Hermosa Beach Wrongful Death Lawyer

Wrongful Death Attorney in Hermosa Beach, CA

When a loved one dies through the wrongful action of another, it is a traumatizing and devastating event. In the aftermath, you may face countless personal, financial, and legal problems that can be overwhelming to handle on your own. A Hermosa Beach wrongful death lawyer can handle every step of your case, from initial filings to securing a final settlement or court verdict. We can fight to get the results you deserve.

Our Background

At Shaffer Law, we have spent decades representing the people of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and communities throughout Southern California in their wrongful death cases. Our founder, Douglas D. Shaffer, has won clients over $100 million during his time practicing in the Golden State. His legal accomplishments earned him prominent mentions in the Los Angeles Times and The Los Angeles Daily Journal.

Overview of Wrongful Death Cases in Hermosa Beach

In 2023, 4,312 people died in Los Angeles County due to unintentional injuries. The most common reasons cited were poisoning, accounting for 2,298, followed by 1,010 transportation-related incidents and 575 falls.

Wrongful death cases are a type of personal injury claim. The victim’s family can file these cases when a death was caused by another person’s reckless, negligent, or intentional behavior. A few scenarios that may be grounds for a claim are:

The Steps of a Wrongful Death Claim in California

Wrongful death claims in Hermosa Beach tend to follow a set of proceedings, with key stages at each point. The following is an overview of the probable steps for your case:

File Your Claim

Before starting your case, it’s important to know who is capable of opening a wrongful death claim. California Code of Civil Procedure Statute 377.60 allows for the deceased’s spouse, domestic partner, children, or grandchildren to make a formal complaint.

If California’s wrongful death laws allow you to file, speedy action is necessary, as most claims must be made within two years of the victim’s death. If the negligent party was a governmental agency, you only have six months from your loved one’s passing to open your case.

Gather Evidence to Build a Case

Wrongful death cases rely on evidence demonstrating that a party was responsible. Key pieces of evidence may include:

Negotiations and Litigation

The vast majority of wrongful death claims are settled before trial. In 2023, there were 40,102 unlimited civil cases, which include wrongful death matters. Of these claims, only 269 reached trial. Your case will most likely be resolved at this point through negotiations and many meetings.

If your case does proceed to trial, it may follow typical civil procedure, with a discovery phase, jury selection, your case-in-chief, the defendant’s response, and final verdict.

Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer

Wrongful death claims can be overwhelming to handle on your own. Hire a wrongful death lawyer who can represent you at each stage of your case. Your Hermosa wrongful death attorney can file your initial complaint, gather supporting evidence, negotiate with the negligent party, and represent you both in and out of court. Shaffer Law can fight for the settlement you deserve.

Financial compensation may not bring back your loved one, but it can ease the monetary stressors their loss brings.

FAQs

What Damages Are You Eligible for in a Hermosa Beach, CA Wrongful Death Claim?

The damages you are eligible for in your Hermosa Beach, CA wrongful death claim center around how your loved one’s passing affected your life. Financial compensation is the first type. This is the direct monetary impact, such as loss of monetary support, medical expenses, and funeral costs. Non-economic damages encompass the emotional harm of the death. They may include pain and suffering, loss of a partner, and a child left without a parent.

What Four Aspects Must Be Proven in a Hermosa Beach, CA Wrongful Death Claim?

Wrongful death claims in Hermosa Beach, CA revolve around four aspects that must be proven in court. These details are:

1. The negligent party had a duty of care.
2. They failed to meet that responsibility.
3. That lapse caused the death.
4. This impacted the deceased’s loved ones.

As an example, in a car accident, if a person hit someone else with their car, they fled the scene, the victim died, and the victim’s family was left in financial hardship, those survivors could have a valid wrongful death case.

How Much Does a Wrongful Death Attorney Cost in Hermosa Beach, CA?

How much your Hermosa Beach, CA wrongful death attorney costs depends on the complexity of the case, the level of negligence, and whether litigation is required. Another contributing factor is the pricing model, with various firms having hourly rates, retainer expenses, flat fee structures, or a set percentage of any potential settlement. Shaffer Law offers initial consultations, during which we can provide an estimate for your case’s costs.

How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Hermosa Beach, CA?

For most cases in Hermosa Beach, CA, you have two years from the date of the victim’s passing to file a wrongful death claim against a negligent party. This rule may not apply to acts of medical malpractice, where the deadline is extended by an additional year for discovery. If the party responsible for a loved one’s death is affiliated with a governmental entity, the timeline is shorter, at only six months, to file a complaint.

Speak With a Hermosa Wrongful Death Attorney Today

Our team at Shaffer Law knows how hard it can be to lose someone close to you, especially when that loss was caused by another party. We have the knowledge and experience to represent your interests.

Contact us today for a consultation, where we can discuss strategies for your case and provide potential options for your claim.