At Caputo & Van Der Walde, our attorneys understand how an unexpected loss can impact your entire family. While no amount of money can fully compensate you for the loss of a loved one, our experienced team can help you seek justice and financial relief during this difficult time. Contact us to speak with a San Jose wrongful death lawyer today.
Losing a loved one is always painful, but when someone else’s negligence or misconduct causes that loss, the grief is compounded by shock, anger, and a deep sense of injustice. During such an overwhelming time, what you need most is not just legal representation—you need compassionate advocates who understand the emotional weight of what you’re going through and are committed to helping you find answers, accountability, and some measure of peace.
At Caputo & Van Der Walde, we have stood beside grieving families in San Jose and throughout the Bay Area for decades. With nearly 70 years of combined trial experience, our attorneys are known for handling cases with empathy, integrity, and unwavering support. We are proud to be part of the greater San Jose community, and we treat every client like family because we understand the profound impact and life-changing nature of these cases.
Unlike high-volume firms that take on hundreds of cases at a time, we focus exclusively on the most serious personal injury and wrongful death claims. This focused approach means your case will never be lost in the shuffle. We limit the number of clients we serve so we can devote the time, attention, and resources necessary to pursue the justice your loved one deserves, and the compensation your family needs to move forward.
If you’ve lost a spouse, parent, child, or other close family member due to negligence, recklessness, or a preventable accident, we are here to help you hold the responsible parties accountable. Whether through negotiation or trial, we fight relentlessly for full accountability because your loved one’s life mattered, and their story deserves to be heard.
Let Caputo & Van Der Walde be your voice during this difficult time. Contact our San Jose wrongful death lawyers today for a free, confidential consultation.
A wrongful death lawsuit allows surviving family members to seek compensation when a loved one has died due to another’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing. Filing a wrongful death claim in California with any injury attorney involves a structured legal process. At Caputo & Van Der Walde, we walk you through every step so you never feel overwhelmed.
Here’s a general overview of how a wrongful death case with our firm typically unfolds:
We handle the legal side of things so you can focus on your emotional recovery and the well-being of your family.
The timeline for a California wrongful death lawsuit can vary significantly, but most cases take anywhere from several months to two years or more to resolve. While it’s natural to want closure quickly, it's crucial to allow enough time for a thorough investigation and to build a strong case. This ensures that your family receives the full compensation you deserve.
Some cases resolve quickly through early settlements, especially if liability is clear and insurance coverage is available. Others, particularly those involving complex liability or high-value damages, may take longer due to court scheduling, discovery processes, and trial preparation.
Several variables can impact how long your wrongful death case may take. These include:
Rest assured, at Caputo & Van Der Walde, we remain aggressive and persistent from day one. Our goal is to resolve your case as efficiently as possible, without compromising the quality of your outcome.
When a loved one is taken from you too soon, you deserve more than sympathy. You deserve a team that will fight for answers, accountability, and justice. With Caputo & Van Der Walde by your side, you will receive the direct attention of a senior attorney, and you’ll never be left wondering about the status of your case. We know what’s at stake, and we know how to deliver results.
Our firm is led by a team of accomplished litigators with decades of experience, and built on a foundation of integrity, legal excellence, and an unwavering commitment to our clients. With nearly 70 years of combined experience, our attorneys are recognized both locally and nationally for their achievements in and out of the courtroom.
At Caputo & Van Der Walde, our wrongful death attorneys represent individuals and families whose lives have been permanently changed by catastrophic injury or the wrongful death of a loved one. These are not minor cases—they are high-stakes matters involving serious harm, long-term consequences, and the need for legal representation.
At our San Jose injury law firm, our wrongful death lawyers do not take every case. We are selective by design, focusing only on the most severe injuries so we can devote the full depth of our resources, attention, and trial experience to those who need it most. Our firm is known for taking on—and winning—cases that require exceptional legal strategy and a deep understanding of both liability and damages.
We handle serious collisions involving cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and pedestrians that result in wrongful death. Whether caused by distracted driving, impaired driving, mechanical failure, or dangerous road conditions, these crashes can result in permanent injuries or loss of life. Our attorneys conduct detailed investigations, work with accident reconstruction experts, and pursue compensation for every loss, from medical bills and lost income to pain and suffering and future care needs.
We also represent clients in cases involving:
Manufacturers have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of the products they put on the market. When a defective product causes serious injury or death, our personal injury attorneys hold those responsible accountable. These complex cases often involve in-depth technical analysis, expert testimony, and product testing.
Our product liability experience includes:
Injuries that affect the brain, spine, or nervous system are often life-altering and in some instances can result in death. We advocate for individuals who have suffered traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord damage, or severe burns, resulting in death.
In cases involving intentional acts of violence, we pursue both the perpetrators and any negligent third parties that failed to prevent the harm. This may include property owners, businesses, or event organizers who were unable to provide adequate security or background checks.
We represent victims of:
Regardless of the cause of someone's death, we are here for grieving families who have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligent or reckless behavior. A wrongful death claim can never bring back what was lost, but it can provide financial relief, accountability, and a sense of justice. We represent spouses, children, and dependent family members in claims involving:
We pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income and support, loss of companionship, and the emotional suffering endured by surviving family members.
Our San Jose attorneys are proud to serve residents in San Jose and throughout California and offer free case consultations to anyone needing help with a wrongful death or injury matter. We also work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you pay nothing unless we win.
If you or a loved one is facing a life-changing injury or death of a loved one, don’t settle for less than a firm with the reputation, results, and relentless drive to protect what matters most.
When everything changes in an instant, you need a top-rated wrongful death attorney experienced in San Jose injury and wrongful death law that’s ready to stand with you, fully prepared and relentlessly committed to your recovery.
At Caputo & Van Der Walde, your clients are our priority. If you or your family is facing the life-altering impact of a catastrophic injury or wrongful death in CA, now is the time to act.
You deserve the strongest possible advocacy for you and your loved one, and you deserve a team that knows how to win. We’re here 24/7, and you don’t pay unless we win. Let us fight for the outcome you and your family need to move forward. Call our law firm now for a free consultation.
As members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum® and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum®, we have proven our ability to negotiate and litigate on behalf of our clients successfully. Retain us to put our tactical strategies to work for you. These skills are what make our legal team such a formidable opponent in any courtroom or negotiation setting.