Losing a loved one is devastating — especially when their death could have been prevented. Whether caused by a drunk driver, unsafe workplace, or medical error, a wrongful death takes an immeasurable toll on families.
At DJ Law Corp, our Sherman Oaks wrongful death attorneys represent families across Los Angeles County who have lost someone due to another’s negligence. We fight for justice, accountability, and the financial stability your family deserves — all on a contingency-fee basis (you pay nothing unless we win).
Understanding Wrongful Death Under California Law
A wrongful death occurs when a person’s life is lost because of another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions.
California’s Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 allows surviving spouses, children, and certain dependents to bring a claim seeking compensation for:
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and love
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the final injury
- Pain and suffering (in some survival actions)
The goal is to provide financial relief and accountability — not to place a dollar amount on human life, but to ensure families aren’t left struggling after preventable tragedies.
Fatal Accident Statistics in Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County consistently records the highest number of traffic-related fatalities in California.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS):
- In 2022, there were 905 fatal crashes in Los Angeles County — the highest total statewide.
- Of these, 42% involved alcohol or drugs, and 24% occurred at night.
(ots.ca.gov)
The City of Los Angeles Vision Zero initiative reports:
- Pedestrians and bicyclists account for over 60% of traffic deaths citywide.
- High-injury corridors include Ventura Boulevard, Sepulveda Boulevard, and Burbank Boulevard — all within or bordering Sherman Oaks.
(ladot.lacity.org)
Beyond roadways, fatal injuries in workplaces and public spaces remain a concern. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recorded 504 occupational fatalities in California in 2022 — with transportation incidents and falls as the leading causes. (bls.gov)
Each number represents a life lost and a family left behind.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Sherman Oaks
- Motor-Vehicle Crashes
Traffic collisions are the leading cause of preventable fatalities in Los Angeles County. Victims include drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Common contributing factors include speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, and unsafe intersections. - Truck and Commercial-Vehicle Collisions
Large-truck crashes often result in fatal outcomes due to sheer vehicle size and force.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), California consistently ranks in the top five states for large-truck fatalities. (fmcsa.dot.gov) - Construction and Workplace Accidents
Falls, equipment failures, and electrocutions remain leading causes of fatal work injuries statewide, per OSHA. (osha.gov)
Sherman Oaks’ ongoing commercial development means construction zones pose daily hazards if safety protocols aren’t followed. - Medical Malpractice
Errors in diagnosis, surgery, or medication can have deadly consequences.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), medical errors are a significant contributor to mortality nationwide. (cdc.gov) - Defective Products
Faulty vehicles, medical devices, or consumer products can cause fatal accidents, leading to product-liability claims. - Premises Liability and Falls
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reports that unintentional falls are among the top five causes of accidental death, especially among older adults. (cdph.ca.gov)
Local Hotspots for Fatal Accidents in Sherman Oaks
Based on CHP SWITRS and Vision Zero data, the following corridors are high-risk zones:
- Ventura Boulevard at Sepulveda Boulevard – high vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
- US-101 and I-405 interchange – among LA’s most congested and crash-prone freeways.
- Burbank Boulevard near Hazeltine Avenue – recurring speed-related incidents.
- Coldwater Canyon Avenue at Riverside Drive – frequent left-turn collisions.
LADOT’s injury-mapping confirms that Sherman Oaks remains a “High Injury Network” community — an area prioritized for safety redesign because of repeated severe or fatal collisions.
Who Can File a Wrongful-Death Claim in California?
California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 designates who can bring a claim:
- Surviving spouse or domestic partner
- Children or descendants
- Stepchildren or dependent minors living in the household
- In some cases, the decedent’s parents, siblings, or estate representative
If no immediate heirs exist, the right to sue may pass to other dependents who can show financial reliance on the decedent.
What Compensation Can Families Recover?
Wrongful-death damages fall into two main categories:
Economic Losses
- Lost financial support the decedent would have provided
- Medical and funeral expenses
- Loss of benefits, inheritance, or retirement contributions
Non-Economic Losses
- Loss of companionship, affection, and guidance
- Emotional distress and loss of moral support
- Loss of consortium for surviving spouses
While no amount can replace a loved one, these damages can help stabilize a family’s future and secure accountability.
What Compensation Can Families Recover?
Wrongful-death damages fall into two main categories:
Economic Losses
- Lost financial support the decedent would have provided
- Medical and funeral expenses
- Loss of benefits, inheritance, or retirement contributions
Non-Economic Losses
- Loss of companionship, affection, and guidance
- Emotional distress and loss of moral support
- Loss of consortium for surviving spouses
While no amount can replace a loved one, these damages can help stabilize a family’s future and secure accountability.
