Why Santa Monica wrongful death cases are different
Santa Monica's Promenade, Pier, and bike-and-scooter corridors generate a high rate of pedestrian, cyclist, and e-scooter injury claims. Tourist traffic and rideshare pickups multiply the risk.
Local context we account for
- Pedestrian and cyclist strikes along Ocean Avenue and the Promenade
- E-scooter (Bird, Lime) injury claims
- Rideshare pickup incidents at the Pier and on Main Street
- Cases filed in Los Angeles Superior Court — Santa Monica Courthouse (1725 Main)
California law that governs your claim
- Filing deadline. Two years from the date of injury under Code of Civil Procedure §335.1. Claims against a city, county, Caltrans, or other public entity require a six-month government claim under §911.2.
- Fault rule. California is a pure comparative negligence state. Even at significant fault, an injured person can still recover — the award is reduced by their share of responsibility.
- Damages. Recovery includes past and future medical care, lost income and earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering.
About wrongful death claims
California Code of Civil Procedure §377.60 limits who can bring a wrongful death claim — typically the spouse, domestic partner, children, or other dependents. Damages include loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and funeral costs. We handle these cases with the discretion they require.