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Hire Guide
Wrongful Death Attorney Raffi Naljian | Compassionate Legal Help
Losing a family member due to someone else's negligence is devastating. Attorney Raffi Naljian provides compassionate legal guidance to families pursuing wrongful death claims in California. If you've lost a loved one in an accident, understanding your legal rights can help provide financial security during this difficult time.
Lost a loved one due to negligence?
Raffi Naljian
California Personal Injury, Litigation & Criminal Defense Attorney
Raffi Garabed Naljian is an active California attorney listed under State Bar #238919. The State Bar profile lists personal injury, litigation, criminal law, and business law among his self-reported practice areas, and Naljian Law Offices describes a Glendale practice handling criminal defense and civil litigation, including personal injury matters.
View Full ProfileIs This the Right Attorney for Your Case?
Wrongful death cases require an attorney who combines legal knowledge with compassion. Raffi Naljian handles wrongful death claims arising from car accidents, truck collisions, and other negligent acts. These cases involve complex legal issues including who can file a claim, damages available, and time limits. Finding the right attorney means finding someone who will handle your case with sensitivity while aggressively pursuing fair compensation. Also searched as: Rafi Nanaljian, Raffi Nalian, Rafi Naljian.
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What to Do Next
- 1Focus on immediate family needs and memorial arrangements
- 2Preserve any evidence related to the accident
- 3Obtain copies of the death certificate
- 4Gather information about the deceased's income and expenses
- 5Document all funeral and burial expenses
- 6Consult with a wrongful death attorney about your options
- 7Be aware of time limits for filing claims
Evidence Checklist
- Death certificate and autopsy report
- Police or accident reports
- Medical records of the deceased
- Proof of relationship to deceased
- Income documentation and tax returns
- Funeral and burial expense receipts
- Photos and evidence from the accident
- Witness contact information
Understand your family's legal rights.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting too long to consult an attorney
- Speaking with insurance adjusters without legal guidance
- Not preserving evidence from the accident scene
- Underestimating the full scope of damages
- Settling quickly without understanding your rights
- Not identifying all responsible parties
- Forgetting to document non-economic losses
How the Process Typically Works
1
Initial Consultation
Discuss the circumstances and your family's legal options
2
Investigation
Gather evidence, interview witnesses, retain experts
3
Filing the Claim
Prepare and file the wrongful death lawsuit
4
Discovery
Exchange evidence and take depositions
5
Negotiation/Trial
Pursue fair settlement or present case to jury
Damages You May Be Able to Recover
- •Funeral and burial expenses
- •Loss of financial support
- •Loss of household services
- •Loss of love, companionship, and guidance
- •Medical expenses before death
- •Punitive damages in certain cases
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in California?
California law allows the surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, and in some cases, other dependents or heirs to file a wrongful death claim.
What is the time limit for wrongful death claims?
Generally, wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the date of death, though exceptions may apply in certain circumstances.
What's the difference between wrongful death and survival actions?
Wrongful death compensates survivors for their losses. Survival actions seek damages the deceased could have claimed had they survived, such as pain and suffering before death.
Can I still file if the at-fault party wasn't criminally charged?
Yes. Civil wrongful death claims are separate from criminal proceedings and have a lower burden of proof.
How are damages calculated in wrongful death cases?
Damages consider the deceased's earning capacity, age, health, family responsibilities, and the survivors' relationship and dependency.
Free intake review for wrongful death cases.
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Important Disclosures
Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed as formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this website or submitting a contact form. Results vary based on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.