Wrongful Death Attorney Rohnert Park

Legal Guidance After the Loss of a Loved One

Losing a family member because of someone else’s choices is one of the hardest experiences a person can face. In a moment, you are dealing with grief, unexpected expenses, and questions about how something like this could have happened. During this time, it can be difficult to know whether you should talk with a wrongful death attorney Rohnert Park or what that conversation might involve.

At Abbey, Weitzenberg, Warren & Emery, we work with families in Rohnert Park and throughout Sonoma County who are facing these questions after a fatal crash, unsafe property condition, fire, abuse, or other preventable event. Our role is to help you understand your legal options, explain how California wrongful death law may apply to your situation, and shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on your family. Your initial consultation is free, and our conversation is simply an opportunity for you to get answers in a private, respectful setting.

If you are considering speaking with a wrongful death attorney in Rohnert Park, we invite you to contact our office for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your situation and questions.

Compassionate Representation for Families After a Wrongful Death

Families often reach out to us in the days and weeks after a sudden loss. They may be planning a funeral, dealing with medical or hospice bills, or trying to support children who are struggling to understand what happened. On top of this, they may be getting calls from insurance companies or representatives for a business or property owner. It can feel overwhelming to manage all of this while also grieving.

We recognize that you are not just looking for legal information. You are trying to protect your family, honor your loved one’s memory, and find a path forward. When we meet with you, we listen first. We want to understand who your loved one was, what happened, and what your family is going through. From there, we talk through whether California’s wrongful death laws may apply, what a claim might look like, and how a case could help with the practical realities you are facing.

Our attorneys take on as much of the legal work as possible, including communications with insurers and other parties, so you do not have to manage those conversations alone. We work to keep our clients informed in clear, straightforward language and encourage questions at every step. Our goal is to provide support that respects both the seriousness of your loss and the emotional strain that comes with it.

Why Families Choose Our Wrongful Death Lawyers in Sonoma County

When a family decides to contact a wrongful death lawyer Rohnert Park, they are placing something deeply personal in the hands of a law firm. Many families choose Abbey, Weitzenberg, Warren & Emery because of our long history, our record in serious cases, and our commitment to the Sonoma County community.

Our firm was founded in 1920 and has served Northern California for more than 100 years. Over that time, we have represented generations of families and businesses across Sonoma County. This longevity reflects stability and trust, and it also means we are familiar with how the Sonoma County Superior Court operates and how local juries tend to view cases involving preventable loss.

We have recovered more than $100 million for clients in significant personal injury and wrongful death matters, including multi-million dollar recoveries in cases involving fatal injuries, child abuse, and elder abuse. These These results required careful preparation, persistence, and a willingness to stand up to powerful defendants and insurers. While every case is different and past results do not predict outcomes, this history shows that we have the resources to pursue complex, high-stakes claims when families decide to move forward.

Our attorneys bring varied backgrounds in plaintiff personal injury work and complex commercial litigation. This allows us to address wrongful death cases that involve corporations, property owners, real estate issues, insurance coverage disputes, or business relationships. For example, a fatal incident on commercial property may involve multiple contracts, leases, or insurance policies. By collaborating across practice areas, we work to identify all responsible parties and avenues for financial recovery.

Members of our team have received independent recognition from organizations such as Martindale-Hubbell, Super Lawyers, and Best Lawyers in America. One of our attorneys, Scott R. Montgomery, has secured more than $225 million for clients and has been honored with awards that reflect substantial accomplishments in high-impact litigation. These recognitions come from outside reviewers and peers, which gives families additional assurance that we are trusted to handle serious cases.

Do You Have a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

One of the first questions families ask is whether what happened to their loved one is considered wrongful death under California law. In general terms, a wrongful death claim arises when a person dies because another individual, company, or entity acted carelessly, failed to act when they had a duty, or engaged in wrongful conduct, and that failure contributed to the death. The civil claim is separate from any criminal case and focuses on the losses suffered by surviving family members.

