When a death in Portola Valley was caused by someone else's carelessness, your family may have a civil claim under California law. We can help you understand your rights and pursue recovery.
This page is part of our attorney marketing software platform. Visitors are potential clients actively seeking legal help in Portola Valley All consultations are handled directly by the renting Attorney.
One attorney. One city. Unlimited potential
Claim it before someone else doesPortola Valley is a small town — fewer than 5,000 residents along the wooded stretch of San Mateo County where Alpine Road, Portola Road, Westridge Drive and Arastradero Road carry most of the local traffic. Public records for 2025 show 11 injury collisions and 13 people hurt here, with no traffic deaths that year. Numbers like those are a comfort until they are not; a fatal crash, a fall on someone else's property, or a medical error can reach a family just as it can anywhere. When it does, California law gives certain survivors the right to bring a civil wrongful death claim. That claim runs on its own track, separate from any criminal case, and it must generally be filed within two years of the death — sooner if a public agency is involved. We handle wrongful death cases in San Mateo County and work on contingency, so there is no fee unless there is a recovery.
California limits wrongful death standing to a spouse or domestic partner and children first, then certain dependents and heirs. We can sort out who in your family has the right to bring the claim before anything is filed.
Most wrongful death claims in California must be filed within two years of the date of death, and the window is shorter when a city, county or other government entity may be responsible. Getting in touch early protects your options.
We also connect clients with attorneys specializing in these practice areas
Don't wait. The sooner you act, the stronger your case. Get your free consultation today.
*No attorney's fee unless there is a recovery. The client may be responsible for court costs and case expenses.
Recoverable losses can include funeral and burial costs, the financial support your loved one would have provided, and the loss of their love, companionship and guidance. We work on contingency, so you owe nothing unless there is a recovery.
Defective product injury claims