Gardena Wrongful Death Lawyer
Gardena Wrongful Death Attorney
Beyond emotional devastation, wrongful death often leaves a surviving family with financial hardships that include medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost income for the future. In these difficult times, you need compassionate and aggressive legal representation from a Gardena wrongful death lawyer.
The team at Shaffer Law understands that no amount of money can replace your loved one. We aim to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions to provide you with financial security for the future.
For a free consultation, please call us at (424) 699-2704 or complete our contact form. Our office is located in Manhattan Beach, California, and we represent wrongful death victims statewide.
Why You Need a Gardena Wrongful Death Lawyer
Wrongful death claims are complex and require a thorough knowledge of California law. Hiring a Gardena wrongful death attorney ensures your case is handled with care and precision. Shaffer Law can help make a difference in your case.
Our team works to meet filing deadlines, prove liability, and maximize your compensation. They gather evidence, such as accident reports, medical records, and testimony from experts and witnesses, to build a strong case.
Shaffer Law has recovered significant settlements and verdicts for grieving families. We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing up front.
California Rules for Wrongful Death Claims
California has strict statutes that govern wrongful death cases. A Gardena wrongful death lawyer can ensure you comply with all requirements. Some of the most significant statutes that impact these cases include:
- Who is eligible to file a wrongful death claim: The order of who can file a wrongful death claim is the surviving spouse or domestic partner, children of the deceased, grandchildren, and then other dependent family members, such as parents or stepchildren.
- Statute of limitations: In most cases, a wrongful death claim must be filed within two years of the date of death. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation, making it critical to hire a wrongful death lawyer quickly.
- Types of damages available: A Gardena wrongful death attorney can pursue compensation for funeral and burial expenses, medical bills related to the final illness or injury, and lost financial support and benefits. You may also get compensation for the loss of love, companionship, guidance, and support.
- Proving wrongful death: To succeed, your lawyer must prove that a duty of care was owed and then breached. The breach must have directly caused the individual’s death. Proof is also necessary that the surviving family members suffered measurable damages.
Common Wrongful Death Claims
Wrongful death can arise in many different scenarios. A skilled Gardena wrongful death lawyer can handle a wide range of wrongful death cases. This includes:
- Motor vehicle accidents: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents are leading causes of wrongful deaths. Negligent driving, distracted driving, speeding, and drunk driving often play a role. California reported over 4,000 traffic fatalities in 2023.
- Medical malpractice: When healthcare professionals fail to meet the standard of care, lives can be lost.
- Workplace accidents: Unsafe working conditions, defective equipment, or employer negligence can cause fatal workplace accidents, especially on construction sites. There were 439 work-related fatalities reported in California in 2023.
- Defective products: Manufacturers may be held liable if a dangerous or defective product results in death.
- Nursing home abuse or neglect: Elderly or vulnerable loved ones may die due to neglect or abuse in long-term care facilities. There are over 200,000 cases of elder abuse reported in the state every year.
- Criminal acts: Families may pursue a civil wrongful death case in addition to any criminal charges brought against the responsible party.
The Process for Wrongful Death Cases
Understanding what to expect during a wrongful death case can help reduce the stress of pursuing a claim. First, you’ll have an initial meeting with your Gardena wrongful death attorney, who will explain your legal rights under California law.
Next, the legal team conducts an investigation of the accident and files your wrongful death claim. Most wrongful death cases settle before trial. The team at Shaffer Law aggressively works to negotiate with insurance companies and the opposing counsel to reach a fair settlement that covers your needs. In both wrongful death and personal injury cases, thorough preparation and evidence collection are critical to achieving justice.
If a settlement can’t be reached, your legal team can take your case to court. Once compensation is secured, your attorney ensures funds are properly allocated to surviving family members.
FAQs
Do Most Wrongful Death Cases Settle?
Yes, most wrongful death cases settle before reaching trial. Families often prefer settlement because it avoids lengthy litigation, reduces the emotional strain, and provides compensation more quickly. Insurance companies and defendants usually seek the settlement option because it gives them more control over the case’s outcome. Trials can be unpredictable, so settlements are beneficial for both sides.
How Much Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Worth in Gardena, CA?
The value of a wrongful death claim in Gardena, CA varies greatly, depending on the circumstances. Factors include the age and health of the deceased, their income, their future earning potential, the financial dependents of surviving families, and the emotional losses suffered. Economic damages, such as medical bills and funeral costs, are combined with non-economic damages, like emotional distress and pain and suffering.
What Are the Odds of Winning a Wrongful Death Suit in California?
The odds of winning a wrongful death claim in California depend on evidence, legal representation, and the circumstances of the case. Strong evidence of negligence or misconduct significantly increases the chances of success. Statistically, many wrongful death claims resolve in settlements, meaning plaintiffs often secure compensation. However, outcomes can be less predictable due to jury discretion and defense strategies.
How Much Is a Wrongful Death Lawyer?
Most wrongful death lawyers in California work on a contingency fee basis. This means clients pay no upfront fees. Instead, the lawyer collects a percentage of the settlement or verdict. Some attorneys may also recover costs for expert witnesses, court filings, and investigations. These are usually deducted from the final award. This helps grieving families to pursue justice without worrying about immediate legal bills.
Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer
The team at Shaffer Law is ready to stand by your side and fight for the justice your family deserves. Time is limited under California’s wrongful death laws, so it’s important to act quickly. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help lift the burden on your family while you focus on healing.
Copyright©2025, Shaffer Law. All Rights Reserved.
Digital Marketing By 
