Glendale Wrongful Death Lawyer

When negligence takes a life, California law gives the family left behind the right to hold the responsible party accountable. We handle every part of the case — the investigation, the insurance company, the legal filings — so you can focus on your family.

Your Family Shouldn't Be Carrying This Alone.

Losing someone to someone else’s negligence is one of the most painful and disorienting things a family can go through. The grief is real and immediate. What follows — the calls from insurance companies, the questions about the bills, the uncertainty about what your rights are — shouldn’t fall on you without support.

California’s wrongful death law exists specifically for this situation. Under California Code of Civil Procedure §377.60, surviving family members have the right to bring a claim against the person or entity whose negligence, recklessness, or intentional conduct caused the death of their loved one. You can recover compensation for the financial losses you’ve suffered, the support and companionship you’ve lost, and the future your family was supposed to have.

Wrongful deaths in Glendale and the surrounding Los Angeles County area happen across many circumstances: car accidents on Glendale’s high-traffic corridors, pedestrian fatalities, negligent property conditions, workplace accidents, and incidents of violence. Each situation is different. What doesn’t change is that if someone else’s conduct was the cause, your family has legal rights — and a deadline to act.

You generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. If a government entity — a city, county, or state vehicle, employee, or roadway — is involved, that window drops to six months under California’s Government Tort Claims Act. Every day matters. The evidence that proves your case doesn’t wait.

Your Family May Have a Wrongful Death Case If:

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Glendale and LA County

Wrongful death claims arise across many types of incidents. What they share is this: the death was caused by someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or wrongful act — and that creates legal liability. The most common causes we handle include:

🚗 Car and Truck Accidents

Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of wrongful death claims in California. High-speed collisions on the 2, 5, and 134 freeways and along Glendale's major corridors — Brand Boulevard, Glenoaks Boulevard, Colorado Street — frequently result in fatal injuries when drivers are distracted, speeding, impaired, or running red lights.

🚶 Pedestrian Fatalities

Glendale ranks among California's most dangerous cities for pedestrians. When a driver strikes and kills a pedestrian in or near a crosswalk, the family has a wrongful death claim against the driver, and in some cases against the city or property owner if road conditions contributed.

🏗️ Premises Liability / Negligent Property Conditions

Property owners and businesses have a duty to maintain safe conditions. When unsafe flooring, inadequate lighting, a broken staircase, or inadequate security leads to a fatal injury, the family can pursue a wrongful death claim against the responsible owner or operator.

🐕 Dog Attacks

Under California's strict liability law, a fatal dog attack gives surviving family members a wrongful death claim against the dog's owner, regardless of whether the dog had prior history.

💼 Workplace Accidents Involving Third Parties

When a third party — not just an employer — caused the death, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim in addition to any workers' compensation benefits. This is one of the most underused and highest-value claims in California.

🚑 DUI and Impaired Driving

Deaths caused by drunk or drugged drivers often result in significant wrongful death recoveries. In cases involving a felony DUI conviction, punitive damages may also be available through the survival action.

🏥 Negligent Security

When inadequate security at an apartment complex, parking structure, hotel, or commercial property enabled an assault or attack that resulted in death, the property owner may be liable.

🏛️ Government Vehicle or Roadway Negligence

If a city bus, county vehicle, or poorly maintained roadway contributed to the death, a wrongful death claim can be filed against the government entity — but the six-month deadline to file a government tort claim is strict and unforgiving

Why Choose Court House Lawyers After a Wrongful Death in Glendale

We understand that no settlement changes what happened. What we can do is make sure your family’s rights are protected, the responsible party is held accountable, and you aren’t left fighting an insurance company alone during the most difficult period of your life.

You focus on your family. We handle everything else.

Direct Attorney Access

Access You speak with the attorney handling your case at every stage — not a case manager, not a paralegal. George works directly with every client

Free Same-Day Case Review

Free, no-obligation evaluation usually within hours. We give you our honest assessment of the case, what it's worth, and what steps to take — even if you decide not to retain us.

No Fee Unless We Win

If we don't recover for you, you owe us nothing. Zero out-of-pocket cost. Our goals are aligned with yours from day one.

What We Recover for Glendale Wrongful Death Families

California law recognizes a broad set of damages in wrongful death and survival action cases. We pursue every category that applies to your family’s circumstances.

