Wrongful Death Lawyers in Sacramento, CA

At Goyette, Ruano, & Thompson, in collaboration with Peacock Law Firm, our Sacramento personal injury attorneys are committed to providing top-notch legal services to individuals who have suffered personal injuries. Our combined expertise ensures that our clients receive comprehensive representation and support to pursue their personal injury claims effectively.

There’s no way to prepare for the call. A crash. An accident at work. A violent act. A mistake no one caught in time. One moment, your loved one is here. The next, they’re gone—and your life is shattered.

When a family member dies because of someone else’s negligence, carelessness, or wrongful act, the law provides a way to pursue justice. It can’t bring them back. But it can hold the responsible parties accountable. It can provide financial relief in the face of mounting bills. And sometimes, it can help ensure no one else suffers the same fate.

At Goyette, Ruano & Thompson, we represent families across California who are grieving unimaginable loss. Our Sacramento wrongful death attorneys handle these cases with the seriousness, care, and commitment they deserve. If you’ve lost a loved one and believe someone else is to blame, we’re here to help you take the next step.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

Under the California Code of Civil Procedure, a wrongful death occurs when someone dies as a result of another person or entity’s wrongful act or negligence. These claims allow surviving family members to seek compensation for both the financial and emotional impact of that loss.

A Sacramento wrongful death attorney at Goyette, Ruano & Thompson can help you file a civil lawsuit to recover damages if your loved one died due to:

• A car, truck, or motorcycle accident
• A bicycle or pedestrian accident
• A workplace accident or construction injury
• A dangerous property condition (premises liability)
• Medical malpractice or surgical errors
• A defective or unsafe product
• Nursing home neglect or abuse
• A criminal act, such as assault or DUI

Unlike criminal cases, wrongful death lawsuits are civil actions. That means they focus on financial accountability, not jail time or criminal penalties. Even if no criminal charges are filed, or if the person is acquitted, you may still have a valid wrongful death claim.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?

California law limits who can bring a wrongful death claim. Typically, the following parties are eligible:

• The deceased’s spouse or domestic partner
• The deceased’s children

If none of the above exist: anyone entitled to inherit from the deceased under California intestate laws (such as parents or siblings)

In some cases, others who were financially dependent on the deceased—such as stepchildren or putative spouses—may also have the right to file.

Our Sacramento wrongful death attorneys will help determine who is eligible to bring the claim, how the claim should be structured, and how compensation can be distributed fairly among family members.

What Damages Can You Recover in a Wrongful Death Case?

Losing someone suddenly can bring not only emotional devastation but also serious financial strain. You may be facing funeral expenses, lost income, and long-term uncertainty about how to move forward.

At Goyette, Ruano & Thompson, our Sacramento personal injury lawyers help surviving families seek damages for:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of the deceased’s income and future earning potential
• Loss of benefits (such as health insurance or retirement contributions)
• Loss of care, companionship, guidance, and support
• Emotional pain and suffering
• Medical bills incurred before death (in a related survival action)

The total compensation available depends on many factors, including the age and income of the deceased, the nature of the relationship, and the circumstances of the death. Our legal team works closely with economic experts and grief professionals to ensure every aspect of your loss is accounted for.

Real Consequences, Real Grief

No lawsuit can capture what you’ve lost. The birthdays that won’t come. The empty seat at dinner. The plans left unfinished. The silence.

These are not just legal cases—they’re human tragedies. And while the law may not offer healing, it can offer justice. It can force accountability. And in some cases, it can drive change, ensuring other families don’t suffer the same preventable loss.

At Goyette, Ruano & Thompson, we never lose sight of what these cases mean to our clients. We understand the pressure and pain families are under. And we do everything in our power to handle the legal burden, so you can focus on what matters most: grieving, remembering, and rebuilding.

Why You Need an Experienced Sacramento Wrongful Death Attorney

Wrongful death claims can be legally complex. Multiple parties may be involved, from insurance companies to government entities to corporate defendants. These cases often involve deep investigations, expert testimony, and the need to prove not only liability but long-term damages.

Our Sacramento wrongful death attorneys at Goyette, Ruano & Thompson bring over 30 years of legal experience and more than 10,000 successful client matters to every case. We:

• Investigate the cause of death thoroughly
• Preserve key evidence and obtain expert evaluations
• File all legal paperwork on time and correctly
• Handle communication with all parties and insurers
• Fight for the highest possible compensation
• Provide honest, straightforward counsel throughout the process

When you work with us, you’re not just hiring legal help. You’re gaining a team that will pursue justice as relentlessly as we would for our own families.

What Sets Goyette, Ruano & Thompson Apart

Full-Service Support: We understand wrongful death impacts everything—your family, your finances, your future. Our team is equipped to support you through every layer of the legal process.

Respected Across California: With offices in Sacramento, Fresno, Modesto, Redwood City, and San Francisco, we’re known statewide for our integrity, strength, and professionalism.

Direct, Compassionate Guidance: We won’t sugarcoat the process—but we will stand with you through it, every step of the way.

Relentless Pursuit of Justice: When Goyette, Ruano & Thompson takes on a wrongful death case, insurance companies and defendants know we mean business.

How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim?

In most California wrongful death cases, you have two years from the date of death to file a lawsuit. This time limit can be shorter if a government agency is involved. In some cases, you may also have grounds to file a separate survival action for harms suffered before your loved one passed.

Don’t wait. The earlier you speak with a Sacramento wrongful death attorney at Goyette, Ruano & Thompson, the more time we have to gather evidence and protect your family’s rights.

Speak With a Sacramento Wrongful Death Attorney at Goyette, Ruano & Thompson

You didn’t choose this. You didn’t expect to be dealing with funeral arrangements, insurance paperwork, or legal decisions while trying to grieve. But you do have the right to seek justice.

Goyette, Ruano & Thompson is here to help. Our team of Sacramento wrongful death lawyers will stand beside you with compassion, strength, and experience. We’ll handle the legal work, pursue maximum compensation, and give you the clarity and direction you need to take the next step.

Call Goyette, Ruano & Thompson today to schedule a consultation with a trusted Sacramento wrongful death attorney. You don’t have to do this alone—and you shouldn’t.