If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions in Pasadena, you face not only profound grief but also financial uncertainty, mounting expenses, and the daunting challenge of navigating California’s legal system. At Djougourian Law Corporation, we represent families in Pasadena and throughout the San Gabriel Valley with the compassion, legal skill, and trial-readiness needed to pursue justice and hold negligent parties accountable.
Founded and led by trial attorney Arthur Djougourian — a Pepperdine Law graduate and former clerk in the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Unit — our firm prepares every wrongful death case as if it will go to trial. Arthur secured a six-figure jury verdict within six months of law school, and today brings that same determination to help grieving families after preventable tragedies. Whether your loved one died in Pasadena, Altadena, San Marino, or the nearby San Gabriel Valley, you need a lawyer who understands California wrongful death law, local court systems, and how to fight for maximum compensation.
Wrongful Death Facts & Statistics — Pasadena / California
Public data underscores how frequently preventable deaths occur in our region and across the state:
- Traffic fatalities: California recorded 4,061 traffic fatalities in 2023, down from 4,539 in 2022, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. In Pasadena specifically, 2021 saw 14 fatal car accidents — double the year before. Between 2020–2024, Pasadena tracked 3,051 injury crashes, with 6% resulting in death or serious injury.
- Workplace fatalities: Fatal work injuries totaled 439 in California in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Transportation incidents accounted for 25% of workplace fatalities in the state, while exposure to harmful substances or environments caused 24%.
- Medical negligence: According to a Johns Hopkins study, more than 250,000 deaths occur annually in the United States due to medical errors — making it the third leading cause of death. California consistently leads the nation in reported medical malpractice cases.
These numbers reveal that wrongful death can strike anywhere — on the road, at work, in a hospital, or on someone else’s property — and that negligent actions can have catastrophic consequences for families left behind.
Why Choose Us for Your Pasadena Wrongful Death Case
When you’ve lost someone you love, you need more than just legal representation — you need an advocate who will stand beside your family and fight tirelessly for accountability. Here’s why Djougourian Law Corporation stands out:
- Trial-Ready Representation: Arthur Djougourian prepares every wrongful death case for trial — giving insurance companies and corporate defendants no easy way out.
- Local Expertise: Our firm understands Pasadena’s community, roadways, workplaces, and healthcare facilities — as well as Los Angeles County court practices.
- Personal Attention: You’ll work directly with Arthur from start to finish — not through layers of staff or paralegals.
- No Fee Unless We Win: We handle your case on a contingency basis — you pay nothing unless we recover a settlement or verdict.
- Bilingual Service: We serve English- and Armenian-speaking families in Pasadena and throughout the region.
- Compassionate Advocacy: We understand the emotional toll of wrongful death and guide you through the legal process with sensitivity and care.
Our Wrongful Death Services
We represent families in Pasadena and nearby cities including Altadena, Sierra Madre, San Marino, and the San Gabriel Valley who have lost loved ones due to negligence. Our wrongful death services include cases involving:
- Auto accidents — Fatal collisions caused by distracted driving, speeding, DUI, failure to yield, or other negligent behaviors on Pasadena roads and freeways.
- Pedestrian and bicycle fatalities — Wrongful deaths involving pedestrians struck on sidewalks, crosswalks, or roadways, and cyclists killed in traffic.
- Motorcycle accidents — Fatalities resulting from unsafe lane changes, left-turn collisions, or failure to see motorcyclists.
- Workplace accidents — Deaths from falls, machinery malfunctions, transportation incidents, hazardous exposure, or construction site negligence.
- Medical malpractice — Wrongful death resulting from misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication errors, anesthesia mistakes, or failure to diagnose.
- Premises liability — Deaths caused by dangerous property conditions, inadequate security, slip-and-fall accidents, or building code violations.
- Nursing home abuse and neglect — Fatalities resulting from neglect, malnutrition, dehydration, bedsores, or physical abuse in care facilities.
- Product liability — Deaths caused by defective products, dangerous drugs, faulty medical devices, or unsafe consumer goods.
- Elder abuse — Financial exploitation, physical abuse, or neglect that leads to the death of a senior citizen.
How the Process Works
- Free Consultation
We begin with a no-cost, compassionate case review — you tell us what happened, we evaluate the circumstances surrounding the death, and explain your rights under California wrongful death law. - Investigation
We conduct a thorough investigation, collecting police reports, medical records, autopsy reports, witness statements, employment records, surveillance footage, and expert opinions to establish negligence and causation. - Legal Documentation
We work with medical experts, accident reconstructionists, economists, and other specialists to document the full extent of your family’s losses — including economic damages and non-economic damages. - Claim Preparation & Negotiation
We calculate your family’s losses — including funeral and burial costs, medical expenses, lost income and future earnings, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering. Then we negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and corporate defendants to secure full compensation. - Litigation (If Necessary)
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we file suit in the appropriate Pasadena or Los Angeles County court and prepare your case for jury trial — giving your claim maximum leverage. - Resolution
Once your case resolves via settlement or verdict, we help you manage any outstanding liens or obligations and ensure your family receives as much of the recovery as possible.
