Losing a loved one is a grief that has no clinical expiration date. When that loss is the result of another person’s negligence or a corporation’s failure to maintain a duty of care, the pain is often sharpened by a sense of profound injustice. In Sacramento, families are left to pick up the pieces while facing the cold reality of funeral costs, lost future income, and a home that suddenly feels empty. While no amount of money can replace a parent, spouse, or child, the law exists to hold the responsible parties accountable and to ensure the survivors aren’t left in financial ruin. At Gingery Hammer & Associates, we don’t see these as just “cases”—we see them as a mission to secure the closure that only accountability can provide.
The Anatomy of Accountability in California
Under California law, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the “wrongful act or neglect” of another. This can range from a fatal motorcycle crash on the I-80 to a tragic oversight at a local construction site. In 2025, juries are increasingly sending a clear message: preventable deaths carry severe financial consequences. We believe that reasonableness is a strategy, but when it comes to the loss of a human life, the definition of what is “fair” must include the total impact on the survivors. We’ve seen insurance companies offer “insult” settlements to grieving families, hoping their exhaustion will lead them to sign away their rights. We don’t allow that to happen.
Who Has the Right to Stand for the Deceased?
Not everyone can file a wrongful death lawsuit in California. The law is specific about the order of priority, usually starting with the surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children. If those relatives don’t exist, the right passes to parents or siblings who were financially dependent on the deceased. We provide radical transparency throughout this process because determining “standing” is the first critical step in high-stakes litigation. We believe personal injury is personal, not just physical—and nowhere is this more true than when a family’s primary provider or emotional anchor is taken away.
The Strategy of the 998 Offer in Death Cases
We don’t just wait for a trial to force an insurance company to be fair. We use a methodology of reasonableness to set tactical traps. By utilizing CCP 998 offers, we make a formal and fair settlement demand early in the litigation. If the defense rejects this offer and we beat that number at trial—as we did with our $15,000,000 wrongful death judgment—the defendant is forced to pay massive penalties and our expert witness costs. This turns their “delay and deny” strategy into a massive financial risk for them. It is the legal muscle required to move the needle when the adversary is a billion-dollar insurance carrier.
Why Specialization is Non-Negotiable
Not all attorneys are created equal. If your lawyer is a generalist who doesn’t specialize exclusively in personal injury and wrongful death, you are leaving money on the table. Wrongful death litigation requires a clinical level of detail, from accident reconstruction to the calculation of future “loss of consortium.” We’ve handled over 1,000 cases, including high-profile wins like a $2,000,000 settlement for the family of a dry-waller killed by safety communication failures. We understand the “why” behind the law, and we have the resources to take on the most complex four-defendant litigations.
Closure Through Radical Transparency
When you are mourning, the last thing you need is a lawyer who won’t return your calls. We guarantee 24-hour callbacks and provide a direct line to our partners. We even assist with the heavy logistics, like arranging handicap-accessible vehicles for surviving family members during the litigation or coordinating with probate specialists. Our “not a dime if we don’t win” policy means we take all the risk. We aren’t just looking for a settlement; we are looking for the full policy limits that acknowledge the true value of the life lost.
If your family is facing the unthinkable, you need a Sacramento Wrongful Death Attorney who understands the local courts and the specific nuances of Northern California law. You deserve a relentless guardian who will treat your loss with the clinical focus and human empathy it requires. Don’t let an insurance adjuster dictate the value of your loved one’s legacy. Instead, you should hire a Sacramento fatal accident specialist who has a proven record of securing seven-figure results for families in the capital region.
At Gingery Hammer & Associates, we pride ourselves on being the sophisticated, transparent muscle that families need during their darkest hours. We provide the closure through litigation that helps you begin to rebuild. Your family’s future is our priority, and we are ready to stand as your advocate.