Wrongful death damages
(the family’s losses)

Lost financial support the decedent would have provided
Lost gifts and benefits the family would have expected to receive
Funeral and burial expenses
Reasonable value of household services the decedent would have provided
Loss of love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection, and moral support
Loss of the enjoyment of sexual relations (for surviving spouse)
Loss of training and guidance (for surviving children)

Survival Action Damages
(the estate’s claim for what the decedent suffered)

Medical expenses incurred between the injury and the death
Lost earnings from the injury to the date of death
Pre-death pain, suffering, and disfigurement (available for cases filed under the SB 447 window — we advise based on your filing date)
Property damage

A note on punitive damages: Punitive damages are generally not available in the wrongful death claim itself, but may be recoverable through a survival action if the defendant’s conduct was egregious or if a felony homicide conviction was obtained. We evaluate this in every case.

Court House Lawyers vs. A Typical PI Firm

	Court House Lawyers	Typical PI Firm
Case Review	Same day, often within hours	2–3 business days
Attorney Access	You speak directly with the attorney on your case	Routed through a case manager or paralegal
Government Claims	We file the government tort claim within the 6-month window — without exception	Many firms miss this short deadline entirely
Evidence Preservation	Same-day requests for traffic camera footage, incident records, and witness statements — before they disappear	Often delayed; critical evidence is frequently gone
Insurance Strategy	We treat the adjuster as the opposing party from day one	Many firms accept early offers to close files faster
Survival Action	We evaluate and file both claims when applicable; don’t leave money on the table	Often filed as one claim — survival action missed
Trial Readiness	Every case prepared for trial; insurers know it	Settlement-only firms get lower offers
Fees	No win, no fees. Period.	Can say the same — but watch for costs deducted at settlement

Thorough Preparation.
Willingness to Go to Trial.
Every Client Speaks Directly With Him.

George Mkrtchyan is the Managing Attorney of Court House Lawyers, a Glendale-based personal injury firm. Over the past decade, George has recovered millions for clients in personal injury and consumer protection cases, including wrongful death, car accident, pedestrian accident, dog bite, and premises liability matters across Glendale and Los Angeles County.

He is known for thorough case preparation, a willingness to take cases to trial when insurers underpay, and a client-first communication standard. In wrongful death cases — where families are in the worst moment of their lives — George’s direct involvement from day one means you always know exactly where your case stands and what is being done

“Insurance companies bank on fear and fatigue. They count on you accepting a fast, low offer because you’re tired and hurting. Our job is to make sure you don’t have to fight that fight alone.”

— George Mkrtchyan, Managing Attorney

$500 → $50,000

A 50-year-old woman in Glendale came to us after being injured in a school bus collision while waiting to pick up her grandchildren. The insurance company had offered $500 to close the file. We rebuilt the case from the medical records up. Final recovery: $50,000. This is the difference experienced representation makes.

Real Results for California Personal Injury Clients

Every wrongful death case is different. These results from our personal injury practice show what focused representation delivers.

Personal Injury · Car Accident

85% Fault Reversed to 0%

Client was initially assigned 85% fault in a left-turn collision. After George and case manager Grant Abdazhyan took over, the fault assignment was reversed to zero and the client recovered full compensation.

Personal Injury · Car Accident

Largest Share in 3-Party Collision

Three people were injured in the same accident. One represented by Court House Lawyers. One by a big Personal Injury Firm in LA; and one without an attorney. Our client received the largest individual recovery of the three — the result of aggressive early documentation and a client-first strategy.

Personal Injury · Rideshare

$0 → $35,000 in 30 Days

Client injured in an Uber accident initially received nothing from the insurer. Court House Lawyers secured a $35,000 settlement within 30 days of filing a lawsuit.

Personal Injury · UIM Arbitration

Full Policy Limits Won

Out-of-state underinsured motorist policy. The insurer refused to pay fairly. Court House Lawyers demanded arbitration and secured the full policy limits for the client.

Personal Injury · Car Accident

$500 Offer → $50,000 Recovery

Client was offered $500 after a school bus accident. Court House Lawyers filed suit and recovered $50,000 — 100x the original offer.

Past results are specific to the facts of each case and do not guarantee future outcomes.
Every wrongful death matter is evaluated on its own merits.

What Our Clients Say

Court House Lawyers

5.0

Based on 41 reviews

Ness G

8 months ago

I was involved in a car accident with my 10yr old daughter and mother and not knowing what my right were being involved in a accident that was not my fault and the stress that comes with it if you can understand that. I was referred by a friend to give Grant Abadzhyan at Court House Lawyers and IT WAS THE BEST ADVICE I COULD HAVE TAKEN Grant was professional throughout the entire process very informative and made sure to keep me updated with any important details even answered any questions I had no matter what time it was He really went above and beyond I AM SO THANKFUL FOR Grant Abadzhyan and all that he did to help us and to make sure that I was appropriately compensated for my vehicle and Lost costs and bodily injury not just myself but my child and mother . I highly recommend Grant Abadzhyan and Court House Lawyers to anyone looking for help you will not be disappointed at all.

