INJURY INFORMATION
Wrongful death
After losing someone, it can be difficult to know which questions to ask or which papers matter. You can begin with a short account of the incident and your relationship to the person who died.
Let’s hear your story.
A few details are enough to start.
Start with a simple account of what happened
Write down the incident date, location and, if different, the date of death. Identify whether the event involved a road collision, medical care, work, property or another setting. Include the investigating agency and any reference number already available.
Keep confirmed information separate from unanswered questions. You do not need to determine the legal cause of death or identify every potentially responsible party before an initial conversation. Let the intake team know if a lawyer is already involved or if an investigation is continuing.
Explain your relationship and any estate involvement
State your relationship to the person who died and whether an estate representative has been appointed. A person who can make an initial inquiry is not necessarily the person legally entitled to file a claim. State law and the circumstances govern that question.
If several family members are communicating, consider keeping a shared list of the professionals already contacted and the documents requested. Do not assume one relative's authority covers every record or decision. Ask a lawyer how communication and representation should be organized.
Keep records without delaying the first conversation
Make an inventory of available reports, correspondence and funeral or related bills. Note employment information and practical support the person provided, but do not try to place a monetary value on the loss in the web form. Keep identity and medical documents for a secure process if later requested.
A list of missing records is useful too. Tell the lawyer who may hold them and whether any release or settlement document has been presented. Waiting for every investigation or certificate to be complete may leave timing questions unanswered, so seek advice about deadlines promptly.
Questions a family can bring to a lawyer
Ask who may bring the relevant claim, whether estate-related steps are needed, which dates matter and what evidence should be preserved. Ask how the lawyer would handle communication with multiple relatives and who will make decisions at each stage.
Request a clear explanation of fees, expenses and any proposed agreement. A settlement amount from another family's case cannot predict your own result. The first goal is to understand the available review process and your next practical step, without pressure to provide every painful detail immediately.
Common questions
Can I start an inquiry if I am not the estate representative?
You can explain your relationship and ask about next steps. A lawyer must determine who has authority to act or bring a claim.
Must the investigation finish first?
You can seek legal advice while an investigation continues. Explain its status and ask about deadlines and preservation of records.
Does submitting this form start a wrongful death claim?
No. It requests contact from our intake team. Any representation or filing requires separate steps with a lawyer.
Continue with the information you need
Start with a short inquiry
Share the incident location, general injury and a way to reach you. Our intake team clarifies the basics and explains any proposed handoff. A lawyer makes their own decision about acceptance and representation.
For immediate danger or a medical emergency, contact emergency services. Seek legal advice promptly about deadlines; an inquiry does not pause them.
Request a callbackUpdated November 2, 2026 · General preparation information from Personal Injury Pal. Not an individual legal or medical assessment. Resource: California Courts: civil injury-case information (California-specific).
Start with what happened.
You do not need to know the legal name for your injury.