UCLA-Trained Attorneys in Westwood
If you've lost a family member due to someone else's negligence in Westwood, California, California law provides a civil wrongful death claim separate from any criminal proceeding. Westwood Law represents surviving spouses, children, and dependents — pursuing every category of economic and non-economic damages the law allows.We Lived Here Before We Practiced Here
Curt and I both went to law school at UCLA, and we lived in Westwood the whole time. We've watched the Village change and transform as businesses came and went. We also know what it's like to make the trek out to Pasadena for a game at the Rose Bowl, and what that drive turns into when everyone leaves at once.
Why Your Case Is Different
California law allows surviving spouses, children, and — in some cases — other dependents to file a civil wrongful death claim for the negligent, reckless, or intentional killing of a family member. This is a separate claim from any criminal prosecution.
A survival action (CCP §377.30) allows the estate to recover damages the deceased could have claimed if they had survived — including pain and suffering experienced before death. Both claims can run simultaneously and are often pursued together.
What We Know About Westwood
- UCLA and its medical centers:A campus population in the tens of thousands plus two major hospitals means heavy pedestrian, cyclist and rideshare volume concentrated in a small area. Claims here frequently involve institutional defendants and commercial policies rather than individual drivers.
- The Wilshire high-rise corridor:One of the densest concentrations of residential towers in Los Angeles, with the parking structures, driveways and valet operations that come with them. Premises and backing-collision claims in this corridor usually involve professional property management and their insurers.
- Westwood Village:A 1920s planned commercial district built for the campus, with short blocks, heavy foot traffic and constant loading activity. Right-of-way and visibility are the recurring disputes in pedestrian claims here.
Crash Data
Recent Crashes
Compensation Available in Your Case
Funeral & Burial Expenses
Reasonable costs of funeral, burial, or cremation directly attributable to the wrongful death.
Lost Financial Support
The economic value of future earnings and support the deceased would have provided to surviving family members.
Loss of Household Services
The economic value of household tasks, childcare, and other services the deceased performed.
Loss of Companionship
Non-economic damages for loss of love, affection, guidance, moral support, and companionship.
Pre-Death Pain & Suffering
Via survival action — compensation for pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before death.
Punitive Damages
Available in cases involving drunk driving, intentional conduct, or extreme recklessness.
Call us Today. No fee until you win!
818-224-7940Steps for Wrongful Death Families
Wrongful death claims involve both legal process and profound personal grief. We guide families through both with discretion and determination.
Prioritize your family's wellbeing
In the immediate aftermath, focus on your family. Legal steps can begin once you are ready.
Preserve all documentation
Death certificate, police and accident reports, medical records, and any communications from the responsible party or insurer.
Do not accept any payment or release
Insurers and defendants may approach families quickly. Do not sign anything without speaking with an attorney.
Document financial dependence
Tax returns, pay stubs, household contribution records — all relevant to calculating economic damages.
Contact Westwood Law
Wrongful death cases have the same 2-year statute of limitations as personal injury. Acting early preserves critical evidence.