Amanda Loo

8 months ago

Fast, professional, and real. George took care of my lemon law issue in record time. Now I can buy a car that actually runs.

Kathy Musser

8 months ago

Just wanted to give a huge thank you to Court House Lawyers. My car was a lemon, and George got it handled fast. I didn’t even have to speak with the dealership again. The whole experience was seamless.

Deborah Macgregor

8 months ago

After I slipped near the entrance of a grocery store and hurt my back, I wasn’t sure if I had a case. After being recommended by a friend, I reached out to Court House Lawyers. Grant answered the call and explained everything clearly and made the process easy. He got me a settlement that covered my treatment and time off work. True professionals.

Rose Sloan

8 months ago

Highly recommend George and his team. They genuinely care about their clients and fight to get what you deserve. Court House Lawyers are not lemons, they are the real deal.

Richard McCoy

8 months ago

Absolutely amazing experience with Court House Lawyers. After getting T-boned, I was in pain, overwhelmed, and didn’t know where to start. A family friend suggested Court House Lawyers, and I’m so thankful they did. Grant walked me through every step, helped with treatment, and made sure I never felt alone through the process. I truly felt supported the whole way. Can’t thank these guys enough!

Dorothy Oritz

8 months ago

George is a beast in the courtroom and a blessing outside of it. I contacted him about my lemon law case after months of stress dealing with the dealership. He took over, handled it all, and got me every dollar back. No stress, just results.

Adolph Wagner

8 months ago

From the very beginning, Grant made me feel confident and cared for. After my accident, he arranged medical treatment, dealt with the insurance companies, and secured a settlement that helped me get back on my feet. I can’t recommend Court House Lawyers enough.

Joseph Tillotson

9 months ago

Excellent results, and even better people. They care about doing things right and making sure you’re taken care of. I’d use them again in a heartbeat.

Carolina Crosby

9 months ago

Court House Lawyers made me feel like I had a real team behind me. Grant kept me updated and never left me guessing. My case resolved faster than I expected.

Johnny Keefe

11 months ago

This firm truly lives up to the hype. I had heard about them through a friend and when my lemon car turned into a headache, I gave them a call. George got the manufacturer to take the car back and refund everything. Can’t thank them enough.

jack thomsen

11 months ago

Fast, professional, and real. George took care of my lemon law issue in record time. Got a full refund and didn’t have to deal with any back-and-forth.

Cecilia Valle

11 months ago

I was involved in an accident and was referred to Court House Lawyers by a family member. Given this was my first accident, I was very unsure about how the claims process worked or what to do at all. I’m so grateful to everything Grant has done for me! He was professional throughout the entire process & very informative and made sure to keep me updated with any important details. He really went above and beyond to make sure that I was appropriately compensated for my vehicle & bodily injury. I would recommend Grant and Court House Lawyers to all of my friends and family.

Raffie Manvelyan

12 months ago

George helped me get my lemon law case approved and car surrendered. Honestly this was the easiest and most painless time for me when it comes to dealing with lawyers. He stayed on top of everything and got it all pushed through in months. I never dealt with anyone from the dealership, he gave me assurances and fully came through. If I was you I would never hesitate coming to them with a case.

Laura Fisher

12 months ago

I would like to do a shoot out to a wonderful lawyer named George Mkrtchyan at Courthouse lawyer. George fought my case and won!! George always keep in contact with me, got me all my medical needs and fought and never gave up I want to thank George for all the hard work he did for me!! I will let anyone know go see George at Courthouse lawyer!! Thank u George.. Laura

Ian Wingenroth

12 months ago

I was involved in a collision on my motorcycle. Grant was reccomended to me from an acquaintance and I decided to give him a call. Best thing I could've possibly done and will always do in any future accidents. Grant was beyond professional in keeping me informed with my insurance claims and all the paperwork/documentation necessary to proceed. What I thought was gonna be a total loss on the bike that I had just built, Grant gave me all the possible options and fought hard with the insurance company to get the true value of my bike, not what the stock value was. Then I was introduced to some of the best chiropractors and best doctors in LA which led to proper recovery and rehab of my injuries. He also helped me deal with my insurance, medical and auto, and helped me keep track of the bills. If I had any questions/ concerns he was a call away and made sure I was taken care of and informed. The professional character and selflessness to make sure I was ok, speaks major volumes of his character and the intentions of their law firm. He wasn't just an attorney looking for a buck, he cared about my recovery, and that I received anything/everything I needed. On top of treatment I also recieved a settlement far beyond my expectations. My only recommendation for any auto accident attorneys and law firms will be Court House Lawyers and specifically, Grant. I had dealt with Russ Brown Attorneys many years prior, and they cant even compete with the professionalism and standards that this firm upholds. They were the light in the dark tunnel I found myself in, and I am forever grateful of their services. If you're thinking of giving them a shot, I can say from my experience, that they are the only ones I trust and recommend, so look no further. They are hands down the best.

