Inglewood Wrongful Death Lawyer

Inglewood Wrongful Death Attorney

If you have lost a loved one due to the neglectful or willful actions of another person or business, it is vital to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. These cases, specifically, can be time-sensitive, so the longer you wait to secure representation, the lower your chances may be of obtaining the outcome you want. An Inglewood wrongful death lawyer from Shaffer Law can manage your case and come prepared to negotiate or litigate it with strong evidence.

When you hire a wrongful death lawyer, you are moving toward securing justice on behalf of your loved one. Wrongful death laws can be complex and overwhelming to navigate. An Inglewood wrongful death attorney who has experience with these types of cases can carry the legal load for you. That way, you can grieve properly and spend adequate time with your family and loved ones.

Wrongful Death Laws in California

From 2023 to 2024, the County of Los Angeles reported 20,417 total filings that included wrongful death cases. Out of all these filings, only 1,513 were dismissed. While this may sound like a high number, the percentage of wrongful death cases that are heard and tried in court is relatively high. This means that, once you secure legal representation, the chances of having your case heard are high.

In California, wrongful death cases can be filed based on negligent or harmful actions that result in the death of another individual. At-fault parties can include one or more individuals, businesses, or organizations, such as a government agency. Because each circumstance contains its own details and relevant facts, a lawyer can assess each case to determine whether a client can obtain compensation. If a wrongful death case results in a settlement or verdict, the decedent’s family and dependents could get compensation.

Going to Court

Once you have officially filed a wrongful death claim, your attorney can first negotiate with the at-fault party or, more likely, their insurer. If they won’t negotiate in good faith, your attorney can take your case to court. If so, you may be required to appear in court.

For residents of Los Angeles County, you will visit the Los Angeles Superior Court, located at 501 West 1st Street, Los Angeles, California 90012. Your lawyer can represent you in court and prepare you for everything that will take place. They can present evidence on your behalf and communicate with other attorneys.

The Superior Court of Los Angeles handles over 1 million annual filings, so not all cases are heard immediately. The process of going to court can take time, during which a lawyer can strengthen the case they will be bringing on your behalf. As you prepare, it is important to be aware that you may wait a significant period of time before seeing the justice you deserve. However, slow proceedings do not mean that you will not be rightfully compensated for your losses.

Why Choose Us?

At Shaffer Law, we understand the complexities of a wrongful death case. To lose a loved one is to endure a specific type of pain that not everyone comprehends. Douglas D. Shaffer has been practicing complex litigation since 1984. During this time, he has represented many clients through unspeakable tragedies. He has been notably recognized by the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Daily Journal, and the New York Times.

Mr. Shaffer’s experience allows him to handle each case with experience and compassion, applying the right resources and knowledge to each situation. If you are looking for a qualified, caring attorney for your case, Shaffer Law can be of great assistance.

FAQs

How Does California State Law Define Wrongful Death?

The definition of wrongful death in California is relatively broad. The qualifications for a case to be filed as wrongful death must include:

How Do I Prove Wrongful Death in Inglewood, CA?

Various tactics can be used to prove wrongful death in Inglewood, CA. Regardless of the type of proof, there must be evidence to show that the defendant was responsible in some way for the death. This can include physical evidence, such as:

What Is the Burden of Proof for Wrongful Death?

In any legal case, the burden of proof lies with the plaintiff. They must prove that the defendant was responsible for the unlawful action. For civil cases, the burden of proof is a preponderance of evidence, not beyond all reasonable doubt.

In cases involving wrongful death incidents, there must be sufficient evidence that the defendant’s negligence or actions caused the decedent’s death. A lawyer can be instrumental in discovering and disclosing such evidence.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death in California?

The general statute of limitations for wrongful death cases in California is two years from the date the incident occurred or when knowledge of the incident was acquired. However, there may be specific exceptions made to this rule for certain cases, though exceptions are rarely given. Injuries involving property may also be subject to a different time limit. Crimes that are notorious, such as murder, have no statute of limitations.

Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer: Shaffer Law

Wrongful death cases are often complex and time-sensitive, meaning that hiring a lawyer should be done early in the process. An experienced wrongful death lawyer can provide many beneficial services, such as: