Tammen v. County of San Diego

Plaintiffs, the widow and minor child of Dr. Tammen, appeal from an order denying their petition to file a late claim against defendant for wrongful death.

Facts: On February 17, 1963, Dr. Tammen’s automobile struck two horses that had strayed onto State Highway 78 in San Diego County. He died the following day. Within two weeks Mrs. Tammen consulted her attorneys concerning probating Dr. Tammen’s estate.

At various times insurance adjusters representing the owner of the horses talked with Mrs. Tammen, but not until July 1963 did one of the adjusters suggest to her that she might also have a…