The DJ Law Corp 4-Step Process
Step 1 — Free Consultation
We begin with a compassionate, no-cost consultation to understand your case and explain your legal options.
Step 2 — Investigation & Evidence Collection
Our firm obtains police and coroner reports, medical records, witness statements, and forensic or reconstruction data to determine liability.
Step 3 — Demand Package & Negotiation
We calculate the full extent of economic and emotional losses, presenting a detailed demand to insurers or responsible parties.
Step 4 — Litigation if Necessary
If negotiations fail, we file suit in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Our team works with economists, accident reconstructionists, and grief experts to prove the magnitude of your family’s loss.
Why Local Representation Matters in Sherman Oaks
- Knowledge of Local Crash Data – We use OTS, SWITRS, and LADOT metrics specific to Sherman Oaks’ high-injury corridors.
- Court Familiarity – Los Angeles County courts have unique filing and mediation procedures; local counsel ensures efficiency.
- Community Awareness – We understand local traffic patterns, construction zones, and risk factors that often play into liability.
Legal Deadlines
California imposes strict statutes of limitation:
- Two years from the date of death for most wrongful-death lawsuits (Cal. Civ. Proc. § 335.1).
- Six months to file an administrative claim against a public agency (Gov. Code § 911.2).
Acting quickly ensures critical evidence — such as vehicle data or surveillance footage — is preserved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How is wrongful death different from a criminal case?
A criminal prosecution seeks punishment; a wrongful-death claim seeks compensation for surviving family members. For survival claims filed on or after January 1, 2026, the estate can generally recover the person’s economic losses before death, such as medical expenses and lost earnings, but not damages for pre-death pain and suffering. Code Civ. Proc. § 377.34).
What if my loved one was partly at fault?
California follows comparative fault — families can still recover damages reduced by the decedent’s share of fault.
Do we pay anything upfront?
No. DJ Law Corp works entirely on a contingency-fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win compensation.
Why Choose DJ Law Corp
- Local Sherman Oaks Focus — We know Los Angeles County crash corridors and local court systems.
- Evidence-Based Strategy — We rely on verified data from OTS, CHP, FMCSA, and public health agencies.
- Compassionate Representation — We support families through every step, from investigation to closure.
- Proven Results — We’ve secured justice for victims of fatal car, truck, and workplace accidents.
- No Win, No Fee — Our success is tied directly to yours.
The Emotional and Financial Impact of Wrongful Death
According to the National Safety Council, the average economic cost of an accidental death exceeds $1.7 million, not counting emotional losses. (nsc.org)
Families often face overwhelming medical debt, funeral costs, and lost income. But the hidden burden — grief, anxiety, and disrupted family structure — is equally devastating. A wrongful-death lawsuit helps restore a sense of justice while securing resources to rebuild.
Local Safety Initiatives Aimed at Prevention
Sherman Oaks and Los Angeles are implementing several initiatives to reduce fatalities:
- Vision Zero LA – Road redesigns and traffic-calming measures to eliminate deaths by 2035. (visionzero.lacity.org)
- Speed Safety Camera Pilot (2024) – Automated enforcement on high-injury streets. (ladot.lacity.org)
- Caltrans Safety Corridors Program – Targeted improvements along I-405 and US-101. (dot.ca.gov)
While these efforts are promising, negligence and unsafe conditions still cause preventable deaths — highlighting the need for strong legal advocacy.
How DJ Law Corp Supports Families
- Comprehensive Case Management – We handle paperwork, insurance communication, and litigation details.
- Emotional Support Resources – We connect clients with grief-counseling and community organizations.
- Transparent Communication – You receive regular updates from your attorney, not intermediaries.
- Respect and Compassion – Every case is personal to us; we treat each client as family.
Real Client Reflections
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.
Conclusion — Justice and Healing for Families in Sherman Oaks
When negligence takes a life, families deserve both justice and peace. In a community as busy as Sherman Oaks, fatal accidents can happen anywhere — freeways, workplaces, or even sidewalks. But you are not alone.
At DJ Law Corp, we combine compassion with evidence-driven strategy to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the financial support your family needs to move forward.
📧 arthur@djlawcorp.com
🌐 djlawcorp.com
📞 818-530-0000
📍 Sherman Oaks
📞 Call DJ Law Corp today for a free, confidential consultation, or contact us through our online form. Let us stand beside you — so you can focus on healing while we fight for justice.
