Huntington Beach Wrongful Death Lawyer

California’s Code of Civil Procedure allows anyone injured by another party to seek compensation for damages by filing a personal injury claim. However, when the victim does not survive their injury, the matter transforms from a personal injury to wrongful death. Since the victim can no longer take legal action on their own behalf, their surviving loved ones can file a wrongful death claim instead.

Suddenly losing a relative due to another party’s negligent actions is an incredibly difficult experience, and it is absolutely natural to feel lost and angry when it comes to determining the best next steps for you and your family. The Huntington Beach wrongful death attorneys at Easton & Easton are prepared to leverage our experience in your family’s wrongful death claim.

Why Choose Easton & Easton?

If you require legal representation for a difficult civil claim such as a wrongful death claim, find a personal injury attorney in Huntington Beach with an experience level that inspires you with confidence about your legal options. With more than 100 years of combined professional experience, the wrongful death lawyers at Easton & Easton are ready and willing to provide the legal counsel your family needs during this difficult time.

We know that every wrongful death claim is unique, and every family will experience tremendous pain and difficulty after unexpectedly losing a loved one. When a death occurs due to the negligence of another party, you can trust our firm to aggressively pursue legal action that holds them accountable.

Why Do I Need an Attorney?

It is incredibly challenging to handle a civil claim’s requirements while also managing the grief and stress a sudden death in the family can generate. While it is technically possible to pursue a civil claim without legal representation, doing so is incredibly difficult, and it’s wise to expect the defendant in your claim to secure their own legal counsel. Hiring an attorney is an investment in the success of your wrongful death claim. The right attorney in Huntington Beach, CA can not only help you build a much stronger case than you could have managed alone but also handle your procedural obligations with the court to ensure your case proceeds as smoothly as possible.

Instead of trying to shoulder the burden of legal action while reeling from the emotional impact of losing your loved one, your attorney can handle your legal affairs on your behalf so your family can focus on recovery. While functionally similar to personal injury claims in several ways, wrongful death claims are typically more complicated, with significantly more damages on the line for the family of the deceased.

Like personal injury claims, wrongful death claims hinge on “negligence” when it comes to determining liability. In legal terms, negligence describes a party’s failure to use reasonable care in a given situation. Negligence can be driving while intoxicated to texting behind the wheel. A plaintiff in a wrongful death action must identify the party responsible for causing the death in question and then prove they acted negligently in a way that directly caused the death.

Proven Case Results

We recently settled a wrongful death case for $2.75 million where the decedent was 55 years old with no wife or children, just two surviving parents in their 80s. The defendants’ insurance carrier initially expected to pay no more than $250,000 to settle the case of these 80-year-old parents who had no economic losses as a result of their son’s death. But because we demonstrated the unique bond these parents shared with their son by persuasively telling their family story, we were able to significantly increase the value of their case. After seeing how we would present this elderly couple’s case before a jury, the insurance company knew that taking the matter to trial could result in a substantially higher verdict based on our advocacy. Consequently, we were able to settle the case for an amount far in excess of our clients’ wildest dreams without them having to go through the pain and ordeal of a lengthy trial.

California Wrongful Death Statutes

California’s personal injury statute allows anyone who has suffered injuries and/or economic losses due to another party’s negligence to pursue civil action against the party responsible for their damages. While wrongful death claims are very similar to personal injury claims, California upholds several statutes that are specific to these claims, outlining who has the right to file a wrongful death claim, the requirements for doing so, and the types of compensation that can potentially be secured from a successful wrongful death claim.

In California, the deceased’s surviving spouse or the deceased’s parent, child, or domestic partner may file a wrongful death claim. If a deceased person has no such kin, a claim is still possible. Anyone with a valid claim on the deceased’s estate, anyone who can prove their financial dependency on the deceased, or anyone entitled to the contents of the deceased’s estate through intestate succession may file a wrongful death claim instead.

Damages Available from a Wrongful Death Claim

Wrongful death claims can allow plaintiffs to secure many of the same types of damages as they could claim in personal injury lawsuits. However, California’s wrongful death statutes are a bit more flexible in terms of the types of compensation a plaintiff might secure. For example, plaintiffs in a wrongful death claim can secure compensation for their deceased loved one’s damages incurred between the time of their final injury and their death. This can include the deceased’s final medical expenses and other economic losses sustained during this time.