Wrongful death cases can grow out of many different situations. These may include fatal motor vehicle collisions, dangerous conditions on residential or commercial property, fires, certain workplace incidents, or abuse and neglect in settings such as care facilities. The key questions typically involve whether someone had a legal duty to act with reasonable care, whether that duty was violated, and whether that violation contributed to the death.

California law generally allows specific close relatives to bring a wrongful death claim. This often includes a surviving spouse or registered domestic partner, children, and in some cases other close relatives who depended on the person who died. The rules can be complex, particularly in blended families or when there is no spouse or child, so it is important to discuss your family’s structure with an attorney who can walk through how the law applies in your situation.

There are time limits to bring wrongful death claims in California. The exact deadline can depend on the type of incident, whether a government entity is involved, and other legal factors. Courts in California commonly apply a general statute of limitations measured in years, but some claims require much earlier notice, especially if a public agency may be responsible. Because these timelines are strict once they expire, courts often dismiss claims that are filed too late.

If you are unsure whether your family has a claim, the most straightforward step is to talk with a wrongful death attorney in a free consultation. We can review what you know about how the death occurred, discuss any documents you may have, and explain how the law may apply without any obligation to move forward.

What Compensation Can a Wrongful Death Lawyer Pursue for Your Family?

Financial recovery can never replace a person or fully reflect the value of their life. However, a wrongful death claim exists to provide practical support and recognition of the harm caused when someone’s negligence leads to a death. Understanding what compensation may be available can help you think about how a case might support your family’s future needs.

In a California wrongful death claim, families often seek compensation for economic losses. These can include funeral and burial expenses, medical costs related to the final illness or injury, and the financial support the deceased person would likely have provided if they had lived. In some cases, this also includes the value of household services they performed, such as childcare, home maintenance, or caregiving for other relatives.

Families may also seek recovery for non-economic losses. These are harms that are more personal and do not involve direct bills or receipts. Examples include the loss of the person’s love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection, and guidance. While no calculation is perfect, California juries are often asked to consider how the loss has changed the family’s daily life and long-term future.

In some situations, a related claim known as a survival action can be brought on behalf of the deceased person’s estate. Survival actions may address certain harms the person suffered between the time of the injury and their death, such as conscious pain and suffering or lost earnings during that period, depending on the circumstances and legal rules that apply.

Our firm has obtained significant financial recoveries in cases where a preventable death or severe abuse altered the course of a family’s life. Those results have helped surviving relatives pay bills, secure housing, pursue education, and access the support they need. While we do not promise a specific outcome, we can explain how damages might be evaluated in your situation and what steps are needed to present your losses clearly.

Our Approach to Wrongful Death Cases for Families in This Area

When we take on a wrongful death case, we understand that we are telling your loved one’s story to insurers, judges, and in some instances juries. Our approach is to combine careful factual investigation with a legal strategy that reflects both California law and our understanding of how cases proceed in Sonoma County.

Investigation & Case Development

The process typically begins with a detailed review of available information, such as police reports, incident reports, medical records, photographs, and witness statements. We work to identify all individuals, businesses, property owners, and other entities whose actions may have contributed to what happened. In complex cases, this can include reviewing contracts, leases, corporate documents, or other records to determine responsibility.

Because Abbey, Weitzenberg, Warren & Emery maintains both a plaintiff personal injury practice and a commercial litigation practice, our attorneys regularly collaborate when a wrongful death claim intersects with business, real estate, or insurance issues. For example, a death at a commercial property may involve questions about who controlled the premises, what safety policies applied, and how insurance coverage is structured among different parties. By drawing on attorneys who regularly handle large business disputes, we work to address these questions in a thorough and organized way.

Preparation, Negotiation & Trial Readiness

Throughout the case, we prepare as though a trial could occur, even when many cases resolve through negotiation or mediation. Trial readiness often involves developing clear timelines, working with appropriate experts, and organizing evidence so that it can be presented effectively if needed. Being prepared in this way can strengthen a family’s position in settlement discussions and help ensure that we are ready to proceed if a fair resolution is not offered.

Equally important, we prioritize communication. We explain what is happening, why certain steps matter, and what decisions may be coming up. We work to schedule calls and meetings at times that work for you, and we understand that families have different preferences about how much detail they want to receive at different times. Our goal is to provide guidance that helps you feel informed without increasing your stress.

What To Do After a Fatal Accident or Loss in the Family

In the first days after a death, most families are focused on immediate needs and arrangements. At the same time, certain steps can help protect your rights if you later decide to speak with a wrongful death lawyer. You do not need to complete all of these tasks before contacting us, but they can be helpful to keep in mind.

If possible, gather and keep copies of key documents. These may include the death certificate once it is available, any hospital or emergency room records you receive, police reports, incident reports from a business or property, and correspondence from insurance companies. If you have photographs of the scene, the vehicles, the property, or visible conditions that may have contributed to the incident, it can be useful to store those in a safe place.

It can also help to write down what you and other family members remember about what happened. Details such as dates, times, locations, and the names of people who were present can be harder to recall months later. Brief notes created soon after the event can assist your attorneys when they are evaluating the case and planning the investigation.

Many families receive phone calls from insurance adjusters, corporate representatives, or others soon after a fatal incident. It is generally wise to be cautious about providing recorded statements or signing documents without legal advice. Adjusters may seem sympathetic, but their primary responsibility is often to the company that employs them. Speaking with an attorney before making detailed statements can help you avoid misunderstandings or unintended admissions.

You do not have to wait until everything is organized to reach out to Abbey, Weitzenberg, Warren & Emery. If you contact us, we can walk through what information you already have, help you identify what else may be useful, and begin taking steps to preserve evidence if appropriate. Our initial consultation is a chance for you to ask questions and for us to explain what a potential case might involve.

Serving Rohnert Park Families With Deep Sonoma County Roots

Although our office is in Santa Rosa, we regularly represent families from Rohnert Park and communities throughout Sonoma County in serious injury and wrongful death matters. Many of the incidents we handle involve roads, businesses, properties, and institutions that are familiar to people who live in this region. Our attorneys appear in Sonoma County Superior Court on a regular basis, so we understand local procedures and expectations.

When a fatal incident occurs in or around Rohnert Park, families may interact with nearby medical facilities, law enforcement agencies, and county offices as they navigate both the immediate crisis and the weeks that follow. Being based in Sonoma County enables us to address practical questions about where hearings may take place, what to expect at local court appearances, and how scheduling often works in this area.

Our firm has been part of the Sonoma County legal and civic community for more than a century. Attorneys from Abbey, Weitzenberg, Warren & Emery have served in leadership roles with nonprofits and community organizations, which gives us additional perspective on the challenges local families face. We view our work in wrongful death and serious injury cases as part of a broader commitment to this community, not something separate from it.

If your family is in Rohnert Park and you are considering speaking with a wrongful death lawyer, you will not be dealing with an unfamiliar firm from another region. You will be working with a team that has deep roots here and a long-term commitment to the people of Sonoma County.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my family has a wrongful death case?

The clearest way to know if your family has a wrongful death case is to discuss the facts with an attorney who handles these matters in California. In general, a potential case exists when a person dies because another individual, business, or entity failed to act with reasonable care or engaged in wrongful conduct, and that failure contributed to the death. Examples can include fatal car or truck collisions, unsafe property conditions, fires, or abuse in a care facility. During a free consultation, we review what you know about how the death occurred, ask follow-up questions, and explain how California’s wrongful death laws may apply. From there, we can outline possible next steps if a claim appears appropriate.

Who is allowed to file a wrongful death lawsuit in California?

California law generally gives specific close relatives the right to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. This usually includes a surviving spouse or registered domestic partner, children, and in some situations other relatives who were financially dependent on the person who died. If there is no spouse, domestic partner, or child, the law sets out a list of other relatives who may be allowed to bring the claim, which can include parents or siblings depending on the circumstances. In blended families or situations with multiple relatives, questions about who can file can become more complex. When you meet with us, we review your family structure carefully and explain how the rules apply so that you know who may be able to act on behalf of the family.

How much does it cost to hire your firm for a wrongful death case?

We offer free, no-obligation consultations for families considering a wrongful death claim. In many wrongful death and serious injury cases that we agree to handle, our representation is provided on a contingency fee basis. This typically means our fee is a percentage of any financial recovery, and you do not pay an attorney’s fee if there is no recovery. Case costs such as filing fees or expert expenses are handled according to a written agreement that we go over with you before representation begins. We discuss our fee structure in detail at the consultation so you know how costs work and can make an informed decision about moving forward.

Will my wrongful death case have to go to trial?

Many wrongful death cases resolve through settlement discussions or mediation rather than a trial, but there is no single pattern that applies to every matter. Whether a case goes to trial depends on factors such as how disputes about fault are resolved, how insurance carriers and defendants respond to the evidence, and what settlement offers are made. At Abbey, Weitzenberg, Warren & Emery, we prepare each case thoroughly and with the possibility of trial in mind. This includes gathering evidence, consulting appropriate experts when needed, and organizing the case so that it can be presented in court if that becomes necessary. We discuss settlement options and trial considerations with you as the case progresses so that any decision to accept an offer or proceed to trial is made with full information.

How long does a wrongful death case usually take?

The length of a wrongful death case can vary significantly. Some matters may resolve within a year through settlement, especially when liability is relatively clear and the damages can be documented well. Other cases take longer, particularly if there are disputes over who is responsible, if multiple defendants are involved, or if the court’s schedule extends the time to trial. The timeline is also influenced by how long it takes to gather records, consult experts, and complete necessary discovery. During your case, we keep you updated about expected milestones such as court hearings, mediation sessions, and possible trial dates, and we explain how each step affects the overall timing.

What information should I bring to a consultation with your attorneys?

For an initial consultation, it is helpful to bring any documents you already have, but you can still meet with us even if you have very little paperwork. Useful items include the death certificate when available, any police or incident reports, letters or emails from insurance companies, medical records, and photographs related to the event or the scene. A list of key dates, locations, and the names of any witnesses can also be valuable. If you do not have some of these items yet, we can discuss how they might be obtained and which records are most important. The goal of the consultation is to understand what happened and answer your questions, not to test how organized you are during a difficult time.

Can your firm handle complex wrongful death cases involving businesses or property owners?

Yes, our firm regularly handles serious cases that involve business entities, property owners, and other organizations. Because we maintain both a plaintiff personal injury practice and a commercial litigation practice, our attorneys collaborate on cases where wrongful death claims intersect with business or real estate issues. This can include incidents on commercial properties, disputes involving multiple insurance carriers, or deaths connected to large-scale events. Our experience in these areas allows us to examine contracts, leases, and corporate structures that may affect who is legally responsible and how coverage applies. When we meet with you, we can discuss any business or property elements in your case and explain how our team approach may be used to address them.

Talk With Our Team About a Wrongful Death Claim

After a preventable loss, you do not have to face insurance companies and legal questions on your own. Speaking with a wrongful death attorney Rohnert Park can help you understand whether you have a claim, what compensation might be available, and what the process could look like for your family. We are here to listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide clear information so you can decide what is best for you.

At Abbey, Weitzenberg, Warren & Emery, we bring more than a century of service to Sonoma County, a history of significant results in serious cases, and a commitment to direct, honest communication. We offer free, no-obligation consultations in English and Spanish, and we can meet with you in person in Santa Rosa, by phone, or online. If you are ready to talk about what happened and your options, we invite you to contact us.