Kost

1 year ago

I am simply amazed and beyond satisfied with the services I have received. Last year, I was in my first car accident where I was rear-ended while stopped at a red light. The whole process was frightening and very stressful. I was referred to Courthouse Lawyers, and George really helped calm me down and made everything extremely easy for me. They assisted me with car repairs, medical costs for my injuries, and even helped me receive a nice compensation. I am truly grateful to this law firm! Thank you, George!

Michael Kajikian

1 year ago

The best lawyer! Contacted George to help with my case with Audi and he accepted it with open arms. Nothing but the absolute best when it came to communication and we resolved the issue in a timely manner. Would highly recommend his services to ANYONE with any kind of inquiries!

Arsen Petrosyan

1 year ago

Thank you George!!! The Ford Bronco I bought turned out to be a total lemon. Ford refused to give me a full refund, even though the car was back in service a few days after I bought it. From the moment I contacted him, George was determined to help me. He handled everything with ease and within a matter of days he got them to agree to a FULL refund. George didn't charge me anything and was able to get me out of a defective car at no cost to me!
Don't hesitate to reach out to George. He's a true lifesaver.

Ashot Baghdiyan

1 year ago

I leased a Silverado, shortly after receiving the truck, all the issues and problems turned it into a nightmare. I tried to deal with the manufacturer myself but they denied the case. I called The Court House Lawyers and they submitted the claim on my behalf. Not only did they agree the vehicle is a lemon but also I received all my money back. Court house lawyers did not take anything from my settlement and they were there every step of the way. This was the first time an attorney explained the law to me in a way I can easily understand. Thank you court house lawyers.

More reviews

What Working With Us Looks Like

A free, same-day case review

Tell us what happened. We'll give you our honest assessment of whether your family has a claim, what it may be worth, and what the next steps are — even if you don't hire us.

Direct attorney representation

You won't be passed to a junior associate or a case manager. George handles your case from the first call to the final resolution.

Thorough insurance negotiation.

We treat the at-fault party's insurer as the opposing party from day one. Because that's what they are.

Evidence preserved before it disappears.

Traffic camera footage, surveillance video, incident reports, and witness accounts can be lost or overwritten within days. We send preservation requests immediately.

Government claims filed on time — no exceptions.

If a city vehicle, county road, or state employee contributed to the death, we file the required government tort claim within the 6-month window. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your family's claim.

Both claims filed when applicable.

We evaluate whether to file a wrongful death claim, a survival action, or both — and we explain the difference so your family can make an informed decision.

Documentation we handle for you.

Police reports, incident records, medical bills, lost-wage verification, expert reports — we gather and organize everything so you can focus on your family.

Trial preparation as the default

Insurance carriers settle higher when they know we'll take the case to court. Most cases still resolve before trial — but at better numbers because of the preparation.

No money out of your pocket.

No retainer. No hourly bills. No win, no fee.

How a Glendale Wrongful Death Case Works

1. Free Case Review

We talk through what happened: how your loved one died, who was at fault, which family members are eligible to file, and what types of compensation apply. You leave the call knowing our honest assessment of the case and its potential value.

2. Investigation and Liability Mapping

We identify every party who may bear responsibility: the at-fault driver, their employer if they were working, the property owner, the vehicle manufacturer, the government entity responsible for the roadway — whoever's negligence contributed to the death. We pull all available evidence immediately.

3. Both Claims Evaluated

We assess whether to file a wrongful death claim, a survival action, or both — and advise your family on what each recovers, what the risks are, and which approach best serves the family's interests given current California law.

4. Demand Package and Negotiation

We document the family's losses comprehensively — lost income, lost support, lost companionship, funeral expenses, and pre-death suffering where applicable — and present a complete demand to the responsible insurer. Insurance companies start low. We push back with documentation, comparable results, and a clear willingness to file suit.

5. Litigation, If Needed

If the carrier refuses to offer fair compensation, we file. Every wrongful death case is prepared from day one as if it will go to trial — and that preparation is exactly why most cases settle for significantly more before they ever get there.

