Torrance Wrongful Death Lawyer

Home
//
Torrance Wrongful Death Lawyer
Douglas D. Shaffer - Personal Injury Lawyer - Manhattan Beach, CA

top torrance wrongful death lawyer

Torrance Wrongful Death Attorney

If you have lost a loved one because of the willful or neglectful actions of another person or business, it is vital to secure legal representation as soon as possible. Depending on the specifics of your circumstances, you can obtain compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other costs related to the death of your loved one. A Torrance wrongful death lawyer from Shaffer Law can assess your case and go over your legal options with you.

When you hire a wrongful death lawyer, you can increase your chances of achieving a favorable outcome and obtaining the compensation you deserve. Just because you file a wrongful death claim does not mean you will definitely get justice and compensation. A complex legal process will determine what you will get, how much, and other details. An experienced Torrance wrongful death attorney can prepare you for each part of this process.

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.

Types of Wrongful Death

A wrongful death can occur in various ways and circumstances. Each situation is unique and must therefore be handled in a specific way. However, some types of situations are more common than others: 

  • Medical error: True accidents and tragedies do occur in medical situations that are not the result of anyone’s intentional or unintentional fault. Nevertheless, there are also situations where an individual loses their life because of a healthcare professional’s misconduct or negligence. In such scenarios, the deceased’s loved ones can recover damages for all related costs, along with lost wages.
  • Car accidents: In car accidents involving two or more drivers, there may be one or more people at fault. If another driver was responsible for the injuries and loss of life of your loved one, they may be required to compensate you for these losses. They may face criminal punishments as well.
  • Defective products and toys: In some circumstances, a product or toy is made defectively in the factory. They may also be packaged incorrectly, leading to danger upon opening them. Any of these situations can result in a wrongful death scenario.
  • Workplace accidents: Deaths that occur in the workplace are generally covered under California’s workers’ compensation system. This provides benefits to the families of deceased workers in exchange for being unable to file civil claims against employers. However, in cases where the employer displayed gross negligence, such as through willful violations of safety laws, it may be possible to file a civil claim against them. A seasoned attorney is crucial for evaluating these cases.

Why Choose Us?

At Shaffer Law, we are extremely familiar with the grief and stress you may be feeling. We understand the complexity of the legal process you are either beginning or are already in the middle of. Our team can navigate the state’s wrongful death laws and fight on your behalf. Douglas D. Shaffer, a graduate of Pepperdine University School of Law and having practiced law since 1984, can answer any questions you have and represent you through the entire process.

FAQs

What Happens If You Lose a Wrongful Death Claim in Torrance, CA?

In Torrance, CA, if your wrongful death claim does not end the way you wish it to, you have a few options. If you think the decision was wrongly made, you may appeal the outcome. While you cannot begin another claim, you can appeal the decision on the original one. A lawyer who has handled similar cases in the past can guide and represent you through the appeals process.

What Are Examples of Wrongful Death Cases?

Wrongful death cases often involve a wide range of incidents. Some common examples include:

  • Falling or slipping due to unsafe infrastructure
  • Being injured while working on a construction site
  • Tripping because of a hole in the ground or uneven walkways
  • Factory malfunctions on products and toys
  • Medical malpractice or negligence

Is There a Limit on Wrongful Death Damages?

Since 1975, there has been a cap of $250,000 on medical injury compensation cases. This can include non-fatal injuries as well as wrongful death. The legislation that enacted this limit is called the Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act. However, Assembly Bill 35 allows for this cap to increase each year by $40,000 for 10 years. There would be an additional 2% increase each year to 2034 for non-economic damages, which can account for inflation.

What Are the Chances of Winning a Wrongful Death Case?

A variety of factors may influence a person’s chances of winning a wrongful death case and obtaining the compensation they deserve. These may include:

  • The specific lawyer you choose
  • The type of available evidence to present in court on your behalf
  • Whether any witnesses were present and can give their testimony
Your lawyer can estimate the general likelihood of winning your case before going to court.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Torrance Wrongful Death Attorney?

The cost to hire a Torrance wrongful death attorney is generally zero. Most wrongful death attorneys, including Douglas D. Shaffer of Shaffer Law, work on a contingency fee basis. This means they do not charge upfront fees for their services. If they win your case, they take a portion of the settlement as their fee. This still benefits you, as they can secure more compensation than self-representing plaintiffs. If they do not win, you do not have to pay anything.

Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer From Shaffer Law

If you have suffered the loss of a loved one because of a wrongful death scenario, you and your family may be entitled to compensation for multiple expenses. Costs such as medical bills, hospital stay bills, loss of wages, and funeral expenses can be included in the filing. When you hire a wrongful death lawyer, they can manage this process for you, working to secure the justice you deserve.

At Shaffer Law, we are passionate about helping each client achieve the outcome they want and deserve. We work tirelessly to provide precise and compassionate care to each person and family. If you have questions or are already in the process of filing a claim, we can assist you. Contact us today to learn more about who we are and how we can support you during this difficult time.

Torrance Practice Areas

Contact us

Testimonials

Copyright©2025, Shaffer Law. All Rights Reserved.

Digital Marketing By rize-logo

Accessibility Statement Accessibility Statement
× Accessibility Menu CTRL+U