It is also possible for a wrongful death claim to secure compensation for damages inflicted on the deceased’s estate. For example, if the deceased held investments that could not fully mature due to their death, the wrongful death claimant could receive compensation for this and similar losses. Estate losses can also include funeral and burial expenses that must be paid out of the deceased’s estate.

In addition to these compensatory damages, the plaintiffs in a wrongful death claim may also receive compensation for their own pain and suffering. California state law acknowledges the loss of affection, care, companionship, and guidance as legitimate damages in wrongful death claims. The family can also receive compensation for the income the deceased would have provided them in the future had they survived.

Find Your Legal Representation Today

Facing a sudden death in the family is tragic and challenging for anyone. Facing legal proceedings while still processing your emotions is incredibly difficult without the right legal representation. When you secure legal counsel from an experienced and compassionate Huntington Beach wrongful death lawyer, you are investing in peace of mind for your family.

At Easton & Easton, we strive to provide reliable and considerate legal counsel that addresses your family’s unique needs after a wrongful death. We believe in an individualized approach to every wrongful death claim our firm represents. Contact Easton & Easton today to schedule a consultation with a Huntington Beach wrongful death attorney who can clarify your legal options.

Huntington Beach, CA Wrongful Death Resources

Huntington Beach, CA Wrongful Death Legal Resources

Our Huntington Beach Personal Injury Law Firm Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “From start to finish, Easton & Easton took great care of me. I could not be happier with their level of attention and service. They fought for me and they’ll fight for you. Their knowledge, experience and care is unmatched. Thanks Travis and team! – Youngha Kim

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Attorneys and staff are extremely professional, I would recommend anyone with a personal injury case to my friends at Easton and Easton! – william fischer

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Firm Awards

Top 10 Motor Vehicle Accident Settlements in Los Angeles

Easton & Easton has been recognized by TopVerdict.com Top 10 Motor Vehicle Accident Settlement in Los Angeles for 2025, for the case Bicyclist v. Inattentive Driver — the fifth time the firm has appeared on a TopVerdict list across nine years, and a recognition that arrives in the firm’s 35th anniversary year.

The superior client service Easton & Easton provides has earned the firm an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Easton & Easton is honored to have been chosen anew each year since 2014 by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers as one of the "Best Law Firms" for the Southern California Metro Area.

Easton & Easton is honored to have been chosen by OC Register Voters as "The Best Law Firm in Orange County” each year since voting began in 2022.

Doug, Brian, and Matt Easton have all been selected as Top 100 Trial Lawyers for California by the National Trial Lawyers — a membership organization limited to less than 1% of attorneys.

Doug, Brian, Matt, Travis and Gabe have each been selected to "Best Lawyers" for Plaintiff's Personal Injury Litigation. Best Lawyers selects the Top 5% of attorneys based on peer voting and client reviews.

Number 1 Bicycle Accident Settlement California 2024

We were recently honored for our efforts in securing a $32,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as the #1 Bicycle Accident Settlement in California in 2024 by TopVerdict.com.

Easton & Easton was named a Tier 1 firm in Southern California by U.S. News & World Report — the highest ranking a law firm can achieve. Selection is based on client feedback, peer reputation, and professional excellence. When independent evaluators rank the best, we're at the top.

Travis Easton, Gabe Mendoza, Brenda Kocaj, and Alexandro Garza were selected to Super Lawyers Rising Stars — honoring the top 2.5% of attorneys 40 or younger in California.

Easton & Easton was voted "Best Personal Injury Law Firm in Orange County" by readers of the Los Angeles Times in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Three years in a row — chosen by the people we serve

Doug, Brian, and Matt Easton were once again selected to Super Lawyers — a distinction earned by only 5% of California attorneys. Selection is based on peer nominations, independent research, and professional achievement. When you hire Easton & Easton, you're hiring attorneys in the top 5%.

10 Best Personal Injury Law Firms in all of Southern California

Easton & Easton was recently honored for securing a $26,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as a Top 10 Personal Injury Settlement in California in 2023 by TopVerdict.com.

Easton & Easton received the "People Love Us On Yelp" award in 2016 due to exceptional client satisfaction reviews.Our clients don't just hire us — they recommend us.

Personal Injury Settlements United States 2024

Easton & Easton was recently honored for securing a $32,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as one of the Top 20 Personal Injury Settlements in the entire United States in 2024 by TopVerdict.com.

