Santa Barbara Wrongful Death Attorneys

Are You in Need of a Santa Barbara Wrongful Death Attorney?

Losing a loved one unexpectedly is one of the most devastating experiences a person can go through. When that loss was caused by someone else’s careless or intentional actions, it becomes even harder to process. If you're dealing with the emotional aftermath of a sudden death, you may also be facing overwhelming financial and legal decisions.

At NordstrandBlack PC, we understand the weight of this loss and are here to help families in Santa Barbara get the answers, support, and compensation they deserve. Wrongful death claims are not just about holding the responsible party accountable; they are also about protecting your family’s future.

Why Choose Us Over Other Wrongful Death Attorneys in Santa Barbara?

At NordstrandBlack PC, we work closely with you to understand the true impact of your loss. Our legal team is aggressive when it counts and responsive to your needs. We prepare every case as if it is going to trial, and insurance companies know we do not back down from litigation when necessary.

Here’s what Sets NordstrandBlack PC Apart:

Our firm holds a 10.0 "Superb" rating from Avvo
Rated Premium by Lawyer.com
We have secured millions for clients in Santa Barbara and throughout California
We have experience in cases involving complex liability and multiple defendants
We focus on clear communication and facts, not legal fluff
We offer a free consultations and honest case evaluations
Renée Nordstrand has won the Deborah Talmage Attorney of the Year Award

Justice for Your Loved One Starts With One Call

Reach out to NordstrandBlack PC at to speak with a trusted attorney about your case: (805) 962-2022

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim arises when a person dies as a result of a wrongful act or neglect of another. A wrongful death claim is a civil action brought by the surviving family of the deceased. In a civil action, the survivors seek monetary compensation. This is different from a criminal prosecution by the state that seeks to punish the wrongdoer.

Do You Have a Legitimate Wrongful Death Case?

For a case to be considered legally actionable, it must meet certain criteria under California law. The most important factor is whether the death was caused by someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or misconduct.

You may have a case if your loved one died as a result of:

A car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian accident
A fall or other premises-related hazard
A defective or dangerous product
Acts of gross negligence or intentional harm

If you are unsure whether you have a legitimate claim, we encourage you to reach out. We offer straightforward, no-cost case evaluations and will let you know if we believe you have grounds for a case.

What’s the Legal Process for a Wrongful Death Case?

The legal process for a wrongful death case can vary depending on the facts and the parties involved, but it generally includes the following steps:

Initial Case Review: We begin with a thorough investigation of your case to determine whether a valid wrongful death claim exists and identify liable parties.
Preserving Evidence: Our team collects all relevant evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, video footage, and medical records. We may also consult with expert witnesses to evaluate the cause of death and its preventability.
Filing the Claim: If there is sufficient evidence, we file a formal claim or lawsuit on your behalf. This claim outlines the facts, identifies the responsible party, and demands compensation for your family’s losses.
Negotiation: Insurance companies often attempt to settle wrongful death cases quickly and for less than they are worth. We use documented evidence and expert testimony to negotiate from a position of strength.
Litigation (if necessary): If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take the case to court. We handle all aspects of litigation, from filing motions to presenting evidence to a jury.
Resolution: Whether through settlement or trial, our goal is to resolve the case with full and fair compensation for your family.

We understand that no amount of money can make up for your loss. But legal action can provide financial security, accountability, and a sense of justice.

Protect Your Family’s Future After a Preventable Death

We’ll handle the legal work so you can focus on healing. Start with a no-cost case evaluation. Call (805) 962-2022 to learn more today.

What Is the Statute of Limitations in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is generally two years from the date of death. This means you have a limited window to file a claim before you lose your legal right to pursue compensation.

There are exceptions in certain situations. For example, if the wrongful death was caused by a government entity (e.g., a city-operated bus), you may have only six months to file a claim. Also, if the claim involves a minor or a delayed discovery of wrongdoing, the timeline may vary.

Additional exceptions may apply, and certain circumstances can pause (toll) or alter this time limit. The information provided here is general in nature and not intended as legal advice. If you believe you may have a claim, we strongly encourage you to speak with a qualified attorney as soon as possible. Missing a deadline could mean losing your right to seek compensation.

What Types of Accidents Cause Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death can result from a wide range of incidents. At NordstrandBlack PC, we handle cases involving catastrophic outcomes from the following types of accidents:

Motor Vehicle Accidents: Including car, truck, and motorcycle crashes, particularly along dangerous stretches of Highway 101, Highway 154, and throughout Santa Barbara County.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents: Often caused by distracted or speeding drivers in high-traffic or residential areas.
Big Rig and Rollover Accidents: These high-impact crashes frequently result in severe injuries or fatalities.
Premises Liability Accidents: Such as falls due to unsafe property conditions, negligent security, or structural failure.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: From faulty appliances or poor ventilation in rental properties.
Defective Products: Including auto parts, machinery, or consumer goods that fail and lead to fatal injuries.
Birth Injuries: When negligence during labor and delivery leads to fatal complications for the infant or the mother (specific to medical-related wrongful death cases we handle).

Damages Available for a Wrongful Death Claim

A wrongful death claim can provide financial compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. These damages are designed to support surviving family members and compensate for the loss of their loved one’s care, income, and presence.

