Frequently Asked Questions

Under California law, the following may file: the deceased’s spouse or domestic partner, children, and — if none exist — anyone who would inherit under California intestate succession laws, including parents and siblings.

Recoverable damages include: loss of financial support, funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship and care, household services the deceased provided, and grief and emotional distress. Punitive damages may also be available in cases of malice or oppression.

In California, the statute of limitations for wrongful death is 2 years from the date of death (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). Do not wait — contact the Law Office of Daniel H. Deng as soon as possible to protect your family’s rights.

Every case is unique. Value is based on the deceased’s age, income, life expectancy, relationship to survivors, and more. The Law Office of Daniel H. Deng conducts a thorough evaluation to determine the full value of your family’s loss.

Yes. Car accidents are one of the most common causes of wrongful death claims in California. We will investigate the accident, identify all liable parties, and pursue maximum compensation for your family.

Yes, but only if the deceased had no surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children, and the sibling would inherit under California intestate succession laws (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 377.60).

Yes. If the adult child had no surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children, parents may file a wrongful death claim in California.

Yes. Minor and adult children are among the primary claimants in California wrongful death cases. Children may recover for loss of financial support, guidance, and companionship.

Registered domestic partners can file under California law. Unmarried partners without legal registration generally cannot file — but may qualify if they can show financial dependency. Contact us to review your specific situation.

In most cases, no, you should not accept the first settlement offer immediately. Insurance companies often provide “lowball” initial offers to minimize their financial liability before the full extent of your damages—such as long-term medical costs or lost wages—is known. consult a personal injury attorney is important. Law Office of Daniel H. Deng can negotiate a settlement that reflects the true value of your claim.

Yes, if the stepchild was financially dependent on the deceased stepparent (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 377.60(b)). Each case depends on the specific family circumstances.

Priority goes to: (1) spouse or domestic partner and children, (2) parents, (3) siblings and other heirs. If multiple parties have standing, they typically must file together in a single action.

Yes, Law Offices of Daniel H. Deng handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. By working on a contingency fee structure, Law Offices of Daniel H. Deng align our success with yours, ensuring we fight for the maximum compensation possible for your injuries.

No. California law requires all eligible claimants to join in a single wrongful death action (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 377.60). Our firm will coordinate all family members’ claims to present a unified, powerful case.

Yes. California law does not restrict wrongful death claims based on immigration status or nationality. All eligible family members — regardless of citizenship — may pursue a claim.

Economic damages include: lost wages and future earning capacity, loss of benefits (pension, health insurance), household services the deceased provided, and funeral and burial costs.

Law Offices of Daniel H. Deng conducts a comprehensive legal analysis centered on liability, causation, and damages to determine the true value of your case under California law. By reviewing police reports, medical records, and potential witness testimony, we assess how comparative negligence might affect your recovery and identify all available insurance coverage to ensure you receive maximum compensation.

Law Offices of Daniel H. Deng utilizes a “trial-ready” strategy that forces insurance adjusters to take your claim seriously by preparing every case as if it will be presented to a jury. Law Offices of Daniel H. Deng counters lowball settlement offers with data-driven demand packages and aggressive advocacy, ensuring the insurance company recognizes the full extent of your economic and non-economic losses before any agreement is signed.

Yes. Funeral and burial expenses are recoverable in California wrongful death cases (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 377.61). Keep all receipts and documentation of these costs.

Yes. The court considers the deceased’s age, occupation, earning history, and life expectancy to calculate future lost income. This is often one of the largest components of a wrongful death settlement.

Yes. California allows recovery for loss of love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, and moral support. These non-economic damages can be substantial, especially in cases involving spouses and young children.

Yes, but only through a related ‘survival action’ (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 377.34). Punitive damages require proof of malice, oppression, or fraud. The Law Office of Daniel H. Deng evaluates every case for this possibility.

Most cases resolve in 1–3 years, depending on complexity. Cases involving multiple parties, disputed liability, or serious damages may take longer. We work efficiently while ensuring you receive full and fair compensation.

A wrongful death claim compensates the surviving family for their losses. A survival action (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 377.30) is brought on behalf of the deceased’s estate for damages the deceased suffered before death, such as medical expenses and pre-death pain and suffering.

Most settle before trial, but we prepare every case for court. A defendant knowing we are ready for trial often motivates a fair settlement. If settlement is not possible, the Law Office of Daniel H. Deng will fight for your family in court.