Brian, Matt, and Travis Easton are lifetime members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum — a distinction held by less than 1% of U.S. attorneys. Membership requires securing a verdict or settlement of $2 million or more. When you hire Easton & Easton, you're hiring proven results - because Results Matter.

Doug Easton has held the "AV Preeminent" Rating for over 30 years, and Matt Easton received this prestigious distinction in 2015. The AV Preeminent rating is the highest possible rating for both legal ability and ethical standards, based on the legal profession's oldest peer review rating system — dating back to 1887. When your peers have trusted your ability and integrity for over three decades, that says everything.

Number 1 Bicycle Accident Settlement Los Angeles 2023

We were recently honored for securing a $26,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as a the #1 Personal Injury Settlement in Los Angeles County in 2023 by TopVerdict.com.

Brian Easton was selected to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) in 2015. ABOTA is one of the most premier associations of trial attorneys and judges, requiring a proven track record of jury trials as lead counsel and approval by a majority vote of the ABOTA board. Membership isn't given — it's earned in the courtroom.

The National Top 40 Trial Lawyers Under 40

Travis Easton, Gabe Mendoza, and Brenda Kocaj were selected to the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 — an invitation-only honor recognizing the nation's top young trial attorneys. At Easton & Easton, experience and ambition work side by side.

Easton & Easton was honored for securing a $20,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as one of the Top 10 Personal Injury Settlements in the entire United States in 2019 by TopVerdict.com.

Nation's Premier Top Ten Attorney Personal Injury

Both Doug and Matt Easton have been selected as Top Personal Injury Attorneys by Avvo with scores of 10 out of 10 — based on skill, experience, results, peer evaluations, and client reviews. A perfect score. No room for higher.

Easton & Easton was honored to have been chosen by the LA Times Reader's Choice Poll as "The Best Personal Injury Law Firm in Orange County" for 2018-2020 (each year the voting took place).

Top 50 Personal Injury Verdicts in California 2016

We were recently honored for our efforts in securing a $1,850,000 verdict for a client, which was selected as one of the Top 50 Personal Injury Verdicts in California in 2016 by TopVerdict.com.

Awards/recognitions noted are from organizations recognized within the legal profession as bona fide.
No purchase was required for selection. Selection methodologies available upon request.

Orange County Personal Injury Lawyer | Costa Mesa Auto Accident Attorney | Catastrophic Injuries

“We look for the human story behind every injury or wrongful death. We prepare our cases for trial; reaching out to the jury with the most compelling evidence possible for the best verdict possible. Insurance companies know this and come to the table prepared to negotiate in good faith. Call us to see how we can turn your story into fair compensation.”

Partner W. Douglas Easton

What Our Clients Say

“Client testimonials reflect individual experiences; results vary. No guarantee of outcome.”

Coming out of my first auto accident as an adult, a very difficult and scary time to navigate and understand, I was so incredibly thankful to have been put in contact with Easton & Easton. I honestly was lost with how to handle paperwork, doctors, medical costs and what next steps were, and from the moment I spoke with Travis Easton and my case manager Katie, my mind was put at ease. They have made the entire process stress free for me as I recovered, and I am so grateful for them and their genuine care for my case. Communication from the start has been fantastic, especially making clear what my expectations for the entire process would look like, and I truly believe they have my best interest at heart. 100% I would recommend their firm for anyone that is needing representation! Read more…

Sara McClelland

My experience with Easton & Easton has been amazing! Gabriel Mendoza and my case manager Katie have been so helpful and taken so much stress off my plate. They’ve been super informative and honest and given me very clear expectations. They’ve taken such a terrible experience (my accident) and eased my mind about the outcome. I can’t thank them enough!! Read more…

Caila Dean

Ive used them twice and never been disappointed. Read more…

Lisa Bluemel

The Easton & Easton Law Firm is amazing! The entire team is very helpful and caring. They were always there to answer all my questions. They directed me through the entire process and stayed with me every step of the way. This team is outstanding and were wonderful to work with. Because of the tremendous effort they put on my case they were able to win my difficult personal injury case. I couldn’t have asked for a better law firm to handle my case. They are the Best! Thank you for your patience, professionalism, & guidance! I definitely recommend this firm to handle your case. They go out of their way to fight for your rights. THANK YOU… Read more…

