Losing a loved one is never easy. When someone passes away because of another person’s carelessness or wrongdoing, it can be even harder to heal. The pain and sadness can feel overwhelming, and families often do not know where to turn for help.

At BANA LAW, we want you to know there are places in California that offer special grief support for families dealing with wrongful death. Below, our California wrongful death attorneys will share answers to your questions and show you how to find the resources you may need.

Why Is Grief Support Important?

When a loved one dies unexpectedly, the emotional shock can last for a long time. You might feel sadness, anger, or guilt. These feelings can make it tough to do normal things like go to work, cook meals, or even talk to friends.

Grief support can help you deal with these emotions in a healthy way. Talking about your loss with someone who understands—like a peer counselor or grief counselor—can be the first step to healing.

What Is a Peer Support and Crisis Referral Program?

In California, there is a set of laws that let different groups, like police departments, emergency medical services (EMS), and fire agencies, create something called “Peer Support and Crisis Referral Programs.” These programs are talked about in Government Code Section 8669.2 and other laws. Each section gives a different group the power to set up a network of “peer representatives.” A peer representative is usually someone who has been trained to help people going through emotional or professional struggles.

Peer support can be very helpful for families who are grieving a wrongful death. Why? Talking to someone who has experience with loss or crisis situations can help you feel heard and understood. Peer representatives often know about local support groups or therapists. They can guide you in the right direction.

Where Can I Find Peer Support for Law Enforcement-Related Loss?

When wrongful death happens in a setting connected to the police—maybe because of a car accident that the police investigated or another kind of tragedy—families sometimes feel lost or scared. Under Government Code Section 8669.2, local or regional law enforcement agencies may create special peer support programs. These programs can offer grief support, among other services.

If your loved one’s death involved the police, you might ask your local law enforcement agency if they have a peer support program. It might surprise you how much they can help. They can often point you toward counselors, support circles, or hotlines that give you a safe place to talk.

Does EMS Have Grief Support Programs Too?

Yes. Government Code Section 8669.82 lets EMS providers—like paramedics and ambulance services—create peer support programs as well. These programs are not just for EMS workers. They can also help families who have lost someone in a medical crisis. If your loved one’s wrongful death happened after a car accident or a medical emergency, EMS peer support teams can listen, share resources, and offer kindness during your grief.

What About Fire Departments?

Fire departments are often first on the scene when accidents happen. If a wrongful death happened in a fire or other emergency, you could be dealing with trauma from that event. Government Code Section 8669.10 allows public fire agencies to have their own peer support programs. These programs are made to help the department’s staff—but they can also serve as a path for families to find extra help. Sometimes, these trained staff members can point you to grief counselors, crisis hotlines, or local groups that meet to talk about loss.

Can Hospice Care Help With Grief?

Hospice care is designed to give comfort to people near the end of life. But what if the death was sudden or unexpected? Health & Safety Code Section 1819 (though set to be repealed in 2031) talks about a “triage to alternate destination program.” This program includes working with hospice agencies to offer grief support to families. That means hospice groups sometimes team up with others to help not only terminally ill patients but also families mourning any kind of loss.

If your loved one died due to someone else’s negligence and you are working with a hospice agency—or if you simply need end-of-life emotional care—ask them about grief support programs. They may have group meetings, volunteer counselors, or other resources.

What If I Am a Grieving Parent?

No one should have to go through the pain of losing a child. But if this happens, California law offers some extra help. Welfare & Institutions Code Section 11321 says that counties must help grieving parents with services like mental health help after the death of a child. This is important if you are feeling pressured to meet certain “program requirements,” maybe for financial or other assistance. If you cannot meet those requirements because you are grieving, this law says you can get help—and you should not be punished for it.

Why Contact a California Wrongful Death Lawyer?

If your loved one’s death happened because of someone else’s bad decisions or negligence, you may have a legal right to compensation. Medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of financial support can pile up quickly.

A California wrongful death lawyer can help you:

• Understand your legal rights.
• File a wrongful death lawsuit if it is appropriate.
• Negotiate with insurance companies to get fair compensation.
• Stand up for you in court if a settlement is not possible.

Having an attorney also means you do not have to tackle confusing legal paperwork alone. You deserve time to heal and grieve. Let a trusted legal team handle the details of a wrongful death claim so you can concentrate on emotional recovery.

How Can BANA LAW Help?

At BANA LAW, we know losing someone you love is painful. We also know that dealing with a legal case on top of your grief feels overwhelming. That is why we are here—to guide you through every step. We fight hard for families who want justice and compensation, and we work alongside mental health professionals to point you toward the grief support you may need.

We proudly serve all of California and speak Spanish (Hablamos Español). You do not have to face this journey alone. Call us any time of day at 855-997-6599 or contact us online for a FREE CONSULTATION. There are NO FEES UNLESS WE WIN, and we will come to you if you cannot travel. Remember, injuries unravel your life—we piece it back together. Reach out today to see how our caring team can help during this difficult time.