California's Wrongful Death Deadline: What Your Family Needs to Know

General deadline: Two years from the date of death (CCP §335.1).
Government entity involved: If a city bus, county vehicle, state employee, or government-maintained road contributed to the death, a government tort claim must be filed within six months of the date of death (Gov. Code §911.2). If the government entity formally rejects the claim, you have six months from rejection to file suit. If there is no response, you generally have up to two years. Missing the six-month deadline bars your claim permanently.
Medical malpractice: Generally three years from the injury or one year from discovery, whichever comes first, with special rules for minors (CCP §340.5).
Minors: Special tolling rules may apply when minor children are among the claimants. We evaluate these in every case. Do not assume your deadline is two years without confirming. Call us and we'll tell you exactly where the clock stands.

UM / UIM

Even as a pedestrian,
your own auto policy
may cover you

Common Questions About California Wrongful Death Claims

Who can file a wrongful death claim in California?

Under CCP §377.60, the surviving spouse or domestic partner, the decedent’s children, and — if there are no direct survivors — parents, siblings, or other dependents who relied on the decedent financially. All eligible heirs must file together under California’s one-action rule.

What's the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action?

A wrongful death claim is brought by the family for their own losses — the financial support, companionship, and guidance they lost. A survival action is brought by the estate to recover the losses the decedent suffered before dying — including medical bills, lost income from injury to death, and in some cases, pre-death pain and suffering. Both can be filed simultaneously and are often filed together.

What if the person who caused the death has no insurance?

You may still have options. Your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may apply, particularly in vehicle cases. The at-fault individual may have personal assets. We explore every avenue of recovery in every case.

What if multiple parties were at fault?

California allows you to pursue all responsible parties simultaneously. If a driver, their employer, a property owner, and a government entity all contributed to the death, we name all of them. Each is liable for their share of your family’s losses.

Can we file a wrongful death claim if criminal charges are also pending?

Yes. A civil wrongful death claim is separate from any criminal prosecution. The standard of proof is lower in civil court. We can proceed with your family’s civil case regardless of whether criminal charges are filed, pursued, or resolved.

How long does a wrongful death case take?

Most cases resolve within one to two years. Cases requiring full litigation typically take two to three years from filing to resolution. We never rush a settlement that doesn’t fully reflect your family’s losses.

What does this cost my family?

Nothing upfront. Our fee is contingency-based — we get paid from the recovery we obtain for your family, not from your pocket. If we don’t recover, you owe nothing.

Can we still file if we're not sure who caused the death?

Yes. Investigation is part of what we do. We identify every potentially liable party as part of the case — you don’t need to have that answer before calling us.

What to Do After a Wrongful Death in Glendale

Call 911

The single most important step is speaking with an attorney before taking any other action. Before you speak to an insurance adjuster. Before you sign anything. Before you post anything. Call (818) 293-8293 for a free, same-day assessment.

Do not speak to the at-fault party's insurance company.

They will call you. They may seem sympathetic. They are building a case to pay your family as little as possible. Do not give a recorded statement or accept any offer before speaking with an attorney.

Do not sign any release or settlement.

Initial offers from insurance companies in wrongful death cases are almost always a small fraction of the actual value of the claim. Once you sign, your family's rights are permanently extinguished.

Preserve all evidence.

Save any communications with the at-fault party or their insurer. Keep all medical records, police reports, and bills. Do not allow property to be repaired, cleaned, or altered until it has been documented.

Document your family's losses

Keep records of funeral expenses, medical bills incurred before death, and any financial support the decedent was providing. Notes about the impact on daily life — childcare, household responsibilities, emotional toll — are also meaningful.

Be careful on social media.

Insurance companies monitor social media activity in wrongful death cases. Do not post about the incident, the investigation, or your family's condition until the case is resolved.

Identify all eligible heirs.

Under California's one-action rule, all eligible family members must bring their claims together. Begin identifying who may qualify — we'll confirm eligibility as part of the case review.

Act before the deadline.

Two years is not as long as it sounds, and in cases involving government entities, you may have as few as six months. Call us today. The consultation is free and there is no obligation.

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND SUCCESS

Trusted Glendale wrongful death attorney representing surviving families across Los Angeles County — holding negligent drivers, property owners, and employers accountable for the lives they took.

Your Family Lost Someone in Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, or Anywhere in California?

You didn’t choose this. The person who caused it should be the one paying. From our Glendale office, we represent wrongful death families across California — including Burbank, Pasadena, La Cañada, La Crescenta, Eagle Rock, Atwater Village, Tujunga, and the greater Los Angeles area.