Losing a loved one is always devastating, but when that death results from someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions, the pain is compounded by the knowledge that it could have been prevented. For families in Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, and throughout Los Angeles County, understanding wrongful death statistics and legal rights is crucial when tragedy strikes.
The Sobering Reality: Wrongful Death in Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County consistently reports the highest rate of preventable deaths in California. In 2024, Los Angeles recorded 302 total traffic fatalities, with 170 pedestrian deaths, marking the second consecutive year that traffic deaths have outnumbered homicides in the city. By contrast, 268 homicides were reported that same year. This stark statistic reveals that Los Angeles residents are more likely to die in a preventable crash than from violent crime.
Los Angeles County recorded 39,957 injurious traffic accidents in 2022, which resulted in 793 fatal crashes—the highest countywide accident rate of all California counties. These numbers underscore a sobering truth: preventable deaths claim thousands of lives each year in our region, leaving families to grapple with grief, financial hardship, and the difficult path toward justice.
Glendale’s Traffic Safety Landscape
Within Los Angeles County, Glendale presents its own unique traffic safety challenges. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), there were 597 accidents that led to injuries or fatalities in Glendale in 2021, ranking the city at 47 out of 60 cities of comparable size. While this ranking places Glendale above average compared to similar-sized California cities, the numbers still reveal concerning patterns.
Breaking down Glendale’s crash statistics further:
- Speed-related crashes: 66 accidents resulting in injuries or death
- Drunk driving accidents: 53 incidents caused by driving under the influence of alcohol
- Nighttime crashes (9 PM – 2:59 AM): 50 severe crashes
- Hit-and-run accidents: 42 incidents resulting in injuries or death
Notably, Glendale ranks as the second-worst city in its population bracket for pedestrian accidents involving seniors, with 23 dangerous or deadly collisions. This statistic is particularly alarming given California’s aging population and the vulnerability of senior pedestrians.
Burbank’s Traffic Safety Concerns
Just west of Glendale, Burbank faces similar challenges. The three most dangerous intersections in Burbank between 2015 and 2020 were Victory Place and Burbank Boulevard (50 accidents), Olive Avenue and Buena Vista Street (45 accidents), and Buena Vista Street and Victory Boulevard (41 accidents). Each of these intersections sees between 20,000 to 30,000 cars daily, with Burbank and Victory Boulevard experiencing over 6,400 vehicles every hour during afternoon rush times.
While none of these collisions resulted in fatalities during that period, and only two resulted in severe injuries, the high frequency of accidents underscores the persistent danger on Burbank’s roadways.
The Broader California Picture
To fully understand wrongful death in the Glendale area, we must look at statewide trends. In 2024, California experienced 3,998 fatal crashes, with the state recording more than 680 car accidents each day. The California Office of Traffic Safety reports that for every 100,000 residents, there are 5.3 deaths from car crashes, compared to the national average of 4.4.
According to projections from the Governors Highway Safety Association, 7,318 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes across the United States in 2023. In California alone, pedestrian deaths make up more than 27 percent of all traffic-related fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and safety measures on our roads.
Beyond Traffic: Other Leading Causes of Wrongful Death
While traffic accidents dominate wrongful death statistics, they are not the only cause of preventable deaths in Los Angeles County.
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%. Construction remains the deadliest industry, accounting for approximately one in five workplace deaths in California.
Common causes of fatal workplace accidents include:
- Falls from heights
- Being struck by objects or equipment
- Electrocutions
- Machinery malfunctions
- Transportation incidents
Medical Malpractice
Medical errors represent a significant but often underreported cause of wrongful death. 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 nationwide. California consistently leads the nation in reported medical malpractice cases, with misdiagnosis contributing to nearly 40% of malpractice-related wrongful death claims.
Premises Liability
Dangerous property conditions, inadequate security, slip-and-fall accidents, and building code violations also result in preventable deaths throughout Los Angeles County. Slip and fall fatalities among older adults continue to rise each year, particularly affecting California’s senior population.
Recent Changes to California’s Wrongful Death Laws
Families pursuing wrongful death claims in 2024 benefit from important legal changes. Assembly Bill 35 (AB 35), signed into law in 2022 and phased in beginning January 2023, significantly expanded recovery options for grieving families.
