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Campbell Wrongful Death Lawyer | Wrongful Death Attorney in Campbell

Experienced Campbell Wrongful Death Lawyers You Can Rely On

At Caputo & Van Der Walde, we know that the sudden and unexpected death of a loved one can turn your world upside down. While no financial settlement can truly replace the life lost, pursuing justice can help ease the financial strain and provide a sense of closure. Contact us to speak with a Campbell wrongful death lawyer today.

Dedicated to Helping Families Find Justice and Healing

When another’s careless or reckless actions cause a person’s death, feelings of outrage and injustice often compound grief. In these moments, families need more than just lawyers—they need advocates who understand the emotional burden of loss and who are committed to uncovering the truth, holding negligent parties accountable, and helping loved ones find a path forward.

For decades, our firm has supported grieving families in Campbell and throughout the Bay Area and Northern California. With nearly 70 years of combined trial experience, our attorneys are recognized for handling these sensitive cases with integrity, empathy, and unwavering commitment. Because we are deeply rooted in the Campbell and Greater San Jose community, we approach every case as though we are fighting for our own family.

Unlike large firms that may juggle hundreds of cases at once, we deliberately limit our caseload. This ensures every client receives the focused time, resources, and attention required to pursue the justice their loved one deserves. Our boutique approach means your case will never be lost in the shuffle.

If you’ve lost a spouse, parent, child, or close relative due to negligence, recklessness, or a preventable accident, a personal injury attorney with a focus on wrongful death at our firm is here to help. Whether through settlement negotiations or courtroom litigation, we fight tirelessly for accountability—because every life matters, and every story deserves to be told.

Let a Campbell personal injury attorney at Caputo & Van Der Walde stand by your family. Contact our Campbell wrongful death lawyers for a free and confidential consultation.

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Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum

With over $100M+ in settlements, our firm has a proven history of success and dedication to achieving significant outcomes for our clients.
Awards and Recognitions
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The Caputo & Van Der Walde team

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Campbell, California

The loss of a loved one is devastating. When another party’s negligence or wrongdoing causes that loss, families are often left with not only emotional grief but also unexpected financial burdens. A wrongful death claim allows surviving family members to pursue justice and obtain compensation for these losses. While California law provides a path for families to recover damages, the process can be complicated. At Caputo & Van Der Walde, a reputable lawyer serving Campbell, San Jose and Northern California, will take on the legal burden so that you can focus on your family and the healing process.

Here’s a closer look at the steps involved when you work with our Campbell wrongful death attorneys:

Confirming Eligibility

Not every family member is automatically eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. California law sets out specific rules regarding who has the legal right to bring a claim. Most often, this California wrongful death law includes a surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children of the deceased. If no direct heirs exist, other family members such as parents, siblings, or financially dependent relatives may qualify. An attorney at our firm will carefully evaluate your situation to ensure the correct party files the claim.

Comprehensive Investigation and Evidence Collection

Strong cases are built on solid evidence. From the very beginning, our attorneys launch a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death. This often involves:

  • Obtaining accident reports, medical records and billings, and employment documentation.
  • Interviewing witnesses and securing sworn statements.
  • Working with experts such as accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and financial analysts to identify fault and calculate damages.
  • Reviewing surveillance footage, product testing results, or safety records when applicable.

This step is crucial in proving liability and demonstrating the full extent of the losses your family has suffered—both financial and emotional.

Filing the Lawsuit

Once we have the necessary evidence and a clear strategy, our team prepares and files a wrongful death complaint in the appropriate California court. This legal filing outlines the facts of the case, identifies the responsible parties, and specifies the damages being sought. Filing correctly and on time is critical, as California has strict statutes of limitations that can bar claims if deadlines are missed.

Negotiation or Trial Preparation

Many wrongful death cases are resolved before trial, often through settlement negotiations with insurance companies or opposing counsel. However, insurance providers frequently attempt to minimize payouts, and not every case can be fairly settled outside of court. Our attorneys approach every case as though it may go to trial, which puts us in the strongest position to negotiate from a place of strength. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to present your case to a jury and fight for justice in the courtroom.

Resolution and Recovery

The conclusion of the case may come through a settlement agreement or a jury verdict. Either way, our goal remains the same: to secure the maximum compensation available for your family. This may include damages for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, loss of companionship, and the emotional suffering of surviving loved ones. With the financial burden lifted, you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.

Evidence Needed for a Strong Wrongful Death Claim

To succeed in a wrongful death action, solid evidence is critical. Our injury attorneys work closely with investigators and industry experts to build compelling cases. Common forms of evidence include:

  • Proof of negligence (police reports, video footage, safety violations).
  • Medical records linking the cause of death to the incident.
  • Witness testimony regarding the accident and its impact on survivors.
  • Expert testimony (medical specialists, accident reconstructionists, economists).
  • Employment & financial records showing lost wages or benefits.

Beyond economic damages, intangible evidence often plays a major role in wrongful death cases by showing the depth of personal loss. Examples include:

  • Testimony about the decedent’s love, guidance, and role in family life.
  • Character evidence reflecting generosity, kindness, or community involvement.
  • Photos, letters, or videos that capture meaningful memories loving strength of the relationship.
  • Stories of grief, lost companionship, or unfulfilled life plans.

These elements humanize the case and demonstrate the profound impact of the loss.