Key evidence includes: death certificate, accident or incident reports, medical records, witness statements, expert testimony, photos/video of the scene, and financial records to document economic losses.

A personal injury occurs when someone is harmed physically, emotionally, or financially due to another party’s negligence or intentional actions.

If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence — in a car accident, slip and fall, or workplace incident — you likely need a lawyer. Signs include serious injuries, disputed fault, insurance company pressure, or lost wages. The Law Office of Daniel H. Deng offers a FREE consultation to evaluate your case with no obligation.

Yes. A civil wrongful death claim is independent of any criminal prosecution. Even if the defendant is acquitted criminally, they can still be held liable in a civil case — the burden of proof is lower (preponderance of evidence vs. beyond a reasonable doubt).

If you suffered harm due to someone else’s negligence and experienced physical or financial loss, you may have a valid claim. Contact Law Offices of Daniel H. Deng for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

Nothing. At the Law Office of Daniel H. Deng, your initial consultation is completely FREE. We want you to get the legal guidance you need without any financial barrier.

Seek medical attention, document the scene, collect witness information, and contact Law Offices of Daniel H. Deng before speaking to insurance companies.

It depends on the evidence. Under California law, you must prove the other party was negligent and caused your injuries. With strong medical records, witness statements, and police reports, many cases resolve in your favor — often without going to trial. Law Office of Daniel H. Deng works hard to build the strongest possible case for you.

While not required, Law Offices of Daniel H. Deng can help protect your rights, navigate legal procedures, and maximize your potential compensation.

Typically, the at-fault party’s insurance pays your damages. In California, under comparative fault rules (Cal. Civ. Code § 1714), even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation proportionate to the other party’s fault.

In most cases, California law gives you two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Exceptions may apply.

Yes — always. Attorney-client privilege protects everything you share with us. Withholding details can hurt your case. The Law Office of Daniel H. Deng needs the full picture to give you the best possible representation.

Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Many personal injury cases at Law Offices of Daniel H. Deng are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Fees vary by case, and all terms are discussed upfront.

Yes. Once you retain the Law Office of Daniel H. Deng, all communication should go through us. Inform the insurance company that you have legal representation and direct them to contact our office. This protects your rights and prevents statements that could be used against you.

Be very cautious. Insurance adjusters may ask questions designed to minimize your claim. You are not required to give a recorded statement. Contact the Law Office of Daniel H. Deng first — we will handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf.

Many personal injury cases are resolved through settlements. However, if a fair agreement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to trial.

Case duration varies based on complexity, insurance negotiations, and court schedules. Some cases resolve in months; others take years.

California follows comparative fault rules. Your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you may still recover damages.

No. The majority of personal injury cases in California settle before trial. However, the Law Office of Daniel H. Deng prepares every case as if it will go to trial — which often leads to better settlement offers from insurance companies.

Yes. Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, or trauma caused by the accident may be included in your claim

In California, straightforward cases may settle in 3–6 months; complex cases can take 1–2 years or longer. The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is 2 years from the date of injury (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). Don’t wait — contact us early.

Pain and suffering are subjective and assessed based on severity, duration, and impact on daily life. We use evidence to quantify these damages.

Seek immediate medical care, document everything, don’t post on social media, and hire an experienced attorney. The Law Office of Daniel H. Deng knows how to document damages thoroughly and negotiate aggressively to maximize your compensation.

Not before consulting us. Insurance companies may misinterpret your statements and use them to reduce your compensation.

Medical records, accident reports, photographs, witness statements, and expert opinions are crucial to support your claim.

Almost never. First offers are typically low. Insurance companies count on you not knowing the full value of your claim. Let the Law Office of Daniel H. Deng review any offer before you accept — we negotiate to get you what you truly deserve.

We evaluate your case, gather evidence, handle communications with insurance companies, negotiate on your behalf, and fight to secure the compensation you deserve.

A fair settlement covers all your medical expenses (past and future), lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. We analyze every element of your damages to ensure any offer is truly fair before recommending you accept it.

You may be entitled to lost wage compensation and future earning capacity damages. California law allows recovery for economic losses caused by your injury (Cal. Civ. Code § 3333). Law Office of Daniel H. Deng will evaluate your lost income and fight to include it in your settlement or verdict.

A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit filed when someone dies due to another party’s negligence or wrongful act. In California, it is governed by Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 377.60. It allows surviving family members to recover compensation for their loss.