FAQ – Wrongful Death in Pasadena
How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in California?
You typically have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in California under Code of Civil Procedure §335.1. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your family’s right to compensation. In cases involving government entities, shorter claim deadlines may apply — often as brief as six months.
Who can file a wrongful death claim in California?
Under California law, the following parties may file a wrongful death claim:
– The deceased’s surviving spouse or domestic partner
– The deceased’s children
– If no spouse or children, the deceased’s parents or siblings
– Anyone entitled to inherit the deceased’s property through intestate succession
– The personal representative of the deceased’s estate (on behalf of heirs)
What damages can we recover in a Pasadena wrongful death case?
California law allows families to recover both economic and non-economic damages, including:
– Funeral and burial expenses
– Medical bills incurred before death
– Lost income and future earnings
– Loss of household services
– Loss of love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection, society, and moral support
– Pain and suffering (in certain survival action claims)
For medical malpractice wrongful death claims, California’s updated damages caps now allow up to $500,000 in non-economic damages, increasing annually by $50,000 until reaching $1 million
What’s the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action?
A wrongful death claim compensates surviving family members for their losses (lost companionship, financial support, etc.). A survival action allows the estate to recover damages the deceased could have claimed if they had lived (such as pain and suffering before death, lost wages, and medical expenses). Both claims can often be pursued together.
What if multiple family members want to file?
All eligible family members must be included in a single wrongful death lawsuit. Our firm coordinates with all heirs to ensure everyone’s interests are represented and protected. The court will determine how damages are allocated among family members based on their relationship to the deceased and their financial dependency.
Do I really need a lawyer for a wrongful death case?
Yes. Wrongful death cases are complex, emotionally draining, and require skilled legal advocacy. Insurance companies and corporate defendants have experienced lawyers protecting their interests — you need an experienced advocate protecting yours. A wrongful death attorney ensures your claim is fully valued, your rights are protected, and your family receives the compensation you deserve.
What are some common causes of wrongful death in Pasadena?
Wrongful deaths in Pasadena occur due to various forms of negligence, including:
– Fatal car crashes on Pasadena streets and nearby freeways (including the 210 and 134 freeways)
– Pedestrian accidents on busy intersections like Fair Oaks Avenue & Orange Grove Boulevard
– Workplace accidents in construction, transportation, and industrial settings
– Medical errors at Huntington Hospital and other area medical facilities
– Nursing home neglect and elder abuse at local care facilities
– Defective products and dangerous consumer goods
– Premises liability incidents at businesses, residences, and public spaces
How is the value of a wrongful death case determined?
The value depends on multiple factors, including:
– The deceased’s age, health, and earning capacity
– The nature and extent of family members’ relationship with the deceased
– Financial dependence on the deceased
– The circumstances of the death and degree of negligence
– Medical and funeral expenses
– Future lost income and benefits
Our firm works with economists, vocational experts, and other specialists to fully calculate your family’s losses.
Can we file a wrongful death claim if the deceased was partially at fault?
Yes. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. Even if your loved one was partially at fault, you can still recover damages. However, the compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the deceased.
What if the at-fault party has no insurance or insufficient coverage?
We explore all available sources of compensation, including:
– Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (in auto accident cases)
– Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies
– Business liability policies
– Professional liability insurance (in medical malpractice cases)
– Personal assets of the at-fault party
– Multiple liable parties who may share responsibility
How long does a wrongful death case take?
Every case is different. Some settle within months through negotiation, while others require litigation and trial, which can take one to two years or longer. Our firm works efficiently to pursue justice while keeping you informed every step of the way.
Will we have to go to court?
Not necessarily. Many wrongful death cases settle through negotiation or mediation. However, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial — which often motivates defendants to offer fair settlements. If trial is necessary, we’ll stand beside you throughout the process.
What should we do immediately after a wrongful death?
– Preserve any evidence related to the death (photos, documents, medical records)
– Do not give recorded statements to insurance companies without consulting an attorney
– Document all expenses related to the death (funeral costs, medical bills, travel expenses)
– Contact an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible
– Avoid discussing the case on social media or with anyone other than your attorney
Benefits of Working With Our Firm
- Faster access to justice — We move swiftly to investigate, file claims, and pursue accountability while evidence is fresh.
- Stronger case value — We quantify all economic and non-economic losses to maximize your family’s recovery.
- Better outcomes — Our trial-readiness pressures defendants to offer fair settlements.
- Less stress — We handle all legal matters, communications, and negotiations so you can focus on grieving and healing.
- Compassionate support — We understand the emotional toll of wrongful death and treat your family with dignity and respect.
- No upfront costs — You don’t pay attorney fees unless we win your case.
Call to Action — Get the Legal Help Your Family Deserves
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence in Pasadena, don’t face the aftermath alone. Your family deserves justice, accountability, and full compensation for your loss.
Contact Djougourian Law Corporation today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us fight for your family — you focus on healing.
📍 Pasadena, CA
📧 arthur@djlawcorp.com
🌐 djlawcorp.com
📞 818-530-0000
You pay nothing unless we win. Call now to protect your family’s rights and secure your future.