Our Wrongful Death Case Results

Wrongful death case results table

How Long Does a Wrongful Death Case Take?

The duration of a wrongful death lawsuit varies. Some cases resolve within months if liability is straightforward and the insurance company recognizes this fact, while others may take one to two years or longer due to court scheduling, disputes multiple parties involved or complex damages. Factors that can affect the timeline include:
  • Disagreements about liability.
  • Multiple defendants or parties involved.
  • Insurance companies delaying or contesting claims.
  • The complexity of financial and emotional damages.
  • Court backlogs in the local system.
At Caputo & Van Der Walde, we use our experience to push aggressively from day one to move your case forward, but never at the expense of building the strongest possible claim.

Justice, Accountability, and Answers for Your Family.

When tragedy strikes, you deserve more than condolences—you deserve justice. With our Campbell wrongful death attorneys, you’ll have the direct attention of seasoned trial lawyers who keep you informed and supported every step of the way. We understand what’s at stake, and we fight to secure the justice and compensation your family deserves.

Why Choose Caputo & Van Der Walde?

Built on a reputation for honesty, skill, and dedication, we have nearly seven decades of combined courtroom experience. Our injury attorneys are trusted both locally and across the nation for the results we achieve inside and outside the courtroom.

Proven Results

Our team of Campbell personal injury lawyers has secured hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements—even in cases that other firms were unwilling to bring before a jury.

Direct Access, Always

A knowledgeable member of our staff answers every call, and one of our Campbell wrongful death attorneys is available around the clock—because life-changing accidents don’t follow business hours.

Recognized Leadership

Our Campbell accident lawyers have been honored by leading organizations such as the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), the Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC), the Santa Clara County Trial Lawyers Association, Super Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell (AV-rating). We are also part of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an honor limited to the top 1% of trial attorneys in the country.

Focused Representation

We intentionally accept only a limited number of wrongful death cases. This allows us to give each client the personalized attention they deserve and to devote the full strength of our resources and trial experience to every matter we handle.

Types of Cases Our Wrongful Death Lawyers Handle

At Caputo & Van Der Walde, our Campbell wrongful death lawyers represent families who have experienced devastating losses due to serious accidents or negligence. These cases are complex, high-stakes, and often life-changing—which is why we focus on catastrophic injury and wrongful death matters exclusively.

Our lawyers are known for taking on difficult cases in Campbell, California that require detailed strategy, technical knowledge, and aggressive trial advocacy. Our areas of practice include:

Motor Vehicle Collisions

We represent victims and families affected by severe crashes involving cars, bicycles, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and pedestrians. Whether the cause is distracted driving, drunk driving, defective equipment, or unsafe roadways, we pursue full compensation for losses such as medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Cases we handle include:

  • Automobile crashes
  • Commercial trucking and big rig crashes
  • Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) and taxi accidents
  • Pedestrian and bicycle injuries
  • Multi-car or freeway collisions

Defective and Unsafe Products

When manufacturers release unsafe products into the market, they must be held accountable. Our attorneys have the experience to manage these highly technical cases, which often require experts, product testing, and in-depth analysis.

Examples include:

  • Defective car parts (airbags, brakes, tires)
  • Faulty appliances and electronics
  • Unsafe toys or children’s products
  • Dangerous industrial machinery
  • Hazardous medical devices and implants

Catastrophic Injuries: Brain, Spine & Burns

We represent clients and families impacted by traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and severe burn injuries, many of which result in permanent disability or wrongful death.

Assaults and Violent Acts

When harm is caused by intentional misconduct, our Campbell injury lawyers pursue justice against both the offenders and any negligent third parties who failed to provide adequate safety or security.

We represent cases involving:

  • Physical assault or battery
  • Sexual abuse or assault
  • Injuries linked to negligent security

Wrongful Death Claims

Our lawyers stand with families who have lost a loved one because of negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm. While no amount of money can undo the tragedy, a wrongful death lawsuit can provide financial stability and a sense of justice.

We pursue claims involving:

  • Fatal traffic accidents
  • Deaths caused by defective products
  • Workplace fatalities caused by third-party negligence
  • Deaths linked to violence or criminal activity

Compensation may include funeral expenses, lost wages and benefits, loss of companionship, and the emotional suffering of surviving family members.

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Speak With a Campbell Personal Injury Lawyer Today for Your Wrongful Death Case

Our Campbell wrongful death attorneys are steadfast in representing grieving families throughout Campbell, California, as well as the greater San Jose area and Northern California. We offer free case evaluations and work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Also we advance any at all costs for the advancement and prosecution of your case, interest free. We will only request repayment should we successfully obtain monetary compensation for you.

When your family is facing the life-changing effects of a catastrophic injury or wrongful death, don’t settle for anything less than proven trial lawyers with the reputation, resources, and relentless commitment to secure justice.

Contact Caputo & Van Der Walde today to speak with a trusted Campbell wrongful death attorney who will stand by your side every step of the way.
" Paul and his entire team are professional in every way. They were able to settle this case to our satisfaction without the extra expense of going to court. "
Earl S.
Paul Van Der Walde and Paul Caputo personal injury lawyers
Paul Caputo and Paul Van Der Walde

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.

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$ 900000

Wrongful Death

$ 8825000

Motor Vehicle Accident

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Personal Injury

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Motor Vehicle Accident

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