of communication back and forth, Djougourian Law Corp will take care of you at all times.
Arthur is an incredible attorney! If I could give him more than five stars I would! He was beyond helpful with my accident case, making a stressful situation much easier. He’s knowledgeable, responsive, and truly cares about his clients. Arthur has since become my go-to for any legal issues, and he always goes above and beyond. If you need a dedicated and trustworthy attorney, I can’t recommend him and Djougourian Law Corp enough!
I cannot recommend Djougouruan Law Corp enough. Arthur took the time to listen and make sure I had the necessary care after the car accident. Arthur was fantastic and he truly cares about his clients and will make sure you are represented with excellence. He is an experienced attorney with a cool, calm demeanor. I’m extremely happy with my results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the difference between wrongful death and a survival action?
A wrongful death claim addresses eligible survivors’ own losses. A survival action, brought by the estate, addresses certain losses the person who died could have claimed. The two claims have different rules and are reviewed together.
Can multiple family members file separate lawsuits?
No. California requires one joint action that includes all known heirs or beneficiaries.
Do criminal charges affect my civil claim?
No. Even if no criminal case is filed—or the defendant is acquitted—you can still pursue civil damages under a lower “preponderance of evidence” standard.
How long does a wrongful-death case take?
Simple cases may settle in 6–12 months; complex cases involving multiple defendants or trials can take longer.
Do I have to pay upfront for legal help?
DJ Law Corp handles wrongful death cases on a contingency basis: there is no attorney fee unless there is a recovery. The written fee agreement explains the percentage, case expenses and how costs are handled.
Why Choose DJ Law Corp
- Los Angeles County focus: the firm represents families throughout Los Angeles County from its Burbank office.
- Evidence-based strategy: each claim is built on records such as police and coroner reports, medical records and witness statements.
- Compassionate support: we guide families through paperwork, hearings and insurance negotiations.
- Contingency fees: no attorney fee unless there is a recovery.
Conclusion: Pursue Justice After a Wrongful Death in Los Angeles County
No amount of money can replace a loved one, but a wrongful death claim can help a family address the financial losses that follow. If you’ve lost someone because of another’s negligence anywhere in Los Angeles County, including Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, Santa Monica or Long Beach, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.
📍 300 E Magnolia Blvd, Suite 506, Burbank, CA 91502
📧 arthur@djlawcorp.com
🌐 djlawcorp.com
📞 818-530-0000
Let us handle the legal burden so your family can focus on healing.