Economic Damages

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of the deceased person’s expected financial contributions (income, benefits)
Loss of household services provided by the deceased

Non-Economic Damages

Loss of companionship, love, and emotional support
Loss of guidance and training (particularly for surviving children)
Emotional pain and suffering of surviving family members (also called "loss of consortium")

Punitive damages may also be available if the death resulted from particularly egregious behavior, such as drunk driving or intentional misconduct.

Speak With a Trusted Wrongful Death Attorney in Santa Barbara

We are caring, compassionate, and committed to providing the highest quality legal representation to our clients. We know the law, and we know how insurance companies work and we fight for our clients.

If you have lost a loved one due to the wrongful act or negligence of another, contact our office today for your free consultation by calling (805) 962-2022.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

California Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60 allows only certain people to file a wrongful death lawsuit in California. These people include:

Victim’s surviving spouse
Victim’s surviving children
Victim’s step-children
Victim’s parents
Minors living in the victim's household for at least six months who were dependent on the victim for half or more of the minor’s support

What Is the Difference Between a Wrongful Death Action and a Survival Action?

In California, if a loved one is killed by the wrongful act of another there are two types of claims that the heirs or the estate can bring: a wrongful death action and a survival action.

A wrongful death action is an action brought by the decedent’s heirs, specified in CCP 337.60, alleging the death was caused by the wrongful act or negligence of another. Damages vary from case-to-case.

A survival action is an action for personal injuries of the victim that happened before they died. It's technically a claim for the victim brought by their estate. This means the estate can recover the victim’s medical expenses, lost wages, and punitive damages.

Even though wrongful death actions and survival actions are governed by two different statutes, it's often appropriate to join them together for purposes of a lawsuit. In some situations, it is better to bring only one of the claims. NordstrandBlack PC understand the legal differences between these statutes and vigorously pursues the appropriate remedy for our clients.

Other Cities We Serve

Case Result

$326,472.00 Settlement - Wrongful Death

In a wrongful death case, a $326,472.00 settlement was reached after Kaiser negligently misread an MRI report, resulting in the failure to timely diagnose and treat the deceased's pancreatic cancer, which led to their death.

What Clients Are Saying About Us

I cannot recommend them highly enough-Steven Kepnes (5-Star Google Review)

Excellent, professional, kind, considerate, and concerned lawyers with exceptionally competent staff. This is a fine firm that does what is needed and best for clients. I cannot recommend them highly enough. Dr. Steven Kepnes

Highly recommended! - Thomas Felkay (5-Star Google Review)

Doug Black and his office staff handled my case with exceptional professionalism, promptly returning calls and following up on every opportunity to get the best possible outcome on a complex lawsuit. He is a master negotiator with vast experience. His calm and respectful attitude provided a safe refuge during a difficult time. Highly recommended!

Wrongful Death FAQs

What is a wrongful death claim?

A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit filed when someone dies due to another person or entity’s negligence, recklessness, or misconduct. It allows certain family members to seek compensation for the financial and emotional losses caused by the death.

Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Santa Barbara?

Under California law, the deceased person’s spouse, domestic partner, or children typically have the right to file. If none of these exist, other close relatives who were financially dependent on the deceased may be eligible.

How do I know if I have a valid wrongful death case?

You may have a case if your loved one’s death was caused by another party’s negligence or wrongful actions. That includes situations like traffic accidents, unsafe property conditions, defective products, or preventable carbon monoxide poisoning. A free consultation with NordstrandBlack PC can help clarify your legal standing.

What kind of compensation is available in a wrongful death claim?

You may be able to recover damages for funeral costs, lost income and financial support, loss of companionship, emotional suffering, and more. We work with financial experts to determine the full value of your losses.

How long does a wrongful death lawsuit take?

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case. Some resolve in a few months through settlement; others take a year or longer, especially if the case goes to trial. We’ll keep you informed at every step.

Will I have to go to court?

Not always. Many wrongful death cases are resolved through negotiation before trial. However, if the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to present your case in court.

How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death attorney?

At NordstrandBlack PC, we handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and we only collect fees if we win compensation for you.

Meet Our Santa Barbara Wrongful Death Attorneys

Renée J. Nordstrand-Black

Renée J. Nordstrand-Black is a trial attorney with a reputation for straightforward legal advocacy, meticulous case preparation, and strong results in high-stakes injury and wrongful death cases. Based in Santa Barbara, she is the founding attorney of NordstrandBlack PC, and she has built a practice centered on providing honest, responsive, and determined representation for individuals and families facing life-altering losses.

With decades of legal experience, Renée has successfully resolved cases involving catastrophic injuries and difficult liability issues, including pedestrian accidents, big rig collisions, rollover crashes, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Her work has helped clients recover significant compensation to support medical needs, loss of income, and in-home care, as well as to hold negligent parties accountable.

Doug Black

Doug Black is a partner at NordstrandBlack PC. He is known for his practical, client-focused approach and commitment to achieving real results for individuals and families harmed by negligence. Doug handles serious injury and wrongful death cases, guiding clients through some of the most difficult times of their lives with clear communication and steady support.

Doug’s work includes cases involving motor vehicle accidents, unsafe property conditions, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other incidents resulting in catastrophic harm. He focuses on the details that make or break a case by gathering evidence, consulting with experts, and preparing every matter as if it will go to trial. Doug is a strategic negotiator and a firm advocate for clients whose losses deserve to be taken seriously by insurers and defense counsel.

∗When it comes to statute of limitations laws in California, there are frequently exceptions that may apply. Every case is unique, and that is why we strongly encourage you to speak with a qualified attorney about your claim as soon as possible.