The new damages caps have been increased to $500,000 for medical malpractice that results in wrongful death. These caps will gradually increase annually by $50,000 for wrongful death until 2034, when they reach $1 million. Previously, families could only recover $250,000 in non-economic damages, regardless of the severity of the loss.
Under AB 35, surviving family members can now recover:
- Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased (in cases filed by the estate)
- Loss of love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection, society, and moral support
- Loss of financial support and contributions to the household
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses incurred before death
Importantly, damages are not split among claimants—each qualifying family member can pursue their own share of non-economic damages.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
California law is specific about who may bring a wrongful death action. Eligible parties include:
- The deceased’s surviving spouse or domestic partner
- The deceased’s children (including stepchildren who were financially dependent)
- If no spouse or children survive, the deceased’s parents
- Anyone entitled to inherit the deceased’s property through intestate succession
- The personal representative of the deceased’s estate (on behalf of heirs)
If multiple eligible family members wish to pursue a claim, all must be included in a single wrongful death lawsuit to avoid conflicting claims.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
California imposes a strict statute of limitations for wrongful death claims, typically two years from the date of death. Some medical malpractice claims may be subject to even shorter notice requirements under the California Tort Claims Act for government-related defendants. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your family’s right to compensation, no matter how strong your case.
Beyond the legal deadline, acting quickly allows for:
- Preservation of crucial evidence (police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage)
- Timely accident reconstruction while physical evidence is available
- Fresh witness memories
- Access to medical records and autopsy reports
- Protection of your family’s financial interests
Djougourian Law Corporation: Fighting for Glendale Families
At Djougourian Law Corporation, we understand the profound impact of losing a loved one to negligence. 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 brings local expertise, trial-readiness, and compassionate advocacy to every wrongful death case.
Why Glendale Families Choose Us:
- Local Knowledge: We understand Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, and Los Angeles County’s roadways, workplaces, healthcare facilities, and court systems
- Trial-Ready Representation: We prepare every case for trial, giving insurance companies and corporate defendants no easy way out
- Personal Attention: You work directly with Arthur from start to finish—not through layers of staff
- No Fee Unless We Win: We handle cases on a contingency basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation
- Bilingual Service: We serve English- and Armenian-speaking families throughout the region
- Proven Results: Arthur secured a six-figure jury verdict within six months of law school and brings that same determination to every case
Our Wrongful Death Services Include:
- Traffic accident fatalities (cars, pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles)
- Workplace accident deaths
- Medical malpractice and hospital negligence
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Premises liability incidents
- Product liability and defective product deaths
- Construction accidents
- Elder abuse resulting in death
The True Cost of Wrongful Death
While no amount of money can bring back a loved one, California law recognizes that families deserve compensation for both economic and non-economic losses:
Economic Damages:
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost income and future earnings
- Lost benefits (pension, retirement accounts, health insurance)
- Loss of household services
Non-Economic Damages:
- Loss of love, companionship, and comfort
- Loss of care, assistance, and protection
- Loss of affection, society, and moral support
- Loss of training and guidance (for children)
- Pain and suffering of the deceased (in survival actions)
Moving Forward After Loss
The statistics paint a clear picture: wrongful deaths occur with alarming frequency in Los Angeles County, affecting families in Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, and throughout the region. Whether caused by traffic accidents, workplace negligence, medical malpractice, or dangerous property conditions, these preventable deaths leave lasting scars on families and communities.
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Understanding your rights, the legal process, and the full value of your claim are critical first steps toward justice and healing.
Take Action Today
Don’t let insurance companies minimize your loss or rush you into an inadequate settlement. The experienced wrongful death attorneys at Djougourian Law Corporation will fight tirelessly for your family’s rights and ensure you receive the full compensation California law allows.
Contact Djougourian Law Corporation for a free, no-obligation consultation:
📧 arthur@djlawcorp.com
🌐 djlawcorp.com
📞 818-530-0000
You pay nothing unless we win. Call now to protect your family’s rights and secure the justice your loved one deserves.
Serving Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, Altadena, San Marino, and all of Los Angeles County with compassionate, aggressive legal representation in wrongful death cases.