Free Consultation  ·  No Fee Unless We Win  ·  Serving All of California

Practice Area

California Wrongful Death Lawyer


When negligence takes the life of someone you love, your family deserves answers, accountability, and justice.

40+ Years

Of personal injury experience

Insider

Former insurance defense attorney

Direct

You work with John, not a case manager

$0 Upfront

No fee unless we win

Bilingual

Se habla español

Statewide

Representing clients across California

Standing with Families After a Preventable Loss

No amount of money can replace a loved one. But a wrongful death claim can provide answers about what happened, hold the responsible party accountable, and give your family financial security for the future.

John handles wrongful death cases personally, with the care these families deserve and the resolve these cases demand. He takes on the investigation, the insurers, and the legal process so your family can grieve.

Who May Bring a Claim

In California, a wrongful death claim may generally be brought by the deceased person’s surviving spouse or registered domestic partner and children. Depending on the circumstances, other family members, such as parents or others who were financially dependent on the deceased, may also be eligible. We can help you understand who has the right to file.

Cases We Handle

  • Fatal car, truck, and motorcycle crashes
  • Pedestrian and bicycle deaths
  • Deaths caused by unsafe property or negligent security
  • Fatal workplace and construction accidents
  • Deaths caused by defective products

Damages Families May Recover

  • Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
  • Loss of love, companionship, comfort, care, and guidance
  • Loss of household services
  • Funeral and burial expenses

A related survival claim on behalf of the estate may also recover certain losses the deceased suffered before passing, such as medical expenses.

Time Limits Matter

Most California wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of death. If a government agency may be involved, a formal claim can be due in as little as six months. We encourage families to reach out when they are ready, and as early as they can.

FAQ

Wrongful Death Questions

Who can file a wrongful death claim in California?

Generally the surviving spouse or registered domestic partner and children. In some situations, other family members who depended on the deceased financially may also be eligible.

How long does my family have to file?

Most wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of death. If a government agency may be involved, a formal claim can be due in as little as six months.

Can we file while a criminal case is pending?

Yes. A civil wrongful death claim is separate from any criminal case and uses a lower burden of proof. Families do not need to wait for a criminal outcome to talk with us.

Free Consultation

Speak Directly with John

No fee unless we win. No obligation.

  • 40+ years of personal injury experience
  • Former insurance defense attorney
  • John personally handles your case
  • Serving all of California, in English and Spanish

Why The JVB Law Firm

What Sets Our Firm Apart


01

John Handles Your Case

At many firms, your file is passed to a case manager. Here, John personally reviews the evidence, talks with you, and makes the decisions on your case.

02

We Know the Other Side

John spent years defending insurance companies. He knows how adjusters value claims and the tactics they use to pay less, and he plans for them from day one.

03

Bilingual, No Upfront Cost

We serve clients in English and Spanish across California. You pay nothing upfront, and there is no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you.

John V. Bell, California personal injury attorney

John’s Advantage

Insider Experience Most Law Firms Can’t Match


For decades, John defended insurance companies. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for the people they tried to underpay.

Most injury lawyers know how to file a claim. John knows how insurance companies try to defeat one. With 40+ years of experience and rare insurance-defense insight, John understands how insurers evaluate injuries, minimize losses, and pressure victims before they know the true value of their case.

For catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, that insight can make the difference between a quick low offer and a fight for full, fair compensation. And at The JVB Law Firm, John personally handles your case.

Client Reviews

What Our Clients Say


★★★★★

“I have not found a firm in California where the ATTORNEY HIMSELF handles your case, and that’s what initially drew me to work with him… Thank you John for always having my back.”

Luis Reina

Google Review

★★★★★

“I am forever grateful!!! My daughter was a victim of a hit and run. John helped her efficiently and effectively. If you’re looking for a great firm this is it!! Thank you!!”

Yadira Campos

Google Review

★★★★★

“Having worked with numerous personal injury attorneys and law firms over the years, I can confidently say that John and his team stand out for their professionalism, communication, and commitment to their clients.”

Heather Padilla

Google Review · Healthcare Provider

Affiliations & Memberships

Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles
American Association for Justice
Consumer Attorneys of California
Lawyers of Distinction 2024
San Diego County Bar Association
State Bar of California

Free, Compassionate Consultation

Let Us Carry the Legal Burden


Speak with John about your family’s options, at your pace. No fee unless we win.

Attorney Advertising. This page is general information, not legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.