Sofia Sanchez

I could not be more pleased with the services provided by the Law Offices of W. Douglas Easton. The senior partner Mr. Easton took the time to meet with me and my wife while I was still in the hospital, where he gave my family hope that there was light at the end of a very long, and very dark tunnel. Matt Easton then worked my case, and because of his dedication, experience and expertise I received a settlement that was larger than I EVER thought possible. It was truly astounding! Matt and the entire team at Easton & Easton looked out for me throughout my recovery, and in the end they gave me my life back. Five stars is not enough. Thanks Matt! Thanks Easton & Easton! Read more…

Dan Campbell

Brian and everyone at Easton and Easton are simply the BEST at what they do. Brian is thorough, easy to talk to, and truly cares about his clients. If you want a family of attorneys with perseverance and determination to fight for you, give Easton and Easton a call. I am glad I did. Read more…

Kyle Keith

What an amazing law firm, talk about going above and beyond to make such a painful experience go so well. I have referred a co-worker and a family member to them as well and everyone had such a great experience as I had. Read more…

Logan Ross

I can’t say enough amazing things about my experience with Travis Easton at Easton & Easton. Travis and his entire team (Katie, Amy, Dee, Michelle, & Araceli) are phenomenal. It provided me a lot of comfort to know I was being so well taken care of. I was especially impressed that every document for the case was perfectly written and specific to me. Nothing was generic, which shows the level of care and attention they put into each individual case. I had such a great experience and would highly recommend Travis Easton and his firm to anyone going through a personal injury. Travis took a bad situation and made the best of it for me. Thank you again, I’m forever grateful!!
-Allee

Ashlee A.

Retaining Easton and Easton was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! From the initial consultation to our final meeting, they were nothing short of exceptional. I was forced to retain their services after firing my previous attorney for not handling the case properly. I dealt with Gabriel and Brian (partner) exclusively throughout the case. They did as promised and were great communicators throughout the entire process. I will recommend them to anyone I know going through a personal injury case. They were ultimately able to untangle the mess caused by my previous lawyer and get a result that I was extremely happy with. Their staff is exceptional as well and provided top notch customer service. Amera was also extremely helpful and easy to deal with as well.

Jeffrey N.

I was in a pretty bad car accident and decided to have Easton & Easton represent me, Travis Easton to be specific. Travis Easton and his paralegal made the whole process effortless. They were so understanding and helpful! The entire thing was a gigantic mess, yet Travis managed to make it run like clockwork. I would HIGHLY recommend Easton & Easton! If you are ever in need of a personal defense attorney Easton & Easton is the firm to represent you!

Mark B.

They are the best law firm in Orange County period. Choosing them to represent me was the best decision of my life.
My life changed in a matter of seconds after a catastrophic spinal cord injury that left me disabled. Brian Easton and his team worked on my case non stop for 3 years and provided me the justice I deserved. I couldn’t have been more content.
I was treated with utmost respect and I felt like I was being represented by a close family member. The responses to my questions were quick and clear. What E & E has done for me is phenomenal.
My sincere thanks to Brian, Matt, Travis, Doug, Gabriel and Amera. They are what they are because of their dedication to provide high quality and professional service to their clients.

Vamsi P.

Brian Easton and his team, Gabe Mendoza and Amera Hajali, helped me during a very difficult time in my life. I had a significant injury from a car accident, and wound up seeking out Easton & Easton when I was having difficulties getting help from my doctors. The Easton team took a lot of stress off of me while acting as my advocates to help me get the care I needed, and saw my case all the way through to a healthy settlement.
They are the BEST!

Jennifer P.

I have nothing but good things to say about Easton and Easton. Brian handled my case professionally and communicated with me effectively throughout the process. He made sure that the process was effortless and as hands free as possible. This was super important for my busy schedule. I highly recommend Easton and Easton if you are ever found in a situation that you need an attorney.

Claudia C.

I would highly recommend Easton & Easton.
I was rear ended on my home and pushed into a semi-truck. I was not sure how to go about even using an attorney.
Brian, Gab and Amera were so good about helping me thru the process and representing me.
I was able to concentrate on getting myself better knowing they had my back, taking care of the details and keeping me informed along the way

Linda M.

The best Law firm by far. I would highly recommend Easton & Easton, LLP and ask for Gabriel Mendoza and staff. He and his colleagues did and exceptional service. Thank you for everything. Job well done!

Ericka P.